Unani Scholars Research Articles

The Perspective of Unani Medicine in Understanding Melasma – A Review

Abstract: Melasma, a prevalent hyperpigmentation skin disorder, poses significant challenges in dermatology clinics. Despite its global impact, conventional treatment options often entail potential side effects and limitations, necessitating the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. : This narrative review aims to advance the understanding of melasma from the perspective of Unani medicine, an ancient healing system recognized by the World Health Organization. It seeks to explore potential therapeutic avenues within the Unani medical paradigm by synergizing ancient wisdom with contemporary perspectives. : The review delves into the Unani scholars' understanding of melasma, known as Kalaf, drawing from the wisdom of renowned scholars. Their insights into the multifactorial etiology of melasma, including pathogenesis, treatment approach, and recommended prescriptions, are discussed. : The descriptions of melasma by Unani scholars have documented the etiopathogenesis, risk factors, and management in detail and emphasize personalized interventions based on the pathological concepts of Unani medicine. Moreover, some of these interventions were also investigated in recent clinical trials and found to have comparable efficacy with standard treatment options. : This review fosters the understanding of the pathogenesis of melasma according to Unani concepts and a holistic approach to the management of melasma, drawing from the timeless legacy of the Unani system of medicine. This review may serve as a reference point for future research, enabling the planning of subsequent studies on this disease with a comprehensive understanding of the previous investigations conducted in this field.

Inter-Rater Judgement analysis for Item Selection in the Development of the Questionnaire to Determine Mizaij-i-Insani

Background and objective Mizajis one of the basic concepts of the Unani system of medicine upon which diagnosis and line of treatment of disease are based. According to Unani medicine, each person has uniquely Mizāj recognized by physiological, psychological, and therapeutic features. Mizāj plays an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease as well. Unani scholars describe several parameters for Mizaj assessment. Some relate to the structure, and others to the functions. Due to the lack of scientific validation, no standard method or tool is available to determineMizāj in conducting research and in medical practice. The objective of the present study is to develop a practical tool in the form of a questionnaire for the determination of individual Mizāj on the human body, so based on a thorough literature scan about Mizaj, items of the questionnaire were framed, and the inter-rater judgment analysis was carried out to validate the items.
 Methods Survey of available literature, especially classical Unani books, journals, theses, dissertations, etc.
 Results The result was evolved based on the questionnaire for assessing Mizāj-i-insani. The questionnaire was evaluated by ten experts in Unani medicine, and their marks were set; the data analysis showed significant agreement in selecting one of the items in respect of the determination of Mizāj-i-insani.
 Conclusion: The questionnaire formulated based on available literature in Unani medicine consists of items for which there was substantial agreement between the experts for item validation.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 02 April’24 Page : 429-437

A Comprehensive Review on Trigonella foenum-graecum L. with Special Reference to Unani Medicine.

Trigonella foenum-graecum L., commonly known as Ḥulba or Methi in Unani medicine, is an annual self-pollinating plant belonging to the Leguminosae family. It has been utilized for centuries to treat a wide range of diseases, and modern research has supported its traditional medicinal claims. In this study, the authors have conducted manual and online searches to gather and summarize the scientific literature on Ḥulba. This article seeks to underscore the potential of Ḥulba in addressing a variety of health conditions as identified by esteemed classical Unani scholars, as well as to investigate its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties in contemporary medicine. The authors have utilized electronic databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct, DOAJ, Google Scholar, and Ayush Research Portal to filter published material. According to the gathered literature, Unani physicians have consistently recommended Ḥulba seeds for a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, flatulence, colitis, arthritis, backache, paralysis, headaches, common cold, cough, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, and pityriasis. Additionally, the seeds and green leaves of Ḥulba contain several chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, and amino acids. Furthermore, several pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Ḥulba possesses various properties, including antidiabetic, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic, immunological, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. Based on the available evidence, it can be concluded that Ḥulba has been effectively used in Unani medicine for treating a wide range of diseases. Unani scholars have extensively documented its pharmacological properties, which have been supported by modern research studies. However, further research is necessary to validate some of the claims made in traditional medicine using scientific parameters.

SKIN DISORDERS IN THE LIGHT OF UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Skin disorders have been prevalent since the Greco-Arabic period. Unani physicians have described the structure and functions of skin interpreting the etiology, clinical features, and management of various skin disorders. These scholars have stated a comprehensive description of various skin ailments such as Hikka (Pruritis), Urticaria (Shara), Quba (Ring worm), Jarb (Scabies), Acne (Basoor-e-Labniya), Bars(Vitiligo), Namla(Herpes), Nar farsi (Eczema), Daus sadaf (Psoriasis) and Saleel (Wart) etc. Ancient Unani scholars have been treating these ailments successfully forages. They have compiled a single as well as composite herbal formulations and various methods of Ila-j bit- tadbeer such as Cupping-Hijamah, Leeching-Irsal-e-Alaq for the treatment of skin disorders. These herbal medicine and therapies have greater significance in the treatment and management of various skin disorders.

A REVIEW ON SAMPLE COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION IN UROSCOPY

Uroscopy is the first documented laboratory test in medicine and is a fundamental diagnostic tool in the Unani system of medicine. Proper sample collection, handling, and identification are important to insure valid results in uroscopy. There are certain do’s and don’ts about the sampling mentioned in the text of the Unani medicine that should be followed. Generally, a urine sample is collected by the patient himself or herself, hence they must be educated to avoid contamination to ensure the purity of the sample. Despite this, there is a chance of error or malpractice hence collected samples should be identified for sufficiency and originality. There is a certain factor that can cause an erroneous result that must be avoided. Unani scholars have mentioned that sometimes patients brought other similar fluids or animal urine to test the competence of the physician or to mislead the diagnosis. To deal with such a situation differentiation of urine with other liquors should be made. The method of sample collection and identification for uroscopy are systematically summarized in this paper.

Sharbat Zoofa Murakkab, A Promising Unani Formulation for Sual (Cough)

It has been described that Sual (cough) is the movement of lungs to remove or reduce the painful stress on the lungs). Cough is a physiologically useful protective reflex that clears the respiratory tract. It occurs due to stimulation of chemo receptors in throat, respiratory passages or stretch receptors in the lungs. According to Unani scholars, Sual (cough) is an act by which Tabiyat removes Aziyat (irritating substances) from the lungs, cough with mucus and sputum. It affects mainly quality of life, works productivity and public health resources etc. The drugs available in the modern medicine produce more or less side effects in the human body. The Unani classical formulation is traditionally used for the treatment of cough, early stages of asthma and useful in bronchial Asthma, phlegmatic cough. Expel phlegm from the chest. It is used to clear mucus from the chest and clear chest congestion. It is 100% natural and vegetarian product. No side effects of Sharbat Zoofa Murakkab mentioned and reported in Unani classical literature and a clinical study was conducted by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine under Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, more studies are required to validate the Pharmacopeial formulation on large scale.

MASSAGE THERAPY- MASSAGE AND HEALTH

Ilaj bit tadbeer is one of the effective modes of treatment that has been described in Unani system of medicine, in classical text about sixty four different types of regimens like Hammam, Dalk, Riyazat, Fasd, etc. are described. Among them, massage is one of the famous regimens practiced all over the world since antiquity. Massage therapy is increasingly becoming an integral part of a growing number of peoples holistic health regimens. More and more medical doctors are prescribing massage therapy to treat a broad range of medical conditions. Unani scholars have provided a detailed description of the massage under the category of Dalk. It has an effect on both body and mind and is a system of stroking. A manual literature survey obtained from classical Unani texts such as Kulliyat Nafisi, Kulliyat-e-Qanun, Kitabul-Kulliyat, Al Qanoon-Fit-tib, Kamilus Sana, Canon of Medicine and online databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science etc. The current review designed to give an overview on massage therapy that can provide several benefits to the body like improved blood flow, reduced muscle pressure, neurological excitability, and increased sense of well-being. Although scientific studies have successfully found many benefits of massage therapy, in recent years massage has gain international attention due to its wide range of effectiveness in management of different types of diseases.

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.

A Review of Kahu (Lactuca sativa Linn.): An Important Drug of Unani System of Medicine

Kahu Lactuca sativa Linn. is a botanical origin drug of Unani system of medicine that is reported to be useful in various hot temperament disorders Amrad Mizaj-i-Haarsquor due to its cold temperament. Because of the presence of sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds it functions as an anesthetic sedative hypnotic and anti-inflammatory. The goal of this study was to determine the morphological ethnomedicinal physicochemical and pharmacological qualities of Lactuca sativa Linn. in the treatment of a variety of diseases. The bibliographic databases PubMed Google Scholar Science Direct and Scopus were used to conduct a review of literature on Kahu. Lactuca sativa Linn. Kahu and Lettuce were among the keywords used to search the related information. Lactuca sativa Linn. has been used in single as well as in compound dosage forms for the treatment of different types of diseases. Traditional medicine practitioners have been using it since ancient times. Unani scholars claim that lettuce and its oil are beneficial in the treatment of insomnia pain and early stages of inflammation. Some clinical trials also point to the possibility of such an effect although more detailed and extensive research is needed to affirm such a claim.

Concept and Management of Diffuse Hair Loss (Intithār al-Sha‘r) in the light of Unani medicine: A Review

Diffuse Hair loss (DHL) is an excessive loss of hair from all over the scalp without producing any bald spots, inflammation or scarring. It is the result of disruption of one phase of the hair cycle. According to Unani system, the term used is Intithār al-Sha‘r. Various Unani scholars like Dioscorides, Ibn Māswayh, Zakariyyā Rāzī, Ali Ibn Abbas Al-Majūsī, Ibn Sīnā described Intithār al-Sha‘r in detail with its etiopathogenesis and management in their treatises. They stated that the most common cause is poor production of bukhārāt-i-dukhānīyya, leads to poor gathering in the masamaat (Skin pores), thus, producing yābusat in the whole body. This yābusat alter the normal structure of body’s skin, make it extremely thin and loose. So, hair comes out easily when gently pulled, resulting in hair thinning and shedding. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of Diffuse Hair Loss in Unani system with its treatment as mentioned in classical Unani books.
 Keywords: Diffuse Hair Loss, Intithār al-Sha‘r, bukhārāt-i-dukhānīyya, Unani scholars,

Dyslipidemia and its concept in Unani medicine: A review

Dyslipidemia is a condition characterised by an excess of potentially atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins. Dyslipidemia as a disease is not directly described in Unani texts. Clinical manifestations of dyslipidemia, on the other hand, are closely associated with signs and symptoms of cold temperament derangement (Su-e-Mizaj Barid Maddi) caused by a disturbance in the kamiyat (quantity) and kafiyat (quality-composition) of Ratubat al-tajawif or Ratubat-ul-uruq (internal environment of the body) or a disturbance in the homeostatic condition of the internal. This comes under the heading of Huzoom-e-Kabidi abnormalities as the primary root cause of dyslipidemia. Derangements in the cold temperament (Su-e-Mizaj Barid Maddi) and Huzoom-e-Kabidi, which have been thoroughly explained in famous books by eminent Unani scholars such as Zakaria Rhazi, Ibn-e-Sina, Rabban Tabri, Ali Ibn-e-Abbas Majusi, and Hakim Akbar Arzani. This review article identifies observations from Unani literature that describe cold temperament derangement due to Huzoom-e-Kabidi abnormality and relates them to the clinical presentation of dyslipidemia in conventional medicine. We have also explained about how all these indications are managed in Unani medicine.

Understanding Renopathy Through the Lens of Unanipathy

The prevalence of renal diseases has increased substantially and has currently emerged as a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. Renal disorders have always remained a major area of concern for Unani Scholars and therefore plethora of text is available in classical literature. Unani medicines are a principal form of health care for many and they have gained attention as an important means of health care coverage globally. In the context of renal disorders, the challenges and opportunities presented by Unani medicine practices are among the most important considerations for developing effective and sustainable public health strategies. However, little is known to the mainstream Nephrologists about the practices of Unani medicines in relation to renal disorders, especially concerning benefits and harms. Renal disorders may be caused, treated, prevented, improved, or worsened by unani medicines depending on the setting, the person, and the types, modes, and frequencies of unani medicine use. Given the profound knowledge gaps, nephrology practitioners and researchers may be uniquely positioned to facilitate more optimal public health strategies through recognition and understanding of time tested Unani medicine practices. Effective implementation of such strategies will require local partnerships, including engaging practitioners and users of Unani medicines. As such, practitioners and researchers investigating kidney diseases may be uniquely positioned to bridge the cultural, social, historical, and biologic differences between biomedicine and Unani medicine, and they have opportunities to lead efforts in developing public health strategies that are sensitive to these differences. This paper reviews the concepts of Unani System of medicine in understanding the Renopathy, the rationale for a global initiative to address this problem, may highlight the role of the interprofessional team in its management, as the epidemic of Renal disorders is global and the adverse outcomes are universal, as are the underlying science and evidence-based strategies for prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment. Keywords: Renopathy, Unani Medicine; Amraze Kuliya, single drugs.

Physicochemical, Phytochemical and HPTLC Analysis of a Novel Combined Herbal Formulation

Background: Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Darchini), Alpinia galanga (Khulanjan), and Withania somnifera (Asgand) have been used in joint diseases by Unani scholars since long. The combination of these ingredients may be more effective than they are given alone as these drugs are having potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and rejuvenating properties. As per the WHO guideline, standardization should be done before undertaking any experiment which claims safety and efficacy. Therefore, this study is aimed to establish the physicochemical and phytochemical quality standards for this novel combination of herbal formulation for future references. Methods: In present study, extractive values such as methanol extract, aqueous extract, chloroform extract and aqueous ethanol extract was obtained. Further, loss on drying, pH, ash values, fluorescence analysis, qualitative phytochemical analysis and HPTLC fingerprint profile were done. Results: Mean values of methanolic, water, chloroform, and aqueous ethanolic extracts were 10.4±0.77%, 13.0±1.3%, 2.3±0.26% and 15.28±1.18% respectively. Further, the total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water-soluble ash were 3.3±0.32%, 1.13±0.09%, and 1.72±0.2% respectively. pH of 1% extract was 5.57±0.16 and 5.37±0.32 for 10% extract. It was observed that the percentage of moisture content was 4.67±0.42%. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract contains carbohydrates, glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proteins and amino-acids, alkaloids, and saponins. Further, HPTLC fingerprint revealed the presence of many plant metabolites and active ingredients. Conclusion: The data generated in this study have been reported for the first time for this novel drug combination, which could be used as a source for future studies.

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.

Psoriasis with special reference to Unani medicine – A review

AbstractBackground. Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disorder that affects about 125 million people worldwide. Patients with psoriasis are more likely to develop inflammatory arthritis, cardiometabolic disease, and mental health issues. Psoriasis remains incurable and recurrent despite the availability of contemporary treatments. Unani (Greco-Arabic) medicine has its unique concept of psoriasis; numerous treatments and formulations are prescribed by renowned Unani scholars.Objective. This study sought to provide an understanding of psoriasis in conventional medicine, as well as clinically equivalent conditions documented by ancient Unani academics in their writings, such as Rūfas, Jālinūs, Rāzī, Ibn Sīna, Majūsi, Ibn-i Zuhr, Ibn al- Quf, and Ibn-i Hubal Baghdādi.Methods. The Unani classical literature was researched manually and online for this purpose. PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were utilized to assemble all the classic and contemporary psoriasis disease-related literature.Results. Since antiquity, Unani scholars have advocated ‘Ilāj bi’l Ghiḍhā (diet therapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l- Tadbīr (regimenal therapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l Dawā (drug therapy) to treat disorders clinically comparable to psoriasis.Conclusion. This study provided a comprehensive evaluation of existing psoriasis knowledge, with an emphasis on Unani medicine, which may be valuable for generating integrated hypotheses to treat the psoriasis challenge.

EFFECTIVENESS OF A UNANI REGIMEN IN THE TREATMENT OF FALIJ-E-NISFI (Hemiplegia): CASE SERIES

Falij-e-Nisfi(Hemiplegia) is a condition in which there is loss of movement and sensation in longitudinal half of the either side of the body. It is the commonest form of paralysis, occurring due to stroke or cerebrovascular accident. Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and second most common cause of death. Post stroke hemiplegia is most common causes of disability in adults. In India its prevalence is 56.9 per 100,000.Unani scholars from various part of the world have been treating the condition of Falij-e-Nisfi (Hemiplegia) since centuries successfully. Different effective regimes are available in Unani system of medicine (USM) for the treatment of Falij-e-Nisfi (Hemiplegia). Those treatments are effective and having fewer side effects. In the present paper the case studies of two female patients suffering from Falij-e-Nisfi(Hemiplegia) due to stroke treated with Unani formulations is reported. This case series documented the successful treatment and prevention of recurrence of hemiplegia through Unani medicines .It concluded that the Unani regimen was effective and safe in the management of hemiplegia.

MANAGEMENT OF FACIAL PALSY (LAQWA) THROUGH UNANI MEDICINE: A CASE SERIES

Laqwa (facial palsy) is the most common cranial nerve motor neuropathy and it results in a characteristic facial distortion that is determined in part by the nerves branches involved. In majority of cases the cause is idiopathic. Rabban Tabri has originally described facial palsy entitled it as “laqwa” and explained its treatment. Thousands of people each year develop facial paralysis, a relatively common disorder with many different origins (infectious, traumatic, neoplastic, inflammatory, metabolic or idiopathic). The annual incidence has been estimated to be approximately 70 cases per 100,000 populations. Incidence of unilateral facial paralysis is 1,000 cases per 5 million populations per year. Unani scholars from various part of the world have been treating this condition since centuries successfully. Improvement of facial muscle function begins within first 3 weeks after onset of disease. Different effective regimes are available in Unani system of medicine (USM) for the treatment of Laqwa (facial palsy). Those treatments are effective and having fewer side effects. In the present paper the case studies of two male patients suffering from Laqwa (facial palsy). After series of investigation no definitive etiology could be traced out, hence considered as unilateral Facial palsy of left side, treated with Unani formulations is reported. This case series documented the successful treatment and prevention of recurrence of Laqwa (facial palsy) through Unani medicines. It concluded that the Unani regimen was effective and safe in the management of Laqwa (facial palsy).In most cases, Bell's palsy has a good prognosis and the patient will recover with outpatient therapy without complication.

EFFICACY OF A UNANI REGIMEN IN THE TREATMENT OF FALIJ-E-NISFI (HEMIPLEGIA): CASE SERIES

Falij-e-Nisfi (Hemiplegia) is a condition in which there is loss of movement and sensation in longitudinal half of the either side of the body. It is the commonest form of paralysis, occurring due to stroke or cerebrovascular accident. Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and second most common cause of death. Post stroke hemiplegia is most common causes of disability in adults. In India its prevalence is 56.9 per 100,000.Unani scholars from various part of the world have been treating the condition of Falij-e-Nisfi (Hemiplegia) since centuries successfully. Different effective regimes are available in Unani system of medicine (USM) for the treatment of Falij-e-Nisfi (Hemiplegia). Those treatments are effective and having fewer side effects. In the present paper the case studies of two female patients suffering from Falij-e-Nisfi (Hemiplegia) due to stroke treated with Unani formulations is reported.This case series documented the successful treatment and prevention of recurrence of hemiplegia through Unani medicines. It concluded that the Unani regimen was effective and safe in the management of hemiplegia.

ROLE OF ILAJ BIL GHIZA (DIET THERAPY) IN PREVENTION OF LIFE STYLE DISORDERS

Tibb-e-Unaniis a completely developed system of medicine which is well known for the prevention and management of the diseases. In classical literature of Unani system, modes of treatment classified as Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer-wa-Taghzia, Ilaj-bi'l-dawa and Ilaj-bi'l-Yad. The basic concept of disease in Unani system is that disease occurs when the individual is deviated from Asbab-e-Sitta Zaroriyah (six essential factors). Modification in these essential factors is necessary to achieve the health and maintenance of normal functions of the body. Makool-wa-Mashroob (foods and drinks) is the second most important factor among them. Good nutrition is vital for complete health and essential for physical growth, normal body composition and mental development. Individual's nutritional state can protect them from or predispose them towards chronic disease. Nutrition is thus both a preventive and a healing science. A modified diet is one that has been altered to include greater or fewer nutrients, to impact a variation in the texture or consistency of what is ingested, or to limit the consumption of any substance. Almost all ancient Unani scholars and [2] physicians such as Hippocrates, Galen and Rhazes etc. have compiled number of books on diet therapy on the basis of the principle of Makool wa Mashroob (foods and drinks). Some specific modified diets such as Ma'ushaeer (barley water), Ma'ulahm (meat distillate), Ma'ul Asl (honey water), Rububiyat (fruit's extract), Ma'ul jubn (whey), mentioned in authentic Unani literature. These modified diets are very much effective in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCD's). Recent studies exhibited these modified diets are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, minerals, etc. Therefore it may be used for prevention of various ailments such as diabetes, obesity, hypertention, etc. In the present paper an attempt has been made to discuss the importance of Unani ditetics in the prevention of NCD's.

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.