Major and minor criteria for gastric dystemperaments in Persian Medicine: Sari gastric dystemperament criteria-I (SGDC-I)

<div class="msocomtxt" id="com1" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('com1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('anchor1','com1')">Background: Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era. Methods: This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City. Results: Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament. Conclusion: Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools. &#160

Explanation of Movement and Stasis of Body Fluids in Traditional Persian Medicine

Background and Objectives: One of the most commonly used concepts of Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) is movement and stasis of the body fluids, which has not yet been independently studied. In this article, ITM contents have been re-studied on this concept, and according to the dispersion of the content, classification and its therapeutic benefits have been mentioned.   Methods: In this library research study, the contents related to “movement and stasis of the body fluids” have been collected from ITM textbooks and recent academic papers.   Results: In the traditional medicine references, movement and stasis of the body fluids has been discussed in a scattered manner under most of the topics and headlines of ITM. Seasonal changes, foods, medications, and severe physical and mental changes can be mentioned as important factors in movement and stasis of the body fluids. In existing literatures, some signs have been noted, which help to understand the movement or stasis of fluids or specific humor. On the other hands, movement or stasis of the fluids, which the most important of them are the four humors, can lead to physiological or pathological outcomes.   Conclusion: The aforementioned issue is one of the most widely used concepts in ITM, which has not been scarcely discussed. Understanding the etiology of body fluids movement and stasis, its sign/symptoms, results, and complications, not only help to identify the causes of a large number of diseases, but also can help to maintain health and prevention of diseases. Moreover, this issue can be effectively and actively used in the treatment and control of treatment side effects

Abzan, a Simple and Effective Method for Prevention and Treatment of Diseases from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine

Background and Objectives: Hydrotherapy has a history of several thousand years. Abzan (Sitz Bath), is a simple device for preventing and treatment of diseases and using hot water has a long history in the treatment of diseases. Due to the lack of specific literature on Abzan therapy, in this study, the explanation of this method was investigated in the context of Iranian traditional medicine and new scientific research.   Methods: A literature search was performed for Abzan and similar words and synonyms in the comprehensive traditional medicine library of the Noor research center, as well as in the PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and other Persian journals. Ultimately, information classification and final edition, were carried out.   Results: Abzan is specifically referred to a human-sized container filled with hot water. But, in the Iranian medicine, it is referred to placing the body or parts of the body inside the container exposed to air or fluids with different temperatures for therapeutic purposes. The main role of wet Abzan is moisture update, which is most widely used in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with domination of the dry temperament. Hot Abzan (wet or dry), due to its effective role in stimulation of instinct heat and strengthening the body, can be considered alone, as one of the appropriate remedies. The degree of warmth and the duration of stay in Abzan are among the main points affecting treatment outcome.   Conclusion: Moisture update, relief and strengthening are three of the main functions of Abzan. Additionally, it used as a means of combining herbal medicines to treat diseases

Oxymel: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies

Background: Oxymel is a functional beverage with a rich historical background of use in multiple societies. Various simple and compound oxymels are prescribed in certain complementary and traditional medical systems, including traditional Persian Medicine. In recent years, numerous clinical and preclinical studies have been conducted in the pharmacy and food industry to investigate the efficacy of various oxymel formulations. This article aims to systematically review and summarize interventional studies on oxymel in both clinical research and animal models. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to July 2023 using the keyword “Oxymel” and its equivalents in other languages. Animal and human interventional studies were selected from the search results for review. Results: This review includes twenty studies, comprising twelve clinical trials, two case studies, and six animal studies. The most commonly reported actions of oxymel include positive effects on the cardiovascular system, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, compound oxymel formulations have demonstrated additional benefits depending on the inclusion of specific medicinal herbs. Conclusion: Based on our findings, oxymel appears to be a valuable functional food for healthy individuals and a potentially effective and safe treatment option for managing certain diseases such as asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to fully elucidate the potential side effects and benefits of both simple and compound oxymels in various disease states

Dietary Modifications in Critically-Ill Patients: A Comparison of Persian Medicine and Conventional Medicine Perspectives

In Persian Medicine (PM) literature, a crisis is the culmination of the body’s response to illness, which necessitates fundamental dietary modification to improve prognosis. In this narrative review, authentic PM textbooks as well as articles on diets for critically-ill patients (CIPs) obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed, and after gathering data, they were classified, coded, analyzed, and compared. In the acute phase, both PM and conventional medicine agree on relative food restriction, but PM lays a special focus on the use of meat in cases of weakness. There are both similarities and differences between PM and conventional medicine regarding nutritional recommendations in critical illness. For example, recommendations for food restriction and protein intake are similar in both schools, but recommendations for carbohydrate intake are different. The variables addressed and emphasized in PM require further evaluation in clinical trials