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Context • Hyperthyroidism, Kasrat-e-Ifraz-e-Darqiyya in Unani medicine, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Its clinical features are excessive sweating, heat intolerance, increased bowel movements, a voracious appetite, insomnia, tremors, palpitations, and a rapid pulse. Objective • This review intended to investigate the observations in ancient Unani literature, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Ayurveda that correspond to the clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism as well as to identify probable treatments in Unani medicine. Design • The research team performed a narrative review to evaluate the concept of hyperthyroidism using classical Unani Medicine books, such as Firdaus-Ul-Hikmat (Wisdom of Paradise), Al-Havi Fit Tib (Liber Continence), Kamil- Us- Sana (Liber Regius), Al-Qanoon (The Canon of Medicine), and Zakheera Khvarazm Shahi (The Treasure of Medicine) to assess the perception of hyperthyroidism. The team also searched internet sources, such as Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Publons, and Google Scholar. using keywords such as Su-e-Mizaj Ha’ar Maddi, Ghair Tabayi Safra, Yang-Yin, Pitta, hyperthyroidism. The study was undertaken at National Institute of Unani medicine, Bengaluru, India. Results • In TCM, a dominant Yang Qi is considered as cause of hyperthyroidism; in Ayurveda, excessive Pitta production is considered as its cause, and in Unani Medicine it is due to an excess of abnormal bile (Ghair Tabayi Safra). Thus, the traditional systems all view the disease as a manifestation of excessive energy production. Conclusions • The clinical symptoms of the hot temperament of bile (Su-e-Mizaj Ha’ar Maddi) and hyperthyroidism are similar in the literature. The resemblance may help medical practitioners to recommend a better approach for preventing, treating, and reducing the condition’s devastating complications using the treatment approach of Unani medicine. It approaches hyperthyroidism with recommendations for reducing excessive energy production, with the help of restoration of the imbalance in temperament (Mizaj). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background • Drug addiction, or substance abuse disorder, has a long history. The use of a drug that causes dependence has been used in various religious and tribal initiation ceremonies. Currently, recreational use or peer modelling leads an individual to substance abuse. The magnitude of the problem of addiction increases multifold in the presence of stressors like broken families, joblessness, occupational stress, etc. Objectives • The de-addiction process is used to relieve an individual’s craving for the drug. It is a painful process, as several effects of withdrawal compel a person to return to the drugs again and again. Our aim is to explore the available literature on the use of Unani medicine for de-addiction. Methodology • We surveyed various classical books from the available literature for drug de-addiction in Unani medicine. Indexed journals were also surveyed for the available related material using various keywords like “opium addiction” and “Unani medicine and de-addiction ” and the information was filtered for this review. Results • We observed that there was an elaborate scheme for de-addiction in opium addiction and the process is so general that it could serve as a framework for the de-addiction process for other similar drugs. Conclusion • Unani medicine is significant in the literature as being among the the available de-addiction addiction processes and may furnish several leads for various herbal drugs that may be used for de-addiction in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Unani Medicine is mainly based on the drugs collected from plant sources. These drugs are time-tested, but their availability has become a challenge. Rapid industrialization and overpopulation have resulted in mindless exploitation and destruction of these drugs, and as a result, many species have become endangered. Therefore, conservation of such species is imperative. However, despite all the strategies, the purpose is yet to be achieved successfully. It is the need of hour to find the therapeutic interchanges of our precious herbal wealth. "Abu Bakr Mohammad Bin-Zakariyya al-Razi" (Rhazes) (865-925 AD), in his book "Maqala Fi Abdal al-Adwiya al-Mustamala Fi al-Tibb wa al-Ilaj" known as "Kitab al Abdal" has formulated principles and regulation which form the basis of therapeutic interchanges and help in finding new therapeutic interchanges. He wrote an exclusive monograph, the first and most groundbreaking work on therapeutic interchange in Unani medicine. This analysis investigates the major ideas and tenets of Rhazes' Abdaal-e-Advia. The unique therapeutic interchanges mentioned in "Kitab al-Abdal" have been rigorously analyzed in this review in light of Unani core principles. Methodology:122 main drugs described by Razi and their 223 therapeutic interchanges mentioned in Kitab al Abdaal were analyzed, and parameters for analysis were set from Razi's theoretical considerations. Therapeutic interchanges were categorized accordingly, augmenting the reason for therapeutic interchange. Results: A drug is changed during practice when a particular drug claimed for a particular action is unavailable for various reasons. Despite all the efforts, the required drug is not available, as it is costly, banned, or difficult to procure. It is evident that none of the therapeutic interchanges is a therapeutic interchange for all actions. Therefore, while substituting a drug, there must be a strong basis. Unani scholars have discussed these bases, which are based on the similarity of action in the main and therapeutic interchanged drug, similarity in mizaj (temperament) of the main and substituting drug, and similarity in physical properties of the primary and therapeutic interchanged drugs. After retrospection, it is apparent that it is mainly the action of drugs that was considered a basis for therapeutic interchange of drugs. Conclusion: Razi has laid a strong foundation for drug interchange in routine practice, and detailed guidelines may be formulated for such therapeutic interchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unani medicine is one of the oldest systems encompassing the medical traditions from the Babylonian and Egyptian eras to the present Indian Unani tradition and Traditional Iranian medicine. It came to the Greeks through Egyptian civilization and was refined into a rational system by Hippocrates, Galen, Razi, and Avicenna. The faithful translation of traditional practices into Arabic in the medieval era under a comprehensive frame based on logic and observations developed the research concept methodology much earlier, which was believed to be a modern concept. The present paper reviews the changing face of research methods adopted in Unani medicine. The research concept was looked upon in the classical Unani literature. Several papers in this regard were also searched using search engines, namely PubMed, google scholar, and Science Direct. The concept of research methodology is quite primitive and has undergone several transitions throughout development and advancement in science. The shift from rational to evidence-based science is quite evident from the history of research development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The holistic Unani medicine is fundamentally different from the reductionist conventional medicine. It asserts the self-integration amongst its basic disciplines, without considering them underlying principles of Unani system of medicine cannot be understood. The diagnosis, selection of drugs, and plan of treatment is also overlooked. Unani scholars attribute health to the functions or actions of the body in a normal way. The constitution is considered as the result of need based on the amalgamation of Arkan (primordial essence). Umoor Tabiya (basic principles) interact at many levels and manifest into Kaifiyyat (Mizaj), Akhlat (Humour), Arwaah (Pneuma), Quwa (faculties), and Tabiyat (Physis) which need to be understood properly for effective management and diagnosis of disease in Unani medicine as well as its treatment. Ilmul Asbab is applied in the prevention of disease as well as in disease causation. In Unani medicine, there should be conformity in between, Asbab (causes), Alamaat (symptoms), and therapeutics. Therefore; the treatment strategy needs the knowledge of Ilmul Asbab. This paper will examine the basic relationship amongst disciplines i.e. Basic principles, diagnosis, and principles of treatment. It will attempt to illustrate the need for awareness of the basic principles of health and disease for a physician for effective management of disease which is what Unani medicine claims to be holistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxy+ is a natural source of arthrospira found in nature, used as a dietary supplement and manufactured in Aruba for lifefactors. Arthrospira contains good quality of proteins, sulfated polysaccharides, γ-linoleic acid, along with an array of carotene and phytopigments, vitamins, and minerals which are reported to be antioxidant, immunomodulator, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiviral, anticancerous, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective and renoprotective activities. Several studies have shown arthrospira, and active ingredients of it revealed various pharmacological activities. It can be used for the management of various ailments such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, cancer, arthritis, osteoarthritis, autoimmune disorders, etc. This review attempts to explore the hidden benefits of Oxy+ (arthrospira). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Unani System of Medicine, humours (Akhlat) play a vital role in maintenance of health; imbalance of their proportion either qualitative or quantitative can cause disease. Akhlat refers to the body fluids under a wider perspective in the Unani Medicine, which also encompasses fluids designated as hormones by the Modern Medicine. Akhlat (humours) are those moist and fluid parts of the body which are produced after transformation and metabolism of the nutrition; they serve the function of growth, repair, produce energy, preservation of individual and the species. It is concerned with growth, multiplication, differentiation, and metabolic activities of different tissues and systems, and thereby maintains a correct physiological balance between them. Present paper is a review on the concept of Akhlat and an attempt to understand hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral diseases continue to rise, and pose a significant public health problem. Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is close to Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic diseases) which was described by Hippocrates, Galen, Aristotle, Razes, Haly Abbas, Avicenna, Jurjani etc. Presently, there is no specific or challenging treatment available for COVID-19. Renowned Unani Scholars recommended during epidemic situation to stay at home, and fumigate the shelters with aromatics herbs like Ood kham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Kundur (Boswellia serrata Roxb), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Sandal (Santalum album L), Hing (Ferula foetida L.) etc. Use of specific Unani formulations are claimed effective for the management of such epidemic or pandemic situation like antidotes (Tiryaqe Wabai, Tiryaqe Arba, Tiryaqe Azam, Gile Armani), Herbal Decoction (Joshandah), along with Sharbate Khaksi, Habbe Bukhar, Sharbate Zanjabeel, Khamira Marwareed, Jawarish Jalinus, and Sirka (vinegar). Such drugs are claimed for use as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardiotonic, and general tonic actions. The study enumerates the literature regarding management of epidemics in Unani medicine and attempts to look the same in the perspective of COVID-19 prevention and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though a number of studies has been carried out in terms of safety of Kushta but concerns have been raised about the presence of heavy metals in Unani formulations. Classical method of preparation of Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKH) and other Kushta preparation in Unani system of medicine has been found to eliminate all such issues from the end product. However, there is a need to provide scientific evidence to establish the impact of the procedure, hence; the present study was designed to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity study of KKH prepared by Classical and Muffle furnace methods. Objective: The investigators in this study made an attempt to ascertain the safety profile of Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKH) prepared by classical and muffle furnace methods. Materials and methods: Both of the samples of KKH i.e. Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKHCM) and Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKHMFM) prepared by Classical and Muffle Furnace Methods respectively were evaluated for acute and sub-acute toxicity by OECD guidelines 423 and 407 respectively. The starting dose in the acute test was 50 mg/kg and in sub-acute test, it was 134mg, 200 mg and 400 mg/kg b.w. Effect of both of the test samples were assessed for ponderal changes, food and water intake, relative organs weights, hematological, biochemical and histopathological features of various organs. Results: Both of the samples did not produce any sign of toxicity in acute toxicity study up to the dose level of 2000mg/kg b.w. In sub-acute toxicity study no mortality in any of the test groups was observed. KKHCM at different doses showed a slight decrease in food intake in all the test groups but significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the test group B as compared to plain control. However, no alteration in food intake was noted in Satellite group. Repeated dose administration of KKHMFM at different dose levels lead to a significant decrease in food intake in the test group A (P<0.01) While in the test groups B, C and satellite, the decrease was not significant in comparison to plain control. Conclusion: KKHMFM was found to be relatively toxic than KKHCM at different dose levels. The study demonstrated that both the Classical and Muffle furnace methods of preparation of Kushta are useful for preparing KKH and also safe at the dose prescribed in Unani literature. However, the Kushta prepared by the classical method was found to be safer than the muffle furnace method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome caused by thyroid hormone deficiency due to reduced production, deranged distribution, or lack of effects of thyroid hormone. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in developed countries is around 4–5%, whereas it is about 11% in India, only 2% in the UK, and 4·6% in the USA. It is more common in women than in men. Hypothyroidism has multiple etiologies and manifestations. The most common clinical manifestations are weight gain, loss of hair, cold intolerance, lethargy, constipation, dry skin, and change in voice. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism differ with age, gender, severity of condition, and some other factors. The diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination and serum level of FT3, FT4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, imaging studies, procedures, and histological findings. The treatment of choice for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine, however; in this review article, we have discussed the epidemiology, etiology, clinical sign and symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and management of hypothyroidism in modern medicine and a comparative treatment by the Unani system of medicine (USM). In the USM, the main emphasis of the principle of treatment (Usool-e-Ilaj) is to correct the abnormal constitution (Su-e-Mizaj) and alter the six prerequisites for existence (Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya) to restore normal health. It is a packaged treatment, that is, different components of treatment are given as a package form which includes different drugs, dosages form, and regimens. – The concept of hypothyroidism has evolved over the centuries. It has been reported to be a woman-centric disorder. – There are several new subclasses of hypothyroidism based on the site of the lesion. – Levothyroxine has remained the treatment of choice. There has been little progress in managing the disorder. – The Unani system of medicine has been treating various manifestations of the disease since centuries with the help of crude drugs of herbal, animal, or mineral origin. – This review updates the concept and various dimensions of the disease hypothyroidism. – This review has enlisted new modalities for reducing the risk of hypothyroidism as stated in the literature of Unani medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a serious threat to global health that respects neither socioeconomic status nor national boundaries. Globally, diabetes is among the top 10 causes of death. Unani system argued the effectiveness of several anti-hyperglycemic drugs, and all such drugs looked-for to be validated on scientifically. Hence a clinical trial was contemplated to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Qurs-e-Gulnar in the management of Diabetes Mellitus. This study was conducted as single blind randomized control, on 40 patients of type 2 diabetes with the test (n=20) and control (n=20) groups for 45 days. Test group received Qurs-e-Gulnar at the dose of three Qurs twice a day, and control group received two capsules Diabeat® twice a day before meal. Subjective (at 0, 15th, 30th, and 45th) and objective parameters were assessed as pre-post treatment respectively. After treatment with test compound significant reduction was observed in all the subjective parameters viz. polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and tiredness in comparison of control group. The objective parameters FBS and PPBS was found to be significantly reduced (p<0.001) in both the groups where as HbA1c was found unchanged in test group but control drug showed highly significant reduction in HbA1c (p<0.001).The results were assessed statistically using two tailed Student's t-test, and Fischer exact test. On the basis of above observation it is concluded that the test compound Qurs-e-Gulnar has significant anti-diabetic effect which is evidentially observed both in subjective and objective parameters in test group in comparison of control group (CTRI/2017/07/009060). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unani system of medicine is based on the humoral theory postulated by Hippocrates, according to him the state of body health and disease are regulated by qualitative and quantitative equilibrium of four humours. Amraz-e-Waba is an umbrella term which is used in Unani medicine for all types of epidemics (smallpox, measles, plague, Hameer Saifi, influenza, Nipaha, Ebola, Zika, and 2019 novel coronavirus, etc.) mostly fatal in nature. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection, and the pathogenesis and clinical features resemble with those of Nazla-e-Wabaiya (influenza) and Zatul Riya (pneumonia) which were well described many years ago in Unani text such as high-grade fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, running nose, dry cough, respiratory distress, alternate and small pulse, asthenia, foul smell from breath, insomnia, frothy stool, syncope, coldness in both upper and lower extremities, etc. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global emergency pandemic. Unani scholars like Hippocrates (370–460 BC), Galen (130–200 AD), Rhazes (865–925 AD), and Avicenna (980–1037 AD) had described four etiological factors for Amraz-e-Waba viz., change in quality of air, water, Earth, and celestial bodies, accordingly mentioned various preventive measures to be adopted during epidemics such as restriction of movement, isolation or "quarantena", and fumigation with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), sandalwood (Santalum album L.), Zafran (Crocus sativus L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and roses (Rosa damascena Mill.) and use of vinegar (sirka) and antidotes (Tiryaq) as prophylaxis, and avoiding consumption of milk, oil, sweet, meat, and alcohol. This review focuses and elaborates on the concept, prevention, and probable management of COVID-19 in the light of Amraz-e-Waba. – Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization. – According to Unani literature, COVID-19 is a type of Amraz-e-Waba or Nazla-e-Wabaiya. – Amraz-e-Waba are contagious, and some of them spreads rapidly, and are fatal also. – People with malign humours and diminished immunity are more susceptible to Amraz-e-Waba. During Amraz-e-Waba, social distancing, restriction of movement, use of disinfectants, and fumigation and use of vinegar, and anti-dotes as prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rearing of Aedes mosquitoes is complex and demanding for several reasons. Aedes larvae are affected by temperature, density and available nutrition, mating is not necessarily accomplished naturally and females need a blood meal to develop eggs. The climate chambers where the mosquitoes are kept are warm and sweaty. Due to these tropical conditions the larvae develop fast and need to be cared for daily. The Laboratory of Entomology in National Institute of Malaria Research Bangalore has cultured different colonies of different vectors successfully. In this paper, we discuss different aspects off the rearing process which affect mosquito fitness and are of importance for the quality of fundamental and applied research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstruction and its consequences have become a threat to human health globally. It includes thrombosis, embolism, and obstruction in the airway, bile duct, lymphatic channels, and intestines. Through extensive research, it was discovered that ancient Unani scholars discussed the concept of obstruction under the term "Suddah," which translates to "blocking the way"., Objectives: This study aims to explore the predisposing factors and causes of obstruction and mode of action of various deobstruent (Mufattiḥ-i-Sudad) drugs., Methods: The concept of obstruction formation and deobstruent drugs was explored in various Unani classical literature, published indexed journals, dissertations, authentic websites, and journals., Results: Based on observations from the literature, obstruction (Suddah) most commonly arises due to an excess of cold temperament (shadīd burudāt) and derangement of morbid matter (māddā) in terms of quantity and quality. Specifically, excessive, viscous, and thick humor (kaseer, lesdar, and ghaleez khilt) can become occluded in various passages and cavities of the body. Further analysis revealed that deobstruent drugs exhibit a hot temperament (ha'rr), a bitter taste, and possess multiple properties such as being demulcent (latafat), resolvent (tahallul), detergent (jīla), and disintegrator (taqti')., Conclusion: This study serves as a tool for screening deobstruent (Mufattiḥ-i-Sudad) drugs which can be used in various forms of obstruction occurring in the lumen and cavities of the body. The deobstruent drugs with their reported activities validated the concept of deobstruent (Mufattih sudad) activity.