The Concept of Preventive and Social Medicine in Unani Perspective: Relevance to Modern Healthcare.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is arguably the biggest health crisis the world has faced in 21st century. It is an infectious disease and declared pandemic by the World Health Organization. It is a pandemic disease of modern time with unique and rapid transmission rate and affected almost all the nations without respecting any border. It’s a novel infection which is caused by SARS CoV-2 with Serious Clinical manifestation i.e. Fever, Cough, Cold, Respiratory distress further may result into Death. There is no definite therapeutic drug or vaccine available for COVID-19 so far despite numerous series of experimental and clinical research. Research is in progress on therapeutic efficacy of various agents including antimalarials (Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine), antiviral drugs, and convalescent serum of recovered patients. Unani system of medicine is one of the traditional systems of medicine which is being explored for providing preventive, supportive and rehabilitative care to patients. Unani system of medicine has a detailed description of drugs that are utilized in many infectious diseases, including respiratory infections. Immune response is essential to eliminate virus and to preclude disease progression to severe stages. Therefore, strategies to boost immune response are certainly important. Therefore, it is important to summarize the evidence regarding the preventive measures, control options such as immunostimulator and prophylactic treatment in Unani medicine against Covid- 19. This review summarizes various pharmacological actions of Unani formulation Tiryaq e wabai in unani literature and various reported pharmacological activities which can possibly provide prevention, control and reduction of complications of this deadly disease. 
 Keywords: Unani medicine, Covid 19, immune response, Tiryaq e Wabai

Background:Over the last few decades traditional medicine has gained worldwide acceptance. Awareness about Unani medicine has an important role in providing health education, prevention and management of diseases. However, literature search revealed that very few published data enlightening about Unani system of medicine are available. Objectives:To assess the perception, practice and the extent of use of Unani system of medicine among the general public attending National ‘Arogya Fair’ 2017 held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, observational descriptive survey was conducted using pretested, predesigned structured questionnaire to assess the perception and practice regarding Unani system of medicine of sample of 1149 visitors attending the free health clinic at Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) stall in the National ‘Arogya Fair’ held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh between September 8-11, 2017. Result: Out of 1149 subjects 60.05% were males and 39.95% were females with mean age 36.78±10.33 years ranged between 13 to 82 years of age. The awareness level about Unani system of medicine was good, 1016 (88.42%) respondents have heard or were aware of Unani system of medicine, of these respondents, only 480 (41.78%) respondents have taken Unani medicines in the past for various problems, 133 (11.58%)subjects had never heard about Unani system of medicine. Majority of the patients believed that Unani medicine had No side effect or Comparatively safer than others and 31.82% preferred Unani medicine to allopathic medicine. Conclusion:The awareness level regarding Unani medicine was good but the attitude toward and practice of Unani medicine was relatively low. There is a need and scope for health education and promotion to improve the attitude about Unani medicine.

Background: Zarawand Mudharaj (Aristolochia rotunda L.) belongs to family Aristolochiaceae. According to Unani scholars, it is a female plant of Aristolochia fontanesii Boiss. & Reut. (Syn. A. longa L.), usually found growing in Mediterranean regions, Central Asia and South Europe.
 Purpose of the review: The main aim of this review is to highlight various aspects of Zarawand Mudharaj such as temperament, botanical description, pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses etc, as mentioned in Unani literature that will ultimately guide researchers to design various studies for further exploration of this important medicinal plant.
 Materials and methods: The present review has been carried out through extensive literature survey of various classical Unani and botanical texts, and published papers available on different search engines. The botanical names and their synonyms were validated through ‘The Plant List’ (www.theplantlist.org).
 Results: In Unani medicine, the rhizome of Zarawand Mudharaj is used for the treatment of several ailments viz. stomach and liver diseases, jaundice, cough, septic wounds, splenomegaly, gout etc. Apart from its use as single drug, it has also been added in many compound preparations viz. Anqarooya-i-Kabir, Habb-i-Rewand, Majun Falasifa, Majun Dabeedul Ward etc. A study on physicochemical standardization of rhizome of Aristolochia rotunda L. has reported the presence of moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, alcohol and water-soluble extractive values within normal limits. The same study has also revealed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of rhizome of Aristolochia rotunda L. possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in albino Wistar rats. Several toxicity reports have pointed out that aristolochic acid containing herbal drugs including Aristolochia rotunda L. cause renal impairment and other serious adverse reactions. 
 Conclusion: It is concluded that Aristolochia rotunda L. is widely used in Unani system of medicine. However, extensive studies on pharmacognosy, pharmacology, toxicology, phytochemistry and quality control of different parts of this potential medicinal plant have not been carried out so far. Therefore, such studies on modern scientific parameters may be conducted for further exploration so that the benefits may reach the masses.
 Keywords: Zarawand Mudharaj; Aristolochia rotunda L.; Unani medicine; Hepatoprotective; Aristolochic acid; Toxicity

Unani Medicine (Greek Medicine) is considered oldest and widely practiced medical system, India is home to this and it’s an integral part of Ayush. India is the home of Unani Medicine (Greek Medicine), which is the oldest and widely practiced kind of alternative medicine all through the ages. Everywhere, including in the Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, it is being performed under various names. Pharmacovigilance in Ayush refers to the practice of monitoring and ensuring the safety of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush) medicines. It involves the collection, detection, assessment, monitoring, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problems associated with the use of Ayush medicines. It aims to promote the safe and effective use of Ayush medicines by identifying and evaluating any potential risks or side effects. It involves the reporting and analysis of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and other safety concerns related to Ayush medicines. Objectives of pharmacovigilance in Unani Medicine are to ensuring patient safety, improving the quality of Ayush medicines, and enhancing public health. Overall, pharmacovigilance in Unani Medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Ayush medicines, thereby promoting their responsible use and protecting public health. Although Unani medicine's core principles date back hundreds of years, pharmacovigilance is a relatively recent concept. Its integration into the system will undoubtedly improve the standard of care we provide to the patients. The majority of medicines and regimens (Therapies/Regimenal therapies) used in Unani system of medicine are less supported by data yet; their three-dimensional impact and effect, as well as safety criteria, have not been assessed. As a result, there is a significant risk of adverse drug reactions and side effects associated with them. This pharmacovigilance program will assist in evaluating, identify

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug, a novel nucleotide analog prodrug. It has been found to be an in-vitro potent inhibitor of RNA viruses including (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) SARS-CoV-2 but its in-vivo potency is still under active investigations. Coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. In the absence of a proven effective therapy, current management with remdesivir appears to have a favorable clinical safety profile, as reported on the basis of experience, including healthy volunteers and patients treated for acute Ebola virus infection.

The Unani system of medicine is rooted in the Theory of Humors, where health is maintained through the balance of four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, bile, and black bile). Its treatment approach is holistic, encompassing Ilaj bil Tadbeer (Regimental therapy), Ilaj bil Ghida (Dietotherapy), Ilaj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy), and Ilaj bil Yad (Surgery). Huqna (enema) is a key non-pharmacological regimen therapy in Unani medicine, used to cleanse the bowels and restore humoral balance. Its roots trace back to ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen. This integrative review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Huqna therapy, exploring its historical, philosophical, and practical aspects while bridging traditional Unani practices with modern medical paradigms. A review of classical Unani literature and modern scientific sources was conducted. Historical texts were analyzed alongside contemporary studies on enema therapy in modern medicine. Relevant English-language literature up to 2024 was evaluated. The study highlights the definition, principles, and therapeutic applications of Huqna in traditional Unani medicine and compares them with the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of enemas in modern healthcare. Key convergences include their shared utility in managing bowel disorders and inflammatory conditions, while divergences emerge in procedural advancements and safety considerations. Huqna therapy demonstrates significant potential as a complementary approach in modern healthcare. However, further research is needed to validate its efficacy and address limitations. This analysis fosters a deeper understanding of Huqna therapy, encouraging its integration into contemporary medical practice. Huqna, Enema, Unani Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Traditional Therapy.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease of modern time with unique and rapid transmission rate and affected almost all the nations without respecting any border. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is arguably the biggest health crisis the world has faced in 21st century. It is an infectious disease and declared pandemic by the World Health Organization. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, has now spread to 192 countries and administrative regions infecting nearly 800,000 individuals of all ages as of 31 March 2020. Though most infected individuals exhibit mild symptoms including fever, upper respiratory tract symptoms, shortness of breath, and diarrhoea, or are asymptomatic altogether, severe cases of infection can lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure, and death. Globally, at least 7900 deaths have been directly attributed to COVID19, and this number is expected to rise with the ongoing epidemic. This is particularly crucial as the current outbreak involves a new pathogen (SARS-CoV-2), on which limited knowledge exists of its infectivity and clinical profile. Research is in progress on therapeutic efficacy of various agents including anti-malarials (Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine), antiviral drugs, and convalescent serum of recovered patients. Unani system of medicine is one of the traditional systems of medicine which is being explored for providing preventive, supportive and rehabilitative care to patients. Unani system of medicine has a detailed description of drugs that are utilized in many infectious diseases, including respiratory infections. Immune response is essential to eliminate virus and to preclude disease progression to severe stages. Therefore, it is important to summarize the evidence regarding the preventive measures, control options such as immune-stimulator and prophylactic treatment in Unani medicine against Covid19. This review summarizes various pharmacological actions of Unani formulation Tiryaq-e-Arba in Unani literature and various reported pharmacological activities which can possibly provide prevention, control and reduction of complications of this deadly disease.

Social medicine is recognized as one of medical specialties in many countries. However, social medicine has never been formally introduced to Korea, presumably because the term and its principles were not accepted for some years in the past in American medicine, which has strongly influenced Korean medicine. This paper describes the origins and evolution of social medicine and briefly discusses contemporary social medicine in Korea. Social medicine was initiated in France and Germany in 1848. Since then, it has expanded globally and developed in diverse ways. Included in core principles of social medicine is that social and economic conditions have important effects on health and disease, and that these relationships must be subjected to scientific investigation. The term ‘social medicine’ is rarely used in Korea, but many of its subject matters are incorporated into preventive medicine which, besides prevention, deals with population health that is inescapably social. However, the Korean preventive medicine directs little attention to the basic concepts and principles of social medicine, upon which systematic development of social medicine can be based. Thus, it is necessary to supplement the social medicine contents of preventive medicine through formalizing the linkages between the two fields. One way of doing so would be to change the title of ‘preventive medicine’ course in medical colleges to ‘preventive and social medicine,’ as in many other countries, and to adjust the course contents accordingly.

Jaiphal is a common fruit of Myristica fragrans Houtt. plant used as spices as well as for medicinal purpose in Unani System of Medicine since antiquity. The Saydalaneh (pharmacist) in Arab introduce a large number of new drugs to clinical use including nutmeg. As a Unani concept of temperament, it is hot and dry. It is very common and popular drug used as digestive, carminative, appetizer, exhilarant and mood elevator, antitussive, antiemetic, demulcent, aphrodisiac, stomachic, liver, nervine, cardio, and uterine tonic in Unani System of Medicine. Extensive information is provided in Unani text by Greek physicians about this drug so it is used in many compound formulations and useful recipes. These importance and benefits lead to further review to explore its medicinal importance. Review reveals digestive, appetizer, exhilarant and mood elevator, antitussive, antiemetic, nervine tonic, aphrodisiac, antidiarrheal, liver tonic, cardiotonic, and uterine tonic. Recent researchers indicate antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anticancer, sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Further, scope of research can also be explored with the help of traditional knowledge exist in Unani and other traditional medicine.

The establishment and upkeep of national health depends heavily on public health. The endeavor entails employing diverse tactics and measures to safeguard, enhance, and elevate the well-being of societies. Unani medicine, an ancient system of healing that originated in Greece and was later developed and enriched by Persian and Arabic physicians, has its own set of principles that can contribute to public health and the creation of a healthy nation.Unani fundamentals approaches health holistically, taking into account physical, mental, social and spiritual factors.In addition to providing customized care based on a patient's constitution (temperament or Mizaj), Unani system of medicine has several other benefits for the general public's health for example prevention and maintenance of one’s health through ‘Asbab Sitta Daruriyya waGhair Daruriyya’ that includes dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, sleep patterns and performing practices like cleanliness and moderation, doing exercise etc. Additionally, integrating Unani medicine into community health programs like health camps, awareness sessions and distribution of herbal formulations for common ailments can provide a holistic approach to healthcare. In summary, Unani medicine's emphasis on holistic health, preventive care, individualized treatment, natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, community health, and integration with modern medicine aligns with the goals of public health. The objective of this study is to shed light on the foundations of Unani medicine, which is crucial for preserving health at all levels and enhancing it when combined with contemporary medical procedures to improve health both nationally and among individuals.

The immune system is one of our most intricate biological systems, maintaining bodily homeostasis. Substances that modulate the immune responses are called immunomodulators. In Unani system of medicine (USM), immunity is referred to as Quwate-Mudafia, which is part of Quwa and is maintained by Tabiyat. In Unani literature, many single drugs and formulations have been used for their immunomodulatory effect, apart from other therapeutic properties. Single Unani drugs with established immunomodulatory activity are Gilo (Tinospora cordifolia), Sibr (<i>Aloe vera</i>), Asgandh (<i>Withania somnifera</i>), Aamla (<i>Emblica officinalis</i>) etc. Compound formulations are Jawarish Amla sada, Iksir-e-badan, etc. We are living in the age of evermutating influenza viruses giving challenges to mankind (such as the recently prevailed SARSCoV- 2 pandemic); many Unani medicinal plants are still unexplored and need to be evaluated for their immunomodulatory property, which can act as substitutes for conventional drugs. To compile Unani immunomodulatory drugs under one heading, important critical texts of traditional Unani medicine, indexed peer-reviewed journals, and authentic literature from online sources were reviewed along with their reported <i>in vivo/in vitro</i> activities and clinical trials. Unani drugs explored in this review are time-tested remedies and can be utilized in these rapidly changing immunological challenges.

Anacyclus pyrethrum is a botanical origin drug that used by Unani Scholars as a name of Aqarqarha since antiquity. Although, all parts of Aqarqarha used in Unani system of medicine but therapeutically root is most commonly used. The aim of this study was to review the role of Aqarqarha in the management of Amrad Asab wa Dimag (disease of nerve & brain), Amrad Asnan (disease of teeth), Amrad Bah (sexual disease) and Amrad Khilt-i-balgham (phlegmatic disease) as mentioned in Unani literature. The pharmacological actions of Aqarqarha mentioned in ancient literature by renowned Unani scholars as an Abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, Sialagogue, Tonic, Gastrosis, Inflammation, Lethargy, Stimulant, Rubefacient, Cordial, antidepressant, Immunostimulating effect, Memory enhancing activity, Antioxidant effect and Interactions with Hormones. A review of literature on Aqarqarha was undertaken using the bibliographic database viz. Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus. The search was conducted using the terms ‘Aqarqarha’, ‘Anacyclus pyrethrum’, ‘Majoon Aqarqarha’, ‘Aqer Qarha’, ‘Pellitory’ and ‘Spanish Pellitory’. Further, books published in Urdu and English were used to compile the information as representative literature in Unani medicine. Unani medicine highly claims the usefulness of Aqarqarha and its formulations in the management of above mentioned ailments. Modern scientific reports though scarce, also suggest the possibility of such pharmacological effects of this lesser known drug. Therefore, this review based to reveal all possible scientific action of Anacyclus pyrethrum.

Darchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a bark of a cinnamon plant that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon is a rich tasting and aromatic spice used by different cultures worldwide. Recently, many phytochemicals were discovered and obtained from Darchini. Numerous experimental research using these phytochemical components have established several therapeutic actions. In addition, it possesses useful medicinal properties and is considered a remedy for indigestion, flatulency, depletion of innate heat, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. A manual literature search of classical Unani manuscripts was carried out to acquire information on temperament (Mizaj), pharmacological activities and medicinal applications of Darchini. In addition, all accessible material on phytochemical, physiochemical and pharmacological studies have been collected using an extensive review of internet sources such PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. The aim of this review article is to further highlight the discovered pharmacological effect and medicinal values of Cinnamomum zeylanicum as per the Unani literature as well as scientific research. Based on scientific studies regarding its phytochemical components, it is beneficial for various ailments. Darchini also has a beneficial effect on some gynaecological disorders such as amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, prolapse, and vaginosis. However, there is need to conduct experimental and clinical study to validate their effectiveness and safety in humans. Keywords: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Darchini, Gynaecological disorders Phytochemicals, Unani system of medicine

Unani medicine is one of the oldest systems of traditional medicines practised in different parts of the world especially in Indian subcontinent and Arab countries. It is serving the mankind from centuries by alleviating ailments through drugs derived from natural resources. Although drugs from plant, animal and mineral sources are used in this system, but the drugs of plant origin are employed more commonly. Along with other drugs, a number of climbers have also been included in its repository. These climbers are used in a number of pathological conditions since many centuries, and the practitioners of this traditional medicine have reported very good therapeutic results as some of the drugs have been found to ameliorate many chronic and life-threatening diseases. Many of the climbers described to be medicinally useful in Unani literature have been validated scientifically by the researchers and reported to possess interesting pharmacological effects such as antidiabetic, antiulcer, anti-HIV, antitumour, anti-arthritic, nootropic etc. Present paper gives a brief account of 22 climbers of medicinal importance that are frequently used in traditional medicine (especially Unani medicine) to manage various acute and chronic diseases.

Congestive heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome that causes functional impairment of ventricular filling and ejection of blood. It can cause dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, affecting exercise tolerance and causing pulmonary and peripheral edema. Moreover, it is a burgeoning and life-threatening syndrome characterized by significant morbidity and mortality, poor functional capacity and quality of life, and high costs. Worldwide congestive heart failure affects more than 64 million people. Nowadays: congestive heart failure is correlated with Suqūṭ-e-Qalb Imtilāʼī, by modern Unani physicians. However, the disease is mentioned in classical Unani literature under the headings of Ikhtilāj-e-qalbi (arrhythmia), Rabw (cardiac asthma), Buhr (cardiac asthma), Khafaqān (palpitation), Istisqā’ Laḥmī (anasarca), Du‘f al-Qalb (weakness of heart), Intiṣāb al-Nafas (orthopnoea), Sudda-e-Urooq-e-Qalb (coronary artery obstruction), Ghashī (syncope), Tasallub-al- Sharāyīn (arteriosclerosis) and Imtilā’ bi Hasbil Aw’iya (congestion of blood vessels). Congestive heart failure and mortality are on the rise despite the significant advancements in contemporary medicine and guidelines directed medical therapy for congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure hospitalizations make up 1-2% of Western hospital admissions, with the highest 30-day readmission rate (20-25%) in congestive heart failure patients reflecting due to high comorbidity burden. Unani drugs, despite advancements in modern medicine, still significantly impact patient health. They are traditionally used for cardiac ailments like palpitations, coronary artery disease, heart weakness, and cardiotonic. Unani medicine especially Khamīrajat (fermented confections) used in various cardiac diseases is cardio-protective and cardiotonic. According to reports, complementary and alternative medicine is used by up to 61% of cardiac patients with coronary artery disease and those at risk for arteriosclerosis. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the Unani literature on cardiac illness and its treatment in the Unani system of medicine is needed to decrease congestive heart failure social and economic burdens have become a major global public health priority. This review is an effort to summarize the Unani classical literature on congestive heart failure.