Effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on nulliparous women's pain and anxiety of labor during first stage of labor / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Reducing labor pain and anxiety is one of the most important goals of maternity care.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to assess the effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on pain and anxiety in the first stage of labor among nulliparous women.</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>This was a randomized clinical trial of 110 nulliparous women. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to two groups of aromatherapy and control in an Iranian maternity hospital. The participants received 0.08 mL of Rosa damascena essence in the aromatherapy group and 0.08 mL of normal saline in the control group, every 30 min. Pain was measured 3 times, once each at three stages of cervical dilation (4-5, 6-7, and 8-10 cm). Anxiety was measured twice, once each at two stages of cervical dilation (4-7 and 8-10 cm). The tools for data collection were the Spielberger anxiety questionnaire, numerical pain rating scale, demographic and obstetric questionnaire, and an observational checklist. Data analyses included the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>Severity of labor pain and severity of anxiety were used as primary outcome measures. Labor and delivery characteristics (including number of contractions, duration of contractions in second stage, Bishop score, augmentation by oxytocin, Apgar score, and mode of delivery), demographic characteristics, and fertility information were used as secondary outcome measures.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pain severity in the group receiving aromatherapy with R. damascena was significantly lower than in the control group after treatment at each pain assessment (cervical dilation of 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10 cm; P < 0.05). Anxiety levels were also significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment at each time of measurement (cervical dilation of 4-7 and 8-10 cm; P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Aromatherapy with R. damascena reduced the severity of pain and anxiety in the first stage of labor. Aromatherapy with R. damascena is a convenient and effective method for pain and anxiety reduction during the first stage of labor.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial: IRCT201306258801N3.</p>

Effect of inhalation of lavender essential oil on vital signs in open heart surgery ICU

This study evaluated the effects of inhalation of Lavender essential oil on vital signs in open heart surgery ICU. The main complaint of patients after open-heart surgery is dysrhythmia, tachycardia, and hypertension due to stress and pain. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, such as opioids, use of non-invasive methods such as aromatherapy for relieving stress and pain parallel to chemical agents could be an important way to decrease the dose and side effects of analgesics. In a multicenter, single-blind trial, 40 patients who had open-heart surgery were recruited. Inclusion criteria were full consciousness, lack of hemorrhage, heart rate >60 beats/min, systolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure > 60 mmHg, not using beta blockers in the operating room or ICU, no history of addiction to opioids or use of analgesics in regular, spontaneous breathing ability and not receiving synthetic opioids within 2 h before extubation. Ten minutes after extubation, the patients> vital signs [including BP, HR, Central Venous Pressure [CVP], SPO2, and RR] were measured. Then, a cotton swab, which was impregnated with 2 drops of Lavender essential oil 2%, was placed in patients' oxygen mask and patients breathed for 10 min. Thirty minutes after aromatherapy, the vital signs were measured again. Main objective of this study was the change in vital sign before and after aromatherapy. Statistical significance was accepted for P < 0.05. There was a significant difference in systolic blood pressure [p 0.001 >], diastolic blood pressure [p = 0.001], and heart rate [p = 0.03] before and after the intervention using paired t-test. Although, the results did not show any significant difference in respiratory rate [p = 0.1], SpO2 [p = 0.5] and CVP [p = 0.2] before and after inhaling Lavender essential oil. Therefore, the aromatherapy could effectively reduce blood pressure and heart rate in patients admitted to the open heart surgery ICU and can be used as an independent nursing intervention in stabilizing mentioned vital signs. The limitations of our study were sample size and lack of control group. Randomized clinical trials with larger sample size are recommended

[Effects of aromatherapy by Rosaceous on the severity and systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea]

Background and Aim: Dysmenorrhea, defined as pain associated with menstruation that affects millions of women in the reproductive age worldwide. Considering the high prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its adverse consequences on quality of life, the present study examined the effects of Rosaceous on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and its systemic manifestations

Materials and Methods: This double blind clinical trial was performed on 110 students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Students randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Both groups were matched before intervention for age, education level, BMI, income, education wife, age of menarche and marital status. In the intervention group in the first 3 days of menstruation, 10 drops of Rosaceous extract were given to the subjects two times daily for two consecutive menstrual cycles. The controls take placebo. Severity of primary dysmenorrhea is compared in the two groups using the paired t test and between groups using the independent t test

Findings: The severity of primary dysmenorrhea and systemic manifestations decreased in both groups, this reduction was more significant in the Rosaceous group [p <0.001]

Conclusions: The results of this study results showed a positive impact of Rosaceous in reduction of severity of primary dysmenorrhea and systemic manifestations. It seems that can be used to reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and systemic manifestations

effect of wheat germ extract on premenstrual syndrome symptoms

Pre-menstrual syndrome is one of the most common disorders in women and impairs work and social relationships. Several treatment modalities have been proposed including herbal medicines. Considering the properties of wheat germ, this study aimed to determine the effects of wheat germ extract on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This triple blind clinical trial was conducted on 84 women working in hospitals affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Subjects completed daily symptom record form for two consecutive months. After definitive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome, they were randomly divided into two groups of 50 people. Then, for two consecutive months, 400 mg capsules of wheat germ extract or placebo were used three times a day, from day 16 until day 5 of the next menstrual cycle. Wheat germ significantly reduced physical symptoms [63.56%], psychological symptoms [66.30%], and the general score [64.99%]. Although the severity of symptoms decreased in both groups, this reduction was more significant in the wheat germ extract group [p < 0.001]. On the other hand, physical symptoms decreased only in the wheat germ extract [p < 0.001] and there was no statistically significant difference in the placebo group. No complications were observed in any of the groups. It seems that using wheat germ extract reduces general, psychological and physical symptoms

effect of sumac rhuscoriaria L. powder on serum glycemic status, ApoB, ApoA-I and total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients

Sumac Rhuscoriaria L. is used as an herbal remedy in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sumac [R. coriaria] on serum glycemic status, apolipoprotein [apo] B, apoA-I and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in type 2 diabetic patients. This double blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 41type 2 diabetic volunteers randomly assigned into 3g/day sumac powder [n=22] or placebo [n=19] groups over 3 months. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention. Serum glucose and HbA1c were measured using enzymatic and turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay methods, respectively. ApoB, apoA-I and TAC were determined using turbidimetric immunoassay and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. There were significant decreases in serum glucose and HbA1c and als oapoB levels at the end of study compared with initial values [P< 0.0001, P= 0.002 and P< 0.0001, respectively]. Also, there was a significant difference in HbA1c and TAC levels between placebo and sumac groups at the end of study [P< 0.05]. In sumac group, there were significant increase in apoA-I and TAC [P< 0.0001] compared with initial values. The mean of differences of serum glucose, HbA1c, apoB, apoA-I, apoB/apoA-I ratio and TAC between groups were significant [P< 0.05]. In conclusion, these results showed the favorite effect of sumac consumption on serum glycemic status, apoB, apoA-I and TAC levels in in type 2 diabetic patients

Effects of inhalation of lavender essential oil on open-heart surgery pain

This study evaluated the effects of inhalation of Lavender essential oil on the pain of open-heart surgery. The main complaint of patients after open-heart surgery is chest pain. Due to the side effects of opioids, it is important to use a non-invasive way to effectively relieve pain including aromatherapy with analgesics. This study was a clinical single-blind trial and was conducted on 40 patients who had open-heart surgery in the cardiac ICU of 2 Hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2012. Criteria included: full consciousness, spontaneous breathing ability and not using synthetic opioids within 2 hours before extubation. After extubation, the patients were asked to mark the intensity of their pain using the visual analogue scale. Then, a cotton swab which was impregnated with 2 drops of lavender essential oil 2% was placed in their oxygen mask, and they got breath for 10 minutes. 30 minutes after aromatherapy, they were asked to re-mark their pain intensity. The level of patient's pain before and after aroma therapy were compared. The pain mean level before and after inhaling lavender essential oil was 5.60 [SD = 2.262] and 4.98 [SD = 2.293], respectively [p-value>0.05]. Therefore, there is no significant difference and the result of study proves that lavender essential oil inhalation has no effect on reducing the pain of open-heart surgery

Screening of 20 commonly used Iranian traditional medicinal plants against urease

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers. About more than 80% of people are infected with H. pylori in developing countries. H. pylori uses urease enzyme product "ammonia" in order to neutralize and protect itself from the stomach acidic condition and urease enzyme activity has been shown to be essential to the colonization of H. pylori. Inhibitory activity of 20 traditional medicinal plants were examined and evaluated against Jack bean urease activity by Berthelot reaction to obtains natural sources of urease inhibitors. Each herb was extracted using 80% aqueous methanol, then tested its IC[50] value was determined. Eight of the whole 20 studied plants crude extracts were found the most effective with IC[50] values of less than 100 micro g/mL including Laurus nobilis, Zingiber officinale, Nigella sativa, Angelica archangelica, Acorus calamus, Allium sativum,Curcuma longa, and Citrus aurantium extracts, from which most potent urease inhibitory was observed for Zingiber officinale, Laurus nobilis, and Nigella sativa with IC[50] values of 48.54, 48.69 and 59.10 micro g/mL, respectively

Effect of medicinal herbs on primary dysmenorrhoea-a systematic review

Conventional treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea has a failure rate of 20% to 25% and may be contraindicated or not tolerated by some women. Herbal medicine may be a suitable alternative. The objective of the manuscript, is determine the efficacy and safety of some Iranian herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhea when compared with placebo, no treatment, and other treatment. For this target electronic searches of the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Dysmenorrhoea Group Register of controlled trials, Scopus, Google Scholar, Medline, Pubmed were performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials [RCTs]. The study abstraction and quality assessment of all studies were undertaken following the detailed descriptions of these categories as described in the JADAD Criteria for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. 25 RCTs involving a total of women were included in the review. The review found promising evidence in the form of RCTs for the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea compared with pharmacological treatment. However, the results were limited by methodological flaws. Further rigorous no penetrating placebo-controlled RCTs are warranted. The review found promising evidence supporting the use of herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea; however, results are limited by the poor methodological quality of the included trials

Effects of citrus aurantium [bitter orange] on the severity of first-stage labor pain

Considering that vaginal delivery is a painful process, the present study investigated the effects of Citrus aurantium on the severity of first-stage labor pain in primiparous women. This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted with 126 eligible primiparous patients. The pain severity of patients was measured at the time of enrolling in the study. In the intervention group, [aromatherapy] gauze squares were soaked in 4 ml of Citrus aurantium distillate, and in the control group, gauze squares were soaked in 4 ml of normal saline; each gauze square was attached to the respective patients' collar. The intervention was repeated every 30 min. Pain severity was measured after the intervention at 3-4, 5-7, and 8-10 cm cervix dilatations. The two groups were standardized with regard to age, profession, education, desire to conceive, and number and severity of uterine contractions. The Bishop's score was also calculated. Before intervention, pain severity was the same for both groups, but following intervention, pain severity reduced in the intervention group at 3-4 centimeter [P < 0.05], 7-5 centimeter [P < 0.05], and 8-10 centimeter [P < 0.05] dilatations compared with that in the control group. The findings of the study revealed that aromatherapy using Citrus aurantium distillate alleviates labor pain. This method is recommended because of its ease of use and low cost and because it is a non-aggressive method to reduce labor pain

effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women

Hot flash is among the most common complaints of menopausal women, affecting their career, social activities and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Valerian on hot flashes in menopausal women. In this double blind clinical trial, 68 menopausal women with the chief complaint of hot flash were enrolled using sampling at hand and were randomly divided into drug and placebo groups. The women in the drug group were prescribed 255 mg Valerian capsules 3 times a day for 8 weeks. The women in the placebo group were prescribed identical capsules filled with starch. Then, severity and frequency of hot flashes were measured and recorded through questionnaires and information forms in three levels [2 weeks before, four and eight weeks after the treatment]. The Severity of hot flashes revealed a meaningful statistical difference pre- and post- Valerian treatment [p <0.001] while this difference was not meaningful in the placebo group. Further, the comparison of the two groups regarding the severity of hot flash after the treatment showed a meaningful statistical difference [p <0.001]. Valerian has also led to a reduction of hot flash frequencies 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment [p <0.001] but this difference was not meaningful in drug like group. Valerian can be effective in treatment of menopausal hot flash and that it can be considered as a treatment of choice for reduction of hot flashes among the women who are reluctant to receive hormone therapy due to fear or any other reason

[ study of inhalation of peppermint aroma on the pain and anxiety of the first stage of labor in nulliparous women: a randomized clinical trial]

Considering the painfulness of labor and its resulting anxiety, and also, complications such as uterine dysfunction, prolonged labor, and unpleasant memories, the present study was performed aimed to investigate the effect of peppermint aroma on the level of pain and anxiety in the first stage of labor in nulliparous women. This research was done as a clinical trial study on 128 nulliparous women assigned into two groups [64 subjects in aromatherapy group and 64 subjects in control group]. In aromatherapy group, mixtures containing 0.2ml essence of peppermint and 2ml normal saline impregnated gauze, and in the control group, only 2ml normal saline impregnated gauze were attached to their dress collar, and the administration was repeated every 30 minutes. Level of anxiety was measured in dilatations 3-4 and 8-10cm and the intensity of pain in dilatations 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10cm. The data were collected through demographic and obstetric questionnaire, observation checklist, spielberger anxiety questionnaire, and pain numerical rating scale. In this study, the age, job, education, and gestational age were the same in both groups. Also, the level of anxiety was the same in both groups before the intervention, but after the intervention, anxiety level decreased in intervention group compared to control group [p<0.001]. The mean pain score in the dilatations 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10cm decreased in intervention group compared to control group [p<0.001 for all]. Aromatherapy with peppermint essence is recommended for the reduction of pain and anxiety level during labor due to its inexpensiveness, ease and non-invasiveness

Effect of external use of sesame oil in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced phlebitis

Intravenous chemotherapy is an important mean for the treatment of cancers. Infusion phlebitis [Ph] is a common and acute complication of chemotherapy. The frequency of Ph is about 70% in patients undergoing chemotherapeutic management. It can induce the pain, increase the risk of thrombophlebitis, lead to incomplete follow-up, and thereby, affect the patient's health status. Respecting the great importance of these issues, it is essential to prevent Ph. This study conducted to determine the effect of external use of Sesame Oil [SO] in the prevention of Ph. Sixty patients with colon or rectum cancer, who admitted for chemotherapeutic management, enrolled in clinical trial and were randomly divided into two equal groups: Control and Intervention. Ten drops of SO was applied twice a day for 14 days externally in intervention group, whereas the control group received nothing. Incidence and grade of Ph was measured in both groups. Data was analyzed through independent t-test, X[2], Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney, and Lagrange survival using SPSS 16. The incidence of Ph was 10% and 80% in intervention group and control group, respectively.There was a significant difference between two groups [p < 0.05]. Ph was 8 times more frequent in control group [R R = 8; AR R = 70%]. In addition, there was statistically significant difference between the grade and incidence of Ph with SO and control group [p < 0.05]. According to these results, it seems that external use of SO is effective, safe and well-tolerated for prophylaxis from Ph. Therefore, it can be suggested as a selected prevention method for reducing the complication

effect of peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of pruritus in pregnant women

Itching is one of the most common skin symptoms. Generalized pruritus occurs in 1-8% of pregnant women. It can create unpleasant feeling for these women especially at nights. Most pregnant women avoid using synthetic drugs because of their side effects. Peppermint is a plant which has been used as a traditional drug in Iran. It decreases skin's temperature. This study was done to determine the effects of peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of pruritus in pregnant women attending to Rasoul Akram Hospital in Rasht, 2011. In this triple-blind clinical trial, 96 randomly selected subjects diagnosed with pruritus gravidarum were studied [47 cases and 49 controls]. A bottle containing 60 mL of peppermint oil 0.5% in sesame oil and identical placebos were provided to be taken twice a day during 2 weeks by the case and control groups, respectively. The severity of the itch was assessed and compared before and after the study by VAS system. The results were analyzed by SPSS. Statistical methods such as descriptive analysis, independent samples' t-test, paired samples' t-test and Chi-square were employed. The severity of the itch in the treated group with peppermint oil in comparison with the placebo group, showed a significant statistical difference [p = 0.003]. In accordance with the results of this study, it seems that peppermint oil can be effective in reducing the severity of Pruritus Gravidarum. More studies with larger sample sizes are required to confidently declare the mentioned results

study on the effects of pimpinella anisum on relief and recurrence of menopausal hot flashes

With respect to the high incidence of hot flash in postmenopausal women and the controversies regarding its treatment, this double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of Pimpinella anisum on hot flashes in these women referring to rural and urban health centers of Qazvin Province in 2009.Seventy-two women with hot flashes were randomly selected according to the predetermined criteria and divided into two experimental and control groups. Their medical records at health centers were used for sampling. Each woman in the experimental group took a capsule containing 330 mg Pimpinella anisum 3 times a day while in the control group, women took 3 capsules, each containing 330 mg potato starch, over 4 weeks and after that, they were following up for 4 weeks. Before taking the capsules, they were assessed for 2 weeks about the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Data were collected through a questionnaire and an information form. Content validity method was used for validity of the tools. ANOVA and Student›s t-test were applied for statistical analysis. In the experimental group, the frequency and severity of hot flashes before the treatment were 4.21% and 56.21% and, after that, were 1.06% and 14.44% at the end of the fourth week respectively. No change was found in the frequency and severity of hot flashes in the control group. The frequency and severity of hot flashes was decreased during 4 weeks of follow up period. P. anisum is effective on the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women

study of anti-inflammatory activity of oil-based dill [anethum graveolens l.] extract used topically in formalin-induced inflammation male rat paw

Inflammation is one of the symptoms of many common and harmful diseases. As it is incurable through chemical drugs, the study on this ailment using new methods and drugs seems necessary. In addition, the adverse effects of the present anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDS and Glucocorticoid appeared in the long time use make such study more demanded. Accordingly, in this study we examined the effects of aerial organs' extract and seed of a plant commonly used in Iranian traditional medicine named Dill on the inflammation caused by plantar injection of formalin in rats and compared them with Diclofenac-gel. One of the methods used for the inflammation assessment is injecting formalin in the rat paw and then measuring the paw volume by the new plethysmometer [weighing method]. The assessment is done at a specific time on day for 8 days and then recorded. This study includes 3 groups of 6 male rats: Formalin, Dill-Oil and Diclofenac-gel groups. The Dill-Oil group received 2 g of Dill-Oil, containing 100 mg Dill-extract and the Diclofenac group received 2 g gel containing, 20 mg Diclofenac Na. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17 using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Repeated-Measures. The average paw volumes changes in these groups after Formalin-induced inflammation on 1[st] day, were 0.31 [standard error [SEM] = 0.02], 0.30 [SEM = 0.01] and 0.32 [SEM = 0.05] respectively, with no significant difference. Regarding the peak of inflammation on the 2[nd] day, it was indicated that the average inflammations in Formalin, Dill-Oil and Diclofenac-gel groups were 0.44 [SEM = 0.03], 0.15 [SEM = 0.04] and 0.36 [SEM = 0.08], respectively. The paw volume changes in groups receiving Dill-oil and Diclofenac-gel, after the daily formalin injection in 8 days compared to the blank group, had a significant decrease [p < 0.001]. The Dill group showed even more decrease in the paw volume compared to the Diclofenac one. The results of paw volume measurement analyzed by the Plethysmometer manifest that the Dill-Oil is able to decrease the paw volume significantly

Antimalarial natural products: a review

Malaria is an infectious disease commonplace in tropical countries. For many years, major antimalarial drugs consisted of natural products, but since 1930s these drugs have been largely replaced with a series of synthetic drugs. This article tries to briefly indicate that some plants which previously were used to treat malaria, as a result of deficiencies of synthetic drugs, have revived into useful products once more. It also attempts to describe some tests which can be used to evaluate plant extracts for antimalarial activity. By referring to some recent literatures, data were collected about plants used for the treatment of malaria, evaluation of plant extracts for antimalarial activity, modes of action of natural antimalarial agents, and recent research on antimalarial plants in Iran and other countries. There is an urgent need for the development of new treatments for malaria. Many countries have a vast precedence in the use of medicinal plants and the required knowledge spans many centuries. Although malaria is controlled in Iran, some researchers tend to study malaria and related subjects. In vitro biological tests for the detection of antimalarial activities in plant extracts are currently available. It is vital that the efficacy and safety of traditional medicines be validated and their active constituents be identified in order to establish reliable quality control measures

simple electrochemical method for the rapid estimation of antioxidant potentials of some selected medicinal plants

Clinical and Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers and other related disorders. These beneficial health effects have been attributed in part to the presence of antioxidants in dietary plants. Therefore screening for antioxidant properties of plant extracts has been one of the interests of scientists in this field. Different screening methods have been reported for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of plant extracts in the literature. In the present research a rapid screening method has been introduced based on cyclic voltammetry for antioxidant screening of some selected medicinal plant extracts. Cyclic Voltammetry of methanolic extracts of seven medicinal plants: Buxus hyrcana, Rumex crispus, Achillea millefolium, Zataria multiflora, Ginkgo biloba, Lippia citriodora and Heptaptera anisoptera was carried out at different scan rates. Based on the interpretation of voltammograms, Rumex crispus, Achillea millefolium and Ginkgo biloba showed higher antioxidant capability than the others while Lippia citriodora contained the highest amount of antioxidants. Cyclic voltammetry is expected to be a simple method for screening antioxidants and estimating the antioxidant activity of foods and medicinal plants

Introduction of medicinal plants species with the most traditional usage in alamut region

The ethnobotany of the medicinal plants of Alamut region is important in understanding the cultures and traditions of Alamut people. This study documents 16 medicinal plant species, most commonly used by the indigenous people of Alamut region [Ghazvin Province], northwest, Iran. The botanical name, family name, vernacular name, part used, and the application of the plants have been provided in this paper. Alamut region was divided into different villages with the aid of maps. We recorded traditional knowledge and use of medicinal plants from herbal practitioners and village seniors in Alamut. The plants were gathered from different sites. The fully dried specimens were then mounted on herbarium sheets. We found 16 medicinal plants belonging to 11 families which were traditionally used in Alamut. Finally, we describe traditional usages by the native people in the Alamut region. The obtained results were compared with data on the herb's clinical effects. A set of voucher specimens were deposited to the Institute of Medicinal Plants Herbarium [IMPH]

Effects of licorice on relief and recurrence of menopausal hot flashes

Vasomotor hot flash is the most common and distressful complication of menopausal women. Its treatment is the most frequent clinical challenge. As a result, an effective and harmless therapy is needed. This double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of licorice roots on the relief and recurrence of hot flash in menopausal women referring to the healthcare centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti Medical University in 2010. Ninety menopausal women complaining of hot flash were selected by reviewing their records in healthcare centers and randomly divided into 2 licorices [3 capsules daily containing 330 mg licorice abstract] and placebo [3 capsules daily containing 330 mg starch] groups over the 8 weeks of intervention and 4 weeks of follow-up. Two weeks prior to the intervention, the severity as well as frequency of hot flashes and the foods taken were asked and documented with questionnaires and data sheets. Data within and between the groups were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measurements and t-test respectively. Means of age and body mass index [BMI] of the subjects in licorice and placebo groups were 53 +/- 3.2, 52.69 +/- 2.8, 24.71 +/- 3.2 and 23.61 +/- 3.3, respectively. The groups were similar in terms of intervening variables. The frequency of hot flash decreased significantly in the experimental [than the placebo group] and this lasted for 2 weeks after the administration of the capsules. The severity of hot flash decreased in the licorice group as well. This decrease was also seen in the placebo group in the first week of the intervention. Decreased hot flash in the placebo group was only significant after the 1[st] week of intervention compared to the previous period. Recurrence of frequency and severity of hot flashes occurred 2 weeks after the termination of therapy. The significant decrease in the placebo group after the 1st week of the intervention may be attributed to the psychological effects of placebo. Licorice roots decreased the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The administration of this harmless, inexpensive herb well accepted by the menopausal women together with the appropriate and continuous physical activities and consumption of dairy products are recommended for relieving this complication

preliminary investigation of the jack-bean urease inhibition by randomly selected traditionally used herbal medicine

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection leads to different clinical and pathological outcomes in humans, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric neoplasia and even gastric cancer and its eradiation dependst upon multi-drug therapy. The most effective therapy is still unknown and prompts people to make great efforts to find better and more modern natural or synthetic anti-H. pylori agents. In this report 21 randomly selected herbal methanolic extracts were evaluated for their effect on inhibition of Jack-bean urease using the indophenol method as described by Weatherburn. The inhibition potency was measured by UV spectroscopy technique at 630 nm which attributes to released ammonium. Among these extracts, five showed potent inhibitory activities with IC[50] ranges of 18-35 microg/ mL. These plants are Matricaria disciforme [IC[50]:35 microg/mL], Nasturtium officinale [IC[50]:18 microg/mL], Punica granatum [IC[50]:30 microg/mL], Camelia sinensis [IC[50]:35 microg/mL], Citrus aurantifolia [IC[50]:28 microg/mL]