Search

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally. COVID-19 presents varied clinical features. The present study focuses on number of patients turning COVID-19 positive, change in Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ) and WHO quality of life- Bref (WHO Qol – BREF) scales after taking intervention. This open labelled, double arm, controlled, interventional, clinical trial was conducted on high-risk individuals i.e., those residing with a COVID-19 positive member in the identified quarantine area. This twin armed study was conducted on asymptomatic individuals exposed to COVID -19. The test group were prescribed Unani poly-herbal decoction together with Unani formulations Khamira Marwareed and Tiryaq e Arba whereas the control group was not on any intervention. The duration of intervention was 20 days; follow ups were planned on day 10 and day 20. Of the 81 participants enrolled, none of the patients turned COVID-19 positive. However, 13.58% (n=11) developed COVID like symptoms and 70 patients completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 41.42±16.9 years; however, majority of the participants were 18-28 years male with Damvi (Sanguine) temperament. The quality of life of the intervention group improved significantly however, the immune status in both the groups increased with P <0.001. The Unani prophylactic regimen provides a 62% (relative risk reduction) protection against COVID -19. This pilot study paves for a study on a larger population. No adverse effects were observed during the study. Absence of biochemical investigations were limitations to the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) is one of the most common chronic conditions and has been known to the mankind since antiquity. The incidence is increasing globally with geographic, racial and gender variation in its occurrence. Medical management of Nephrolithiasis still poses a considerable challenge for modern medical practice. Unani drugs possessing lithotriptic activity are not only cost effective but also have least side effects. Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd has been used since long for the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) but no documentary evidence based on scientific parameters as to its safety and efficacy are available. To validate the safety and efficacy of Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd in the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya. An open prospective clinical trial was carried out on 107 subjects of renal calculi of 3–7 mm diameter diagnosed by Ultrasonogram-KUB (USG-KUB). Subjects were evaluated by clinical history & examination, laboratory investigations followed by USG-KUB for confirmation. The safety was assessed by reporting of adverse events and by pathological and biochemical investigations. Assessment of efficacy was based on improvement observed in VAS score and expulsion/reduction of stone size as detected by USG-KUB. Substantial reduction (53%) in the size of calculi confirmed by USG-KUB and considerable lowering of VAS score (75%) were observed with the active intervention in majority of the cases The trial has revealed that the Unani pharmacopoeal formulation Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd was well tolerated and has the therapeutic potential in the reduction and expulsion of renal calculi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Khar-e-Khasak-khurd (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) commonly known as Gokharu, is used for a long time for treatment of various diseases. Considerable literature is available in Unani system of medicine regarding the medicinal properties of Khar-e-khasak-khurd (Tribulus terrestris Linn.). Its various parts contain a variety of chemical constituents which are pharmacologically active, such as Harmine, Chlorogenin, Tribuloside, Trigogenin. Whole plant and seeds are used as traditional herbal medicine and having properties such as diuretic, aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, absorption enhancing, hypolipidemic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective, antiurolithic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antibacterial. In the present review, an attempt has been made to cover the major pharmacological actions as well therapeutic uses of Khar-e-khasak-khurd (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) mentioned in Unani system of medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is described in Unani system of Medicine under a broad term Waja'al-Mafāsil which covers entire joint disorders like inflammatory, non-inflammatory, infectious, metabolic and other musculoskeletal disorders. According to Unani concept, the pathological changes in the joints are caused mainly by derangement of humoural (Akhlat) temperament and accumulation of Fasid madda (Morbid material) in the joint spaces. The main principles of treatment in Unani system of Medicine include Ilaj bi'l Ghidha (Dieto-therapy), Ilaj bi'l Tadbir (Regimenal therapy) and Ilaj bi'l Dawa (Pharmacotherapy). All the said principles are recommended for the treatment of Waja'al-Mafāsil. The aim of treatment for patient with Waja'al-Mafāsil is to reduce morbidity and disability. In India it affects 15% (180 million) people. Ancient Unani scholars have elaborately described Waja'al-Mafāsil and managed with multidimensional approach, whereas with the present day management of disease mainly with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which have large number of adverse effects. This review article highlight the salient features describing arthritis with reference to Waja'al-Mafāsil for empathizing disease condition as enunciated by Unani scholars to provide a better alternative in terms of cost effective managements and side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of Maghz-e-Jamun (Eugenia jambolana) on blood sugar and insulin levels in prediabetic stage (Intermediate hyperglycemic state). It was randomized, single blind, placebo controlled study of 52 prediabetic patients (diagnosed according to ADA classification) randomly allocated in test and control group. Maghz-e-Jamun (Eugenia jambulana) powder 4.5g was filled in 6 capsules, 3 capsules was given orally twice a day for 12 weeks in test group. Whereas, in control group, placebo prepared with starch was given in the same form and dosage as in test group for the same duration. During the protocol therapy, patient in both the groups were asked to follow the prescribed diet as provided by dietician. Patients were also asked to take brisk walk in morning daily for 40 minutes. FBS, BSPP was assessed on baseline, 28th day and 84th day of therapy, while HbA1c, Serum insulin Fasting and HOMA-IR were assessed after 12 weeks. For the assessment of safety of the drug and placebo, complete haemogram, LFT, KFT and Urine R/M was done on baseline, 28th day and 84th day of the study. Significant reduction in FPG from (105.67 ±2.20) to (96.03 ±1.94) were noted after 28th day in prediabetics with p value 0.001**, the FPG further declined to (92.13±1.50) after 84th day of follow up in the test group in which powder of the seeds of Eugenia jambolana were given. BSPP declined from (130.33±3.44) to (118.83± 2.65) after 28 day and become (121.93±3.16) after 84 day with p value 0.012* and 0.071 respectively. Highly significant reduction in value of HbA1c was revealed from (5.82±0.09) to (5.55±0.08) with p value 0.001**. As far as level of serum insulin fasting is concerned, no changes in insulin level was found after 84 day of administration of Maghz-e-Jamun (Eugenia jambolana) in prediabetics. Slight reduction in value of HOMA-IR was found before and after the intervention i.e., (2.85±0.25) from (3.05±0.30). No significant changes are revealed after 28 days as well after 84 days of intervention in safety profiles laboratory investigations which are complete haemogram, LFT, KFT and Urine R/M. Maghz-e-Jamun (Eugenia jambolana) exhibited good glucose control in prediabetic condition. It can also revert the prediabetic condition into normoglycemia and prevent the conversion of prediabetic condition into Type 2 diabetes if supported with dietary intervention and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today the world is witnessing a rise in incidence of diseases and the demand for affordable health care has increased manifold. An effective and robust public health system is the need of the hour to improve the health and wellbeing of people across the globe. Unani Medicine is a holistic system of medicine, which offers indigenous and effective therapies, which are already helping millions of people across the globe in living a healthy life. Unani medicine gained momentum as an effective alternative to conventional medicine due to its systematic approach towards diagnosis and treatment of diseases, effective management of lifestyle disorders and primary focus on prevention of ailments. This system of medicine, which has its origin from Greece, today has a presence in many parts of the globe. Besides India, it is practiced in several countries like Bangladesh, South Africa, Pakistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka etc. The Government of India facilitated the growth and development of Unani medicine by recognizing its utility and scope and integrated it into healthcare delivery system. With its wide network of quality educational institutions, comprehensive healthcare facilities, state of the art research institutions and quality drug manufacturing industries and on account of its utilization by a large number of people for their healthcare needs, India has emerged as the global leader in Unani medicine. Concerted efforts are being made to carry out high quality, evidence based research and to make the system more accessible and affordable. Unani medicine can contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience for the benefit of human kind and has the potential to be one of the major contributors in health care delivery in other parts of the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]