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Nasiri A A. Herbal and Headache: A Review of Principal Medicinal Plants Utilized in Headache Management. pbp 2025; 7 (In press)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-303-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-303-en.html
Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran , nasiriali7@gmail.com
Abstract: (39 Views)
Objective: Headache represents one of the most prevalent somatic complaints, attributable to a myriad of etiological factors including psychological stress, fatigue, dehydration, and neurological dysfunctions. This condition manifests in diverse forms and severities, profoundly affecting patients’ quality of life. Therapeutic interventions are typically tailored according to the underlying etiology, often encompassing lifestyle modifications alongside pharmacological treatments. Although conventional analgesics demonstrate clinical efficacy, their chronic administration is frequently associated with adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, hepatotoxicity, and potential dependency, necessitating cautious use under professional supervision. The present review endeavors to systematically examine the principal medicinal plants employed in Iranian traditional medicine for headache alleviation.
Methods: A systematic search was performed across multiple authoritative databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, employing a combination of keywords: “medicinal plants,” “headache,” “traditional medicine,” and “Iran.”
Results: The analysis identified a wide array of botanicals traditionally recognized for their analgesic properties in headache treatment, including Mentha piperita (peppermint), Valeriana officinalis (valerian), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Salvia officinalis (sage), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Clary sage, Camellia sinensis (black and green tea), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Viola odorata (violet), Ruta graveolens (rue), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and others such as Peganum harmala (wild rue), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Salix spp. (willow), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), Borago officinalis (borage), Crocus sativus (saffron), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Rosa damascena (damask rose), Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), Marrubium vulgare (horehound), and Juglans regia (walnut).
Conclusion: Iranian traditional medicine boasts a rich pharmacopeia of botanicals with demonstrated potential in headache symptom relief. Owing to their favorable safety profile compared to synthetic analgesics, these herbs offer promising natural alternatives. Nonetheless, rigorous pharmacological and clinical investigations are imperative to substantiate their efficacy and safety profiles, facilitating their integration into evidence-based clinical practice and expanding their therapeutic applications.
Methods: A systematic search was performed across multiple authoritative databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, employing a combination of keywords: “medicinal plants,” “headache,” “traditional medicine,” and “Iran.”
Results: The analysis identified a wide array of botanicals traditionally recognized for their analgesic properties in headache treatment, including Mentha piperita (peppermint), Valeriana officinalis (valerian), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Salvia officinalis (sage), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Clary sage, Camellia sinensis (black and green tea), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Viola odorata (violet), Ruta graveolens (rue), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and others such as Peganum harmala (wild rue), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Salix spp. (willow), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), Borago officinalis (borage), Crocus sativus (saffron), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Rosa damascena (damask rose), Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), Marrubium vulgare (horehound), and Juglans regia (walnut).
Conclusion: Iranian traditional medicine boasts a rich pharmacopeia of botanicals with demonstrated potential in headache symptom relief. Owing to their favorable safety profile compared to synthetic analgesics, these herbs offer promising natural alternatives. Nonetheless, rigorous pharmacological and clinical investigations are imperative to substantiate their efficacy and safety profiles, facilitating their integration into evidence-based clinical practice and expanding their therapeutic applications.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Herbal Drugs
Received: 2025/02/20 | Accepted: 2025/05/20 | Published: 2025/12/1
Received: 2025/02/20 | Accepted: 2025/05/20 | Published: 2025/12/1
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