Free radicals are constructed by natural physiological activities in the human cells as well as in the environment. They may be produced as a result of diet, smoking, exercise, inflammation, exposure to sunlight, air pollutants, stress, alcohol and drugs. Imbalanced redox status may lead to cellular oxidative stress, which can damage the cells of the body, resulting in an incidence of various diseases. If the endogenous antioxidants do not stop the production of reactive metabolites, they will be needed to bring about a balance in redox status. Natural antioxidants, for example plants, play an important part in this context. This paper seeks to report the available evidence about oxidative stress and the application of plants as antioxidant agents to fight free radicals in the human body. For this purpose, to better understand oxidative stress, the principles of free radical production, the role of free radicals in diseases, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and the role of herbs and diet in oxidative stress are discussed.

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The common disorder of anal fissure is a painful linear crack in lining of anus. So-called Shiqaq-e-maghad in Persian medical manuscripts has different etiologically-oriented therapies. The aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic guideline for anal fissure in Persian Medicine. Six manuscripts including al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, Qanun fi-Tibb, Qarabadin Kabir, Tibb Akbari, Makhzan-al-Adviah and Exir-e Azam were searched using the keyword of Shiqaq-e-maghad. Although the exact etiology of anal fissure is still uncertain, it has been suggested that a local trauma may cause spasm in internal sphincter of anus leading to a local ischemia and anal fissure. Based on traditional viewpoint, dystemperament, defecation problem, hemorrhoid, inflammation, fullness of veins, and trauma are reasons of anal fissure needing four types of medication including anti-inflammatory drugs, emollients, wound healing agents, and selective remedies. Considering neglected points of traditional outlook will broaden the paths to cure anal fisher.