Causes and consequences of quack medicine in health care: a scoping review of global experience.

BACKGROUND: The field of health has been facing challenges with fraudulent practices and the prevalence of "quack medicine". Many cases have given rise to this issue. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively investigate and categorize the causes and consequences of quack medicine in the healthcare. METHODS: A scoping review, using the 5 stages of Arksey and O'Malley's framework, was conducted to retrieve and analyze the literature. International databases including the PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science and also national Iranian databases were searched to find peer reviewed published literature in English and Persian languages. Grey literature was also included. Meta-Synthesis was applied to analyze the findings through an inductive approach. RESULTS: Out of 3794 initially identified studies, 30 were selected for this study. Based on the findings of this research, the causes of quackery in the health were divided into six categories: political, economic, socio-cultural, technical-organizational, legal and psychological. Additionally, the consequences of this issue were classified into three categories: health, economic and social. Economic and social factors were found to have a more significant impact on the prevalence of quackery in the health sector. Legal and technical-organizational factors played a crucial role in facilitating fraudulent practices, resulting in severe health consequences. CONCLUSION: It is evident that governing bodies and health systems must prioritize addressing economic and social factors in combating quackery in the health sector. Special attention should be paid to the issue of cultural development and community education to strengthen the mechanisms that lead to the society access to standard affordable services. Efforts should be made also to improve the efficiency of legislation, implementation and evaluation systems to effectively tackle this issue.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the oropharyngeal Mucositis quality of life scale.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is one of the serious complications of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy that significantly affects the quality of patients' life. The Oropharyngeal Mucositis-Specific Quality-of-Life questionnaire (OMQoL) is an acceptable instrument for measuring the quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of OMQoL questionnaire. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional and multi-centric research. After translation from English to Persian, back translation, and cultural adaptation, the Persian version of the questionnaire was prepared. One hundred forty-four patients suffering from oral mucositis referred to three different university affiliated hospitals related to Zahedan, Kerman and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences, were participated in this study. Then the questionnaire was completed by trained interviewers. The reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and validity was measured through factor analysis, and construct validity (including discriminant validity, and convergent validity) methods. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha in all dimensions was higher than 0.9 that indicated a perfect internal consistency. The results of factor analysis indicated that the dimensions specified in the Persian version were the same as the original version (Factor loading of all items > 0.4). The correlation coefficient for all items was more than 0.75, and the convergence validity was 100% in all dimensions. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the reliability, and validity of Persian version of OMQoL were acceptable, which can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with oral mucositis.

Quality Assessment of Traditional Persian Medicine Observational Studies.

Background: Although observational studies are valuable sources of scientific evidence, they are prone to bias and confounding. This study aimed to assess the quality of observational studies in Traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Methods: A systematic search was conducted in national and international databases up to the end of 2022 to identify observational studies on TPM. The quality of articles was evaluated using the STROBE checklist and CARE guidelines. Results: Out of the 192 articles identified, 109 met the eligible criteria for quality assessment. Cross-sectional and case-control studies had a mean STROBE score of 1.2±0.51 out of 2, with the introduction section scoring highest and the results and methods sections scoring lowest. The worst reported items in the method section involved sensitivity analyses, bias control, and management of missing data. Case reports and case series had a mean score of 1.4±0.55 out of 2, with the section on therapeutic interventions scoring the highest. Other sections like keywords, follow-up and outcomes, diagnostic assessment, patient perspective, and informed consent scored below one. Conclusion: Many reviewed articles did not adhere to the recommended formatting in the evaluation tools, making it challenging to assess their quality. Having said that, the quality of observational studies in the field of TPM is a point of concern.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata improves the autistic-like behavior and neuronal damage in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism.

Experimental autism in rodents can be caused by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. Some diseases, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, opiate withdrawal, and generalized anxiety disorder can be treated by consuming Passiflora incarnata, due to the possession of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids. The present study aims to investigate the role of the hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata in behavioral and oxidative stress aberrations induced by VPA. On the gestational day (GD), 12.5, pregnant Wistar rats received VPA (600 mg/kg subcutaneously). Male pups were treated with the extract (30,100, and 300 mg/kg) from postnatal day 35 to the end of the experiment, and underwent behavioral testing to evaluate locomotion, repetitive, and stereotyped movements, anxiety, and social and cognitive behaviors. After behavioral testing, the blood sample was taken from the left ventricle to determine serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Then the animals were euthanized and their brains were taken out for histological assays of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and CA1 hippocampus with hematoxylin/eosin. The total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the extract were also measured. A significant improvement was observed in behavioral disturbances, particularly with 300 mg/kg of Passiflora. Moreover, the formation of oxidative stress markers significantly decreased at this dose. The extract also reduced the percentage of damaged cells in the CA1 and PFC. The results indicated that Passiflora extract could ameliorate VPA-induced behavioral aberrations possibly due to the antioxidant actions of its bioactive compounds.

Clinical evaluation of the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Trachyspermum copticum (L.) on the patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal dysfunction characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, as well as changes in bowel movements and stool shape. Given the global trend towards the increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the high prevalence of IBS, the lack of a standard treatment for all IBS subtypes, and patients' willingness to use CAM treatments, investigations into CAM treatments are needed. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a mix of two herbal medicines (Zataria-Trachyspermum, ZT) on the clinical symptoms of patients with IBS. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: The present study was performed on 3 groups including the positive control, experimental, and placebo groups. The sample size was calculated as 150 participants. Fifty patients were assigned to one of three parallel groups (ZT capsule, placebo, and mebeverine capsule) by block randomization. All three groups were treated for 4 weeks. The patients were monitored in the follow-up stage for 2 additional weeks. RESULTS: After the fourth week of intervention, symptoms of pain, bloating, and reflux showed a significant decrease in the ZT group compared to the placebo and mebeverine groups (P <0.05). Moreover, the participants in the ZT group reported a significant decrease in fatigue compared to the other two groups (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the positive effect of ZT on IBS symptoms, especially pain, bloating, constipation, and bowel movements.

Efficacy of a Persian herbal medicine compound on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A randomized clinical trial.

Background: The global attention to the capacities of traditional medicine for alleviating the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 has been growing. The present trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Persian herbal medicine formula among patients with COVID-19. Methods: The present trial was conducted in Afzalipour hospital, Kerman, Iran, from June to September 2020. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into intervention (Persian herbal medicine formula + routine treatment) or control (only routine treatment) groups. The intervention group received both capsule number 1 and 2 every 8 hours for 7 days. Capsule number 1 contained extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra, Punica granatum, and Rheum palmatum, and the second capsule was filled by Nigella sativa powder. Participants were followed up to 7 days. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalization days, while cough, fever, and respiratory rate, days on oxygen (O2) therapy, and mortality rate were considered as the secondary outcomes. Results: Eighty-two patients were enrolled to the study, while 79 cases completed the trial and their data were analyzed (mean age: 59.1 ± 17.1 years). Based on the results, the Persian medicine formula decreased the mean hospitalization days, so that the mean difference of length of hospitalization as primary outcome was 2.95 ± 0.43 days. A significant clinical improvement was observed regarding dyspnea, need for O2) therapy, and respiratory rate in the intervention group. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The present study supported the use of the Persian medicine formula as an adjuvant therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Study registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1. Study registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Ethnopharmacological Knowledge for Management of Oral Mucositis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Objectives: Oral mucositis is among the complications of cancer therapy that affects quality of life and imposes remarkable financial costs for patients with cancer. This study aimed to explore, preserve, and scientifically investigate the ethnomedicinal knowledge of traditional healers for treatment of oral mucositis in Zahedan, Iran. Materials and Methods: Field surveys were performed from September 2018 to October 2018 in Zahedan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire in Persian. All species recorded for the treatment of oral mucositis were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and a voucher specimen of them was deposited in the Herbarium Center of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Kerman, Iran. Information, such as scientific name, family, local name, parts used, and preparation method, were also provided. Literature review on available data on effect of the addressed plant species on mucositis and other relative pharmacological actions, such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, was performed. Results: A total of 29 informants (attars) were interviewed and 18 medicaments were recommended, of which three samples were of synthesis or mineral origin and 15 samples were of herbal origin. Drugs were administered both topically and orally. According to recent studies, two herbs were evaluated for their direct effect on mucositis. Some pharmacological properties related to mucositis treatment by the other 11 samples have been confirmed. Conclusion: This study provides information on the characteristics of medicinal plants from Zahedan, Iran based on their ethnopharmacological knowledge and pharmacological properties for mucositis treatment.

An Evidence-Based Research on Botanical Sources for Oral Mucositis Treatment in Traditional Persian Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases associated with heavy complications in treatment. Mucotoxic cancer therapies such as head and neck radiotherapy and some of the chemotherapy agents may lead to oral mucositis. In addition to its economic consequences, mucositis also affects patients' quality of life. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) manuscripts, several medicaments have been suggested for the treatment of mucositis. OBJECTIVE: Considering the public welcome for herbal medicine, the current evidence-based review study is conducted to investigate the herbal remedies which have been proposed for oral mucositis in TPM. METHODS: At first, a comprehensive survey was done on Qanon fi al-Teb, which is the most important textbook of TPM; then the scientific name of the herbs was authenticated according to the botanical textbooks. At last, data banks including Scopus, Pubmed, Web of science and Science direct were investigated for possible relevant properties of each medicinal plant in the literature. RESULTS: In total, 30 herbs are introduced in this study. According to the registered documents, 18 herbs are reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-nociceptive and wound healing properties of which the therapeutic effect of only a few herbs including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Malva sylvestris, Morus nigra, Punica granatum, and Solanum nigrum were directly evaluated against oral mucositis on the literature. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of human studies on mucositis for the other discussed herbs, their related pharmacological properties can be considered for new natural drug discovery supported by medieval and traditional experiments.

Effects of a Plantago ovata-based herbal compound in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: A double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common complications of mucotoxic cancer therapy. Mucositis induces clinically significant pain, increases the risk of infections and affects the patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of an herbal preparation from Plantago ovata hydrocolloid in the prevention and treatment of OM, in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a regimen including adriamycin. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: This research was a double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trial. The herbal compound consisted of a mixture of 500 mg of P. ovate husk in 30 mL water plus three drops of vinegar per dose, which was used as a mouthwash. Phytochemical and physicochemical tests of the compound were also performed. Twenty-eight patients who developed mucositis during the chemotherapy screening cycle were randomized to the herbal compound (n = 14) and placebo (n = 14) groups. They received herbal compound or placebo three times per day during their next chemotherapy cycle (cycle 1 of treatment). Patients were crossed over during cycle 2 of treatment and received the alternative therapy. An oral care protocol was prescribed to all patients in cycles 1 and 2 of the treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were visited at baseline, the end of the first and second weeks of the screening cycle, and the end of the first and second weeks of each of two treatment cycles. The degree of mucositis was used as the main treatment outcome. Other indexes, such as the severity of pain, xerostomia grade and the quality of life were also measured. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, the herbal compound significantly reduced the degree of mucositis, the severity of pain and the xerostomia grade; it also improved the patients' quality of life (P < 0.05). Comparison between the screening cycle and placebo treatment group showed that the oral care protocol had a significant effect in the reduction of OM (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The oral care protocol and the herbal compound based on P. ovata are effective ways for preventing and treating OM in patients undergoing mucotoxic cancer therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian registry of clinical trials IRCT20180923041093N1.

Alcohol Abuse, Consequences, and Treatments from the Perspective of Traditional Iranian Medicine: A Review Study.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use has always been prevalent in human societies, but in many Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, national laws prohibit the consumption of this substance. METHODS: In this study, reference books on traditional Iranian medicine and electronic documents from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for entries about the consequences and treatments of alcohol abuse. FINDINGS: Seminal books of traditional Iranian medicine refer to alcoholic beverages using two terms, namely, "khamr" and "sharâb" (wine). These sources indicate that the temperament of "sharâb" is generally warm but may vary depending on color, taste, concentration, and age. Traditional Iranian medicine views wine as a cause of multiple adverse effects on health. CONCLUSION: Traditional Iranian medicine advocates the beliefs that no level of alcohol use is beneficial for health and that physicians should advise against alcohol consumption even in small amounts. Scholars of indigenous medical practices have long been opposed to the adoption of wine as a remedy or otherwise, as they believe that the benefits of alcohol are dwarfed by its harmful effects.

New candidates for treatment and management of carpal tunnel syndrome based on the Persian Canon of Medicine.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is defined as a compressing median mononeuropathy. CTS is one of the major costly debilitating diseases of the hand. Although CTS is a relatively recent concept in current medicine, some evidences show that medieval physicians in Persian medicine (PM) such as Avicenna were familiar with it. The PM textbook written by Avicenna, the Canon of Medicine, defines the anatomy of carpal tunnel and median nerve, as well as mononeuropathy; it also offers suggestions for the prevention and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (called as Vaja al-asab and Khadar) in the chapter of nerve diseases. The book describes not only symptoms including pain, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, tingling, and numbness, but also its etiology such as nerve compression (entrapment neuropathy); nonphysical reasons such as disturbed balance among the four body humors; alteration in the nerve's temperament (Mizaj) that prevents the transmission of nerve impulses; and the others such as nutrition, mental condition, sleep, weather condition, body movements, and proper disposal of body waste. Furthermore, the book suggests a lifestyle modification method based on six factors and 10 prescriptions composed with 85 natural products that are not actively used for CTS treatment in modern times. The medicinal suggestions for CTS in the Canon of Medicine will be good candidates for discovering new treatments besides providing historical significance to the various insights considered 1000 years ago.

Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cysts and Primary Infertility by Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Case Report.

Infertility is a medical and psychosocial problem with a high prevalence. There are different treatments for this problem in Iranian traditional medicine. A 28-year-old woman presented with the complaints of 4 emergency operations of the left ovarian cyst during 4 years and infertility. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed an ovarian cyst, adhesion, and endometriosis. Hysteroscopy was unremarkable. After 2 months of letrozole administration, the ovarian cyst ruptured again. Considering the failure of conventional treatments, Iranian traditional medicine products were administered to the patient. After 3 months, the patient conceived and delivered a healthy boy through normal vaginal delivery. These compounds may help with pregnancy as a uterine tonic, vitalizer, and aphrodisiac with brain and cardiac tonic properties.

A Topical Gel From Flax Seed Oil Compared With Hand Splint in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study compared the therapeutic effect of flax seed oil topical gel and hand splint in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. This study was a randomized clinical trial. Forty-nine patients, 96 hands, with mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were divided into 2 groups randomly. One group was treated by topical gel and the other group by hand splint. Intensity of symptoms and function before and after intervention was measured via Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. After intervention, the ANCOVA showed a significant difference between the symptom and function scores of the 2 groups. In both cases, recovery was higher in the gel group ( P < .001). The topical use of flax seed oil gel is more effective in the improvement of symptoms and function of patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome as compared with hand splint, and it can be introduced as an effective treatment.