Sharbat- E- Unnab: A Review on Potent Unani Formulation

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

Vigorous and prolonged physical training can impair immune function, such as neutrophil and monocyte activity, including phagocytosis and oxidative burst, which are critical for pathogen defense. These impairments can result in immunosuppression, increasing athletes' susceptibility to illnesses, such as upper respiratory tract symptoms. Bovine colostrum has been proposed as an efficient nutritional strategy to reverse immunosuppression due to its immunomodulatory effects. This work evaluated the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on the phagocytic and oxidative activity of neutrophils and monocytes from recreational athletes. A pilot randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial was designed. Twenty-seven recreational athletes were supplemented with bovine colostrum (n=16) or placebo (n=11) for four weeks. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst in neutrophils and monocytes were assessed before and after intervention using flow cytometry. Upper respiratory tract symptoms were evaluated daily using WURSS-11 questionnaire. The results revealed a significant increase in neutrophil and monocyte phagocytic and oxidative functions in the bovine colostrum group but not in the placebo group (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in upper respiratory tract symptoms between the groups at the end of the intervention. In conclusion, BC supplementation enhances neutrophil function but does not affect the incidence of upper respiratory tract symptoms (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06123910).

Diarrhea (also known as Is’haal in Unani system of medicine) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly affecting children in the resource-limited settings. Conventional treatments often involve antibiotics, which may not always yield long-term relief and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This study explores the potential of Unani medicine as an alternative treatment for diarrhea in pediatric patients. To evaluate the efficacy of Unani formulations in the treatment of recurrent diarrhea in a pediatric patient. We report the case of a 4-year-old male with a 2-year history of recurrent loose stools, who was treated unsuccessfully with conventional antibiotics. He was evaluated as per the Unani principles based on Arqaan, Akhlaat, Quwa, and Mizaaj. He was prescribed a combination of Unani formulations Dafay Ishaal (anti-diarrheal), Habis and Qabiz (styptic and astringent), Muqawwi-e-Jigar (hepatoprotectives), and Muqawwiya (general tonic). Within 5 days of commencing Unani treatment, the frequency of loose stools reduced from 7–8 times per day to two times per day. By the end of the 15-day treatment course, the patient exhibited only 1 loose stool per day, with significant improvement in general health and appetite. The patient did not require any conventional treatments during this period. This case highlights the effectiveness of Unani medicine in managing recurrent diarrhea in pediatric patients. The observed clinical improvements suggest that Unani formulations can serve as a viable alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and to integrate Unani medicine into broader diarrhea management protocols.

Acne vulgaris (Buthūr Labaniyya) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, commonly affecting adolescents and young adults. The condition often leads to significant psychosocial distress and impaired quality of life. In the Unani system of medicine, Buthūr Labaniyya is attributed to humoral imbalance and disturbances in Asbāb-e-Sitta Ḍarūriyya, the six essential prerequisites for maintaining health. Classical Unani scholars emphasize disease prevention through regulation and moderation of these factors before initiating pharmacological treatment, aiming to restore systemic balance and limit drug dependency. This narrative review examines the role of alterations in Asbāb-e-Sitta Ḍarūriyya in the prevention and management of acne vulgaris by integrating evidence from classical Unani texts with contemporary understanding of acne pathophysiology. The review highlights lifestyle and dietary modifications as supportive, non-pharmacological strategies that may complement conventional acne management and contribute to a holistic therapeutic approach. Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Buthūr Labaniyya; Unani medicine; Asbāb-e-Sitta Ḍarūriyya; Lifestyle modification

Background: Unani System of Medicine (Greco-Arabic Medicine) is rooted in centuries-old traditions, boasts a rich pharmacopoeia of medicinal plants renowned for their therapeutic properties. Yet, within this system, controversies abound regarding the identities of certain botanical entities. These controversies, arising from nomenclatural ambiguities, taxonomic revisions, and regional variations, challenge the very foundation of Unani pharmacology. In this article, we delve into the nuanced landscape of controversial identities surrounding Unani medicinal plants, supported by pertinent references from scholarly literature.Materials and Methods: The classical Unani literatures and various scientific journals indexed in PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, SCOPUS, Google scholars and Research gate pertaining to drug identification and adulterations, ethnobotanical survey, pharmacological actions etc. were reviewed.Result: This review study has revealed that for better and effective treatment the controversies surrounding the identities of medicinal plants needs address the complexities inherent in integrating tradition with modern technology and should be incorporated with Unani literature for identifying the effort to investigate substitutes of rarely available and high-cost Unani drugs through pre-clinical, clinical and phytochemical studies to avoid adulteration and intermixing of drugs,Discussion: The unavailability of many Unani drugs poses significant challenges. Factors such as geographical variation, over-exploitation of resources, and the growing human population contribute to this issue. This should be address by innovative solutions, scientific validation of drug substitution, by researching and confirming the efficacy of medicine and alternative Unani ingredients.Conclusion: While challenges exist in the realm of Unani medicine, opportunities for innovation and sustainability are abundant. Prioritizing scientific validation, identification and focusing on drug substitution, we can address the pressing issues of availability and conservation, ultimately enriching the practice of Unani medicine for future generations.

Background: Unani System of Medicine (USM) is one of the traditional systems of medicine practiced in India and the Indian subcontinent. It is a holistic system of health care based on inceptive principles applied by Hippocrates, Galen, and Ibn-e-Sina, the founders of present-day medicine. USM encompasses a distinct way of looking at the human body and it considers health to be the result of natural dynamic harmonious balance within the body. USM also recognizes the presence of inherent wisdom which is responsible for controlling all physiological functions, maintenance of health, restoration of health, and self-healing. This intrinsic ability of the body to restore health and the mechanism that activates the body’s healing process is called Tabi’at/ physis. The ultimate goal of prevention of disease can be obtained by optimization of tabi’at/physis, increasing the host defense. It can be achieved through the implication of asbab-e-sitta zarooriyah which includes some Unani Regimenal Therapies also, fostering change in lifestyle habits resulting in good health. Aims: In this raging pandemic all the therapeutic strategies are based on destroying the agent, breaking the means of transmission and immunization. Although we are leaving behind a huge gap in maintaining the host defense even though it has a crucial role in disease dynamics. In this paper, we have attempted to highlight the concept of tabi’at/Physis and its optimization to prevent this disease and its transmission. Methods: The authors had gone through classical Unani medical textbooks books related to the concept of tabi’at, asbab-e-sitta zarooriyah, and various modalities that help in health promotion and host defense. Important Unani medicine textbooks like Al Qanoon, Kamilus Sana’at, Kitab-al- Hawi, Al-asbab wa Alamat, Moalijat Buqratiya, Firdausul Hikmat and Kitabul Mansuri in addition to other published literature on the concerned subject was also reviewed for further clarification on the topic. Keywords: Unani System of Medicine, Tabi’at (physis), Host defense & Asbab-e- Sitta zarooriyah

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.

Objective: There are certain clear negative effects linked to traditional therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as invasive surgery and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. On the other hand, there is some evidence that alternative medications are safer and may help individuals with BPH with their sexual dysfunction as well as their quality of life and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). An review of BPH, various approaches to its treatment, and its significance in the Unani system of medicine—one of the alternative medical systems—were the main goals of the current article. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar databases and classical texts of unani medicine were searched for data collection. Results: BPH, which is classified under the Unani medical system as Waram unuq almathana (bladder neck swelling) and Insidad majra-i-mathana (bladder outlet obstruction), has been treated with herbal remedies for centuries but still needs thorough scientific verification. Notable among the herbs include Linum usitatissimum, Urtica dioica, Tribulus terrestris, and Cucurbita pepo. Conclusion: For achieving the goal of LUTS-free ageing men, and safer and cost-effective future management of BPH, Unani herbal medicine could hopefully prove beneficial. Keywords: Prostatomegaly; Warm-e-Ghudda-e-Mazi; Micturition; Unani Medicine

Anemia is a significant global public health concern, particularly affecting young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, as well as pregnant and postpartum women. According to the World Health Organization, 40% of children aged 6–59 months, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15–49 years worldwide are anemic. In classical Unani literature, anemia is referred to as Sū’-al-Qinya , derived from the Arabic words “ Su ” meaning “defect” and “ Qinya ” meaning “treasure” or “assets.” Together, they suggest a defect in the body assets. Sū’-al-Qinya implies a decrease in the amount of blood in the body, a change in its composition, and a reduction of the number of Kurriyāt-e-Ḥamra (red blood cells). This paper is intended to elucidate the concept of anemia and its preventive measures in the Unani System of Medicine. A comprehensive review of classical Unani texts was conducted to gain insight into the concept of anemia in the Unani system of medicine and the various Unani remedies for managing this condition. In addition, various research databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were utilized to gather all available information on Sū’-al-Qinya . Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent nutritional deficiency that predominantly affects women. Unani physicians have long been cognizant of this issue and have employed various iron preparations to address iron deficiency anemia. According to ancient Unani literature, the cause of Sū’-al-Qinya is attributed to the abnormal cold temperature of the liver. Unani physicians have used medications that stimulate the innate heat of the liver to prevent this condition.

The Unani System of Medicine (USM) has long employed terminalia chebula, a significant medicinal plant in pharmaceutics, to treat a wide range of illnesses and infections. The distinctive phytoconstituents (chebulenic acid, corilagin and casuarinin) found in this herb are thought to be a valuable and affordable source. These phytoconstituents are commonly used in the production of medications with higher safety margins and fewer harmful effects against various ailments. The mature dried fruits of terminalia chebula belong to the combretaceae family. It is also referred to as Halīlaj Asfar in Arabic, Halela Zard in Persian, Haritāki in Hindi and Chebulic Myrobalan in English. According to their level of maturation, each of these varieties can take on different forms, making this categorisation well-known in the USM. Halela has been used in Unani medicine for a very long period, either alone or in different compound formulations like Itrīfal or Triphala. The entire plant, with its great medicinal potential, has been used by Unani physicians to treat a wide range of conditions in humans. It is used as a blood purifier, astringent, cholagogue, carminative, brain tonic, eye tonic, cardiotonic, stomach tonic, gastrointestinal motility, kidney tonic and digestive anthelmintic. Terminalia chebula possesses a multitude of pharmacological and therapeutic qualities, including hepatoprotective, wound-healing, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic effects. In an effort to clarify further research in this field, this study aims to shed light on T. chebula by describing its widely recognised medicinal benefits. KEYWORDS: Halela Zard, H

Objective. To determine the effect of prolonged endurance exercise on the serum concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), immunoglobulin E (IgE) and upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS). Design. In 11 healthy, experienced volunteers (6 males, 5 females, age 43 ± 9.8 years) the serum concentrations of ECP and IgE were measured, 24 hours prior to projected finishing time, immediately post exercise (IPE), and 3 h, 24 h, and 72 h after an ultramarathon (90 km). Self-reported URTS were also recorded for 14 days after the race. ECP was measured using radioimmunoassay and IgE using the Alastat Microplate Total IgE kit. The after-exercise values were corrected for plasma volume changes, which were calculated from haematocrit and haemoglobin values. Serum concentrations of ECP and IgE were analysed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparing values with before-exercise levels. Level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results. ECP was significantly elevated at 72 hours (+52%), whilst IgE was not significantly altered after the ultramarathon. There were no reported URTS for the 14 days after the race. Conclusion. The eosinophil is a pro-inflammatory leukocyte involved in bronchial hyperreactivity and allergic inflammation of the airways. IgE is associated with allergic diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. Serum ECP is a sensitive marker of eosinophil activation. The result provides evidence for the non-allergic activation of blood eosinophils during prolonged endurance exercise. Whether this indicates exercise or environmentally induced airway inflammation, or a role for ECP in muscle /tissue repair, are hypotheses that require additional research. SA Sports Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 12-16

Background: Low back pain has been a significant public health issue since long time, resulting in loss of functional productivity and medical costs. Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) or pain for which there is no known cause, affects about 85% of sufferers. Although there are conservative treatments accessible in the conventional medical system, like NSAIDs, which produces certain side effects. Unani system of medicine is the ancient system of medicine which deals with prophylactic and therapeutic management of many illnesses with no or least adverse effects. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Unani compound pharmacopeial drug i.e., Habb-e-Gule-Aak (HGA) and exercises of lumbo-pelvic muscles (strengthening and stretching) in the management of NSLBP. Materials and Methods: Five patients with a primary report of chronic NSLBP (>6 months) without radiculopathy were treated with 2 pills of HGA twice daily for 30 days. The effectiveness of therapy was assessed on baseline, 15th day and 30th day using a numeric rating scale (NRS) to measure pain reduction and Oswestry disability index (ODI) to assess the decrease in lower back disability in NSLBP. Results: HGA and exercises of lumbo-pelvic muscles (strengthening and stretching) significantly reduced pain and disability in NSLBP. Conclusion: This case series is preliminary research of the use of multiple modalities in the management of NSLBP. It is envisaged that additional experimental research will be done to demonstrate the efficacy of this combination in treating people with NSLBP. Keywords: Habb-e-Gule-Aak, Ilaj Bit Tadbir, Lower back Exercise, Non-Specific Low back pain, Unani medicine

Perception of psychiatric disorders in the Unani system of medicine – a review

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder, affects women more frequently, and incidence increases with age. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in developed countries is around 4-5%, whereas, in India, it is about 11%. The common symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults are weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, constipation, change in voice, and dry skin. It can affect all systems of the body. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical history and laboratory investigations. Untreated hypothyroidism increases morbidity and mortality. In conventional medicine, the treatment of choice is Levothyroxine, whereas in Unani System of Medicine, pharmacotherapy consists of single and compound drugs. Single drugs are selected as per the constitution (Mizaj) of drugs as opposed to the abnormal constitution (Su-e-Mizaj) of disease and its pathology. Some drugs increase the basal metabolic rate whereas some evacuate the morbid material from the body by the action of purgation. The drugs are used either in a single form or as a prescription of more than one drug in the form of decoction (Joshandah), infusion (Kheshandah), or powder (Safoof). This review aims at providing comprehensive information regarding various drugs used in Unani system of medicine that is used in the management of thyroid dysfunction.

The concept of functional foods includes foods or food ingredients that exert beneficial effect on health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cereals are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, macronutrients as well as micronutrients required for adequate health. Evidences showed that consumption of whole grains and their products is associated with a reduction of the risk of developing many diseases, including hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. Unani medicine has discussed vividly and in a very comprehensive manner about cereals and grains. Wheat, rice, maize and barley etc. are used in various dosage forms as functional food and as adjuncts in the management of various ailments of the body due to their nutritional, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and organ protective activities among others. The aim of penning this chapter is bring into the limelight the properties, nutritional value, therapeutic uses of cereals and grains and their utilization as food and formulated foods as described in Unani system of medicine.