Anti-aging herbal prescriptions in Hakim Shafai’s Pharmacopoeia: A review of evidence

Abstract

Introduction

Looking at the medical texts of the past, the fight against aging has been discussed since the beginning of history. Hakim Shafai was one of the Iranian physicians of the Safavid period who claimed to have found the medicine for longevity. The purpose of this study is to introduce and review the Hakim Shafai anti-aging prescription mentioned in his Pharmacopoeia. We also review the evidence for the use of these herbs as potential anti-aging agents.

Methods

The present library-documentary research relied on the parts of the book, Shifai’s Pharmacopoeia, as the primary information source, along with other traditional Persian and Unani medicine text. All relevant databases of these plants were also searched for the terms “anti-aging”, “longevity”, “stress oxidative” and “D-galactose”, “Caenorhabditis elegans”, “Drosophila melanogaster” up to 30th January 2024.

Results

Hakim's longevity prescription consist of some medicinal herbs including: Myristica fragrans, Syzygium aromaticum, Elettaria cardamomum, Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum tamala, Piper nigrum, Piper longum, Zingiber officinale, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Trachyspermum ammi, Carum carvi and Nigella sativa. Included studies showed significant improvement in brain function (memory, cognition and anxiety), skin wrinkle and sexual disorders via targeting different pathways including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hormonal regulation.

Conclusions

Medicinal herbs derived from this ancient prescription seem to have beneficial anti-aging effects by affecting various targets. Considering the safe and long-term history of using medicinal plants, it can be a promising option to prevent aging. However, more rigorous research is needed in the future to successfully validate these experience-based traditional herbal formulas.