Review of Transdermal Drug Delivery Methods for Headache Management from the Perspective of Avicenna's Canon
Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History,
Vol. 18 (1405),
4 April 2026
,
Page 1-21
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v18i.48437
Abstract
Background and Aim: Headache is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Although various medications such as analgesics, triptans, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and beta-blockers are used to reduce its severity and frequency, their limited efficacy and side effects, particularly at high doses, highlight the need for exploring alternative therapeutic approaches. Despite the numerous topical formulations for headache treatment described in traditional medicine texts, including Avicenna’s The Canon of Medicine, only a limited number of contemporary studies have addressed this route of drug delivery for headache management. Given the numerous benefits of this method, the present study aimed to investigate the most frequently used natural compounds in topical formulations for headache management as described in Avicenna’s Canon.
Methods: Canon of Medicine was reviewed using keywords such as "Soda’a" "Head pain," "Shaqeeqa" and "Bayza wa Khawza". Related topical formulations were extracted and their constituent compounds were analyzed.
Ethical Considerations: The principles of accuracy and impartiality were observed in faithfully conveying the content and concepts.
Results: The present study revealed that with a precise understanding of transdermal drug absorption, pharmaceutical forms like poultice, lotion, topical oil and pouring boiled were recommended for the treatment of various types of headaches and medicinal plants such as damask rose, myrtle, chamomile, saffron and sweet violet were the most frequently used materia medica. In Persian medicine, headaches have multifactorial origins and treatment approaches were personalized and targeted based on the type of temperament, underlying cause and pain location.
Conclusion: Traditional medicine, particularly Avicenna’s works, serves as a valuable resource for developing complementary headache treatments. Further scientific research can evaluate the safety and efficacy of these formulations for potential integration into modern therapeutic practices.
- Persian Medicine
- Headache
- Soda
- Topical Drug Delivery
How to Cite
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