Effect of gliding cupping with Roghan-e-Surkh in low back ache (Waja-uz-Zahr): a case series study.

OBJECTIVES: Pain in joints is a major clinical problem since ancient times. Waja-uz-Zahr stands for low back pain which may arise from internal or external structures of lumbosacral region due to Su-e-Mizaj sada or maddi due to the surplus of Burudat or accumulation of Kham Balgham in lower back. Imala (diversion) and Taqiya-e-Mavad (Evacuation) are inevitable in case of maddi amraz. Hijama (cupping therapy) is a simple, safe, tolerable, and effective regimenal modality, helpful in the treatment of aches and pains. Gruner mentioned a special kind of cupping method in the canon of medicine of Avicenna where cupping glasses are glided over a specified area of body intending the diversion of morbid material under the name of Bier's treatment. The purpose of present case series was to provide the insight into the effect of gliding cupping in low back ache. CASE PRESENTATION: Three patients of Waja-uz-Zahr, aged between 29 and 64 years, were given gliding cupping treatment after the application of Roghan-e-Surkh on lumbosacral region alternatively for 14 days. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for the assessment of efficacy. Improvement, in case 1, case 2, and case 3 in ODI score was 42.42, 68.18, and 62.50%, respectively while in VAS score, it was 50, 62.5, and 50%, respectively, was observed without any adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the above results, it can be concluded that the gliding cupping therapy may be used as an effective modality of treatment for low back ache.

Clinical efficacy of Majoon Falasfa and Roghan-e-Surkh in post-stroke-disability: an open labeled, pre-post analysis.

Objectives Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. The estimated adjusted prevalence rate of stroke range, 84-262/100,000 in rural and 334-424/100,000 in urban areas. A deficit in motor function affects mobility, daily activity of life. Rehabilitation is the most useful method to reduce deficit motor function. Hemiplegia (Falij), is one of the most common disability resulting from stroke has been described by Unani physicians, and they treat the disease effectively on the principle of Tanqia (evacuation) and Tadeel (alterative). Hence, a study contemplated to determine the effectiveness of Majoon Falasfa (MF) and Roghan-e-Surkh (RS) in post-stroke disability. Methods This trail was an open labeled, pre-post analysis, carried out at the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), on thirty (n=30) subjects of both genders, with post-stroke disability, and given MF 6 g orally with water in the morning and evening on empty stomach daily along with massage of 15 mL RS on the affected part once a day for 45 days with three follow up fortnightly (i.e. 15th, 30th, and 45th day). Patients were assessed on each follow up based on Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Pre- and post-treatment values of the scale were analyzed statistically using Student's 't' test and paired Proportion test. Results The treatment difference as pre-post values determine with Barthel Index was found statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Safety parameters found within the normal range. Conclusions Finding of this trial recommended that both Unani formulations are effective in the management of post-stroke disability, and it can be used to decrease the dependency and boost the quality of life of the patients. No adverse effect was noted during the treatment of test formulations.

Clinical efficacy and safety of a pharmacopial polyherbal Unani formulation in pityriasis versicolor: a comparative randomized single-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial fungal infection of skin caused by the fungus, Malassezia furfur. It can occur at any age but occurs mainly during adolescence and typically presents with hypopigmented or hyperpigmented scaling plaques, generally on the trunk and upper arms. It often poses a therapeutic challenge. In the Unani system of medicine, many herbal drugs are used empirically for its treatment. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of a topical Polyherbal Unani formulation in the management of PV on scientific parameters. DESIGN: This was a randomized, single-blind, standard controlled study. LOCATION: This study was performed in the Dermatology Outpatient Department, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India. SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Forty-six (46) patients with PV were included in the study after taking informed consents and were randomly allocated to test and control groups. In the test group, a polyherbal formulation was advised for topical application while in the control group, sodium thiosulphate lotion (20%) was advised locally for a duration of 1 month. The assessment of the severity of PV and efficacy of treatment in both groups was carried out using the Total Sign and Symptom Score (TSSS) scale. Data were analyzed with the Instat Graph pad. RESULTS: The mean±standard error of the mean (SEM) scores of TSSS in the test group were 7.7±1.174 and 0.9±0.7881 before and after treatment, respectively, while it was 6.9±0.8756 and 1.2±0.7888 in the control group before and after treatment, respectively. Mean±SEM of TSSS of both groups was found to be significantly lowered (p<0.001) after treatment when compared with mean±SEM of TSSS before treatment. However, the polyherbal formulation showed precedence over the standard drug by exhibiting comparatively quicker response. Furthermore, no unpleasant side-effects were observed in the test group during and after the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that polyherbal Unani formulation is safe, effective, and superior to standard drug in the treatment of PV.

Effect of a Polyherbal Unani formulation in acne vulgaris: A preliminary study.

Acne vulgaris is the most common disorder treated by dermatologists. Acne is a disease of pilosebaceous units characterized by the formation of the open and closed comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. A preliminary trial was conducted in the department of Medicine, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India, to assess the safety and efficacy of a Polyherbal Unani Formulation (PHUF) in the management of Acne Vulgaris on scientific parameters. Twenty five patients, diagnosed with acne, were included in the study after obtaining their informed consents. All the patients were clinically assessed and diagnosed on the basis of thorough history and dermatological examination. Then, PHUF was administered locally once at night for a period of 45 days. The severity of acne and efficacy of treatment was assessed by Cook's acne grading scale. The results showed significant reduction in the Cook's acne grading scores of post-treatment group (P<0.01) as compared to pre-treatment scores. Further, PHUF was found safe and fairly well accepted by the patients. It was therefore, concluded that PHUF can be used safely and effectively for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Clinical evaluation of efficacy of Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi in the management of psoriasis: A randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Psoriasis is a common dermatological disease affecting up to 1-2% of the world's population. It is associated with both organic and psychosocial complications like psoriatic arthropathy, nephritis, infection, hyperuricemia, hypoproteinemia, depression, and stress, and is responsible for hindering patients' daily activities. The present study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of two pharmacopeial Unani formulations (Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi) in the management of psoriasis on scientific parameters. Thirty diagnosed psoriasis patients, satisfying the inclusion criteria, were selected for a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study in the Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore. The patients were divided by the method of Random Table Numbers into test and control groups after obtaining informed consent. The experimental group comprised 20 patients to whom Majoon Ushba 5 g was administered orally twice daily and Roghane Hindi was applied locally twice daily. The control group comprised 10 patients who were given placebo drugs orally and topically. The duration of the trial was 8 weeks and follow-up was done fortnightly. The severity of psoriasis and efficacy of the drug was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) Scale. The results of both groups were compared and analyzed statistically. The study showed significant reduction in the PASI score in the test group (P < 0.01) as compared to placebo. No obnoxious side effects were observed in the test group: toxicological parameters were within normal limits even after 2 months of treatment. It was therefore concluded that Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi are safe and effective in the management of psoriasis.

Leech therapy- a holistic approach of treatment in unani (greeko-arab) medicine.

The Unani System of Medicine also known as Greeko-Arab medicine, founded by Hippocrates is based on the concept of equilibrium and balance of natural body humours (blood, bile, black bile and phlegm). The imbalance in the quality and quantity of these humours leads to diseases whereas restoration of this balance maintains health of a person. The treatment methodology of diseases is based on four therapeutic modalities viz. Regimental therapy, Dieto-therapy, Pharmacotherapy and surgery. Irsale Alaq (Leech or Hirudo therapy) is one of the most important and widely practised methods of regimental therapy used for local evacuation of morbid humours. It is a procedure of treatment with the use of medicinal leeches. It has been suggested and successfully practised by Greeko-Arab physicians in the management of musculoskeletal diseases, gynaecological disorders, chronic skin diseases, thromboembolic diseases, varicose veins, ENT disorders etc since long. According to Unani doctrine, the efficacy of leech therapy is attributed to the analgesic and resolvent activities of leeches. However, from modern perspective, the saliva of leech contains about 100 pharmacologically active biological substances like Hirudin, hyaluronidase, vasodilators, anesthetics, antibacterial, fibrinases, collagenase etc. These substances are injected into human body while sucking of the blood and are responsible for the analgesic, anti inflammatory and anesthetic effects of leech therapy.

Clinical Study on the Management of Huzaz/Abria (Dandruff) with a pharmacopoeal Preparation of a Unani Medicine and its Cosmetic Evaluation.

Dandruff called Huzaz/Abria in Unani medicine is a common ailment in the world with easy options of treatment. Most of the treatment options have ignored the cosmetic aspect of hair. Unani medicine has got a vast array of drug formulation to evaluate the efficacy of Unani pharmacopoeal formulation in mild form of seborrhic dermatitis of scalp (dandruff). Its efficacy was compared with standard drug (2% ketakonazole shampoo). Patients were enrolled after ethical clearance and informed consent in the study. 30 patients were treated with Unani formulation and 20 patients with the standard drug. The assessment of various parameters like Itching, Scalp shedding, Erythema, Hair frizz, Hair combing ease, and Hair smoothness was made before and after 30 days. The assessments of the parameters were analyzed and compared using appropriate statistical tests. The study revealed that Unani formulation was equally effective as standard drug and the hair comesis was better than the standard drug as seen clinically, but was not statistically significant (p=0.576).