Ramin Nasimi Doost Azgomi

Background: Arctium lappa L. is a well-known medicinal herb recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. lappa root in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Methods: Arthritis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats through a single subcutaneous CFA injection into the right hind paws. After induction, the animals were orally administered A. lappa at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, or prednisolone (as a reference drug), for a duration of 30 days. Blood and ankle joint samples were collected for analysis. The anti-arthritic effects were assessed through nociceptive behavioral tests, paw edema, body weight measurements, serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and histopathological evaluations. Results: The A. lappa root extract significantly improved body weight and reduced thermal hyperalgesia, as well as decreased paw edema in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001). Furthermore, A. lappa reduced inflammatory cytokines and increased antioxidant defenses in the serum of all treated rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Histologically, A. lappa notably restored the ankle joint architecture compared to untreated arthritic rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggest that A. lappa has significant anti-arthritic potential by reducing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing serum antioxidant levels, which supports its traditional use in the management of joint diseases.

Numerous studies have investigated into the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of silymarin, as well as its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species and inflammation biomarkers. The effect of silymarin on inflammation and oxidative stress was investigated using the keywords “milk thistle” OR “Silybum marianum” OR “Silybum” OR “silymarin” OR “Silibinin” AND “MDA” OR “Malondialdehyde” OR “TAC” OR “total antioxidant capacity” OR “IL‐10” OR “Interleukin‐10” OR “IL‐6” OR “Interleukin‐6” OR “TNF‐α” OR “tumor necrosis factor alpha” on the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, up until March 2023. Data were combined using a random‐effects model, and the weighted/standardized mean differences (WMDs/SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the overall effect size. Our meta‐analysis indicated that silymarin supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: −3.39 mg/L, 95% CI: −5.99, −0.79, p = 0.01) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD: −1.69, 95% CI: −2.62, −0.76, p < 0.001). Furthermore, silymarin significantly increases IL‐10 (WMD: 2.03 pg/mL; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.01, p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.42, 5.37, p = 0.001), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (SMD: 1.94; 95% CI, 0.89 to 2.99; p < 0.001) level. However, silymarin supplementation did not have significant effects on TAC (SMD: 2.91; 95% CI: −0.30, 6.11, p = 0.076) and IL‐6 (WMD: −0.70 pg/mL; 95% CI: −1.42, 0.02, p < 0.056) level. Silymarin supplementation may significantly improve oxidative stress and inflammation in adults by decreasing CRP and MDA and increasing IL‐10, SOD, and GPx. However, additional studies with longer study periods are required to ascertain the long‐term effects of silymarin on oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common gynecological endocrine disorder. Objectives: This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Pimpinella anisum L. (P. anisum) fruit on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and ovarian tissue structure in a rat model of PCOS. Methods: After inducing PCOS, female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and PCOS groups. They orally received daily doses of normal saline or hydro-alcoholic extract of P. anisum at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, ovarian and liver tissues were collected to measure lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, TNF-α, IL-6 mRNA expression, and its content. Additionally, histopathological examinations of the ovarian tissue were conducted. Results: Our findings revealed a dose-dependent change in the biochemical and histopathological parameters. Treatment with P. anisum resulted in a significant decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression levels and their content in the ovarian and liver tissues. It also reduced MDA levels while increasing SOD and GPx activity in both ovarian and liver tissues of PCOS rats. Furthermore, the number of follicular cysts in the PCOS rat model was significantly reduced. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of P. anisum in PCOS rats are partly attributed to the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in ovarian tissue. These findings suggest that P. anisum could be a potential candidate for the treatment of PCOS disorders

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common health conditions. When your blood pressure is high for a long term, it can cause health problems, such as heart disease. In addition to the main methods of treatment, there are various methods of adjuvant therapy, one of the most common of which is hydrotherapy. In this review study, we examined the effects of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on blood pressure. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases until April 2022 using related keywords. In summary, the current study shows that different hydrotherapy methods may improve blood pressure. Hydrotherapy as one of the adjunctive therapy methods can be effective in lowering blood pressure. Blood circulation is smoothed by the warmth of the water. This improvement may be achieved by regulating heart rate, releasing hormones that control blood pressure, or regulating the activity of baroreceptors or chemoreceptors. In addition to using medications, hypertension patients also use non-pharmacological approaches in their care, including hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and warm water foot soaks performed at home. Although several lines of evidence show the potential effects of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on blood pressure, many clinical trials are needed.

The purpose of this article was to review and assess the results obtained from human studies on the effects of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on sleep disorders. In this study, databases such as Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, and sciences direct database were searched from the beginning to September 2022. All human studies that examined the effect of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on sleep disorders were published in the form of a full article in English. In the end, only 18 of the 189 articles met the criteria for analysis. Most studies have shown that balneotherapy, spa therapy, and hydrotherapy may by affecting some hormones such as histamine, serotonin, sympathetic nerves, and regulating body temperature led to increased quality and quantity of sleep. Also, the results obtained from Downs and Black show that 3 studies were rated as very good, 7 studies as good, 7 studies as fair, and 1 study as weak. The results of studies also showed that hydrotherapy leads to an improvement in the PSQI score index. Nevertheless, more clinical trials are needed to determine the mechanism of action of hydrotherapy on sleep disorders.

Aims: Although chemotherapy agents are used to treating cancers, they have serious side effects, like their harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, limiting the clinical use of these chemotherapy agents. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential role of ginseng derivatives in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity.Methods: This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines strategy in databases till August 2022. First, identify studies related to using search terms in titles and abstracts. After studying and screening 209 articles, 16 articles were selected in this study according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: According to the findings of this study, ginseng derivatives showed significant changes in biochemical, histological, and heart weight loss, as well as a reduction in mortality, which occurred in the groups treated with chemotherapy agents compared to the control groups. Co-administration of ginseng derivatives with chemotherapy agents inhibited or reversed these changes to near-moderate levels. The protective effects of ginseng derivatives can be due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic action.Conclusion: This systematic review shows evidence that concomitant administration of ginseng derivatives improves chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. However, for better conclusions about the practical mechanisms of ginseng derivatives in reducing the cardiac toxic effects of chemotherapy agents and evaluating the efficacy and safety of the compound simultaneously, it is necessary to design comprehensive studies.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory diseases that have significant skin complications.Objective The purpose of this systematic study was to evaluate the evidence obtained from human studies on the effects of hydrotherapy, spa therapy, and balneotherapy in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.Methods The present systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements. Also, for this study databases such as Embase, PubMed, Scopus ProQuest, and sciences direct database were searched from the beginning to April 2021.Results All human studies that examined the effect of balneotherapy, spa therapy, and hydrotherapy on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis were published in the form of a full article in English. In the end, only 22 of the 424 articles met the criteria for analysis. Most studies have shown that balneotherapy, spa therapy, and hydrotherapy may reduce the effects of the disease by reducing inflammation and improving living conditions. In addition, the results of the Downs and Black score show that seven studies received very good scores, three studies received good scores, nine studies received fair scores, and three studies received poor scores.Conclusions The results of studies also showed that hydrotherapy leads to an improvement in the PASI score index. Nevertheless, more clinical trials are needed to determine the mechanism of action of hydrotherapy on these diseases.

In the article titled “Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence [1],” there were errors in the Results section and Figure 1, which should be corrected as follows:

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent medical condition characterized by both metabolic and reproductive disorders. Different pharmaceutical treatments have been proposed for PCOS. However, side effects of long-term treatments and their probable low efficacy have made complementary and alternative treatments a valuable option. Recent reports have indicated the increased use of complementary treatments. Herbal medicine, as part of complementary medicine, was find introduced in traditional Persian and Chinese medicine. Medicinal herbs have used for a long time in the treatment of gynecological and infertility problems of PCOS patients. In this study, we aimed to review herbal medicines used for PCOS worldwide. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched for clinical trials and Randomized Controlled Trials based on related keywords. Data were collected from 1990 to 2019. Results According to a multitude of studies, a wide spectrum of herbs can be used to improve various aspects of PCOS. Herbs such as Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Vitex agnus-castus can impact on menstrual and ovulatory dysfunctions, obesity, insulin resistance, lipid-metabolism dysfunction, and androgen excess-related conditions. Conclusion Some plants as natural remedies may have beneficial effects on improving different aspects of PCOS; but further studies are needed to investigate their mechanisms and safety.