Showing 70 results for Herbal Medicine
A Ziai ,
year 1, Issue 2 (5-2002)
Abstract
The earliest indications of medicinal plant use by humans were found in the Middle East and date back to the Stone Age. Travelers and traders introduced Greek and Roman Curative Practices to Indian & Chinese Practitioners, who blended them with their even older ones. Reintroduced by knights returning from the Crusades, these modified practices energized medieval European medicine and the Unani Medicine al Muslims. This cross- pollination of ideas and theories between European and Asian Cultures regarding medicinal plants helped advanced knowledge about plants and somewhat standardize their uses. Books cataloging medicinal plants helped preserve, disseminate and standardize this knowledge.
H Fallah Huseini , M Alavian ,
year 1, Issue 4 (12-2002)
Abstract
Hepatitis is emerging as a serious worldwide problem. It is liver cellular, inflamation that commonly caused by alcohol, chemicals, toxins and viruses. Six different types of hepatitis viruses such as A, B, C, D, E, G, is known. They may produce the diseases together or single form. The diseases transmission is mostly following infected blood transfusion, infected syringes, and via injury and sexual behaviors. Hepatitis may manifest as hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, porphyria and upper intestinal hemorrhage. The liver damage is due to virus activity and inflammatory changes secondary to immune activity. Hepatitis C has a latency of 10-30 years and symptoms or sings may not appear until cirrhosis is evident. This long latency time may be good opportunity for treatment of disease by use of herbal and complementary medicines. However in this review we try to investigate the efficacy of nutrition, herbal and complementary medicines in the control and treatment of hepatitis.
Asl M Nassiri, H Hosseinzadeh ,
year 2, Issue 5 (3-2003)
Abstract
The anticonvulsant, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effects of carbenoxolone were studied in mice. In pentylenetetrazole test ED50 values of diazepam and carbenoxolone were 1.13 mg/kg (95% CL: 0.89-1.44) and 283.3 mg/kg (95% CL: 144.27-556.29), respectively. In this test, carbenoxolone in doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg prolonged the onset time of seizure and decreased the duration of seizures. Carbenoxolone induced a protective activity against seizure in comparison with diazepam (0.1, 0.5 mg/kg), but not a complete protection against mortality. Anticonvulsant efficacy of carbenoxolone was similar as diazepam at a doses of 0-5 mg/kg. In maximal electroshock test, carbenoxolone in a dose of 400 mg/kg decreased the duration of seizure and produced protection against seizure but failed to protect against mortality in comparison with diazepam (0.25, 0.5, 3 mg/kg). In the potentiation of pentobarbitone sleep test, carbenoxolone signifiantly increased sleeping time and decreased latency dose dependently in of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg in mice. In traction test carbenoxolone (400 mg/kg) showed muscle relaxant activity (60%) and in accelerod performance carbenoxolone in doses of 300, 200 mg/kg showed a decline in motor function. It can be concluded that carbenoxolone posses anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and hypnotic effects which may be have an efficacy in petitmal and grandmal seizures.
Sh Akhondzadeh, Mr Mohammadi , M Khani , Ah Jamshidi , A Daliri , Sh Bastani ,
year 2, Issue 8 (12-2003)
Abstract
Depression which is thought to result from biochemical changes in the brain, is a common disease of adulthood. Persian traditional medicine proposes antidepessant effect for Crocus sativus whereas there is no evidence-based document. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of dried extract of Crocus sativus with imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in a 6- week double – blind, randomised trial. 30 adult outpatients who met the Diagnosic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition for major depression based on the structured clinical interview for DSM IV participated in the trial. Patients have a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of at least 18. In this double-blind, single-center trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive dried extract of Crocus sativus 30 mg/day (capsules) Group (A), imipramine 100 mg/day (capsules) Group (B). In this small preliminary double-blind and randomzed trial, dried extract of Crocus sativus was found to be effective compared to imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression (F=2.91, d.f.=1, P=0.09). In the imipramine group anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth was observed more often that was predictable. The main overall finding from this study and a recent reported animal study is that, dried extract of Crocus sativus may be of therapeutic benefit in the management of mild to moderate depression. A large-scale trial is justified.
S Akhondzadeh , A Daliri-Hampa ,
year 3, Issue 9 (2-2004)
Abstract
A significant number of people are looking at alternatives to mainstream medicine for treating various ills in particular as sleep remedies. Because of the likelihood that our patients will be taking alternative and over the counter treatments, which often interact with other medications, it behooves us to be aware of their possible benefits and risks. In this paper, we review some of the herbal preparations that are marketed as treatment for disturbed sleep.
M Seidian , Fs Bathai , S Akhondzadeh ,
year 3, Issue 10 (5-2004)
Abstract
Alternative medicine may be a new avenue of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to Ginkgo biloba, old European reference books, such as those on medical herbs, document a variety of other plants such as Salvia officinalis and Melissa officinalis with memory – improving properties. In this article we review some medicinal plants and natural products that are being used in the management of dementia.
H Hosseinzadeh , Gr Karimi , M Rakhshanizadeh ,
year 3, Issue 10 (5-2004)
Abstract
We studied the anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Hypericum perforatum aerial parts in mice. The pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) tests were used for assessing the anticonvulsive effects of this plant. In the PTZ test, the extracts (0.1-1 g/kg, i.p.) delayed the onset of tonic convulsions and protected mice against mortality. In the MES test, both extracts did not show antiseizure activity. L-NAME (1-10 mg/kg, i.p.), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, reduced the anticonvulsant activity of the extracts. The results of this study indicate that the extracts of H. perforatum aerial parts could contribute to the control of petit mal seizure and this effect may be partially mediated by nitric oxide pathway.
Aa Noorbala, N Tahmasebi-Pour , S Akhondzadeh, M Khani , Ah Jamshidi ,
year 3, Issue 10 (5-2004)
Abstract
Depression is a serious disorder in today’s society. With estimates of lifetime prevalence as high as 21% of the general population in some developed countries. As a therapeutically plant, saffron it is considered an excellent stomach ailment and an antispasmodic, helps digestion and increases appetite. It is also used for depression in Persian traditional medicine. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of stigmas of Crocus sativus (saffron) in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in a 6-week double-blind, placebo controlled and randomized trial. Forty adult outpatients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition for major depression based on the structured clinical interview for DSM IV participated in the trial. Patients have a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of at least 18. In this double-blind, placebo controlled, single-center trial and randomized trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive capsule of saffron 30 mg/day (BD) (Group 1) and capsule of placebo (BD) (Group 2) for a 6-week study. At 6 weeks, Crocus sativus produced a significantly better outcome on Hamilton Depression Rating scale than placebo (d.f.=1, F= 18.89, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of observed side effects. The results of this study indicate the efficacy of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. A large- scale trial is justified.
L Kashani , Fs Bathaei , M Ojaghi , M Bathaei , S Akondzadeh ,
year 3, Issue 11 (9-2004)
Abstract
Many women are interested to use complementary and alternative medicines for relief from their menopausal symptoms. The prevalence of herbal medicinal product use among menopausal women highlights the need for investigation into these interventions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the benefit of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms by performing a systematic review of clinical trials. Literature searches of four computerized databases were done to identify randomized clinical trials of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Manufacturers of herbal products were contacted, and our own files were also searched. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. Trials were considered if the outcome measures related to the physical or psychological impact of menopause, whether by compendium scores, questionnaires, or women's symptom diaries, excluding studies describing artificially induced menopause. This review was not concerned with biochemical or pathological data. Eighteen randomized clinical trials that fit our criteria were identified. These studies investigated black cohosh (n = 4), red clover (n = 4), kava (n = 3), dong quai (n = 1), evening primrose oil (n = 1), ginseng (n = 1), and combination products (n = 4). Trial quality was generally good, with 16 of 18 studies scoring 3 or more (maximum 5) on the Jadad Scale. There is no enough evidence for any herbal medical product in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. However, the evidence for black cohosh is promising.The studies involving red clover show it may be of benefit for more severe menopausal symptoms. There is some document for the use of kava, but safety concerns mean this herbal product is not a therapeutic option at present.
H Fallah Huseini , Ar Hemati , Sm Alavian ,
year 3, Issue 11 (9-2004)
Abstract
Silymarin is the seed extract of silybum marianum herbal medicine widely used for liver and bilary abnormality in China and several European country. It protect liver from several toxicity including acetaminophen, alcohol and amanita mashrom poisoning. Silymarin is composed of several flavonoids with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and increasing cellular glutathion level properties. Although several experimental and clinical investigation indicating its efficacy against liver and prostate cancer, cisplatin induced kidney toxicity, and type II diabetes, but further clinical study need for its clinical use. However no adverse effect is reported by its chronic use or its administration to children, or pregnancy and lactation women.
H Fallah Huseini , Ab Zaree , A Babaei Zarch , R Heshmat ,
year 3, Issue 12 (11-2004)
Abstract
In diabetic condition the oxygen free radical and reduced glutathione level are the important risk factor for cataract formation. The preventive effect of antioxidant and increased cellular glutathione level on cataract formation reported in experimental studies. However in present study silybum marianum seed extract (silymarin) due to its antioxidative property, increased cellular glutathione level and cellular membrane stabilizing properties was tested against development of galactose-induced cataract. Thirty male rats of 45 days old were divided in three groups and placed in same environmental condition. One group kept as healthy control, feed on normal rat chew, second group received 30% galactose diet, and third group received 30% galactose diet as well as silymarin orally in the dose of 200 mg/kg daily. Cataract development was observed by ophthalmoscope and necked eye in both the groups of animal during the 40 days of the study. The glutathione and lipid peroxides were determined after 20 days in one lens of all rats. Results indicate that in control group first stage of cataract development were observed after 7 to 9 days and fourth stage after 29 to 35 days. In silymarin treated group all stages of cataract development were significantly delayed as compared to control group. The first stage of cataract development were observed after 19 to 23 days and fourth stage after 37 to 43 days in only 60% of animals. These results indicate that silymarin retarded the process of cataract development in galactose-fed rats. In conclusion the preventive effect of silymarin on galactose induced cataract formation may be due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, increased cellular glutathione level and membrane stabilizing properties of this herbal medicine.
J Sadighi , F Maftoon , Sa Ziai ,
year 4, Issue 13 (2-2005)
Abstract
Background: Herbal medicine is one of complementary medicine (CAM) approaches that refer to a group of therapeutic and diagnostic disciplines that exists largely outside the institutions where conventional health care is taught and provided for treating patients. Herbal medicine is discipline based on systems practiced thousands of years ago. World health organization reported that more than 60% of world’s population are using herbal components for their treatments. Herbal medicine is an increasing feature of healthcare practice, but considerable confusion remains what exactly it is and position the disciplines included under this term should hold in relation to conventional medicine. Objective: To study the Knowledge, attitude, and practice of complementary medicine (KAP Study). Method: Design of this study was cross-sectional. Setting was Tehran city and study conducted on Oct 2003 – Oct 2004. Studied samples were 4123 subjects (more than 15 years old age) who were selected with cluster sampling. Data gathered with questionnaire. Results: This survey showed that 75/6% of the studied population knew herbal therapy and 38.4% of total population and 50.8% of population who knew about herbal therapy, had used it once at least. More than 60% of population of different areas of Tehran city knew this therapy and 19-70% of this population had been used it. Most subjects have heard about this type of therapy from others. Most of subjects who used herbal therapy expressed that it was very effective. Most of them referred to non-physicians and most of their diseases were gastro-intestinal, respiratory and nervous system diseases. Female, married subjects and elderly were the most users of herbal therapy. Conclusion: Public knowledge and demand for herbal medicine is considerable. Demand for herbal medicine had growth therefore we need more attention in planning for treatments and academic approach to herbal medicine. Health system provision might go some way to ensure certain minimum standards such as proper regulation, standardized note keeping, effective channels of communication (patients also want to be protected from unqualified practitioners and inappropriate treatments) and participation in research.
H Fallah Huseini , Sm Alavian , T Toliat , Ah Jamshidi , R Heshmat , H Naghdi Badi , M Khani ,
year 4, Issue 13 (2-2005)
Abstract
Background: Cirrhosis is the irreversible sequel of various disorders that damage liver cells permanently over time. Presently, the use of herbal medicines for prevention and control of chronic liver diseases is in the focus of attention for both the physicians and the patients the reasons for such shift toward the use of herbals include the expensive cost of conventional drugs, adverse drug reactions, and their inefficacy. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of herbal medicine Khar maryam or silymarin on liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis patients compare to placebo therapy. Method: 60 chronic hepatitis B cirrhotic patients were selected out of 500 patients referred to Tehran Hepatic Center. The patients were randomly divided in two groups of 30 patients. One group received silymarin 150mg/kg three times a day and the other group placebo received for twelve months. The outcome measures included child-pugh score, ascitis, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total billirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, platelet and white blood cells counts. The indices were recorded in all patients before and after 12 months of drug or placebo treatment. Results: The results demonstrated that the patients treated with silymarin for 12 months had significantly better child-pugh score, decreased ascitis, decreased serum AST and ALT. In placebo administered patients all the clinical parameters recorded before and after 12 months were not significantly different. Conclusion: We conclude that silymarin treatment for 12 months in cirrhotic patients has hepatoprotective effect. To investigate the effects of this herbal remedy on the mortality rate of cirrhotic ratients, a similar study, over an extended period has to carried out.
H Fallah Huseini , H Fakhrzadeh , A Dastpak , M Azarabadi , R Mohtashami Tokabny ,
year 4, Issue 15 (9-2005)
Abstract
Hyperlipedimia especially increased blood cholesterol level is a chronic metabolic disease with several risk factor in etiology. Although several lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed but still hyperlipedimia is a main corn stone of attention in patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Presently, the use of herbal medicines for prevention and control of chronic hyperlipidemia is in the focus of attention for both the patients and physicians. The reasons for such shift toward the use of herbal medicine include: the expensive cost of conventional drugs, adverse drug reactions, and good efficacy of lipid lowering herbal medicine. Epidemiological studies indicate that diet restriction, alternative treatment and use of herbal medicine are a low coast and good direction in for controlling hyperlipedimia. Presently the use of herbal medicine by hyperlipedimic patients is considerably increases even in industrialized societies. However its uses is more pronounce among those patients which are resistant to conventional drug therapy. Although herbal therapy may induce beneficial effect, but due to irregular consumption and unspecified doses may render unsatisfactory lipid control and even herbal-conventional drug interaction. In present article the efficacy, drug interaction and side effect of common antihyperlipidemic herbal medicine is reviewed.
A Bagheri , H Naghdi Badi , F Movahedian , M Makkizadeh, Ar Hemati ,
year 4, Issue 15 (9-2005)
Abstract
Background: Iranian herbal medicine has high capacity for disease prevention and remedy and can help to resolve health and medical problems. Identifying consumers’ needs and paying attention to their recommendations is an important factor for the proper use and marketing of these products. Method: This Survey Research was performed on the use of herbal medicines women in Isfahan on the base of cluster sampling. The population was categorized to three groups, including poor, middle income and wealthy. The data was collected through interviewing and filling a questionnaire. The data was analyzed statistically by chi-square test and also evaluated on the base of descriptive statistics. Conclusion: Results indicated that high percentage of the three groups used medicinal plants. Only about 11% of population in these levels had no tendency to use these materials. Also, despite of expressing satisfaction with herbal medicine, some problems such as high cost and contaminations of these materials lead to restriction in their use. 45.4% of people questioned these products two or three time each year. Also, there were significant differences among the three groups of population with respect to using herbal medicine. In general, 65.8% of population used these products and the highest (44.9%) and the lowest (18.4%) amount were related to middle income and poor groups, respectively.
H Fallah Huseini , R Heshmat , B Larijani , H Fakhrzadeh, Z Jafariazar , F Darvishzadeh , M Rahmani , Ah Shikh Samani ,
year 5, Issue 17 (3-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad) fruit is a toxic herbal medicine extensively used by traditional herbalists for the treatment of diabetes in several parts of Iran. Clinical investigation of its efficacy and its toxicity in diabetic patients is of importance.
Materials and Methods: A 2-month randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted in 50 type II diabetic patients in two matched groups. One group (n=25) received 100 mg Citrullus colocynthis capsule 3 times a day plus standard therapy, while the control group (n=25) received placebo plus standard therapy. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglyceride, SGOT, SGPT, ALK, BUN, serum creatinine levels were determined at the beginning and the end of the study after two months.
Results: There was significant decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose level in citrullus colocynthis fruit treated patients after two months as compared to beginning of the treatment and also as compared to placebo group. Serum lipid level was not changed significantly. The liver enzyme level and creatinine level in blood was not changed significantly in citrullus colocynthis fruit treated patients. No serious side effect was observed except mild diarrhea in 10% of patients, that, subsided with continuation of treatment.
Conclusion: The results showed that the Citrullus colocynthis fruit treatment with known gastrointestinal toxicity has beneficial effect as a complimentary therapy on improving glycemic profile in type II diabetic patients. The use of this herbal medicine in the dose of 300 mg in 3 divided doses showed no severe gasterointestinal symptom or liver and kidney abnormality during two months of therapy. The long term efficacy and toxicity of Citrullus colocynthis may be investigated in a large multi center clinical study.
H Fallah Huseini , A Zaree , R Heshmat , B Larijani , H Fakhrzadeh , R Rezaii Sharifabadi , Ga Naderi , J Zaringhalam, Ah Shikh Samani ,
year 5, Issue 17 (3-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Increased production of oxidative stress intamediates in chronic diabetic patients has been reported in several studies. A close relation between the treatment of diabetes and intensity intermediates of oxidative stress has been demonstrated.
Aim: In the present study effects of Citrullus colocynthis fruit on oxidative stress intermediates in type II diabetic patients is investigated.
Materials and Methods: 44 male and female type II diabetic patients were randomly allocated in two groups of 22 patients each. One group received 100 mg Citrullus colocynthis capsule and the other group received placebo 3 times a day plus standard therapy. The biochemical parameters such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, levels as well as oxidative parameters such as glutathione, superoxid dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde were determined at the beginning and the end of the study after two months.
Results: Result indicated a significant decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose level in Citrullus colocynthis fruit treated patients after two months as compared to beginning of the treatment and also as compare to placebo group. The oxidative stress indicators such as glutathione, superoxid dismotase, catalase and malondialdehyde were not changed significantly in either group after two months of treatment.
Conclusion: In type II diabetic patients Citrullus colocynthis fruit treatment improved glycemic profile but did not affect oxidative stress parameters.
H Fallah Huseini , P Hooseini , R Heshmat , D Yazdani , M Rahmani , Hr Hemati Moqadam , B Larijani , Shr Alavi ,
year 5, Issue 20 (12-2006)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Aims: Securigera securidaca (L.) seeds are used by traditional herbalists for the treatment of diabetes in several parts of Iran. Clinical investigation of its efficacy and its toxicity in diabetic patients is of importance. Methods: A 2-month randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted in 70 type II diabetic patients in two well – matched groups. One group (n=35) received 500 mg Securigera securidaca (L.) seeds capsule 3 times a day plus standard therapy, while the control group (n=35) received placebo plus standard therapy. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglyceride, SGOT, SGPT, ALK, BUN, serum creatinine levels were determined at the beginning and the end of the study after two months. Results: There was no significant change in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose level in Securigera securidaca (L.) seeds treated patients after two months as compared to beginning of the treatment and also as compare to placebo group. Serum lipid level also did not change significantly. The liver enzyme level and creatinine level in blood did not change significantly in Securigera securidaca (L.) seeds treated patients. No side effect was observed in any of patients in both of the groups. Conclusion: The results show that the Securigera securidaca (L.) seeds treatment with known antidiabetic property in traditional herbal therapy has no beneficial effect on improving glycemic profile in type II diabetic patients. The use of this herbal medicine in the dose of 1500mg in 3 divided dose showed no gasterointestinal symptom as well as liver and kidney abnormality during two months therapy. The long term efficacy and toxicity of this herbal medicine in higher dosage may be investigated in large multi center clinical study.
M Kamalipour , Sh Akhondzadeh , Sh Rezazadeh ,
year 7, Issue 25 (2-2008)
Abstract
Herbal medicines include a range of pharmacologically active compounds: in some cases it is not well understood which ingredients are important for a therapeutic effect. The supporters of herbal medicine believe that isolated ingredients in the majority of cases have weaker clinical effects than whole plant extract, a claim that would obviously require proof in each case. Although a multitude of pharmaceutical agents are available for the treatment of mental disorders, physicians find that many patients cannot tolerate the side effects, do not respond adequately, or eventually lose their response. In comparison, many therapeutic herbs have far fewer side effects. They can provide an alternative treatment or be used to enhance the effect of prescription medications. This review will indicate the quality of the evidence supporting the clinical effects of a number of commonly used types of herbal medicines for depression and anxiety.
A Akhondzadeh Basti , Sa Ghoreishi , Aa Noorbala , Sh Akhondzadeh , Sh Rezazadeh ,
year 7, Issue 25 (2-2008)
Abstract
Stigma of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), commonly known as saffron, is the world’s most expensive spice and apart from its traditional value as food additive recent studies indicate its potential as antidepressant. Because saffron is expensive, using it daily to address depression may not be practical. Moreover, recent study indicated antidepressant effect of petal of Crocus sativus. As petal of Crocus sativus is not expensive compared to stigma, there will be economical interests for further investigations by pharmaceutical industries. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of petal of Crocus sativus with stigma of Crocus sativus in the treatment of depressed outpatients in a 6-week pilot double-blind randomized trial. Forty four adult outpatients who met the DSM- IV criteria for major depression based on the structured clinical interview for DSM- IV participated in the trial. Patients have a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of at least 18. In this double-blind and randomized trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive capsule of petal of Crocus sativus 15 mg bid (morning and evening) (Group 1) and capsule of stigma of Crocus sativus 15 mg bid (morning and evening) (Group 2) for a 6-week study. At the end of trial, petal of Crocus sativus was found to be effective similar to stigma of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression (d.f.=1, F= 0.05, P=0.81). In addition, in the both treatments, the remission rate was 18%.There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of observed side effects. The present study is supportive of other studies which show antidepressant effect of petal and stigma of Crocus sativus.
