Comparison of the effect of dry cupping therapy and acupressure at Bl23 point on intensity of postpartum perineal pain based on the short form of McGill pain questionnaire

Background: Perineal pain is a major morbidity in the first few days after delivery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dry cupping therapy and acupressure at BL23 point on the intensity of postpartum perineal pain based on the short-form of McGill pain questionnaire [SMPQ]

Methods: The present clinical trial was conducted on 150 subjects in 3 groups of 50 cases. After at least 4-8 hr of delivery, cupping therapy was performed for 15-20 min up to 3 times a week [once a day] and acupressure was performed for 15-20 min based on clockwise model. The short-form of McGill pain questionnaire was completed both before and after the intervention. The SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data using repeated measures ANOVA. Besides, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results: In the cupping therapy group, mean of the perineal pain intensity reduced from 37.5 +/- 6.8 before the intervention to 11.1 +/- 6.1, 6.9 +/- 4.7, and 3.8 +/- 3.6 immediately, 24 hr, and 2 weeks after the intervention, respectively. The results of study showed that the differences between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant [p<0.01]. Mean difference of the perineal pain intensity in the acupressure group reached from 35.6 +/- 8.1 before the intervention to 10.4 +/- 5.5 two weeks after the intervention, so the variation between intervention and control groups was statistically significant

Conclusion: The study findings showed that cupping therapy and acupressure reduced perineal pain. Therefore, they may be considered as effective treatments for reducing pain intensity of allowing delivery

Renovation of a traditional Ergh-al-Nassa pill [Hab] to a standard Pharmaceutical molded tablet

The Ergh-al-Nassa pill [Hab] is a traditional combination suggested as one of the most effective preparations useful for treatment of sciatica. Although traditional preparations can be applied as new therapeutic drugs for investigations and clinical trials, they need to be reformulated to achieve pharmacopoeial standards for modern medicine. In this research, based on seven traditional Persian pharmacopeias for Ergh-al-NassaHab, nine different molded tablets were reformulated. Each formulation comprised the same amount of colchicum, ginger, aloe and yellow myrobalan fruit. Sweet almond oil had to be added in the maximum amount needed to be absorbed by the yellow myrobalan fruit according to its particle size [30-40 mesh sizes]. The studies were performed in order to optimize the formulation process according to the role of three levels in particle size of the herbal ingredients [60-70, 80-100, 100-150 mesh sizes] and three levels of initial water for granulation. The molded tablets were evaluated according to standard quality controls for tablets [mass uniformity, LOD, hardness, friability, and disintegration time at 20 and 30 min]. Myrobalan powdered to 30-40 mesh size absorbed the maximum amount of sweet almond oil [1:0.75 w/v]. The best formulations occurred when the particle size of colchicum, ginger, and aloe was 60-70 mesh size with an initial moisture content of 0.47 ml per 1g of dried powder. The outcome of this research is a pharmaceutical standardized formulation from the traditional Ergh-al- Nassa pill which can be suggested as a sample drug discovery based on traditional knowledge

[Comparison of the effect of dry cupping therapy and acupressure at bl23 point on the primiparous women's intensity of postpartum perineal pain: a randomized clinical trial]

Postpartum Perineal Pain [PPP] is one of the most common problems within the puerperium period particularly among the primiparous women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dry cupping therapy and acupressure on acupoint BL23 on postpartum perineal pain severity among the primiparous subjects referring tothe selected educational center affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. This clinical trial was conducted on 150 cases in 2012. Cupping therapy was done every other day consecutively 4 times taking 15-20 minutes. Besides, acupressure was applied according to the circular model for 20 minutes. Both interventions were performed max. 8 hours after labor. The patients filled out the VAS questionnaire. Then, the data were analyzed using Chi-square tests.The significance level was considered p<0.05. In the cupping group, the mean difference of postpartum perineal pain intensity reached from 9.0 +/- 1.4 before the intervention to 4.8 +/- 1.6, 2.4 +/- 1.6, and 1.3 +/- 1.2 immediately, 24 hours, and 2 weeks after the intervention, respectively and the results of repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between the three follow-up periods [p<0.05]. On the other hand, this measure reached from 8.5 +/- 1.8 before the intervention to 6.6 +/- 1.6, 4.6 +/- 1.8, and 3.1 +/- 1.4 immediately, 24 hours, and 2 weeks after the intervention, respectively in the acupressure group, however, the reduction was not significant [p> 0.05]. The results of this study showed that the mentioned techniques led to pain relief. Therefore, given the significant reduction in pain in cupping therapy group, this intervention can be applied as an effective treatment for reducing perineal pain

Essential oil composition and bioinformatic analysis of Spanish broom [Spartium junceum L.]

The essential oil, isolated by hydrodistillation from fresh flowers of Spartium junceum L. collected from medicinal plant garden in Shiraz faculty of pharmacy, near Shiraz, Fars, Iran, was investigated by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry [GC/MS] method. The GC/MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 30 constituents, of which Linalool [26.18%], Tetradecanoic acid [22.83%], Camphor [13.50%], and Dodecanoic acid [13.09%] were the major, constituting altogether almost 75.60% of total composition. This is the first report of linalool as a major compound in S. junceum oil composition. For studying of 18S rRNA gene, genomic DNA content was extracted and PCR procedure was done. Sequence similarity searches were done using NCBI database and CLC sequence viewer software. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced genes in NCBI showed 98 % similarity to the 18S small subunit rRNA of Pisum sativum [Fabaceae] and Phaseoleae environmental samples of Elev and Amb clones. The phylogenetic relationships among 71 previously reported sequences of ribosomal encoding genes from plants and this novel sequence was investigated too

Natural remedies in the Canon of Medicine for dentistry and oral biology

Ibn Sina is one of the most well know scholars in middle ages. This Persian physician wrote different books in medical filed which his great encyclopedia remained as one the most successful medical encyclopedia during the history. Ibn Sina discussed diseases of oral cavity and dentistry in the 3rd book of The Canon of medicine. He discussed different conditions such as different types of trauma to the motor nerves, taste sensation, different limitations of tongue movements, Ranula, halitosis, tooth sensation, different types of tooth pain, Bruxism, attrition, loss of enamel, gingival bleeding, recession and hyperplasia. For management of these diseases he introduced more than 80 herbal remedies. Most of this plant species are from essential oil reach families. Generally, Ibn Sina has a deep view in case of dental diseases and his ideas and methods for treatment of this category of disease could be studied for finding new treatment in dental ailments

Pharmacy or PharmaNBIC: Thinking about 50 years ahead of pharmacy today+

The contemporary trends and concepts in pharmacy are widely affected by the emergence of Nano-, Bio- or Info- technologies [NBI] as an attempt to develop different principles of medicine. This commentary is trying to make a think tank room for 50 years ahead of today's pharmacy, where the ambience of pharmacy will be affected by such technologies together with cognition [NBIC] to achieve intelligent, low adverse reaction and holistic action medicals

Myrrh a traditional medicine or a multipurpose pharmaceutical excipient

A drug dosage form contains excipients as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Formerly, excipients were considered inert components that were used by a formulator to provide the suitable volume, weight and consistency of a dosage form. Today, however, excipients are expected to perform multifunctional roles such as enhancing physical, chemical and microbial stabilities of the dosage form, improving the color or odor of the formulation, and influencing the release and bioavailability of the active ingredient. Among various excipients, natural ones seem to be more beneficial to use, since they are economical, safe, biodegradable, and biocompatible. In this article, myrrh oleo-gum-resin is introduced as a potential natural multipurpose excipient that can perform many useful roles in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Scopus and Google scholar electronic databases were searched to find different properties of myrrh as an excipient. Moreover, ten famous traditional Iranian medicine books were studied to find semisolid formulations named Sabgh, which contained myrrh. One of these formulations was prepared, and its physical and microbiological stabilities were assessed. The role of myrrh as an excipient in this formulation is discussed here. Antibacterial and preservative effects shown in the formulation were related to the essential oil of myrrh. The gum portion was found to be a potential surfactant. In addition, myrrh is a natural muco-adhesive and film forming material. These properties were observed for myrrh in the Sabgh formulation in this study as well. So we can conclude that myrrh could be a potential multipurpose excipient in pharmaceutical industries, which needs further research

Comparison of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract and sildenafil citrate on female orgasmic disorders: a randomized clinical trial

Orgasmic disorder can create a feeling of deprivation and failure and provide mental problems, incompatibility and marital discord. This study aimed to compare the effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower extract and sildenafil citrate on female orgasmic disorder in women in 2013. In this randomized clinical trial, 125 women between 18-40 years old who suffered from orgasmic disorder were divided into three E. angustifolia, sildenafil citrate and control groups. The data were gathered using Female Sexual Function Index and through measurement of TSH and prolactin. The first intervention group had to consume 4.5 gr E. angustifolia extract in two divided doses for 35 days and the second one had to use 50 mg sildenafil citrate tablets for 4 weeks one hour before their sexual relationship. However, the control group had to consume the placebo. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc test and p < 0.05 was considered significant. The frequency of orgasmic disorder before the intervention was 41.5%, 40.5%, and 57.1% in E. angustifolia, sildenafil citrate, and control groups, respectively [p=0.23]. However, these measures were respectively 29.3%, 16.7%, and 50% after the intervention [p=0.004]. A significant difference between the two groups regarding sexual satisfaction after the intervention [p=0.003] compared to the beginning of the study [p=0.356]. Besides, the highest reduction of changes after the intervention [58.82%] was observed in the sildenafil citrate group. Both E. angustifolia extract and sildenafil citrate were effective in reduction of the frequency of orgasmic disorder in women

short introduction to a 19th century Persian book on Pulsology: Naiier Azam

Islamic Golden Age, 9-12 century AD, was the period through which Persian scientists and physicians were most influential in improving medical sciences including cardiovascular knowledge. Although post-Islamic Golden Age witnessed a number of great Persian scholars moving cardiovascular concepts forward, they failed to become as well known as their predecessors. One of these scholars was Hakim Mohammad Azam Khan belonging to the 19th century. He authored many books on medical sciences. He wrote all the books in Persian. Some of his most famous works are Eksir Azam [The Greatest Elixir; a comprehensive medical encyclopedia]; Romouz Azam [The Greatest Secrets; a general book on medicine] and Qarabadin Azam [Pharmacopeia]. In addition, he had a valuable treatise on pulsology, named Naiier Azam. Naiier Azam, one of the important works on cardiology in Persian medicine, which includes three parts: one introduction and two teaching chapters [Taelim]

effect dry cupping therapy at acupoint BL23 on the intensity of postpartum low back pain in primiparous women based on two types of questionnaires, 2012; a randomized clinical trial

Continuous low back pain is obviously related to the symptoms of the pregnancy period. In spite of the spontaneous improvement of the pain in less than 6 months after the delivery, some women experience chronic problems. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of dry cupping therapy at the BL23 point on the intensity of low back pain in the primiparous using visual analogue scale and short-form McGill pain questionnaire. In the present clinical trial, 100 samples were randomly allocated randomly to either the cupping therapy or the control group. Cupping therapy was performed for 15-20 minutes every other day up to 4 consecutive times. Visual analogue scale and short-form McGill pain questionnaire were completed by the two groups before the intervention and immediately, 24 hours, and 2 weeks after that. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software [v. 16] and analyzed using chi-square test and repeated measures ANOVA. According to the visual analogue scale, the mean intensity of low back pain in the cupping therapy group decreased from 7.8+2.7 before the intervention to 3.7+1.8, 2.5+1.7, and 1.4+1.4 immediately, 24 hours, and 2 weeks after the intervention, respectively. Besides, these measures were respectively obtained as 31.8+10.8, 9.0+6.7, 7.5+6.6, and 3.6+4.1 in the short-form McGill pain questionnaire. According to repeated measures ANOVA, a significant difference was observed among the various stages of follow-up [P=0.01] The study results showed cupping therapy to be effective in sedation of pain. Thus, it can be used as an effective treatment for reducing the low back pain

Sphygmology of Ibn Sina, a message for future

Sphygmology is a 2000-year-old method that is still used in some traditional medicine systems, mainly Iranian, Chinese and Ayurveda. Ibn Sina is one of the most popular physicians in the history of Sphygmology, who had made great contributions to this method, but few meticulous studies have been made on his concepts. In this article, his standpoints on Pulsology are studied. Ibn Sina has mentioned 10 parameters for pulse palpation, and 13 compound pulses, as well. Besides, some pulse patterns applicable for differentiating similar diseases have been introduced. Nowadays some concepts on pulse patterns, such as pulse change in sleep and pregnancy have been studied; but unfortunately many of the ideas on Pulsology have not yet been examined. Sphygmology, as an accessible and inexpensive means, having a substantial diagnosis yield, has been accepted by the people since its rise, and its development over centuries ago. Although some new instruments have been innovated, which can measure different parameters of pulse, yet sphygmology can be one of the most commonly usable diagnostic methods in future, not only applicable by cardiologists but also by all the physicians.

Avicenna's concept of cardiovascular drug targeting in medicamenta cordialia

Avicenna [980 - 1037 AD] known as the prince of physicians in the west was one of the most prominent Persian thinkers, philosophers, and physicians. Owing to his interests in cardiology, he authored considerable works on different aspects of cardiology. "Resaley-e-Ragshenasi" [Book on Pulsology] and "Kitab al-Adviyt- ol-Qalbiye" [the book on drugs for cardiovascular diseases] are Avicenna's great dedication to the field of cardiology. In the field of drug therapy, an important concept which Avicenna touched on was the approach of drug achievement to the site of action in an easier and more efficient way. The mentioned concept is now recognized as "drug targeting" in current medicinal sciences and is an important challenge and field of research in pharmacy. Drug targeting has its starting point just a few decades ago. Whereas Avicenna considered the strategy 1000 year ago

Jamasp, an ancient Persian pharmacist

Although Iran has a deep history about 10000 years, its role in development of science in general and medicine in particular is yet to be known. There are several factors responsible for this, namely the destruction of a good number of ancient Persian manuscripts and books. Furthermore, lack of interest found among contemporary researchers seems to add to this anonymity. One way to compensate for this is to introduce scientific figures of the time. In this regard, Jamasp, as the great Persian scientist who lived about 500 BC, is introduced in this article. He was the minister of king Vishtasb and contemporary with Zoroaster. Though Jamasp is known as a great astronomer, physician, pharmacist, chemist and botanist by historians, he is a good candidate for the title "the father of Persian pharmacy"

[Physicians in ancient Persia]

Studying the history of science in ancient civilizations can help to shed light on the mysteries of the history of science as well as the contribution of nations to the growth of science in the world throughout the history. Among various branches of science, medicine is of particular importance and owing to the crucial role of physicians in this discipline; the present study has taken the role of physicians in ancient Persia [since the dawn of history to 637 AD] into account. To meet this end, the study has worked on the manuscripts remained from different historical era [Iranian and Non-Iranian] as well as the findings of the more recent research conducted on the history of Persian medicine. In the end, a sketch of the status of physicians in ancient Persia are presented: 1- Medicine in ancient Persian languages, 2- The status of medicine in ancient Persia, 3- Different kinds of physicians, 4- Persian physicians, 5- Non-Persian physicians in ancient Persia, and 6- Common medical rules and laws. The findings of the study depict the advanced medical system present in ancient Persia. It is also found that the high scientific and economic status of physicians and scientists in ancient Persia encouraged numerous non-Persian physicians to immigrate to Persia

Gout remedies in traditional Iranian medicine [TIM]

Practice and study of medicine in Iran has a long and prolific history. Iran has all characteristics of an indigenous culture which has so far discovered numerous natural products. Unfortunately, scant research has been conducted on this system of medicine and ethnopharmacology of Iran. Gout is a historical disease that is still widespread all around the world. As numerous remedies used to be administered for treating gout in TIM, we decided to investigate drugs used to target gout. To accomplish this, five of most important references of TIM form the 9th to the 18th century were investigated for gout remedies. For all herbal remedies, an extensive search of the scientific data banks, Medline and Scopus, was done to find recent possible results concerning the xanthine oxidase inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. One hundred and nine plant species, 31 animals, 14 minerals, and one mushroom were identified. Fourteen, twenty eight and three plant species have shown in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory, anti inflammatory and analgesic activities, respectively; also nine, forty and twenty two in vivo activities and two, seventeen and eight human studies were carried out for these three properties. Fifty-four drugs were cited in at least three references. TIM has the potential to be a very rewarding source of medical and medicinal knowledge. Then, a special focus should be put on drugs as well as the therapeutic method targeting the gout treatment. Owing to the limited attention so far paid to treating gout in TIM, it seems pertinent to conduct a systematic research on remedies which were used in TIM

Effect of elicitors on the enhancement of podophyllotoxin biosynthesis in suspension cultures of linum album

The possibility of enhancment accumulation of podophyllotoxin [PTOX] has been studied in cultures of cell suspension of Linum album Kotschy ex Boiss. [Linaceae] producing PTOX was studied. Attempts were made to manipulate the biosynthetic pathway of PTOX by some biotic [yeast extract] and abiotic [Ag[+], Pb[2+] and Cd[2+]] elicitors for 24 or 48 hr in Murashige and Skoog [MS] medium. Silver significantly enhanced PTOX production up to 0.24% [mg/g cell dry wt.] in cultures. This effect could be attributed to the inhibitory role of silver on production of ethylene