Constipation and Laxative Herbs in Iranian Traditional Medicine
نویسندگان
1 Iranian Traditional Medicine Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
2 Herbal and Traditional Medicine Department, Research Institute for Islamic and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
3 Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
4 Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Iranian Traditional Medicine Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
5 Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Iranian Traditional Medicine Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
6 Iranian Traditional Medicine Faculty, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
7 Gut and Liver Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, IR Iran
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چکیده
Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders and is characterized by stiffness of waste and difficultdefecation. In modern medicine, different laxative drugs are used for the treatment of constipation, but they are not withoutside effects. Nonetheless, the appropriate use of herbal medicines can be beneficial for treating this disorder. Therefore, this studyattempted to draw together some pharmacological and medical insights into the management of constipation through the use ofIranian traditional medicine (ITM).Evidence Acquisition: In this review article, we initially researched constipation and laxative herbs using some of the most famousancient medical and pharmacological textbooks pertaining to Iranian medicine written from the 10th to 18th century AD. Thisincludes The canon of medicine by Avicenna (10th and 11th centuries, Beirut publication), Makhzan-ol-advie by Aghili (18th century,Tehran University of Medical Science Press), and Al-shamel by Gharashi (13th century, Caltural foundation Publication). Then we extractedthe names and laxative mechanisms of some herbs prescribed for constipation through ITM. Finally, a search of scientificdatabases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to find related works concerning laxative mechanisms.Results: In ITM doctrine, laxatives are weak purgatives that lead to the defecation of waste from the gastrointestinal tract. Fromthis perspective, laxative herbs can be classified into two groups based on their nature: laxative herbs with a hot nature cause thedilution and flowing of humors, but herbs with a cold nature function as laxatives due to their mucilage properties. Each of thelaxatives was used in accordance with the primary reason for constipation.Conclusions: This study presents medical and pharmacological approaches in ITM for dealing with complications arising fromconstipation. Considering the optimistic results, these herbs can be used as a means of constipation management and furtherinvestigation into this area can potentially lead to the formulation of new drugs.
