Yafteh

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Herbal medicine, a complementary and alternative medical system has been used to treat various diseases over thousands of years in many countries and the use of herbal medicine is growing in all of the world. Exploring the most frequently used herbs and herbal products in alternative and complementary medicine worldwide is a challenging issue because herbal medicine has been increased popularity among physicians and patients. The aim of this study was to systematically review literature reporting on the use of the herbal medicine to determine the genus of the most frequently used herbs in alternative medicine and the diseases under treatment. Material and Methods: Systematic searches were carried out in the databases Medline, Pubmed, Sciencedirect and Springer. Each databases was searched from Jan 2000 until Jan 2008 with the keywords of herbal medicine, herb medicine, phytotherapy and extract medicine. Systematic reviews and meta – analysis were included and no language restrictions were imposed, to find the genus of commonly used herbs and studied diseases. The findings were evaluated according to frequency of usage. Results: In this paper we have reported 8 plants which are the most common ones and have been in vogue from ancient time in the world. These most frequently used plants are Ginseng, Salvia, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum, Garlic, Ginger, Aloe vera and Marijuana. According to findings neurologic, inflammatory – immunogenic, digestive and urinary – kidney diseases are the most interested fields in herbal medicine. Although most of the reviewed articles (89.2%) showed a positive effect but side effects of herbal medicine are reported in the others and also need to furthermore works was mentioned as a necessity in 49.7% of them. Discussion: According to the present findings, herbal medicine has historically been efficacious in the treatment and management of many health problems. The ultimate purpose of the herbal medicine is to develop an effective and safe system of medicine for human and also other beneficial organisms. The fact that 11.5% of all of the reviewed articles focused on the medical effects of only 8 plant species, shows a necessity to study the other plants too. Although the success of their use is encouraging but a great deal of research is required and as a result herbal medicine should be used with caution by patients and physicians.

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Background : Anemia is one of the most common health problems in Iran and the world. Moreover, iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional anemia in the world. Considering the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and the relationship between their severity and cultural-economic condition in an area, this study was conducted to obtain the prevalence and plan the treatment of diseases. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a census method. All the adult patients with anemia signs and symptoms referred to the internal clinic of Shohada Ashayer were examined for CBC and RBC indices. The patients whose hemoglobin amounts fell in the anemia definition range were included. Iron level, serum ferritin, and TIBC assessments were performed and a questionnaire was completed for each patient. Then data were analyzed statistically. Results: Out of all the anemic patients, 44.4% suffered from iron deficiency anemia. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 52.3% in women and 22.6% of the men. 60.9% of the patients in 15-49 age group and 24.5% of those aged over 49 had iron deficiency anemia. A significant relationship was found between age, sex, and iron deficiency anemia. No significant relationship was found between history of NSAIDs consumption and the incidence of iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Since the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the studied population is high, considering improving and preventive interventions and comprehensive training programs in this regard seem to be necessary.