Major and minor criteria for gastric dystemperaments in Persian Medicine: Sari gastric dystemperament criteria-I (SGDC-I).

Background: Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era. Methods: This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City. Results: Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament. Conclusion: Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools.

The Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L), A Proposed Remedy as to a Fertile Agent in the Viewpoint of Iranian Traditional Medicine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Infertility is a major problem in medical sciences. Despite recent advances in diagnosing and treatment of infertility, it is still one of the most important medical problems. The aim of this study is to review the role of the parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L), a proposed remedy as to a fertile agent in the viewpoint of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) and review the evidence in the conventional medicine. METHODS: In this literature research, we investigated some important Persian medical and pharmaceutical manuscripts in ITM. The search was conducted with the keyword of the fertile agent, and the parsnip was one of the choices mentioned as a fertile agent which is also available. In order assess the current findings, a search was done in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS: In ITM, the parsnip is recognized as a stomach astringent, liver and uterine tonic and Stimulates ovulation. It is named as semen or sexual desire increaser and fertile agent. In the viewpoint of ITM, attention to the health of main or vital members of the body (including the heart, brain, and liver) in addition to the health of the urogenital system, may have led to the treatment of infertility. CONCLUSION: In some studies, the effects of the parsnip on spermatogenesis, number, and sperm motility are investigated but no studies have been done on women's infertility. This review shows that the parsnip can be as a fertile agent in female infertility. So, further clinical research is recommended.

A Historical Review of Persian Medicine Studies into Saliva Manifestations for Potential Applications for Diagnosis and Management of Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Regarding the development of diagnostic tests based on saliva and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the aim of this study is to review Persian Medicine manuscripts in the field of saliva manifestations, its relation to metabolic syndrome, and treatment recommendations. METHODS: This study is a mini-review. We investigated the canon of medicine and some important Persian medical or pharmaceutical manuscripts from the 9th to the 19th centuries. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were explored for finding relevant information about the relationship between saliva and metabolic syndrome and its treatment. RESULTS: Studies have suggested that maldigestion is one of the important causes of MetS. Sialorrhea may be an early symptom of maldigestion. Attention to sialorrhea and its treatment may be useful in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome based on PM sources. In PM, sialorrhea is treated with 3 major approaches: lifestyle modification along with simple or compound medicines. CONCLUSION: Saliva manifestations could be considered as early symptoms of metabolic syndrome. As mentioned in WHO strategies, traditional medicine can be used along with modern medicine due to its effectiveness in the management of various ailments.

Water Intake from the Points of View of Rhazes and Avicenna.

Owing to the effect of acute and chronic hypohydration on health and the lethal effects of hyperhydration, an appropriate amount of water intake is important for each individual. Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) is a holistic system one of whose important parts deals with lifestyles and how to maintain health, including the amount of water intake for every person and the appropriate principles of drinking water. In this study, Avicenna's Canon of Medicine, Rhazes' Benefits of Food and Its Harmfulness, and conventional medical articles were reviewed to evaluate the amount of water intake for each person and the principles of drinking water. TIM has expressed an individualized difference in the amount of water intake in the form of temperament and the relationship between the appropriate time of drinking water with other daily activities. In this view, drinking water at the inappropriate time causes liver and gastrointestinal diseases; it can create the foundation for conducting new studies in the field of appropriate water intake and lifestyle changes to reduce malnutrition complications.

Appetite Reducing Herbal Drugs from the Perspective of Avicenna and Aghili in Iranian Traditional Medicine (Persian medicine).

The increasing prevalence of obesity is one of the major problems of today's society. Man needs food to continue living, daily activities, and even the metabolism of food; and appetite plays an important role in receiving foods. Appetite and weight reducing synthetic drugs, which are mostly costly and have significant side effects, are recommended for some patients, and have limited effectiveness in the treatment of obesity. Given the epidemic of obesity and the lack of satisfaction with synthetic drugs these days, people are more likely to use herbal medicines. Complementary medicine has always been considered for the choice of new treatment. This medicine has a long history. Persian Medicine is one of the traditional medicine systems. This study was a qualitative study on the Books of Canon and the Makhzan Al-Aladvia. Saffron has been introduced in both modern medicine and in Iranian medicine to reduce appetite. In the case of Purslane seed and Chio nut, Figs, Sesame seeds, Camphor, and Solomon's seal, and Opium poppy, which have been appetite suppressant in traditional medicine books, in the books and articles of modern medicine, they have not proved to be appetite reducing. Modern medicine has known Gourd as a weight reducing food with the effects on fat but there is no talk about its effects on appetite. According to traditional Iranian medicine, Chio nut causes anorexia due to weakness in the stomach. Therefore, it is not advisable for weight loss. More clinical studies are conducted to prove the effects of appetite suppressant and weight loss effects of these herbal medicines seem logical.