A Review of Conifers in Iran: Chemistry, Biology and their Importance in Traditional and Modern Medicine.

Cupressus sempervirens, Platycladus orientalis, Juniperus communis, J. excelsa, J. foetidissima, J. polycarpos var. turcomanica, J. sabina, and Taxus baccata are conifers in Iran. These plants have a long reputation in different systems of traditional medicines for a variety of diseases. This review aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information about the ethnopharmacological uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacology of these conifers. Furthermore this study comprises a bibliographical survey of major Islamic Traditional Medicine (ITM) books regarding different medical aspects of these species. A literature search was conducted on the applications of these conifers both in traditional and modern medicines by referencing traditional textbooks and scientific databases. Ethnobotanical literature review indicates that various parts of the plants including cones, berries, leaves, bark, wood, and resin have been used for a broad spectrum of applications. In Iran, C. sempervirens, J. sabina, J. communis, and T. baccata have been used traditionally for the treatment of urinary, digestive, nervous, respiratory, and integumentary systems-related problems. The phytochemical constituents of these plants can be divided into two main categories: volatile and non-volatile components, all dominated by terpenes. Considering the pharmacological and clinical evidence, while some of the traditional applications of these plants are supported by modern medicine, implying the value of the traditional and folklore knowledge for finding new lead compounds in drug discovery, some have remained unexamined showing the need for much more studies in this regard.

Citrus species: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

The Citrus species from family Rutaceae has worldwide applications such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. Phytochemical investigations have shown that these plants have constituents including flavonoids, limonoids and carotenoids. There are many reports on a wide range of activities such as antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects. In the current review, we discuss information regarding botany, phytochemistry, ethnobotany uses, traditional knowledge and pharmacological aspects of the Citrus species.

A Review on the Phytochemistry, Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacology of Borago Species.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Borago L., (family Boraginaceae) is a small genus of annual or perennial herbs with branched flowers, which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Some species known as Gavzabȃn in Asian and some African countries are traditionally used instead of Borago. Aims of the review: The purpose of this study was to provide comprehensive scientific information on phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Borago species to provide an insight into further research on the therapeutic potential of these plants. In many studies, it has been shown that different parts of Borago species, including leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and aerial parts possess numerous ethnobotanical values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical data were collected from online journals, magazines and books (all of which were published in English, Arabic, and Persian) from 1968 to 2018. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Researchgate, and other online collections were used. RESULTS: The phytochemical studies on five species showed a wide range of phytochemicals belonging to different classes of secondary metabolites. From a pharmacological point of view, different extracts and fractions, essential oils, and pure compounds isolated from various Borago species have shown diverse activities in in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies confirming various traditional uses of Borago genus. CONCLUSION: Considering the reported activities of the Borago genus both in traditional and modern medicine, further studies on biological aspects and identification of the mechanism of action for drug discovery are highly required.

Therapeutic Effects of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Fruit in Traditional and Modern Medicine: A Review.

Ziziphus jujuba Mill. belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, has been consumed since ancient times as a medicine and food. In the different traditional medical schools, Z. jujuba has been used to treat various diseases such as respiratory system diseases (asthma, cough, and laryngitis), gastrointestinal problems (constipation, colitis and liver diseases), as well as cardiovascular and genitourinary system diseases. From the perspective of Islamic traditional medicine (ITM), Z. jujuba fruit is an emollient, laxative, and maturative, it can purify blood and improve blood circulation, relieve internal heat and reduce inflammation. Some therapeutic uses of Z. jujuba such as antibacterial, antioxidant, sedative, hepato-protective, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities have been shown in modern pharmacological studies. In the current study, traditional and ethno-medicinal uses, botany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Z. jujuba were reviewed.

Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Profile of Rose Hip: A Review.

BACKGROUND: The fruit of genus Rosa, known as "rose hip", is frequently used in different traditional medicines. Rose hips have long been used to treat kidney stones, gastroenteric ailments, hypertension and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cough and cold. AIM: This review is focused on the ethnopharmacological uses of rose hip as well as phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. RESULTS: Ethno-medical uses of rose hip have been recorded in many countries since a long time. Approximately, 129 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from rose hip. This fruit contains some major active components such as flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, fatty oil, organic acids and inorganic compounds. Scientific studies have suggested a wide range of pharmacological activities for rose hip including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, antiaging, anti H. pylori, neuroprotective and antinociceptive activities. In particular, the rose hip powder and extract have been reported to exert therapeutic effects on arthritis. CONCLUSION: Some of the ethnomedical indications of rose hip, such as nephroprotective and gastroproetctive actions, have been confirmed by preclinical pharmacological studies. Additional investigations on the pharmacological effects of rose hip as well as evidence from randomized controlled trials are essential to assess the therapeutic value of this natural product.