Why the "sugars" in traditional Unani formulations are a pivotal component: A viewpoint perspective / 中西医结合学报

Traditional medicine systems around the globe, like Unani, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, include a number of sugar-based formulations, which contain a large amount of saccharide-containing sweetener, such as honey, sucrose or jaggery. With pervasive lifestyle disorders throughout the world, there have been discussions to consider alternative sweetening agents. Here, from the perspective of Unani medicine, we discuss how the saccharide-based sweeteners may be an essential component of these traditional preparations, like electuaries, which may be deprived of their bioactivities without these saccharides. With contemporary researches, it is known that apart from their own therapeutic effects, saccharides also form deep eutectic solvents which help in enhancing the bioactivity of other ingredients present in crude drugs. In addition, they provide energy for fermentation which is essential for biotransformation of compounds. Interestingly, the sugars also increase the shelf-life of these compound drugs and act as natural preservatives. On the basis of this review, we strongly believe that saccharide-based sweeteners are an essential component of traditional medicines and not merely an excipient.

Clinical efficacy of medicinal leech therapy in treating third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids / Eficácia clínica da hirudoterapia no tratamento de hemorroidas de terceiro e quarto graus

Abstract Objectives Hemorrhoids are characterized by bleeding, mucous discharge, itching, pain, and prolapse. This condition is known as bawaseer in Unani medicine, and Hirudinaria granulosa has been used for its treatment in Irsal-e Alaq, or medicinal leech therapy (MLT), for centuries. Hirudinaria granulosa with antithrombotic and antiinflammatory action is used in the treatment of chronic venous disease and hemorrhoids. The present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of MLT in third and fourth-degree hemorrhoids. Methods A single-centre prospective, clinical trial with a pre and postanalysis design was conducted at the hospital of the National Institute of UnaniMedicine. Twenty male and female patients, with a mean age of 38 years, presenting moderate symptoms assessed with the colorectal evaluation of clinical therapeutics scale (CORECTS) questionnaire were included in the study. Hirudinaria granulosa were applied around the pile mass for 15 minutes weekly, for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the treatment was measured by an objective and subjective assessment using the CORECTS. Results When analyzed by the clinician, MLT reduced the symptoms' severity score in the following domains: pain (55% improvement; p < 0.001); anorectal itching (30% improvement; p < 0.10); and bleeding (10% improvement; p < 0.7963). Significant improvement (p < 0.001) was reported in the CORECTS score in relation to pain (44.09% improvement; p < 0.001), itching (38.55% improvement; p < 0.001), swelling (44% improvement; p < 0.001), bleeding (17.28% improvement; p < 0.007), discomfort (34.01% improvement; p < 0.001), and wellbeing (32.35 % improvement; p < 0.001), giving an average overall opinion on the therapy of 4/10. Conclusion The results of the study albeit smaller in sample size show that MLT is an effective and safe therapeutic option in reducing the symptoms of 3rd and 4th degree haemorrhoids.

Resumo Objetivos As hemorroidas são caracterizadas por sangramento, secreção mucosa, prurido, dor e prolapso. Esta condição é conhecida como bawaseer namedicina Unani, e a Hirudinaria granulosa tem sido usada para seu tratamento na Irsal-e Alaq, ou hirudoterapia, há séculos. A H. granulosa, devido à sua ação antitrombótica e antiinflamatória, é utilizada no tratamento de doenças venosas crônicas e hemorroidas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a eficácia da hirudoterapia em hemorroidas de terceiro e quarto graus. Métodos Este ensaio clínico prospectivo e unicêntrico com delineamento pré e pósanálise foi conduzido no hospital do National Institute of Unani Medicine. Foram incluídos no estudo 20 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com média de idade de 38 anos, que apresentavam sintomas moderados avaliados pelo questionário colorectal evaluation of clinical therapeutics scale (CORECTS). Espécimes de H. granulosa foram aplicadas em volta da área afetada por um período de 15 minutos semanais, durante 4 semanas. A eficácia do tratamento foi medida por uma avaliação objetiva e subjetiva usando o questionário CORECTS. Resultados Quando analisada pelo clínico, a hirudoterapia reduziu o escore de gravidade dos sintomas nos seguintes domínios: dor (55% de melhora; p < 0,001); prurido anorretal (melhora de 30%; p < 0,10); e sangramento (melhora de 10%; p < 0,7963). Melhora significativa (p < 0,001) foi relatada no escore CORECTS em relação à dor (44,09% de melhora; p < 0,001), prurido (38,55% de melhora; p < 0,001), inchaço (44% de melhora; p < 0,001), sangramento (17,28 % de melhora; p < 0,007), desconforto (34,01% de melhora; p < 0,001) e bem-estar (32,35% de melhora; p < 0,001), o que resultou em uma opinião geral média sobre a terapia de 4/10. Conclusão Os resultados do estudo, embora com tamanho de amostra pequeno, mostram que a hirudoterapia é uma opção terapêutica eficaz e segura na redução dos sintomas de hemorroidas de terceiro e quarto graus.

Clinical evaluation of Unani formulation in zeequnafas shobi [bronchial asthma]

Asthma is a dangerous disease of lungs, which was known to mankind from the time of Hippocrates, but its peculiar features identified it. Hippocrates was the first to name this disease as 'panting' which means breathlessness1. Later on many Unani scholars keenly studied about Asthma and mentioned it in their books. The Unani scholars successfully treated this disease by Unani medicines, which even the present scholars, are following. The modern medical science invented bronchodilators and corticosteroids thus made the treatment much easier. Apart from all these advancements, the complete treatment of asthma is yet to be achieved. The drugs, which have been selected for the purpose of this research work, have been in practice since ancient times. The main objective of this study was to scientifically evaluate the efficacy of our drugs in commonly encountered clinical entity, asthma. The study was open single group uncontrolled randomised clinical trial. In the present study thirty cases of 15 to 55 years of age who were clinically diagnosed were enrolled in the study for 60 days from indoor and outdoor of the Department of Moalejat, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College and Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh during the period extending from 2006-2008. The patients were treated with Irasa [Iris ensata Thunb.], Zanjabeel [Zingiber officinalis Rosc.], Qaranfal [Eugenia caryophylla Thunb.] and Maghz-e-Amaltas [Cassia fistula Linn.] 6 grams, 3 grams, 3 grams and 4 grams respectively in the form of powder 12 hourly for 60 days. Significant improvement in symptoms and signs and laboratory findings of the disease was observed

Development of standard operating procedure [SOP] of a unani pharmacopoeial formulation

In various Unani pharmacopoeias thousands of formulations are present which have been formulated by eminent physicians of Unani System of Medicine. The majority of these formulations are based on plant origin drugs and their efficacy may get altered as a result of seasonal variation, use of different drying methods, their storage conditions and microbiai contamination. To avoid these alterations, standardization of drugs is necessary especially in case of compound formulations the use of Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs] for their manufacturing is essential. It will help to prepare a formulation repeatedly with the same quality. The present study was designed to develop the SOP of a Unani pharmacopoeial formulation i.e., Habbc Gule Aak [HG]. Total eight batches of HG were prepared with different conditions i.e., binder, particle size, time of drying and temperature of drying'. All the eight batches of HG were evaluated thrice for the hardness, friability and disintegration time. The batch with minimum friability, hardness nearest to standard value and minimum disintegration time as per pharmacopoeias was selected as final batch and all conditions regarding powder size, binder, temperature of drying and time of drying used in the preparation of frnal batch were fixed as its Standard Operating Procedure. Out of eight batches the Batch No. 2 with 150 micron particle size [100 mesh sieve], mucilage of 30% w/w samaghe arabi [binder], dried at 80°C for 150 minutes was selected as final batch. The final batch showed minimum friability [0.05 +/- 0.01], hardness nearest to the standard value [4.59 +/- 0.30] and considerable disintegration time [33.67 +/- 0.33]. The resulting SOP will be helpful in setting the pharmacopoeial standards of HG and the methodology of the work will help in the development of SOPs for other Unani formulations too

R. damascena [Rose] is an important drug in unani medicine uses in various ailments since centuries a review

The Rose has given rise to innumerable solar myths both in the east and in the West, one of the prettiest being the well-known story of Gul-i-Bakawli. Dioscorides mentions the astringent properties of rose petals, the use of their ash as a collyrium. The whole plant flower buds, petals, stamens are used for different ailments in Unani System of Medicine since centuries.The Rose water has been considered as mildly astringent, carminative, and refrigerant cardiac tonic and the flowers considered as tonic, laxative, expectorant cardiotonic, good for the eyes, headache, toothache, stomatitis; benefits the lungs, the kidneys, the liver; used in heat of body, chronic fevers inflammation, intestinal affections; excessive perspiration; astringent when dry, strengthening, astringent expectorant; slightly laxative, promotes wounds healing, and scar formation, hemostatic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory, anti viral and anti bacterial, sedative, strengthens nerves, aphrodisiac, brain and heart tonic, mufarreh for brain and heart tonic

Standardization, quality control and pharmacological review on andrographis paniculata[Burm.f.] Wall ex nees a Potential Medicinal herb in unani and ayurvedic systems of medicine

Andrographis paniculata [Burm.f.] Wall ex Nees is a potential herbal drug used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. In view of the medicinal and pharmacological importance of this species in different systems of medicine, an attempt has been made to provide comprehensive information on standardization and quality control of the herb based on WHO guidelines. The studied important parameters for standardization and quality control are sensory characteristics, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, chemical characteristics with some chemical reagents, physico-chemical characteristics [moisture content, successive extractive value, ash value, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value, acid value, iodine value] and TLC and HPLC finger prints of different extractives. At the same time, chemical constituents, properties and uses, pharmacology, precautions and toxicity arc discussed based on literature review

Kayi [cauterization]: a tribute to Unani scholars

Kayi [cauterization], also known as wasm is part of ilaj-bil-tadbir described in Unani medicine. Many Unani scholars believe kayi to be the most effective mode of treatment in certain disorders. Despite carrying some risks, the therapy was widely practiced and propagated by a number of Unani scholars, with excellent results. Kayi remains one of the largely unexplored areas in modern times. However, a few recent studies have acknowledged its efficacy in certain disorders, which necessitate further scientific studies on the subject. It is also a remarkable observation that a therapy described hundreds of years ago has proved its efficacy on the most recent parameters in modern times. The credit definitely goes to the Unani surgeons of yesteryears who had the courage to take up a difficult procedure and develop it to perfection

Foods for healthy hair as prescribed in Unani medicine

Diet plays an important role in treatment of various diseases caused by alteration of humours like Dam [blood] Balgham [phlegm], Safra [yellow bile] and Sauda [black bile] as in Unani medicine. The cure lies only in the supplementation of diet with particular nutritional substances. As regards the hair care, we nourish it from the root with the help of different foods

Therapeutic evaluation of a Unani formulation in cases of oligospermia

Most Common cause of infertility is oligospermia i.e. sperm counts below 20 million/ml, ejaculated volume below 1 ml, failure of liquefaction etc. In present study 50 cases of oligospermic men in their fertile age i.e. 25-55 years were registered, for study. All cases were free from any hormonal, organic or systemic pathology, hence they were considered to suffer with idiopathic oligospermia. The Unani formulation containing 5 ingredients was given in dosage of 10 gm powder twice daily for 40 days, and it was observed that the overall improvement in semen quantity, quality and sperm count etc., were found to be significantly improved

Therapeutic potential of silver in Unani system of medicine: an overview

Metals play important roles in human body, the deficiency of which may lead to various disorders. Earlier there was a perception that metals are not compatible with human body at all, but now it has been reported that number of metallic compounds are essential for body and some are in the category of essential elements. Metals are present in human body in different concentration and combination at various sites and help the respective body tissues to perform their required activities. Perfect health is attributed to the state of equilibrium of these metals in body tissues. Any imbalance in their concentration or inactive states disturbs the body metabolism. Silver is one of the metals known since antiquity. It was used for medicinal purpose since time immemorial. The first recorded use of silver for medicinal purposes dates back to 8th century A.D. where Ibn Sina used silver filings for palpitation of the heart. In Unani system of medicine it is used in the form of kushta [calcined-oxidized herbo-metallic form] and warq [thin foils]. It is highly recommended in fever, chest affections, impotency, seminal weakness, painful and irritable conditions of the stomach, heart burn, chronic diarrhoea and nervous affections. This review is an effort to summarize the detailed prospects of ancient literature on silver along with recent pharmacological studies

Al-Amal Al-Ehteqan [the enemata] an ancient way of complementary treatment

Enemata are the liquid preparations that are injected into the rectum and colon through anus. They are either intended to be returned or to be retained into the colon. Enema is an excellent treatment for removing superfluous matter from the bowels. It is the treatment of choice for intestinal colic. That's why it is called as Moalijah Al Fazilah [the Superfluous Therapy]. It allays pain and inflammation of the bowels, kidney, bladder and other pelvic organs. Enemas have been in practice from ancient time and helped to cure a lot of disorders like constipation, poisoning, acute headache, flu, common cold, meningitis, measles and many more. On the other hand enemas were largely practiced for many other therapeutic and diagnostic purposes also. Classical literature of Unani medicine describes enema in a scientific manner. Our ancestors had an ensuring experience in treating various kinds of disorders by this simple way. Unani scholars have mentioned even adiposgenous [Fattening] and aphrodisiac enemata. As per the necessities in the medical field enema has many types according to their mode of actions

Classical Unani approach for steady management of warm-e-Sho'batur riya muzmin [chronic bronchitis] a view

Primary Respiratory Diseases are responsible for a major burden of morbidity and untimely deaths, and the lungs are often affected in multisystem disease. Warm-e-Sho'batur Riya Muzmin [Chronic Bronchitis] and Emphysema are often grouped together and can be regarded as forming a spectrum with "Pure" Chronic Bronchitis at one end and pure Emphysema at the other. Warm-e-Sho'batur Riya Muzmin [Chronic Bronchitis] can be described if sputum has been coughed up on most days of at least three consecutive months for more than two successive years, providing other causes of productive cough such as bronchiectasis and untreated chronic Asthma have been excluded. There are many efficacious Unani formulations, which are not only cost effective but also easily available in the present market and may be used to treat this type of condition. This is an attempt to collect various formulations used for this particular condition and simultaneously may be supportive in case of Emphysema

Distribution of body mass index [BMI] among individuals of safravi and balghami temperatment

Determination of temperament [tashkhees-e-mizaj], in Unani System of Medicine, is done on the basis of certain morphological, physiological and psychological features. Muscles and Fat [Lahm wa Shahm] and Physique [Haiyat-e-aza] are important parameters amongst the ten determinants of temperament. These parameters need interpretations and explanations in terms of modern science. Body Mass Index [BMI] provides an index of weight relative to height. As per Unani classical literatures, Safravi individuals are lean and thin while Balghami individuals are fatty and obese. They possess temperament [mizaj] and other characteristics different from each other. In this study, Body Mass Index [BMI] was calculated in 148 healthy individuals having Safravi and Balghami temperament. Volunteers having their BMI 30 or more were considered obese and excluded from the study. The Balghami individuals had significantly higher Body Mass Index [BMI] than the Safravi individuals. The mean value of BMI in Safravi and Balghami volunteers were found to be 19.8 +/- 1.8 and 23.1 +/- 1.9 respectively

Concept of hypertension in Unani Medicine

Hypertension is thought to be a disease recognized only in 19th century A.D. However, there are references in the classics of Unani Medicine, which indicate that the physicians of Medieval and pre-Medieval period were well acquainted with this health problem and have discussed it under the headings which are presently included in the list of signs, symptoms and complications of this disease. We have tried to collect all the related data available in Unani medical literature in their original form to prove our statement

Diet in growing age a Unani validation

Diet has been a big concern throughout the ages for medical scholars about the behaviour and kind of food useful for development of body in growing age and maintenance of health in general. In present time, the concept of balanced diet has finally resulted in the enrichment of the scientific use of nutrition. In Tibb, diet is one of the most important factor included in six essential factors which maintain body inter-relationship and continuously aims at readjustment of its various bio-chemical processes and physiological functions accordingly. A person of a particular habitat temperament, profession, and age requires a particular balanced diet so that it fulfils the special demands as required by every individual separately. Whenever, there is a change in climate and diet, the living body is affected. Therefore, the diet is to be balanced and taken according to the demand of the body in a given climate, habitat and seasonal variation. Diet in a growing age has been therefore taken into account for description of balanced or normalized temperament which could be maintained and so the health could be protected

Parsiaoshan [Adiantum capillus-veneris] a review

Adiantum capillus-veneris, the Southern maidenhair fern, black maidenhair fern and venus hair fern is a species of fern in the genus Adiantum with a sub cosmopolitan worldwide distribution. It is cultivated as a popular garden fern and houseplant. It has been in use for centuries in Unani system of medicine as anti-inflammatory, demulcent, hair tonic, expectorant, emmenagogue etc. The present review highlights the traditional uses, therapeutic actions and pharmacological properties of plant

Physico-chemical standardization of Tukhm-e-qurtum [Carthamus tinctorius Linn]

Carthamus tinctorius, Linn. [Qurtum] of the family Compositae, is an annual plant which grows in tropical and sub-tropical parts of India. The seeds of the taxon are extensively used in Unani system of medicine as anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, aphrodisiac, blood purifier, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hepatoprotective, lithotryptic, liver tonic, purgative, sex stimulant, spermatogenic and tonic. In view of the medicinal value of this plant as described in Unani literature, the present study has been designed to set the physico-chemical standards of the seeds of Carthamus tinctorius, Linn. evolving some important parameters such as extractive value in different solvents, alcohol and water soluble contents, moisture contents, total ash value, water soluble ash value, acid insoluble ash value, bulk density, pH, chemical reactions, fluorescence analysis and thin layer chromatography. These parameters shall be valuable in quality control and identification of the drug

Role of Ghizae Dawai [Nutraceuticals] during pregnancy

Promotion of Maternal and Child Health is most important component of the reproductive and child health programme. Women's health is important during all phases of their lives, from childhood to adulthood. Some of the initiatives have been taken up such as increasing accessibility of service providers by an accreditation of private institutions as training center, improve quality of antenatal and post natal care and Integrated Nutrition and Health Project etc. Essential nutrition plays an important role during pregnancy, which helps the baby as well as mother growth. Nutraceutical, a portmanteau of nutrition and pharmaceutical, refers to extracts of foods claimed to have a medicinal effect on human health. The nutraceutical is usually a contained nutrition as well as medicinal portion essential to prevent problems like anaemia, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, hemorrhage, dizziness, and fatigue and also ensures that baby is getting essential nutrients growing inside the womb. Iron, protein, calcium as supplements and cereals, dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and nuts as nutrition have been recommended in various Unani Classics as single such as Zanjbeel, Isapghol and Soya or compound formulations such as Arq-e-Gaozaban, Arq-e-Mako and Jawarish Anarain help in various conditions throughout pregnancy

comparative study of somatotypes in different Mizaj-e-insani

Greco-Arab system of medicine is based on fundamentals postulated by Hippocrates [460-377 B.C.]. Besides other concepts, the humoural and temperamental [mizaj] theories are the back-bone of this system and a very important base-line of Tibb is the concept of Mizaj-e-Insani [human temperament] which revolves around the diagnosis and treatment modalities as well as specific constitution of an individual. But as modern mind always seeks for more information which can only be provided by research on modern lines with the support of methods which were not available to the ancients. Therefore a comparative study was conducted between different somatotypes and Mizaje Insani at Aligarh city of Uttar Pradesh, India. Subjects were adults of age 19-25 years. Human mizaj was assessed on the basis of proforma developed to reveal Ajnase Ashra [ten parameters] as given in Unani literature, whereas somatotypes were assessed on Carter and Heath ratings. Two Types of Mizaj were selected for study i.e. Damvi and Balghami and their morphology was compared with different somatotypes. Significant difference was found between Damvi and Balghami [Mizaj] of their endomorph and slightly insignificant was documented between Damvi and Balghami and it was found that that majority of Damvi were mesomorphs where as majority of Balghami were endomorphs, which is consistent with the concept of Unani System of Medicine i.e. people of Damvi mizaj are more muscular and robust whereas Balghami mizaj people have more fat deposition

Ajwain [Ptychotis ajowan] a review

Ajwain is a common drug used in many single and compound formulations. It is described as digestive, appetizer, emmenagogue and carminative etc, in Unani literature. Besides its use in medicine, the seeds and essential oil have many other uses like in pickles, biscuits, confectionary and beverages. The present paper discuss about the pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses and pre-clinical studies of Ajwain