The Impact of Spleen Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Anemia from the Viewpoint of Persian Medicine

Abstract

Spleen is one of the main components of reticuloendothelial system and plays an important role in controlling of red blood cell quality with elimination of old and damaged cells. Physicians of Traditional Persian Medicine believed that spleen has a high incorporation with the liver, and liver has a main role in blood production. So its pathologic changes influence the production of hematologic elements in both aspects of amount and quality. In this study, chapters related to spleen disease in several Traditional Persian Medicine textbooks and available databases were reviewed. Further the relationship between anemia and spleen diseases were derived and evaluated. After interviewing two experts about the findings and reaching data saturation, the results were compiled and explained. Spleen dysfunction and diseases can lead to anemia, because of intercommunity with liver. This happens with different mechanisms such as: enlargement, cold distemperment, asthenia and crisis. Although there are many studies so far about anemia, but role of the spleen in the development of anemia is still not well known. Considering the role of the spleen in developing anemia, the drugs used in Persian medicine for spleen-originated anemia may provide an appropriate solution to treat the disease.

Criteria for the selection, evaluation and application of traditional knowledge in contemporary health practice, education, research and policy: A systematic review

“…Step 2—Intervention selection: The most common method used to inform selection of interventions involved positioning the traditional evidence alongside scientific evidence, contemporary texts and/or expert opinion to draw comparisons, validate evidence or develop a ‘totality of evidence’ (Adams et al, 2007, 2011; Adams, Schneider, et al, 2012; Arabshahi et al, 2015; Bae et al, 2019; Buentzel et al, 2020; Chen et al, 2015; Choi et al, 2015; De Vos, 2010; Fatali, Emami, et al, 2020; Fatali, Sadeghpour, et al, 2020; Guo‐Jing et al, 2020; Han et al, 2017; Lardos et al, 2011; Leach et al, 2018; May et al, 2016; Pae et al, 2016; Park et al, 2018; Petran et al, 2020; Sahranavard et al, 2014; Steel & Adams, 2011b; Thomas, 2011; Watkins et al, 2012; Xia et al, 2020; Yang et al, 2019; Zhang et al, 2014). It was also common for selection processes to place importance on TK with greater predominance in traditional sources, such as interventions appearing frequently within or across sources, and those with consistency of use over time as proxy measures for safety and potential efficacy (Alizadeh et al, 2017; Bae et al, 2019; Birch & Sherman, 1999; Buentzel et al, 2020; Chen et al, 2015, 2020; Connelly et al, 2020; De Vos, 2010; Flatt, 2016; Guo‐Jing et al, 2020; Han et al, 2017; Lardos et al, 2011; May et al, 2014; Sahranavard et al, 2014; Steel & Adams, 2011c; Thomas, 2011; Xia et al, 2020; Zhang et al, 2014).…”

“…These studies sought to translate and adapt evidence from TK while facilitating a deliberate attempt to stay true to the philosophical basis and practices of the traditions they examined. While this level of attention to fidelity was limited, other studies sought compromise between the traditional basis of TK and its alignment with contemporary science by triangulating TK with scientific research (Adams et al, 2009; Buentzel et al, 2020; Flatt, 2016; Gerontakos et al, 2021; Guo‐Jing et al, 2020; Harrison et al, 2015; Lumlerdkij et al, 2018; Yao et al, 2021; Zhang et al, 2014) and/or seeking opinions from TK experts regarding scientific findings (Brien et al, 2012; Chen et al, 2015; Fatali, Emami, et al, 2020; Guo‐Jing et al, 2020; Kasiri‐Martino & Bright, 2016; Wang et al, 2017; Yao et al, 2018, 2021). The pre‐clinical studies included in the review all addressed bacterial infections using recipes described in traditional texts (e.g., Bald's Leechbook) (Connelly et al, 2020; Harrison et al, 2015; Kadam et al, 2020; Watkins et al, 2012).…”