Comparing the effect of Golghand and Psyllium on constipation among the elderly: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Constipation is a common problem among the elderly which would decrease their quality of life. One of the solutions for improving this problem is using medicinal plants

Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the effect of Golghand and Psyllium on constipation among the elderly

Methods: In this clinical trial, 70 older adults with constipation were selected and randomly allocated into two groups on Golghand and Psyllium. The Golghand group, consumed one tablespoon of Golghand potion three times a day half an hour after meals. The Psyllium group consumed a sachet of Psyllium powder with a glass of water three times a day after meals. The intervention lasted for two weeks. Data gathering tools were demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist about bowel habits. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18

Results: According to the results, there was a significant difference between the mean numbers of defecation in each group before and after the intervention [paired t-test, P < 0.05]; but in comparison between the two groups mean number of defecation was significantly higher in the Psyllium group [independent t-test, P < 0.001]. The mean numbers of vomiting in each group had no significant difference before and after the intervention [paired t-test, P > 0.05]

Conclusions: Results of the present study showed that both medications could be used as supplementary non-medicinal methods for treating constipation among the elderly

Relation between body humors and hypercholesterolemia: an iranian traditional medicine perspective based on the teaching of Avicenna

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. One of the important risk factors of cardiovascular disease is hyperlipidemia especially high levels of serum cholesterol. Due to the importance of hypercholesterolemia, being a serious condition, various treatments are used to control it, regardless of the cause, most of treatments, focused on reducing the level of serum lipids. This study aims to determine various view points for hypercholesterolemia in Iranian traditional medicine. We used several Iranian traditional medicine resources and literatures; then based on these texts; a pilot study was designed to assess their effects in 10 patients with high plasma cholesterol. The sign and symptoms in main digestive organs [Stomach and liver] were also evaluated. Some patients showed hepatic temperament but all patients had gastric temperament. With reference to Iranian traditional medical texts and literatures, the organs involved in the process of digestion, particularly the stomach and the liver play the most important role. Yet the proper function of stomach as the first step involved in the digestion chain should be emphasized