A Review of Medicinal Plants Used for Uterine Disorders in Makhzan al-Adwiyyah: Insights from Persian Medicine

Context: Uterine disorders are among the most prevalent gynecological problems in women. Persian Medicine (PM) has long provided herbal approaches for managing such conditions, based on temperament theory and humoral balance. Objectives: This study aimed to identify medicinal plants used in PM for the treatment of uterine disorders and to assess their pharmacological evidence. Methods: A literature review of classical PM texts, including Makhzan al-Adwiyyah and Taqwim al-Abdan, was conducted to extract herbs recommended for uterine ailments. Plant names, traditional indications, and temperament properties were documented. Modern pharmacological evidence for each plant was then retrieved from scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Results: A total of 97 plant species belonging to 39 botanical families were identified. Most herbs exhibited hot and dry temperaments, aligning with the PM view that uterine disorders are linked to cold-moist imbalances. Common traditional indications included dysmenorrhea, endometrial inflammation, discharge, and cold uterus. In this study, the pharmacological findings for 10 key species, including Nigella sativa, Crocus sativus, and Vitex agnus-castus, were summarized. Conclusions: Several PM herbs show promising potential for treating uterine disorders and align with modern pharmacological mechanisms. These findings provide a basis for further research and may support the development of evidence-based herbal therapies for women’s reproductive health. Among the most frequently cited species, Foeniculum vulgare, V. agnus-castus, and N. sativa exhibit promising pharmacological activity, have shown potential uterotonic effects, and may support menstrual regulation, relieve uterine pain, and help modulate hormonal balance. The findings of this review may support the design of novel plant-based interventions in reproductive medicine, guided by both traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence.