Classical Unani Literature Research Articles

Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Women and Treatment of Mental Disorders in the Unani System of Medicine: An Overview

Background: The world miserably collapsed when the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) pandemic was going out of control. The ongoing crisis has damaging effects on the mental health of individuals, predominantly women, in both developed and developing countries. Women in developing countries, both as frontline workers and at home, are at increased risk of mental health problems (specifically mental disorders). A few observational studies related to the COVID- 19 pandemic have reported a higher prevalence of mental health problems like stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fear, delirium, hysteria etc. among women compared to men. Thus, understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's mental health are as important to discuss as their physical health effects. Objective: The Unani System of Medicine (USM) has a holistic approach to preventing, treating, and curing mental disorders. The present article aimed to provide an overview of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's mental health and its containment measures described in classical Unani texts besides their relevance in the current outbreak. Materials and Methods: A manual literature survey of classical Unani literature such as Firdaus- al-hikmat, Al Qanoon-fit-tib, Zakheera Khwarzam Shahi, and Kamilus Sana was conducted to collect the information available on the strategic approaches of health promotion and disease prevention in Unani Medicine. To obtain the appropriate English equivalent words for Unani terms and the scientific name of the drugs, “Standard Unani Medical Terminology” and “Classification of Unani Drugs” were consulted, respectively. Many pharmacological books and papers were considered from PubMed, Google Scholar etc. Results: According to the literature review results, Unani doctors have pushed the adoption of personalised and predictive methods for preserving health and preventing diseases. The main focus is to treat the fragile population, i.e., women affected by mental illnesses. Conclusion: The present article emphasizes the mental health problems among women provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic, their possible etiopathogenesis, prevention, and psychological, regimental and pharmacological management of the USM.

Safūf-i Aslussūs: A time-tested polyherbal formulation for the management of Premature Ejaculation- A comprehensive review

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent male sexual complaint worldwide. The ability to control the timing of ejaculation is very important to get pleasure and to maintain the couple’s sexual health. PE is believed to have a multifactorial etiology which mainly includes psychogenic and biogenic factors. Currently available conventional drugs are based on mere assumptions and their use in PE is considered off-label as they have not been approved by the regulatory bodies. On the other hand, Unani System of Medicine has a holistic approach to the prevention and treatment of diseases and provides a line of treatment for PE which is mainly focused on the internal and external use of specific drugs for the restoration of lost powers, elimination of morbid humor and strengthening of organs, muscles, and nerves. In classical Unani literature, PE/Surʻat-i-Inzāl are described in detail under the heading of Amrāz-i-Bāh. In the series of drug therapy a polyherbal Unani formulation, Safūf-i Aslussūs mentioned in different Unani Pharmacopoeias for the management of PE, and Spermatorrhoea is widely prescribed and recommended for a long time by Unani physicians and it is a time-tested drug. This manuscript is an attempt to summarize scientific studies in support of the claim made by Unani physicians regarding Safūf-i Aslussūs. Keywords: Safoof-i Aslussoos, Surʻat-i-Inzāl, Premature ejaculation, Unani System of Medicine

UNANI PERSPECTIVE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD)

The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not described in classical Unani literature as such; however, many physicians have discussed the features caused by sua-e- mizaj har and sua-e-mizaj barid which imitate the clinical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver. The liver is responsible for the metabolic functions of the body. Synthesis of humours (Akhlat) takes place in liver. The temperament of liver is hot and moist (har ratab) but due to some unhealthy dietary habits, fat consumption in very large amount and using such diets which is unfavourable to the liver, the mizaj of liver is changed to barid.

Devising of Lazūq (A Conventional Unani Dosage Form) with reference to Transdermal Patch; Then and Now: A Critical Review

Objective: The endeavor is made to criticize the classical indications, preparations and application of Lazūq even after passing many centuries since its inception. Background: According to classical Unani literature, Lazūq is primarily formulated for headache, migraine, toothache, cervical pain, dropping of uvula and different types of pain like sciatica, backache, myalgia and some orthopedic conditions. Its approach is still conventional that encompasses thick sticky stuff of drug/s which is pasted over a cloth or thick paper, consequently, maximum ratio of medicinal properties remains insignificant owed to stratum corneum (layer of skin that functions as a barrier). Devising and method of drug delivery in classical form of Lazūq makes it inconvenient to the patient, thus, it drops patient’s compliance and anticipated efficacy. In this day and age, Unani practitioners do not prescribe it very often because of its devising and limited indications documented in classical literature. Hence, it’s now becoming out of practice. Whereas, modern medicine is practicing its novel approach epitomized as Transdermal patch for several bodily conditions like Acute post-operative pain, Alzheimer disease, Angina pectoris, Anti-emetic patch, Atrial fibrillation, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dementia, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Hypertension, Local dermal analgesia, Menopausal symptoms, Motion sickness, Osteoporosis, Overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, Post herpetic neuralgia pain, Smoking cessation, Tic disorder, Tourette syndrome and to prevent pregnancy. In transdermal patch, drug is used in micro/nano form with chemically produced permeation enhancers (CPEs) and other smart physio-chemical techniques that makes it very easy to apply, imparts maximum active pharmaceutical ingredients with controlled release of drug. Methodology: Ancient classical Unani formulations of Lazūq was appraised and then its course with respect to today’s newer formulations as transdermal patch was reviewed to look for its progress and application in novel dosage form with the advantage of innovations in pharmaceutical and allied sciences. Conclusion: Classical Unani formulations of Lazūq must be reviewed, transformed, evaluated, coped and applied as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of transdermal drug delivery system. Future Prospects: New formulations of Lazūq should be designed and appraised from the medicinal treasure of Unani system of medicine for different therapeutic conditions.

Apple of Sedom a Ayurveda’s Gift

The beginning of civilization, human beings have worshiped plants and such plants are conserved as a genetic resource. Calotropis gigantea Linn is a well known medicinal herb commonly known as milk weed. It has been used in Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine for years. The current study was intended to evaluate and compare the in vivo efficacy of Calotropis gigantea mouth rinse as anticariogenic agents with 0.2% chlorhexidine and Listerine mouth rincsae. All parts of the plant have been used as medicine as well as an important ingredient in a number of Unani formulations used for the treatment of various ailments. In classical Unani literature it is mentioned to have anthelmintic, appetizer, anti flatulence, astringent, tonic, expectorant, emetic, diaphoretic, anti inflammatory, sedative, wound healer, antidote and digestive properties and used in asthma, stomach ache, cholera, amenorrhea and toothache. Phytochemical constituents include giganteol, α and β calotropeol, β-amyrin, giganteol and isogiganteol etc. Calotropis gigantea has been reported for its anti asthmatic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, wound healing, antiinflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activities. In this review the main extract of Calotropis gigantea discussed.

LAWSONIA INERMIS L.: AN UPDATED REVIEW OF THE ETHNOBOTANICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND TOXICOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN UNANI MEDICINE

Background Lawsonia inermis L., commonly referred to as henna in the Unani medical system, is a plant belonging to the Lythraceae family. There are several chemical components found in the stem, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds that have commercial, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. The bioactive constituents, pharmacological actions, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological adverse effects of Lawsonia inermis are all thoroughly reviewed in this research. Aim of the review This paper aims to highlight the medicinal properties of Henna in view of its temperament in Unani and phytoconstituents in the treatment of various diseases. Further, exploring its phytochemistry, pharmacological and pre-clinical studies (in-vitro & in-vivo) in respect to scientific researches. Materials and methods Henna was explored in classical Unani literature for its temperament (Mizaj), medicinal properties, pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for pertinent papers, which were then examined for updates and significant characteristics pertaining to the plant. Results Henna has been used in Unani system of medicine for ages. Numerous bioactive substances have been found in Lawsonia inermis L. such as fatty acids, steroids, xanthones, leucocyandin, epicatechin, catechin, polyphenols, alkaloids, quinones, tannins, and quercetin. Historically, the plant has been used to cure a wide range of illnesses, including as lumbago, ulcers, psoriasis, scabies, boils, ocular problems, hair loss, and jaundice. A variety of pharmacological properties have also been discovered in it, including as wound healing, hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer, and hypoglycaemic effects. Conclusion Lawsonia inermis has a promising future in Unani medicine for a variety of medicinal uses; nevertheless, further research is required to properly investigate its therapeutic effects for a range of public health diseases.

Effect of Majoon‐e‐Nisyan (a traditional polyherbal Unani formulation) in animal models of learning and memory

AbstractAimAccording to classical Unani literature, the multicomponent traditional Unani formulation majoon‐e‐nisyan is used to treat amnesia and cognitive impairment. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate majoon‐e‐nisyan's effectiveness in improving cognitive function.MethodsMajoon‐e‐Nisyan was prepared as per traditional method. The cognitive function was evaluated using the passive avoidance test and the water maze experiment in mice. The effectiveness of the test drug was compared to that of the positive control drug, piracetam.ResultsPassive avoidance data recorded during the memory retention trial showed that transfer latency was significantly increased by majoon‐e‐nisyan at 1000 mg/kg bw (body weight) (p < 0.05) and at 1500 mg/kg bw (p < 0.001) as well as by the positive control (p < 0.001) compared to scopolamine control (negative control). Data of the water maze experiment showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in time spent near the platform quadrant following treatment with the test drug at mid‐dose (1000 mg/kg bw) and high dose (1500 mg/kg bw) in comparison with vehicle control. A significant increase in time spent in the platform quadrant was also observed in the piracetam group (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe study indicated that majoon‐e‐nisyan had a beneficial effect on cognitive functions at tested dose levels of 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw in both models. However, the dose of 500 mg/kg bw was ineffective. The current study was successful in demonstrating the effectiveness of majoon‐e‐nisyan using two validated mouse models. Our findings provide more evidence in favor of the concept of hot‐tempered medications used in traditional Unani medicine to treat dementia. This formulation may be used as an alternative to conventional dementia medications.

Congestive Heart Failure in the Light of Ancient Wisdom of Unani Medicine: A Review

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.

A Comprehensive Review of Quba and Its Correlation with Dermatophytosis

Background: In the Unani text, the disease described by the name Quba matches the conventional description of Dermatophytosis, commonly referred to as Tinea or Ringworm. Although there is a slight variation in the disease etiology and pathogenesis, the clinical picture and the individual manifestations are by and large the same. This review elaborates on the Unani description of dermatophytosis (Quba) and highlights the relationship between the two entities. Methods: This review article was compiled after surfing thoroughly the available classical Unani literature and published articles in reputed journals. Result: This article comprehensively analyses both Quba and dermatophytosis as per their etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and management. Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection whereas Quba is identified to be caused by viscid humours (Ghaleez Ratubaat) and morbid matter (Fasid Mawaad). As per the Unani principles of treatment, the disease Quba is treated using purgatives of black bile (Mukhrij Sauda), resolvent (Muhallil), and moderator (Muaddil) drugs along with some physical modalities like Leeching (Irsale Alaq) and Venesection (Fas’d), which is entirely different from the conventional treatment modality which includes the fungistatic and fungicidal antifungal agents for systemic as well as topical use Conclusion: This article tries to elaborate on various aspects of the disease Quba and dermatophytosis and to establish a correlation between the two terms. It also puts forth a potential alternative to the conventional treatment of dermatophytosis (Quba), provided by the Unani system of medicine.

Concept of Waja ál-Mafasil or Hudar (Rheumatoid Arthritis) in Unani Medicine: A review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-standing inflammatory condition of undetermined causative factors with the hallmark of symmetric joint involvement. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system of the patient innocently targets its own body tissues. A principally attacks the synovial membrane, resulting in inflammation, proliferation, articular cartilage loss, and erosion of bone. The most prevalent inflammatory arthritic condition, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affects 0.5% to 1% of the global population. It affects 15% (180 million) of the population of India. In the classical Unani literature, Waja ál-mafasil is described in detail for all types of arthritis, and one of its types Hudar has clinical features that are similar to those of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) which is mentioned in the modern system of medicine. According to the Unani System of medicine, waja ál-mafasil occurs in various joints caused by derangement of the body’s natural humours i.e., dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safra (bile), and sauda (black bile) with various explanations mentioned by great scholars in Unani literature. Contrary to modern management, which mostly relies on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which come with many adverse effects, they managed it using a multidimensional approach. The main emphasis of this review article is on the important characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis with reference to waja ál mafasil to understand the status of the disease as described by Unani scholars and to offer a preferable option in terms of adverse effects and affordable treatment.

Anjeer (Ficus carica Linn.): A famous fruit with distinct pharmacological properties: A review

Anjeer (Ficus carica Linn.) is a well known fruit and an important Unani Medicine mentioned in classical Unani literature with significant pharmacological activity. It is being used as Mughazzi (Nutritive), Mulyyan (Laxative), Muqawwi baah (Aphrodisiac), Daf-e-Waram (Anti-inflammatory), Mukhrij Balgham (Expectorant) and Mudrr-e-Baul (Diuretic) since long times. This fruit has remarkable nutritional ingredients besides pharmacological properties. The aim of this review is to highlight its medicinal and nutritional properties that benefit the people.

Assessment of relative Salty taste of Unani drugs by serial dilution method and its relation with Mizaj and Pharmacological action

Introduction: Mizaj-e-Advia (Temperament of drug) is the central concept for drug action in traditional Unani medicine. Mizaj-e- Advia is determined by different methods, of them Qiyas (Analogy) and Tajriba (Experimentation) are the conventional one. Tajriba is applied to confirm the Mizaj-e-Advia of drugs and Qiyas is undertaken by comparison of different physico-chemical properties of drug substances with a known comparator drug. Organoleptic characters i.e.colour, taste, smell, weight, texture, etc., are the most important determinants to predict Mizaj-e- Advia in humans. Taste is considered as one of the strongest determinant in assessment of Mizaj-e- Advia. Since, they are very subjective indicators, so there is a need to assess them with an objective technique. The present study attempted to evaluate the relative saltiness of drugs with salty taste. Methodology: The taste of different salty drugs in relation to standard as prescribed in Unani system of Medicine i.e., Namak Ta’am (Sodium chloride, NaCl) was assessed by serial dilution method. The value has been expressed as a ratio with respect to NaCl. The Darjate- Mizaj (grades of temperament) of various salt tasting drugs was recorded from classical Unani literature and their correlation coefficient was calculated. Results: A positive moderate correlation was observed between the Darjat-e-Mizaj and the saltiness values of various drugs of salt taste. The observation from the data employed that there was variation in salt detection limit among various salt tasting drugs. Naushadar (Ammonium Chloride) was observed to have greater tendency to retain its saltiness value, and Namak-e-Sanbhar (Impure Sodium Chloride) was observed to have least saltiness value among the various salt tasting drugs. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 01 January’23 Page : 163-170

A molecular reinterpretation of Khilt-e-Balgham (Phlegm): A review of literature

The concept of four humours (Akhlat-e-Arba) in the Unani system of medicine is the premise of the concept of health and disease. This paper deals with elaborating the concept of Balgham (Phlegm), which is one of the four humours described in Unani literature. We argue that the structure of the molecule/chemical species cannot be used in the Akhlat-e-Arba, instead the physiological roles of the molecules will decide whether the molecule/chemical species is to be placed in a particular khilt (humour). This review is presented with a noteworthy insight into Unani concepts and a thorough study of classical Unani literature by Ibn Sina (10th century), Zakaria Razi (9th century), Ibn Rushd (12th century), Ibn al-Nafees (13th century), Ali Ibn Abbas Majusi (10th century), and Ismail Jurjani (11th century), and comparative detailed study of modern concepts of humours from literature databases, as well as Google, recent researches, and review articles of about 10 years. Our arguments in this paper are primarily in context of Khilt-e-Balgham.

Role of the Unani System of Medicine in Countering Epidemic Diseases, Considering Coronavirus Pandemic -19

Published on:June 2022Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2022; 14(2):140-155Review Article | doi:10.5530/jyp.2022.14.28 Authors: MD Aftab Alam1, Mohammad Zakir1,*, Ahmed Minhajuddin1, Uzma Viquar1, Tasleem Ahmad2, Kuna Lahari2 1Department of Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology), National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD), AG Colony Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, INDIA.2Department of Biochemistry, National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD), AG Colony Road, Erragadda, Hyderabad, Telangana, INDIA. Abstract: Since December 2019 world faces a respiratory pandemic named Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The term epidemic was coined by Hippocrates who is considered the father of Unani medicine which is based on four humours. In the Unani System of Medicine (USM) equivalent term for the epidemic is Wabā’. In classical Unani literature symptoms of Nazla-i-Wabā’iyya and Humma-i-Wabā’iyya closely resemble the symptoms of COVID-19. Major manifestations of this outbreak are cough, fever, headache, nausea, and breathlessness. This pandemic takes place due to a change in the quality of the surrounding air. We searched different databases electronically using the terms “COVID-19 or Coronavirus”, “Wabā› or infectious disease”, “Unani immunomodulators”, ‘’Herbal immunomodulators’’, ‘’Anti-viral herbal drugs’’, Herbal fumigation and “Nazla-i-Wabā’iyya or Nazla Wabā’ī”. We also gone through different classical textbooks of USM available in the NRIUMSD library. We reviewed the concept of Wabā’, its prevention, and management strategies available in USM. We also searched antiviral, immunomodulation, fumigation activities of Unani drugs. Unani physicians advocated general measures of physical distancing, health hygiene, isolation, quarantine, and immunomodulation. As a preventive measure, various immunomodulatory drugs like Asgandh, Aam, Babuna, Gilo, Satawar, and Kalonji and antidotes such as Tiryāq Wabā’i have been described in the literature. The ingredients of Tiryāqi- Wabā’i include Aloe barbedensis, Crocus sativus, and Commiphora myrrha. Several fumigants like Sandal, Ood, Kafoor, Loban, and Jhau are also mentioned in the management of the epidemic. For symptomatic management various antiviral, antipyretic and antitussive drugs are described well. Many evidence-based studies have already been reported for single drugs and formulations used in the USM. The Khamira Marwareed possesses antiviral, cardiotonic, and immunomodulatory activity. Single drugs such as Khaksi, Asgandh, Adusa, Chiriata, and Zanjabeel possess antipyretic, immunomodulatory, antitussive, antibacterial, and antiviral activities respectively. The knowledge from classical Unani literature and scientific researches may be useful in the prevention and management of COVID-19 like epidemic diseases. This review article aims to find out the concept of the pandemic, prevention, and management strategies existing in the USM.Key words: Amrād Wabā’ī, COVID-19, Epidemic, Humours, Kaifyat, Unani medicine, Wabā.

Clinical assessment of Mizaj (Temperament) in the patients of Niqris (Gouty arthritis)

Hippocrates (460-370BC), the father of medicine and the architect of the Unani system of medicine, was the first to propose the ideology of Mizaj (temperament). The notion of Mizaj (temperament) is unique to the Unani system of medicine, and the entire system is centered around its core principle. According to this philosophy, each person has a specific Mizaj (temperament) that is fixed and cannot be modified. Each person has their own tastes, preferences, dislikes, passions, and abilities. All of these attributes combine to form an individual's elite disposition or Mizaj (temperament). The state of a person's health and susceptibility to sicknesses are directly impacted by it. Unani physicians have described an individual's Mizaj (temperament) into four categories Damvi (sanguine), Balghami (phlegmatic), Safravi (bilious) and Saudavi (melancholic). Gout, a crystalline arthropathy is an inflammatory response to the Monosodium urate monohydrate crystals formed secondary to hyperuricemia. The objective of the study was to evaluate and analyze the Mizaj (temperament) of patients with Gout (Niqris). Based on the traditional concept of temperament, the findings of this study have the prospects to avert and manage Gouty arthritis (Niqris). The study was executed in A & U Tibbia College, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-05. 40 patients with the confirmed clinical diagnosis of Gout (Niqris) fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Mizaj of the subjects was evaluated by a standard questionnaire of temperament. In the present observational study, the higher incidence of patients was observed in Balghami (phlegmatic) followed by Damvi (sanguine) Mizaj. This study is as per classical Unani literature, so the patient's temperament (Mzaj) may be considered a key element in the origin and development of Niqris.

ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND MANAGEMENT OF WAJAAL-MAFASIL (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS): AN EVIDENCE-BASED COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical inflammatory polyarthritis involving small joints of the hand and feet. It has a global prevalence of 0.8 to 1% in Europe and the Indian subcontinent. Rheumatoid arthritis (Waja‘al-Maf?sil) had been broadly described and managed by the Unani scholars since antiquity. Many pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods are available in the classical Unani literature. The treatment differs for different varieties of morbid humour involved in disease pathogenesis. Treatment aims to reduce morbidity and prevent disability, subsequently improving the quality of life. This review article mainly highlights the management of rheumatoid arthritis mentioned in classical Unani literature and supportive scientific evidence of various preclinical and clinical studies suggesting the potential of Unani medicine. This review article aims to explore the concept of rheumatoid arthritis in the Unani system of medicine to provide a better understanding of disease and its management through the holistic policy of Unani medicine. This review may conclude that Unani treatment can form an alternative source to manage RA.

A review of Mazu and its medicinal uses in Unani medicine

A Gall is an abnormal growth of plant tissue produced by animal agency acting from within. 1. Any organ of the plant may become the seat of this hyperplasia, but the form which the gall ultimately assumes is governed by the potentialities of growth in the part attacked, and by the nature of the animal excitation present. Oak galls (Mazu) is an out growths formed on the young twigs of the dyer's oak, Quercus infectoria (Fagaceae), as a result of the deposition of the eggs of the gall-wasp, this is used for medicinal purposes before escape of insects in dried form as described by classical Unani literature. Keeping in view of the medicinal properties described in ancient Unani scholars and scientific research on various medicinal properties of oak galls (Mazu), this paper an attempt to correlate the properties of Mazu with latest scientific research.

Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.): An effective Unani medicine for dermatological disorders: A review

Unani Medicine believes in humoral and temperamental theory and on the basis of these two theories the disease is diagnosed and treatment is prescribed accordingly. Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) is one of the famous Unani Medicines mentioned in classical Unani literature for the effective treatment of Leucoderma, Psoriasis, Leprosy and other skin disorders. Its main functions are Musaffi-e-khoon, Daf-e-Bars, Daf-e-Juzam, Daf-e-Daussadaf, Daf-e-Kharish, Jali and Mulayyen etc. Because this medicine is already being used in different dosage forms, the aim of this article is to highlight the use of this herbal medicine in Leucoderma and also explore its efficacy in different diseases that could be beneficial for the masses.

Efficacy of herbal anti-microbial soap in Tinea corporis: A randomized controlled study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A Juss. Cassia tora L. has been used in Unani medicine for various skin ailments. Several researches have been conducted on these plants which have shown anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-oxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulation activities. Skin diseases and the use of these drugs are mentioned in classical Unani literature like The Canon of medicine, Continens Liber, Hippocratic treatments, The Complete Book of the Medical Art etc. AimThe aim of the study was to formulate anti-microbial soap and to evaluate its clinical efficacy of in the management of Tinea corporis. Materials and methodsThe anti-microbial soap was prepared by hydroalcholic extracts of Curcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A Juss. and Cassia tora L. The prepared soap was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, microbiological evaluation, stability study, skin irritation, In-vitro anti-microbial activity, GCMS analysis, and a clinical trial was carried out to evaluate its efficacy. A Single Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled trail on 30 patients aged between 18 and 60 years of either gender was carried out. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either anti-microbial soap or Placebo soap for 4 weeks. Subjective parameters including erythema, pruritis and desquamation were assessed weekly while as objective parameter including Photograph of lesion, Total Symptom Score (TSS) and KOH mount was assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial. ResultsThe improvement in subjective parameters was found significant in test group. Erythema, scaling, and desquamation was completely relieved by 70%, 80% and 25% patients respectively in test group while as none of the patients got complete relief in control group. There was statistically significant reduction in average TSS 8.65 ± 0.6708 to 3.05 ± 1.35 p < 0.001. KOH mount turned negative in 80% patients in test group while as only 20% turned negative in control group. ConclusionIt is concluded that Unani drugs can be utilized in better way by modifying into a convenient dosage form. Anti-microbial soap was formulated by adding minimal additives to achieve effectiveness, with cost effective benefits and less or no side effects. Anti-microbial soap was effective in management of management of Tinea corporis. Moreover further studies on large sample size are required to fine-tune these observations.

ROLE OF ILAJ-BIL-GHIZA (DIETOTHERAPY) AS A PREVENTIVE THERAPY IN PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION (PIH): A REVIEW

The hypertension that is caused directly by gravid state is known as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). It has an association with increased maternal morbidity and mortality. In classical Unani literature, hypertension is referred as Hejan of blood. Ibn-e-Sina (Avicenna) wrote in his book Al-Qanoon Fit Tib (Alcanon) that few times pregnant women may complain Warm-e-Qadam (Pedal Oedema). During labour, Tashannuj wa Tamaddud (Convulsions) may occur. Ilaj-bil-Ghiza (Dietotherapy) is a method of Unani treatment in which a specific diet is given for a specific disease. Dietary supplement of 400 IU Vitamin E and 1000 mg Vitamin C per day as antioxidant resulted in reducing oxidative stress, decreased endothelial activation and reduction in the risk of PIH by 61%. Specific diets mentioned in Unani medicine which contains Vitamin E and Vitamin C can be beneficial in PIH.