1- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
2- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
3- Dr Feyzabadi Private Practice, Mashhad, Iran
4- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz,
Abstract: (24 Views)
Background
Myrtus communis L. , or common myrtle, is a member of the Myrtaceae family and has been widely used in herbal medicine, including Persian Medicine (PM), the Unani System, and modern medical research. This review explores Myrtus communis berries, leaves, seeds, and essential oils' therapeutic and biochemical properties in PM and contemporary scientific studies.
Methods
Modern research was sourced from databases like ScienceDirect, Scopus, Embase, and PubMed up. PM sources included key traditional textbooks such as ‘The Canon of Medicine,’ ‘Makhzan al-Adviyah,’ and others. The search was based on the keywords Myrtus communis or myrtle in new sources and Mord or Habb-ul-Aas in traditional medicine sources.
Results
In PM, Myrtus communis has been used for neurological (headaches, epilepsy), ophthalmic (conjunctivitis), head and neck (toothache, earache, gingivitis), respiratory (cough, tuberculosis), gastrointestinal (GERD, diarrhea), urogenital (bladder stones, dysuria), and skin conditions (warts, burns, acne). Modern studies have confirmed its efficacy in treating urogenital infections (vaginitis, HPV), skin issues (acne, warts), gastrointestinal problems (GERD), and head and neck conditions (aphthous stomatitis). In vivo and in vitro studies show antiparasitic, cardiovascular, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects (Alzheimer’s, insomnia).
Conclusion
Modern research has validated many traditional uses of Myrtus communis, but further studies are required to confirm its medical benefits comprehensively.