Background:Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is used both as a spice and a medicinal herb. While numerous studies investigated its therapeutic effects, this scoping review aimed to explore the reported adverse effects associated with fenugreek consumption in humans. Methods:A systematic search of several scientific databases was conducted, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed/PMC-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Science Direct, from January 1990 to September 2024. The search utilized keywords such as "Fenugreek", "Adverse Effects", "Clinical Trial", and "Case Report", or "Case Series". References of retrieved articles were also screened. Results:The review included 60 articles. Of these, 14 clinical trials reported adverse effects, 23 reported none, and 13 did not provide information on adverse effects. Additionally, 10 case reports or case series (reported in eight articles) detailed allergic reactions or hypersensitivity signs and symptoms. The most common adverse effect was mild gastrointestinal discomfort following oral consumption. Other reported effects included hypoglycemia, potential hypokalemia, allergic reactions, a maple syrup odor in the urine, sweat, or skin of infants and mothers, and interactions with certain medications. Conclusion:Fenugreek is generally considered safe, with most reported side effects being mild and self-limiting. No fatalities have been attributed to its use. This evidence might be valuable for both the general public and healthcare professionals.

IntroductionInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), presents complex challenges in management due to dysregulated immune responses and genetic predispositions. This study explored the potential of curcumin as an adjunctive therapy in IBD, assessing its efficacy and safety through a systematic review of clinical trials to enhance treatment strategies and outcomes.MethodsTo identify placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials on curcumin treatment in IBD, databases such as Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar were searched till May 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on RCTs comparing curcumin with placebo in IBD patients, with data extraction and analysis conducted using established methodologies and tools for comprehensive synthesis and assessment of study findings.ResultsIn this meta-analysis, 13 placebo-controlled RCTs on curcumin treatment in IBD were included after screening 362 records and conducting a full-text review. Most trials focused on UC patients and were published post-2010, utilizing oral curcumin with varying dosages and durations. The analysis showed curcumin’s significant efficacy in achieving clinical remission and response in UC patients, with heterogeneity observed. Adverse events and withdrawal rates did not significantly differ between curcumin and placebo groups. In CD patients, curcumin did not show superiority over placebo for clinical and endoscopic remission.ConclusionThe findings highlight curcumin’s potential as a treatment for UC but indicate inconclusive results for CD, emphasizing the need for further research. The multifaceted mechanisms of curcumin’s efficacy in IBD involve anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, microbiota modulatory, and immune-regulating properties. Further research is warranted to enhance understanding and treatment efficacy.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024567247.

In der noch jungen Geschichte der Ohrakupunktur (Aurikulotherapie), die in den 1950er-Jahren mit der Ohrkartografie von Dr. Nogier ihren Anfang nahm, sind verschiedene Ohrakupunkturprotokolle entstanden. In den USA wurden das NADA-Protokoll (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) und die BFA (Battlefield Acupuncture) entwickelt. Neben diesen internationalen Entwicklungen gibt es auch deutsche Entwicklungen wie die Balancierte Ohrakupunktur nach Seeber® (Yase-Institut, Lehrinstitut für Ohrakupunktur, Oldenburg, Leitung: Jan Seebe). Für die jeweiligen Protokolle werden unterschiedliche Einsatzgebiete mit verschiedenen Stärken und Schwächen beschrieben. Nach mehr als 10 Jahren klinischer Anwendung und Erfahrung dieser Protokolle in der Abteilung für Naturheilkunde und Integrative Medizin, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, einem akademischen Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Deutschland, haben wir eine neue Methode namens RAVA, Regulative und vitalisierende (Ohr‑)Akupunktur, entwickelt. RAVA kombiniert die 3 Basispunkte zur Regulation des dreifachen Erwärmers (3E) mit 2 individuellen Ohrakupunkturpunkten. Durch die ursächliche Therapie des 3E (d. h. die Wirkung auf den Qi-Fluss und die Organfunktion) und den symptomatischen Ansatz verfügt die RAVA-Methode über ein breites, vielseitig einsetzbares, aber im Einzelfall hochgradig individualisierbares Wirkspektrum.

Introduction Fatigue is a common issue affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds, often leading to a decrease in overall health. Numerous foods, including medicinal plants, possess properties that help combat fatigue through two main mechanisms: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to explore the knowledge and potential of herbal medicines originated from Persian medicine (PM) in relieving fatigue. Methods This systematic review used a thorough search strategy, examining various historical Persian Medicine textbooks and electronic databases in both Persian and English. Herbal remedies that met the inclusion criteria were considered, particularly those exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Data from selected studies were extracted and thematically synthesized. Results A total of 49 herbal medicines were identified from Persian Medicine, showcasing varying temperaments. Among 44 articles meeting inclusion criteria, clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of several herbs, including Acacia arabica, Brassica rapa, Camellia sinensis, and Coffea arabica, in alleviating fatigue in humans. Additionally, Areca catechu and Phoenix dactylifera were effective in animal studies. The included articles assessed the methods and mechanisms of action for all herbal preparations, illuminating their anti-fatigue properties and the quality of supporting evidence. Conclusions Various herbs showed potential anti-fatigue properties in humans and animals, emphasizing the role of traditional modalities like PM. While further research is essential to validate and understand these effects, the identified herbs show potential for providing relief from fatigue.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CIF) is a common and debilitating side effect in cancer patients, particularly those with gastrointestinal cancers. This study explores the potential of Ma-ol-asal, a traditional Persian herbal syrup, as a holistic, supportive approach to alleviate CIF's physical and psychological burdens. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 120 gastrointestinal cancer patients with fatigue, randomly assigned to receive 10 mL of Ma-ol-asal (compound honey syrup) or placebo thrice daily for four weeks. Fatigue was assessed with validated scales at baseline and post-intervention once, with data analyzed to evaluate efficacy. Results: After withdrawals, 42 patients per group remained. No significant demographic or lab differences were observed. Both groups had comparable scores post-treatment across all measures, with no significant differences. Adverse events, mainly nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, were similar. Perception of benefit varied between groups. Conclusion: Our study shows Ma-ol-asal syrup isn't superior to placebo for chemotherapy-induced fatigue, highlighting significant placebo effects. This emphasizes the need to understand harnessing placebo responses to improve symptom management safely.

Ramadan fasting has seen increased attention in research, often with inconsistent findings. This study aims to investigate whether dietary and lifestyle modifications during Ramadan can improve well-being and health in healthy adult Muslims. A randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Essen, Germany, in 2016. Healthy adult Muslims (n = 114) aged 18–60 years were randomised to a modified fasting group; i.e., they received educational material prompting dietary and lifestyle modifications pre-Ramadan, and a control group who undertook Ramadan fasting as usual. Primary outcome was quality of life (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Secondary outcomes included sleep quality, spirituality, and mindfulness (all self-report), body weight, body mass index, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure, and heart rate, as well as blood serum biomarkers. Safety was examined via adverse events. The modified fasting group reported significantly higher quality of life (WHO-5) compared to the control after Ramadan (MD 5.9; 95 ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT02775175).

Introduction: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common side effect among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. There is no standard treatment for this symptom yet, although Persian medicine textbooks suggested some products to relieve xerostomia. We aimed to assess the efficacy of honey-lime spray in treating chemotherapy-induced xerostomia in breast cancer patients through a controlled study. Methods: In this pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial conducted in Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Iran, the intervention group received honey-lime spray and nystatin, while the control group used distilled water plus nystatin for 2 weeks. The six-item dry mouth form and visual analog score (VAS) were used to evaluate xerostomia extent and pain, respectively. Results: The standardized value of the difference between the mean scores before and after the study was −10.21 (p < 0.001), and the effect size was estimated at 55%. Also, VAS showed a significant decrease in pain for the intervention group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). There were no serious side effects. Conclusion: Honey-lime spray may be a good treatment choice for xerostomia in chemotherapy-induced breast cancer patients, but robust trials with larger samples and prolonged follow-ups are highly recommended.

Introduction: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common side effect among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. There is no standard treatment for this symptom yet, although Persian medicine textbooks suggested some products to relieve xerostomia. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Honey-lime spray in treating chemotherapy-induced xerostomia in breast cancer patients through a controlled study. Methods: In this pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial conducted in Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Iran, the intervention group received Honey-lime spray and nystatin, while the control group used distilled water plus nystatin for two weeks. The six-item dry mouth form and visual analog score (VAS) were used to evaluate xerostomia extent and pain, respectively. Results: The standardized value of the difference between the mean scores before and after the study was -10.21 (P<0.001), and the effect size was estimated at 55%. Also, VAS showed a significant decrease in pain for the intervention group compared with the control group (P<0.001). There were no serious side effects. Conclusion: Honey-lime spray may be a good treatment choice for xerostomia in chemotherapy-induced breast cancer patients, but robust trials with larger samples and prolonged follow-ups are highly recommended.

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical practice, which has at its heart a subcontinent filled with diverse customs and ethos. Since ancient times, as considered in the Vedas, fasting has been considered to aid a man’s spiritual life as a means of purification. The body and mind constitute the substrata of diseases, and the imbalance of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, somatic Doshas, and Rajas and Tamas (mental doshas) results in various diseases. Derangement of metabolism (Agni) is a major cause of the imbalance in the abovementioned doshas. In Ayurveda, Agni refers to the complete process of metabolic activities, both at the levels of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the tissues. Digestion, metabolism, and assimilation, that is, the entire process of biological conversion and utilisation, is symbolised by ‘Agni’. The concept of channels and microchannels (srotus) plays a major role in metabolic processes as particles are transported for various bodily functions through these channels. : The concept of metabolic toxins (Ama) is very relevant in modern times, particularly in the treatment of many diseases including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, adiposity, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, oedema, migraine, chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout syndrome, various skin diseases and psychiatric and psychosomatic diseases that occur due to weak digestion and tissue metabolism. The vitiated doshas in the body, particularly in the stomach, reduce the intensity of or impair digestive activity to cause digestive impairment and the production of metabolic toxins. They together block the channels in the body which result in various diseases. Fasting is the absence of food in the viscera or ensuring a controlled food intake and aids the digestion of metabolic toxins, kindles digestive enzymes, activates tissue metabolism, and removes the blockage in the channels.

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.

Background: Mizaj is a fundamental concept in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) that explains the physiological and psychological traits of human beings. This study aimed to investigate the association between the ABO/Rh blood groups and the Mizaj.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 18-60 years old individuals who visited the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Shiraz Branch. We used Mojahedi’s Mizaj questionnaire to determine the Mizaj of the participants. The participants’ blood group and Rh were determined based on the antibodies against types A, B, and Rh antigens of their blood. Results: We assessed 308 individuals consisting of 174 (56.49%) male and 134 (43.51%) female. The results of our study showed a significant relationship between the AB blood group and the cold Mizaj in both simple and compound Mizaj categories (P=0.012, P=0.014, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the AB blood group were 2.88 times more likely to have cold Mizaj than people with the O blood group (OR=2.88, 95% CI: 1.16 to 7.15). In addition, those with the A blood group were found to be 54% less likely to have a dry Mizaj than those with the O blood group (OR=0.46, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.92). There was no significant association between the participants’ Mizaj and their Rh blood group (P>0.05).Conclusion: It seems that there was a significant relation between the AB blood group and cold Mizaj, as well as the A blood group and dry Mizaj. However, further studies are recommended with controlling the probable confounding factors.