مجله طب سنتی اسلام و ایران
سال دهم شماره 4 (پیاپی 40، زمستان 1398)

Despite different treatments in recent years, prevalence of depression has become a serious concern in the field of mental health. According to the definitions of depression signs in psychological references, it seems that these parameters are close to some types of heart dysfunction in Traditional Persian Medicine. So, getting more familiar with heart function from the viewpoint of Avicenna could be the beginning of understanding the relationship between heart and depression and help prevent this disease.

 This review study was conducted to investigate the relationship between heart function and depression based on Ibn Sina’s viewpoint from his book "Canon of medicine". Related literatures in modern medicine were also searched using PubMed / MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

Linking the cardiac function and susceptibility to depressive disorder, strategies to improve heart function and improve its function were presented in this study as preventive health measures for reducing the incidence of depression.

Cardiotonic strategies can be effective in the prevention and treatment of depression.

The various stages of embryonic development have been unknown as a mystery for centuries. The views and findings of Persian medicine scholars have been such brilliant that even today, they are still remarkable and can be inspiring sources for research; notwithstanding the remarkable advances in modern embryology. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of examining the stages of embryonic development from the perspective of Persian medicine scientists (during 3rd-14th centuries AH) and modern embryology.

 It was a summative qualitative content analysis research with a focus on important books of Persian medicine using the keywords of Persian medicine, embryo, and embryonic development. Also, for searching the new findings, these keywords in Latin and Arabic were searched in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Noormags data bases. All findings were coded, categorized, compared, and finalized in this paper.

In Persian medicine literature, the stages of embryonic development are divided into seven periods: first seed: water period or germ; a second referral: its morals; third assignment: leech; fourth assignment: chewed; fifth assignment: male and female; sixth referral: complete creation of fetus organs, seventh referral: spirit blowing. This categorization which is based on the basic concepts of Persian medicine is not inconsistent with the zygotic, embryonic and fetal stages in modern embryology.

Considering the holistic nature of complementary medicine and the accuracy of Persian medicine scientists, it is possible to conduct more in-depth studies. It may provide new theories about the quantity and quality of embryonic developmental stages.

In addition to breastfeeding, weaning is an important phase in the life of mother and child. Negligence during this stage could result in profound negative effects on the physical and mental health of the child and even the mother.

 This was a descriptive review study. The content related to the infant weaning in the viewpoint of traditional Persian medicine manuscripts was studied. For this purpose, 7 books from the most prestigious sources of Persian medicine including Exir Azam, The Canon of Medicine, Kholase al Hekma, Mofarah al-Gholoob, Kamel al-Sanaah al-Tibbiyah, Al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, and Zakhire Kharazmshahi were selected. Searching the traditional medicine sources was conducted using the keywords: breast, sodae, morzaeh, and breast milk. Moreover, the keywords of Milk Production, Lactation, Weaning, and Breastfeeding in both Persian and English languages were searched in the scientific databases including Google Scholar, Pubmed, and SID. The content related to the lactation and howness of weaning was extracted and summarized.

In ancient medical texts of Iran, the weaning of the baby from mother has been reported. It was believed that the best duration for breastfeeding is about one year and nine months to two years of age. The best season for weaning is spring and then autumn. Weaning is not recommended during summer. Also, it should be noted that the child should not become dehydrated during the weaning. Accordingly, it is advisable to consume sufficient fluids including cucumber juice, buttermilk, and purslane extract as well as local application of henna on the palm and head as for the preventive of dehydration.

Studying traditional Persian medicine texts and using their recommendations (after updating them in the light of current methodologies) may help us for better management of the weaning process with the least physical and psychological consequences. These recommendations are harmless and specialized for each individual considering the seasons with their appropriate diet.

Dyspepsia is a common complaint. Many reasons can cause dyspepsia such as gastrointestinal disorders or drugs. Almost always, the disease is called Functional Dyspepsia (FD) in modern medicine, because no structural or organic disorder accompany with it. This study was designed to investigate pathophysiological reasons of dyspepsia in Persian Medicine.

 This study was done by searching and evaluating valid books of 10th to 18th centuries. At first, chapters and paragraphs about dyspepsia were reviewed. Then, comparing Persian medicine content with modern medicine literature was done. Keywords of digestion and indigestion were used to search the chapters.

Causes of dyspepsia in Persian medicine are classified into internal and external causes which are in concordance with modern medicine classification. Delayed gastric motility, accelerating, impulsive and vibratory forms are pathophysiological types of dyspepsia in Persian medicine.

All dyspepsia causes mentioned in Persian medicine books are also confirmed by findings of modern medicine. This indicates the vast knowledge and the comprehensive consideration devoted to all aspects of human health by Persian medicine practitioners. Persian medicine considers organic, dietary, and psychological reasons as causes for dyspepsia

Persian Medicine, based on its own philosophy and principles, is a set of theoretical and practical sciences that have been used by Iranian scholars in different ages to maintain health and prevent and cure the diseases. Iranians have had a significant impact on the evolution of ancient medicine compared to other medical schools. So much has been added to this knowledge by the Iranian physicians by obtaining medical knowledge from the Oriental and Western scholars. Many articles have been written about Iranian theoretical and practical medicine so far. But, Persian medicine is not in the position of a known "school" such as Greek, Chinese, and Indian schools of medicine. It seems that Persian medicine has been a successor to other medical civilizations; however, no satisfactory definition of the school of Persian medicine and its characteristics has been provided so far.

 This research has introduced and identified the most important features of the School of Persian Medicine. Its aim is to study the characteristics of Persian medicine as a medical school.

Persian medicine is one of the influential schools of medical knowledge. With its independent elements, it has had a high position in flourishing of science in the ancient world. According to historical evidence, medicine has been transferred from Iran to Greece. Based on the common characteristics of different scientific schools, the most important elements of Persian medicine are philosophical background, medical education, scientific clinical method, pioneers, and medical works.

Considering the results of this research which had a descriptive-analytical approach, it can be said that Persian medicine has the characteristics of an independent medical school.

The use of herbs to treat disease has been synonymous with the human history. Olives are one of the oldest plants in the Mediterranean region, especially in the Middle East. The most important properties of olives are prevention of heart disease, reduction of joint pain, and prevention of osteoporosis. The use of olives is recommended in Islam and is mentioned 7 times in the Qurchr('39')an. The aim of this study was to record the indigenous knowledge of the local people of Jobon village in Rudbar city of Gilan province regarding the usage, interest, and knowledge of the olive plant.

The cross-sectional-analytical research method was applied in this study. The main research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with 10 general items and 9 specialized items. Its content validity was confirmed with the opinion of experts in addition to the reliability with Cronbachchr('39')s alpha test of 0.933. The sample size was calculated using Cochranchr('39')s formula as 305 people. They were randomly distributed in different neighborhoods of Jobon village in 2019. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.

Based on the results, people are aware of the therapeutic effects of olives and their products as well as its nutritional and health uses. They use its fruit, oil, and soap for treatment and its various products as food. Women and people over the age of 65 were considered as the most influential groups of people. The regionchr('39')s most widely application of olive oil was for relieving joint pain, severe constipation, expelling gallstones and preventing heart problems. Its decoction is also used to lower blood sugar.

In conclusion, the people of Jobon village have a rich knowledge about the use of olives which is consistent with its proven applications in modern medicine. This awareness has been existed in the region for generations which is a part of the regionchr('39')s national capital and cultural heritage.