Popular medicinal plants in Iran for the treatment of GI disorders

This paper is a collection of plant samples and their derivative products (gum and extracts) that have been used traditionally for Centuries to treat GI disorders as it has been mentioned in Iranian old reference books

Considering today's applications of these medicinal plants, reveals the great value & effect of traditional medicine in Iran. Of course, GI disorders, according to ancient texts in Iran, include: different types of abdominal pains due to flatulence and gastritis types, Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, which can be classified according to the traditional treatments and their comparison with the current one. These plants can include: Labiatae (Mentha spicata L., Zataria multiflora Boiss.), Compositae (Matricaria chamomilla L.), Umbelliferae (Carum carvi L., Pimpinella anisumL.), Zingiberaceae (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Curcuma longa L.), Anacardiaceae (Pistacia lentiscus L., Pistacia atlantica Desf.), etc. We selected 2–3 sample, from each family. Most important parts of these plants are their leaves with 35%, then their fruits about 30%, roots & Rhizomes with the lowest standing 10%, and the whole plant is about 20%. Of course, gums and other parts of plant such as flowers, with the very low percentage, are also used in the treatment of GI disorders. In this case, the leaves are consumed as boiling in the first stage and taking into distillates (aqueous and alcoholic extract) in the second stage

Most of these plants are used as carminative and antispasmodic and sometimes antidiarrheal ones, and in comparison with chemical drugs (Pantoprazole, Dicyclomine, Sucralfate, Magnesium Hydroxide. they have the same or sometimes better effects.

Acknowledgement: Farsam H. Amin GH of School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences