Traditional Persian Medicine and Autophagy: Integrating Ancient Health Principles with Modern Cellular Mechanisms

Reza Vaghebin¹, Khatereh Akbarimashak², Rasoul Pourhakimrezaei², Mohammad Javad Mousavi³ Mohsen Naseri^{5,4,2 *,} Seyedeh Fatemeh Jafari^4,6*

Explores autophagy's role in Traditional Persian Medicine's health principles, highlighting non-pharmacologic disease treatment and prevention methods.

Abstract

Autophagy, a cellular process responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis through the degradation and recycling of intracellular components, has a complex relationship with various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infections. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), with a 10,000-year history, emphasizes health preservation through six essential principles: physical activity, nutrition, sleep, psychological well-being, air quality, and the excretion of body waste. This review examines the intersection of these principles with autophagy, highlighting the potential of TPM in modern health practices. Recent studies have shown that physical activity induces autophagy, aiding in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes. Nutritional management, another key TPM principle, influences autophagy through practices like intermittent fasting, which can improve insulin sensitivity and prolong life. Sleep, critical for bodily functions and waste disposal, affects autophagy, with disruptions linked to conditions like sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases. Excretion and retention of necessary materials are crucial for health, with autophagy playing a role in managing obesity, renal function, and gastrointestinal health. Clean air is essential for well-being, and studies indicate that air pollution can stimulate autophagy, potentially leading to liver steatosis. Psychological states also significantly impact autophagy, with stress and emotional well-being influencing cellular processes. This review suggests that the non-pharmacologic modulators of autophagy inherent in TPM's six essential principles could precede pharmaceutical interventions due to their simplicity, safety, and affordability. Health authorities are encouraged to consider these principles in policies for disease treatment and health improvement, leveraging the potential of autophagy modulation for better health outcomes.

Keywords: Autophagy, Traditional Persian Medicine, Health Preservation, Disease Treatment, Six Essential Principles, lifestyle medicine

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