Traditional and Integrative Medicine

The Combination of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch. and Rhus coriaria L. as Complementary Medicine to Prevent Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Surgical Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Study

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Unwanted side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain a significant clinical challenge for surgical patients. Research on antiemetic strategies is therefore critical for the development of novel pharmacological agents and more effective treatment modalities. The present study was designed to formulate and evaluate the efficacy of a herbal preparation containing extracts of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch. and Rhus coriaria L. in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting among patients admitted to the Department of Surgery at Pastor Hospital, Bam, Iran. Following the formulation, a double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 120 patients. Eligible participants who provided informed consent were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups received pretreatment consisting of 500 mg capsules, containing either the ethanolic extract or corn starch as a placebo, respectively, administered twice daily for 24 hours before surgery. Postoperatively, once patients regained consciousness, the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting were assessed at 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. Postoperative vomiting scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (0.43 ± 0.23) compared to the control group (0.72 ± 0.55) (p < 0.001). The administration of an herbal preparation containing extracts of B. persicum and R. coriaria as an adjunctive (complementary) therapy demonstrated effectiveness in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting among patients.

Assessment of Body and Uterine Dystemperaments Based on Persian Medicine in Patients with Bacterial Vaginosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Bacterial vaginosis characterized by the loss of normal vaginal flora and the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Complementary and alternative medicine is often used to help with bacterial vaginosis. In Persian medicine, a person's temperament is very important for diagnosing and treating health issues. This study aimed to assess the body and uterus dystemperaments in patients with bacterial vaginosis. This cross-sectional study was done on 90 married women 18-50 years of age suffering from bacterial vaginosis. To determine the general temperament of the body, Mojahedi questionnaire was employed. For specifying the uterus temperament, standard uterus temperament determination questionnaire was employed. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, as well as inferential statistics through SPSS 24 software. The results showed most patients with bacterial vaginosis had a hot and wet body temperament. Based on the data, in the present sample, less abortion is seen among those with a hot temperament (p=0.04). Also, examination of the uterine temperament in patient with bacterial vaginosis showed most patient had cold and wet temperament. Specifically, 83.3% of the patients had a cold uterine temperament; whereas 16.7% displayed a hot uterine temperament. Regarding moisture, 64.4% had wet, 10.0% had balanced, and 25.6% had dry uterus temperament. According to the results, most patients with bacterial vaginosis showed cold and wet uterus dystemperament. This might suggest there is a connection between the uterus dystemperament and the bacterial vaginosis risk; therefore, more research is needed in integrative health methods.

Phytochemical Screening and Anticancer Evaluation of Ethanolic Root Extract of Asparagus gonoclados Baker: Insight for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Herbs are useful because of their therapeutic characteristics and efficacy in a variety of conditions, including cancer, when allopathic medications are ineffective. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and anticancer potential of the ethanolic root extract of Asparagus gonoclados Baker for colorectal cancer treatment. Phytochemical screening was conducted through preliminary phytochemical analysis and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques. Molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the interactions of the identified phytoconstituents with key molecular targets, including nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB) and phosphodiesterase which play critical roles in cancer progression. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of the compounds were assessed using the MTT assay on the HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are known for their therapeutic properties. LC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents longistylin, nicofetamide, and vomicine, which have varied biological consequences. The docking analysis demonstrated strong binding affinities, with docking scores of -6.62, -6.14 and -4.84 kcal/mol for NF-κB and -7.31, -9.89 and -5.52 kcal/mol for phosphodiesterase, indicating potential inhibitory effects on these targets. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116), which demonstrated significant reduction in cell viability with an IC₅₀ value of 144.1 ± 0.045 µg/mL. Microscopic analysis further confirmed morphological changes such as shrinkage, separation, membrane blebbing, and evident changes in cell shape. These findings highlight the potential of A. gonoclados root extract as a natural source of anticancer agents, offering insights into its mechanisms and supporting its further development as a complementary therapy for colorectal cancer.

Factors Influencing Preferences for Traditional and Complementary Medicine Offered by Informal Practitioners in Türkiye

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) has a long history and is gaining global popularity. In Europe, official regulations are increasingly shaping its practice. Standardized definitions, country-specific core practices, and reporting guidelines are suggested to enhance study quality. This study aims to identify and evaluate key factors influencing the preference for T&CM services provided by informal providers in Türkiye. The study was conducted in Karaman, Türkiye, among informal practitioners, service users, and experts. A purposive sampling method was used, and data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 participants. Thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA 18 software, with 680 minutes of recorded interviews transcribed and analyzed. Participants had a mean age of 36 years, 75% had an income at least twice the minimum wage, and 62.5% were male. The most used methods were cupping (hijama), chiropractic intervention, and phytotherapy. Factors influencing T&CM preference included contemporary medicine-based orientations, a positive attitude towards T&CM, a positive attitude towards practitioners, religion-based factors, feelings of helplessness, recollections, and experiences, non-serious conditions, and a lack of awareness or education. Understanding these determinants is crucial for healthcare professionals and managers to integrate T&CM into regulated healthcare settings, ensuring safer and more controlled treatment options.

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth Extract Mitigates Secondhand Smoke-Induced Dyslipidemia by Improving Serum Lipid Profile and Modulating Hepatic SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, and LDLR Expression in Wistar Rats

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a major environmental risk factor that contributes to dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases by disrupting hepatic lipid metabolism. Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth, a medicinal herb rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, has demonstrated potential lipid-regulating properties, but its efficacy against SHS-induced metabolic disturbances remains underexplored. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of ethanolic extract of P. pellucida on SHS-induced dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats by integrating biochemical, molecular, and translational endpoints. Rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), P. pellucida-only (PP), SHS-exposed control (SHS), SHS + atorvastatin (SHS+ATV), and SHS + P. pellucida (SHS+PP). SHS exposure was performed for 4 weeks using a standardized sidestream smoke chamber, followed by 4 weeks of oral treatment. Serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C) and atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C) were measured enzymatically. Hepatic mRNA expression of SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, and LDLR was assessed via RT-qPCR, and corresponding protein levels were quantified using rat-specific ELISA kits. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extract were determined spectrophotometrically. SHS exposure induced significant dyslipidemia and upregulated hepatic SREBP-1c while downregulating PPAR-α and LDLR at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with P. pellucida significantly (p < 0.05) restored lipid parameters and normalized gene and protein expression profiles, with comparable efficacy to atorvastatin. The extract showed high phenolic and flavonoid content, supporting its bioactivity. In conclusion, P. pellucida ameliorates SHS-induced dyslipidemia through modulation of key hepatic lipid metabolism regulators at transcriptional and translational levels, highlighting its potential as a phytotherapeutic candidate for environmentally triggered metabolic disorders.

An Ethnobotanical Investigation of Medicinal Plants Used by Local Residents of Ilam, Western Iran, for the Treatment of Neck Pain

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Iran owns a diverse climate and is home to various tribes, each exhibiting its own cultural approaches and customs in utilizing medicinal plants for the prevention, control, and treatment of diseases. In order to gather valuable ethnobotanical information on medicinal plants, further studies among these tribes are necessary, because with the loss of these people, their historical and empirical knowledge may also be forgotten forever. In this systematic ethnobotanical study conducted in Ilam city (western Iran), an attempt was made to explore and suggest the medicinal plants indigenous to this region, plus their use in treating neck pain. Information associated with traditional treatment of neck pain was collected using an ethnobotanical questionnaire. A full list of herbal pharmacies in Ilam was obtained from the Food and Drug Administration and the required information was collected by the interviewer through in-person visits to each of these pharmacies. The questionnaire included personal information, names of native plants, parts used, method of use, and effects of traditional treatment for neck pain. In this study, 25 participants were included, most of whom were male, aged between 20 and 40 years, and held a bachelor’s degree. The majority of participants were also Kurdish speakers. Data analysis shows that 11 medicinal plants belonging to 9 plant families are used in the treatment of neck pain in Ilam. Medicinal plants Armoracia rusticana L., Salix alba L., Calendula persica C.A.Mey., Quercus brantii Lindl., Hypericum helianthemoides Spach, Olea europaea L., Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam., Viola modesta Boiss., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Amygdalus lycioides Spach are among the plants used in Ilam city in treating neck pain. Based on the results obtained, Calendula persica C.A.Mey. was the most cited plant for neck pain (RFC = 0.48); while several species, including A. rusticana and O. europaea, were less frequently used (RFC = 0.16). The Lamiaceae family is the most commonly used family. Aerial parts were the most commonly used parts with 29% usage and decoction with 36% was the most common traditional method of consumption. The diverse flora of Ilam offers a promising foundation for pharmaceutical researches to explore traditional and herbal remedies and alternative treatments for neck pain.

Avicenna's Pioneering Insights into the Ectopic Opening of the Bile Duct into the Stomach: A Historical Perspective

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

No Abstract.

Herbal Therapies in Cataract Treatment: A Review of Current Research in Public Health Perspective

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Cataract is a condition of visual impairment caused by clouding of crystalline lens. Cataract exhibits a significant prevalence across diverse age demographics; however, primarily it is causing substantial welfare concerns in the aging population. Presently available interventions are largely restricted to surgical options, highlighting the need of alternative treatments. This review aims to understand the importance of utilizing traditional herbal therapies beyond conventional treatment. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using a variety of databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Publons, Europe PMC, Google Scholar and Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) to gather relevant information regarding existing and prospective plant-based treatment alternatives for cataract. The exhaustive review has covered nature of incidence, etiology, development of cataract, commercially available allopathic eye drops and Plant-based formulations for management of cataract. The plant-based clinical studies registered in CTRI database and online published literature were examined. The observations reflected that herbal therapies are increasingly being explored and scientific validations were undertaken towards identifying herbal medicines in management of cataract. The findings emphasize that anticataract mechanisms of plant-based medications are primarily attributed to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Currently available therapies are protecting lens transparency and are directed towards arresting the progression of cataract from immature to mature and hyper mature stages.

Cold Water: Friend or Foe for the Human Body?

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Water serves a crucial function in a variety of physiological processes, including maintaining hydration, supporting skin integrity, aiding in the excretion of waste through urination, and forming essential components of both saliva and blood. It not only supports the sensitive tissues in the body, aids digestion, and regulates body temperature and blood pressure, but also is essential for critically ill patients. Cold stimuli in the mouth are often pleasurable and satisfy thirst, with cold water being the preferred choice for hydration. This review analyzed English articles up to March 2025 on the effects of cold water on body organs. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched using keywords related to cold water and ingestion, excluding immersion, sport, and exercise. Original research, reviews, and case reports were included, while non-English studies and out-of-range dates were excluded. "In press" articles and reference lists were also reviewed. Several lines of evidence indicate that cold water consumption has distinct effects on various parts of the body. These parts include metabolism, body temperature, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, nervous system, and urogenital system. This review article summarizes the physiological functions of water within various tissues and organs of the human body. Then, the potential pathophysiological effects of cold water on a variety of body organs and metabolic processes will be clarified.

Phlebotomy and Health Promotions: A Comparative Mini-Review from the Viewpoint of Traditional Persian Medicine to Western Medicine

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Bloodletting has been one of the most challenging methods in Western Medicine; however, recent studies showed significant effects of this method. According to the emphasis of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) on the safety and efficacy of bloodletting, this study aimed to investigate the differences and similarities of phlebotomy between the viewpoint of TPM and Western medicine. The literature review showed that the therapeutic indications of phlebotomy are somehow similar in both views. On the other hand, the phlebotomy performance method, cautions, contraindications, and rules of vein selection are some of the TPM’s particular ideas. Although some phlebotomy indications from Avicenna's perspective are similar to Western Medicine (such as chronic urticaria, fatty liver, hypertension, etc.), his holistic view of using bloodletting in a specific treatment package, besides lifestyle modification and herbal medication, can be evaluated in future studies.

Exploring the Chemopreventive Potential and Ethnobotanical Use of Medicinal Plants Available in the Northeast Region of India

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

Northeast India is a repository of rich plant resources and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. These plants are in use by different ethnic groups of the region for various ailments and diseases. This paper reviews the ethnobotanical and therapeutic applications of medicinal plants known to various ethnic group in Northeast India that have been passed down through generations. It identifies the key bioactive compounds from the plants responsible for anticancer activities, making them potential chemopreventive agents. Furthermore, the paper also underlines the synergistic effects of these plants when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, shedding light on combinatorial approach that can aim to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Impact of COVID-19 on Social Awareness and Public Health Strategies of Traditional Persian Medicine in Iran

2026-03-23T15:40:34+0430

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted substantial changes in global healthcare, particularly influencing the role of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). This study explores the integration and impact of TPM during the COVID-19 crisis in Iran, where TPM was applied alongside conventional treatments. Research from 2019 to August 2022 is classified into four categories: clinical trials, herbal treatment recommendations, perspectives from traditional medicine scholars in the duration of Islamic era, and questionnaire-based studies. Findings demonstrate that TPM interventions, including the use of herbal remedies and personalized approaches based on humoral theory, have contributed effectively to the management of COVID-19 symptoms, including respiratory distress and other viral manifestations. Significant outcomes from clinical trials, case reports, and phytochemical studies highlight the efficacy of specific TPM therapies. Additionally, Iran’s scientific output in complementary and alternative medicine research has increased, elevating its international standing. The study underscores the pandemic’s role in revitalizing societal trust in TPM, as evidenced by high patient satisfaction and increased use of TPM during the pandemic. This surge in reliance on TPM has led to a deeper integration of traditional medicine within Iran’s healthcare system, marking a significant shift in its historical trajectory. The findings suggest that the global health crisis may have long-term implications for the acceptance and utilization of TPM in modern medical practice.