Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 20 1 7 Zarrin Sarhadynejad Herbal and Traditional Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Persian Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mohadeseh Nasehi Pastor Educational Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran Amirreza Salehi Pastor Educational Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran Amirhosein Ebahimifar Pastor Educational Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran Yunes Jahani Noncommunicable Disease Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran Zohreh Sarhadinejad Noncommunicable Disease Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran 2025 04 08 2025 10 29 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. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/2073

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 21 8 14 Mitra Esmaili Department of Medical Science, Sirjan School of Medical Science, Sirjan, Iran Zohreh Salari 2Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2025 09 05 2025 12 15 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. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/2349

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 21 15 25 Mishiriya Vallikkaparambil Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Hibasherin Kalakkandan Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Mohammed Saifudheen Koomankottil Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Silmy Shareef Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Musliyarakath Nishida Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Jibin Joy Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Pattilthodika Suhail 1Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 2025 05 03 2025 09 13 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. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/2107

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 21 26 37 Hamza Sığırcı Department of Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Turkey Oğuz Işık Department of Health Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Hacettepe University, Turkey 2025 07 09 2025 11 27 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. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/2234

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 21 38 48 EN Anang Triadi Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia Johanes Aprilius Kristijanto Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia Muzaijadah Arimbi Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia Nur Khamidah Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia Farida Soetedjo Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia 2025 07 31 2025 11 08 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. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/2279

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 21 49 55 Naser Abbasi Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Maryam Kord Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Damoun Razmjoue Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Masoumeh Tahmasebi School of Medicine, Emam Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Mahmoud Bahmani Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran 2025 04 08 2025 12 24 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% warList> Iwan Suandana Department of Health, Politeknik Negeri Jember, East Java, Indonesia Putu Astuti Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia AND Udayana Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Tobacco Control and lung Health, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia Pande Januraga Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia 2024 02 05 2024 07 20 Globally, there is an increasing trend of morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Traditional health service is one of the new approaches to support NCDs program. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of traditional health services among people with NCDs in Indonesia. We conducted a secondary analysis of integrated nationwide health and socio-economic survey data in 2018. Of the 127,198 people with NCDs included in the analysis, 38.7% of people with NCDs have ever used traditional health services, with the most common type being those that involve manual therapies. Compared to the reference group, likelihood of higher utilization of the traditional health service was among those aged 45-54 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.19; p <0.001), from highest socioeconomic (AOR = 1.13, p <0.001), employed (AOR> 1, p <0.05), married/divorced (AOR> 1, p <0.001), has two type of NCDs (AOR 1.06, p 0.023), knows the existence of the nearest doctor/clinic (AOR 1.36, p <0.001) and hospital (AOR = 1.13, p 0.002) and has very easy access to health facility (AOR 1.34, p <0.001). Better socialization of traditional health services especially to the groups who have low utilization is important. The information should include the availability of traditional health services types, benefits, and advantages of using these services. It is also necessary to improve the quality and standardization of traditional health services to enhance public trust and increase the utilization of the services. Since a certain proportion of people with NCDs rely on traditional health services, improvement of the traditional health services quality is crucial, as well as engagement of these services to NCDs programs. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/1435

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 9 4 2024 12 28 478 487 Neda Orouji Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehrdad Karimi Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mitra-Sadat Sadat-Shirazi Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Arman Zargaran Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 08 23 2024 03 03 Autism is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects people from birth. Through dietary approaches, sensory integration, rehabilitation training, education and finally medication management, the autistic disorder symptoms can be reduced. Of course, this does not mean that the main features of autism can be treated in general, but with medication control and education, these symptoms can be managed. In the last decade, treatment with herbal medicines has attracted special attention and promising results have been reported in the treatment of various diseases. In this review, it is tried to collect the plants that have been studied for the treatment of autism and herbal medicines with a possible effect on the symptoms of autism in the literature. The results show some few medicinal herbs and natural/ traditional formulations like Gingko biloba, Centella asiatica, Humulus japonicus, Salvia leriifolia, Vitis vinifera, Hazelnut, Ukgansan and Kwakhyangjungkisanhapyukmijihwangtang-gamibang have beneficial effects on different features of autism and could be helpful for the patients. More investigations are needed to prove their efficacy in more clinical studies in the future. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/1189

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 9 4 2024 12 29 390 398 Archana Balasubramanian Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India Priyathersini Nagarajan Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India Mathangi Chandrasekar Department of Mind Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India Kaviraja Udupa Department of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, Hosur road, Bengaluru-560029, India Emmanuel Bhaskar Department of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India Divya Kanchibotla Sri Institute of Advanced Research, Bengaluru, India Saumya Subramanian Sri Institute of Advanced Research, Bengaluru, India 2024 03 16 2024 07 06 Healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced challenging situations globally with increased stress and its related inflammatory/immune disorders, leaving behind a deficit in the number of HCWs worldwide. An increased focus on their physical and mental well-being is strongly warranted. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, pranayama, and meditation have great potential to promote health and prevent diseases. This study aims to determine the effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) on inflammatory and immune parameters among HCWs. This pilot randomized controlled trial includes recruiting HCWs from a single centre in South India in 2022. We excluded any form of medical illness and recruited regular volunteers. The SKY intervention was delivered and followed up for 12 weeks. Baseline and post-SKY intervention blood investigations were compared between study and control groups (1:1 ratio) and analyzed. Thirty-eight subjects were recruited for the pilot study. Among them, 27 were females (71%) and 11 males (29%). Pro-inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio showed a decrease in mean values after 12 weeks in both groups, which was not statistically significant. A slight increase in interleukin (IL)-6 values and a higher IL-4 mean values was observed in the study group compared to controls. CD56 and CD8 counts were higher in the study group compared to controls. However, no such difference was noted in cortisol levels. This pilot study provides data for further large-scale studies to examine the effect of easily deliverable mindfulness-based interventions among the healthcare community to improve their health and well-being. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/1498

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 9 4 2024 12 28 488 495 Shahin Saeidinejat School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran Syed Mohd Abbas Zaidi Department of Moalejat, H.S.Z.H. Govt. Unani Medical College, Bhopal (M.P), India Alireza Ranjbar Institute of Interventional Allergology und Immunology, Bonn, Cologne, Germany Alireza Derakhshan School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran 2023 10 04 2024 08 05 The theory of connection between respiratory and gastrointestinal systems is a key topic in different types of traditional medicine. In this study, we discussed the history, main concepts of this theory along with related studies and its possible clinical applications. In this regard numerous scattered studies have shown a relationship between upper and lower respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms.  Numerous epidemiologic, pathophysiologic and clinical evidence confirm the interrelationship and integrated functioning of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It seems that the holistic approach that emphasizes the link between the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems in traditional Persian medicine, is in line with the theory of united mucosa that has been considered in recent years. The interaction between the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems can occur through several mechanisms, including commonalities in embryonic sources, role of identical mediators and receptors, influence of common pathogens in the lungs and gut, similarity of microbiota patterns and changes, and same inflammatory and mucosal responses. We believe that this theory can provide new insight for the approaches to respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders in the light of holistic medical knowledge. Also, further research should be conducted to identify the exact paths and mechanisms of communication between respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/1254

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 9 4 2024 12 29 399 405 EN Andreas Setiawan Doctoral Study Program of Medical and Health Science, University of Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia AND Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Diponegoro- Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia . Sugiri Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Diponegoro- Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia Awal Prasetyo Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Diponegoro- Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia Eirin Kurniawan Faculty of Medicine, University of Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia Dominikus Putra Faculty of Medicine, University of Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia 2024 04 27 2024 07 18 The mangosteen pericarp (MP) has xanthone compounds, particularly alpha-mangostin (α-MG), which have been shown to exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Physical exercise (PE) has also been shown to have atheroprotective effects. To date, their combined effect on atherosclerosis has not been studied histologically. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MP extract combined with PE on atherosclerotic changes in rats fed an atherogenic diet. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each: C (control, normal diet), CH (atherogenic diet), T1 (atherogenic diet plus MP extract 800 mg/kg/day in three divided doses with PE), T2 (atherogenic diet plus MP extract-loaded nanoemulsion 50 mg/kg/day with PE), and T3 (atherogenic diet plus atorvastatin 1.44 mg/day with PE). The PE protocol involved daily treadmill running for 60 min at 12 m/min, 5 days/week. All rats were treated for eight weeks. Following eight weeks of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the aortic tissues were taken for histological study. The histological features in groups CH, T1, T2, and T3 were consistent with type Vc atherosclerotic lesion (fibrotic lesion) with intimal thicknesses of 11.99 ± 0.88 μm, 3.61 ± 0.53 μm, 3.48 ± 0.47 μm, and 2.96 ± 0.20 μm, respectively. A comparative analysis revealed a significant reduction in intimal thickness in groups T1, T2, and T3 compared to the CH group (p <0.001). Group T2 exhibited a non-significant decrease compared to group T1 (p = 0.691). Moreover, neither the T1 nor T2 groups significantly differed from the T3 group (p = 0.052 and 0.128, respectively). In conclusion, the combination of MP extract (and its nanoemulsion) and PE decreases atherosclerotic lesions and provides comparable results to the atorvastatin-treated gro