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Alizade Aghdam H, Khosravi R. Medicinal Plants with Analgesic Effects in Paediatric Surgery: From Traditional Evidence to Scientific Perspectives. pbp 2025; 7 (In press)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-298-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-298-en.html
1- Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2- Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,rkhosravi@ymail.com
2- Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,
Abstract: (393 Views)
Objective: For centuries, medicinal plants, essential oils, and natural extracts have been used as alternative therapies to alleviate pain, particularly in the context of post-operative care for children. Despite their historical use, many of these treatments have not been rigorously examined through modern scientific inquiry. However, initial findings and classical sources of traditional medicine suggest that certain herbal remedies may offer significant analgesic benefits. This observation underscores the necessity of a more structured and evidence-based approach to their evaluation. The aim of this review is to explore the longstanding application of natural therapies—especially medicinal oils and herbs—in the relief of post-surgical pain, with a particular focus on their efficacy and safety in paediatric populations.
Methodology: This study adopts a narrative review methodology, drawing upon authoritative sources within Iranian traditional medicine, including Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine, Zakhireh Kharazmshahi, Tohfeh-ye Hakim Momen, and Makhzan al-Adviah, among others. Supplementary data were retrieved from indexed academic databases using keywords such as “pain,” “surgery,” “children,” and “medicinal plants.”
Results: The review identified a range of medicinal plants traditionally used to mitigate surgical pain. These include borage (Borago officinalis), turmeric, ginger, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, parsley, black seed (Nigella sativa), clove, sage, rose, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), castor, olive, and aloe vera. These have been applied in various forms—such as oils, gels, essential oils, and aromatherapy—according to traditional practices.
Conclusion: The evidence reviewed highlights a rich tradition of employing medicinal plants to ease post-operative pain in children, with specific emphasis on chamomile, lavender, marshmallow, aloe vera, and peppermint as both safe and frequently utilised agents. While traditional sources and preliminary scientific data support their potential efficacy, the absence of rigorous clinical trials remains a significant obstacle to their full integration into evidence-based paediatric care. Further experimental and clinical research is strongly recommended.
Methodology: This study adopts a narrative review methodology, drawing upon authoritative sources within Iranian traditional medicine, including Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine, Zakhireh Kharazmshahi, Tohfeh-ye Hakim Momen, and Makhzan al-Adviah, among others. Supplementary data were retrieved from indexed academic databases using keywords such as “pain,” “surgery,” “children,” and “medicinal plants.”
Results: The review identified a range of medicinal plants traditionally used to mitigate surgical pain. These include borage (Borago officinalis), turmeric, ginger, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, parsley, black seed (Nigella sativa), clove, sage, rose, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), castor, olive, and aloe vera. These have been applied in various forms—such as oils, gels, essential oils, and aromatherapy—according to traditional practices.
Conclusion: The evidence reviewed highlights a rich tradition of employing medicinal plants to ease post-operative pain in children, with specific emphasis on chamomile, lavender, marshmallow, aloe vera, and peppermint as both safe and frequently utilised agents. While traditional sources and preliminary scientific data support their potential efficacy, the absence of rigorous clinical trials remains a significant obstacle to their full integration into evidence-based paediatric care. Further experimental and clinical research is strongly recommended.
Keywords: Post-operative pain, paediatrics, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, essential oils, Iranian traditional medicine
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Phytochemistry
Received: 2024/12/17 | Accepted: 2025/01/29 | Published: 2025/01/29
Received: 2024/12/17 | Accepted: 2025/01/29 | Published: 2025/01/29
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