Background and Objective:Vector-borne diseases, such as Malaria and Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes like Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti, are major public health concerns. Although synthetic repellents, particularly DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites. However, growing concerns regarding their safety and environmental impact have increased the interest in natural alternatives. This study investigates the mosquito-repellent activity of a cream formulated with essential oil and methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium L. Method:The repellent activity of the cream was evaluated using an Artificial Membrane Feeding System simulating human skin. Non-blood-fed female mosquitoes (5-7 days old) from Anopheles and Aedes species, starved for 12 hours, were used. The cream was applied at various concentrations on the membrane, and its efficacy was assessed and compared with DEET. The complete protection time was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results:The test cream showed a dose-dependent repellent activity against both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti. At a concentration of 12 mg/cm², the cream provided 100% protection for 105 minutes against both species. Whereas DEET, at the same concentration, provided complete protection for 105 minutes against Aedes aegypti and 97.5% protection for 105 minutes against Anopheles stephensi. Conclusion:The Artemisia absinthium-based cream effectively repels both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, indicating its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety on human skin under natural conditions. Keywords:Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Unani Medicine, Mosquito repellent, Artemisia absinthium.

Background and objective Allergic rhinitis is a common inflammatory disorder that adversely affects quality of life. Conventional therapies provide symptomatic relief but may be associated with suboptimal long-term outcomes and adverse effects. In Unani medicine, allergic rhinitis is recognized as Nazla Ḥārr and managed with various formulations. Laūq-i Shamūn, a classical Unani formulation, has not been adequately evaluated for this condition. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of Laūq-i Shamūn compared with Laūq-i Khiyār Shambar in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods A single-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial was conducted at National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, involving 28 patients with allergic rhinitis. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either Laūq-i Shamūn (test group) or Laūq-i Khiyār Shambar (control group) at a dose of 10 g/day for 3 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in symptom severity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (RCTSS). Disease-specific quality of life was assessed using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Results The test group showed significantly greater reductions in VAS scores for sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, and nasal itching than the control group (all p < 0.001). By Day 21, all participants in the test group improved from moderate to mild RCTSS severity, whereas no comparable improvement occurred in the control group. SNOT-22 scores also improved significantly in the test group (mean reduction: 10.29; p < 0.001). Both treatments were well tolerated without treatment-related adverse events. Conclusion Laūq-i Shamūn demonstrated superior clinical efficacy and comparable safety to Laūq-i Khiyār Shambar, suggesting its potential as a promising Unani treatment for allergic rhinitis. Larger multicentre, double-blind trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

Background: As the healthcare landscape evolves, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of Unani treatments, which emphasize a holistic approach to health, focusing on the balance of bodily humors. This study explores the potential of AI to analyze patient data and predict treatment outcomes based on Unani principles and practices. Methodology: This paper is based on data collected from peer-reviewed research and classical Unani literature. Key Unani diagnostic and therapeutic principles were analyzed and compared with contemporary studies to explore the integration of AI into the Unani system. Results: The findings of this literature review demonstrate that AI has significant potential in analyzing patient data and predicting treatment outcomes within the framework of Unani Medicine. This synthesis of existing research highlights the ability of AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy, support treatment personalization, and improve therapeutic decision-making based on Unani principles. Conclusion: Integrating AI into Unani medicine can enhance patient care by enabling personalized interventions through data analysis and outcome prediction. This study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between AI experts and traditional practitioners to develop ethical applications and improve patient health outcomes.

Background and Objective Hyperuricemia, characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, is often associated with gout and other metabolic disorders. Bozidan (Tanacetum umbelliferum Boiss.), a plant with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been used in Unani medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bozidan in managing hyperuricemia. Methods Twenty-six patients were enrolled, with 13 particpants in each group: intervention and control. Participants were randomly assigned in two groups. The intervention group received Bozidan 4.5 g, divided into three doses, while the control group received Habbe Suranjan (a polyherbal Unani formulation containing Colchicum autumnale L. as a key ingredient) three times daily for 4 weeks. Serum uric acid levels were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Pain was assessed as a key secondary outcome weekly. Other associated symptoms and adverse effects were also monitored throughout the trial. Results Both test and control drugs demonstrated reductions in serum uric acid levels from baseline to the end of the study. However, the reduction in both groups was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Improvements were observed in clinical symptoms related to hyperuricemia, such as joint pain, in both groups over the study period. Safety parameters remained within normal limits. Conclusion The test drugs demonstrated potential in reducing serum uric acid levels and improving clinical symptoms associated with hyperuricemia. However, further research with larger sample and extended study durations is warranted to conclusively determine its efficacy in lowering serum uric acid levels and its overall clinical benefit.

Abstract Jaundice ( Yarqān Aṣfar ) is a common clinical manifestation of liver diseases, characterized by yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels. The Unani system of medicine offers various herbal formulations with hepatoprotective and choleretic properties. This case series evaluates the efficacy of Unani interventions in managing jaundice. Three male patients (aged 17, 42, and 53 years) with varying durations of jaundice were treated at the Department of Moalajat, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore. Clinical assessment, liver function tests, and ultrasonographic findings confirmed hepatocellular involvement. The therapeutic regimen included Arq-e-Mako, Arq-e-Kasni, Majoon Dabeedul Ward , and Hab-e-Rewand , administered twice daily after food. All patients demonstrated significant clinical improvement, including resolution of jaundice, fatigue, itching, and nausea. Liver function tests showed marked reductions in serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels from baseline to posttreatment. Notably, the most severe case (Case 3) exhibited substantial biochemical recovery. This case series underscores the potential of Unani medicine as an effective approach for jaundice management. The observed symptomatic relief and biochemical improvements suggest that Unani interventions may offer a safe and holistic alternative for hepatic disorders. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Objectives Diastolic dysfunction represents an important pathophysiological intermediate between hypertension and heart failure. In the last two decades, the prevalence of heart failure patients having normal or near normal ejection fraction (EF) has increased to around 60 %. It thus poses a great morbidity and mortality risk to the population. In view of present scenario of high prevalence, lack of evidence-based therapy, and limited clinical trials, this study aimed to evaluate how a Unani formulation affects the improvement of the left ventricular diastolic function. Methods This clinical trial was set up as a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 35 participants, with 18 individuals in the test group and 17 in the control group. Test group received 3.5 g of a polyherbal Unani formulation in capsule form along with 35 mL of an extract of Borago officinalis L. ( Arq - e - Gaozaban ), divided into two doses after meals. Meanwhile, the control group received a placebo in the same manner over an eight-week period. Follow-ups were conducted every 15 days to assess both subjective and objective parameters in all participants. Results The test formulation shows significant improvement in dyspnea and diastolic function from baseline to the end of trial (p<0.05), slight improvement in palpitations (p>0.05) and highly significant improvement in easy fatigability (p=0.001) as compared to the control. Conclusions The present study shows the effectiveness of the test drug in enhancing the diastolic function of left ventricle and alleviating other symptoms associated with ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, additional research with longer follow-up durations is necessary to clarify its efficacy and establish optimal treatment approaches for ventricular diastolic dysfunction in Unani medicine.

Abstract Alcohol is a legally available and widely used substance, often employed for medicinal purposes. However, its misuse and toxic effects are a frequent concern in clinical practice. Alcohol intoxication is a medically hazardous condition resulting from the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol. It presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations involving multiple organ systems, including behavioral, cardiac, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, neurological, and metabolic effects. Given its high prevalence and association with serious complications such as trauma and chronic alcohol use disorders, alcohol intoxication remains a critical clinical issue. This review aims to highlight the primary clinical features of alcohol intoxication and its pharmacological management. It also draws insights from classical Unani literature, wherein alcohol is recognized as a substance with therapeutic potential when used in appropriate doses. However, its consumption must be guided by individual tolerance, and the fine line between its medicinal use and abuse should be approached with caution.

Tinea infections are one of the most commonly occurring skin infections creating a threat to the public health scenario in India. With the excessive and unsupervised use of over-the-counter steroid formulations, the condition is becoming more severe, leading to chronic relapse of the disease with modified skin lesions, termed as tinea incognito. This condition is usually difficult to treat, but Unani medicines can provide satisfactory results in such cases. Here is a case report of a middle-aged male patient suffering from tinea incognito. On treating the patient with Unani medicines for 30 days, there was a significant reduction in the subjective symptoms, i.e. erythema, pruritus, and scaling, along with a reduction in the Physician’s Global Assessment Score. The microscopic examination of the lesions on the potassium hydroxide mount was found to be negative for fungal hyphae after the treatment. Through this case report, it can be inferred that tinea incognito can be effectively managed with the administration of Unani medicines.

Abstract NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a rising global health concern, closely linked with metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. In Unani medicine, it is conceptually correlated with Su’-i Mizāj Kabid Bārid (cold derangement of liver temperament) and Tashahhum al-Kabid (fatty infiltration of the liver). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger), known for its Hār Yābis (hot and dry) temperament, has been traditionally used for liver-related disorders. The objective of the study was to explore and elucidate the therapeutic potential of Z . officinale Roscoe in the management of NAFLD by analyzing mechanistic insights from contemporary scientific research and its traditional use in Unani medicine. This narrative review synthesizes data from classical Unani texts and modern scientific literature. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords related to ginger and NAFLD. Peer-reviewed clinical trials, in vivo and in vitro studies, and pharmacological reports were included alongside references from authoritative Unani manuscripts. Z . officinale Roscoe demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, insulin-sensitizing, digestive stimulant, and hepatoprotective activities. These pharmacological effects target key pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD, including hepatic fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. Clinical trials support its efficacy in reducing hepatic steatosis and improving inflammatory and metabolic markers without notable toxicity. Both classical Unani insights and modern evidence validate the role of Z . officinale Roscoe as a safe and effective adjunct in the management of NAFLD. Its multifaceted actions make it a promising candidate for integration into holistic treatment protocols, especially when combined with lifestyle and dietary modifications. Further large-scale trials are recommended to establish its therapeutic utility in broader clinical settings.

Introduction: Abnormal liver enzymes may signal liver damage or alteration in bile flow which may be due to various causes. Excessive alcohol use is an important risk factor for the development of liver abnormalities and one major medical complication is Alcoholic liver disease. Worldwide, approximately 2.4 billion people consume alcohol, among which 1.5 billion are current male drinkers and 0.9 billion are current female drinkers. In the present scenario of high prevalence and limited treatment options, this study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Sharbat-e-Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium L. syrup) on altered liver enzymes among alcoholics. Methods: The present study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with 20 patients in the test group and 10 patients in the control group. Participants in the test group were administered with Sharbat-e-Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium L.) 25 ml twice daily, for 28 days while those in the control group were given syrup Liv-52, 15 ml twice daily for 28 days. All the participants were asked to follow up every 7th day for the assessment of liver function tests (LFT). Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and ultrasonography of the abdomen were assessed before and after the treatment duration.Results: The test formulation showed significant improvement in serum bilirubin, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05) on intra-group analysis whereas intergroup analysis showed significant differences only for ALT and ALP.Conclusion: The research findings support that Sharbat-e-Afsanteen is effective and safe in the therapeutic man-agement of altered liver enzymes among alcoholics.

Background In the Unani text, the disease described by the name Quba matches the conventional description of dermatophytosis, commonly referred to as Tinea or Ringworm. Although there is a slight variation in the disease etiology and pathogenesis, the clinical picture and the individual manifestations are by and large the same. This review elaborates on the Unani description of dermatophytosis (Quba) and highlights the relationship between the two entities. Methods This review article was compiled after surfing thoroughly the available classical Unani literature and published articles in reputed journals. Results This article comprehensively analyses both Quba and dermatophytosis as per their etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and management. Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection whereas Quba is identified to be caused by viscid humours (Ghaleez Ratubaat) and morbid matter (Fasid Mawaad). As per the Unani principles of treatment, the disease Quba is treated using purgatives of black bile (Mukhrij Sauda), resolvent (Muhallil), and moderator (Muaddil) drugs along with some physical modalities like Leeching (Irsale Alaq) and Venesection (Fas'd), which is entirely different from the conventional treatment modality which includes the fungistatic and fungicidal antifungal agents for systemic as well as topical use. Conclusion This article tries to elaborate on various aspects of the disease Quba and dermatophytosis and to establish a correlation between the two terms. It also puts forth a potential alternative to the conventional treatment of dermatophytosis (Quba), provided by the Unani system of medicine.

Abstract Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the diseases that have evolved lately into a major challenge for gastroenterologists. Although, the term NAFLD has not been familiar to the medical world since long, other conditions resembling the presentation of NAFLD have been there since primitive times. It is a reversible condition of the liver, wherein large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulates in liver cells via the process of steatosis, despite any evidence of excessive alcohol consumption. In the developed countries NAFLD is reported to be the most common liver disorder, with a worldwide prevalence of 6–35%, in India its prevalence has been increasing gradually. Unani physicians have described liver as one of the principal organs of the body. It is the primary source of natural faculties, where the functions of digestion, concoction, absorption and excretion are performed, normally temperament of liver is hot and moist which can get converted to cold due to mutable dietary habits, consumption of fatty and cold food in abundance etc. In Unani System of Medicine, NAFLD has not been described as such, but it can be studied under Su’-i-Mizāj Kabid Bārid due to correlation of most of the symptoms. Its management mainly consists of elimination of morbid matter which is accumulated in the liver and correction of Su’-i-Mizāj Kabid Bārid by using drugs having opposite temperament (Ilaj bil zid).

Abstract Out of many disease conditions suffered by mankind since ancient ages, Migraine holds a significant position. It is derived from the word “hemi-crania” and is a type of primary headache. This disease is mentioned in the ancient scriptures dating back to the Mesopotamian era. It has been documented by Hippocrates (460–377 BC) in his treatise, further explored and explained on the basis of cause and location by Galen (131–201 AD). Later its etiopathogenesis clinical features and management was described by Al-Razi (850–923 AD), an eminent Unani physician. Migraine is a disease majorly affecting one side of the head and characterized by recurrent attacks of pulsating headache, mostly associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia, with or without an aura. It is triggered by noise and light, based on the brightness, intensity, wavelengths or type of light that is being emitted. According to Unani physicians, the word Shaqeeqa is derived from Arabic word ‘Shiq’, meaning ‘a part’ or ‘a side’, hence the name Shaqeeqa. They describe it as a type of headache (Suda) in which pain occurs only in one side of head, and the causative factors for it are the morbid matters and morbid vapours (Bukharat e Radiya) arising from morbid humours which are either excessive in amount, too hot or too cold. It often results due to abnormal substantial temperament (Su-e-Mizaj Maddi) giving two variants acute (Shaqeeqa haar) and chronic (Shaqeeqa barid). The treatment mainly consists of elimination of morbid matter which is accumulated in the body, and strengthening the brain using brain tonics (Muqawwiyat-e-Dimagh).

The word Shaqeeqa is derived from an Arabic word ‘shiq’ which means ‘a part’ or ‘a side’. It is characterized by intense pain in a part rather than entire head giving it the name Shaqeeqa. Many renowned physicians of Unani system of medicine like Jalinoos (Galen), RabbanTabri (Al Tabri), ZakaryaRazi (Rhazes), Ali Ibn Abbas Majoosi (Masoudi/Haly Abbas), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ismail Jurjani (Zayn Al-Din Gorgani), Ibn Zohr (Avenzoar), Ibn Habal Al-Baghdadi (Al Baghdadi) etc have described this disease in detail mentioning Habb-e-qooqaya as a potent remedy for its resolution. In Unani system of medicine, treatment of Shaqeeqa mainly consists of elimination of morbid matter which is accumulated in the body and strengthening the brain using Muqawwiyat-e-Dimagh (brain tonics). Habb-e-qooqaya is a compound herbal formulation which is a nervine tonic, brain tonic, stomachic, purgative and evacuates viscid morbid matter from the body, thus evacuating morbid humors from the brain. The purpose of this review is to elaborate the action of Habb-e-Qooqaya. Since this drug is not much explored and not enough evidences have been collected about its pharmacological properties hence this review focuses on the properties, pharmacological actions, phytochemical studies and mechanism of action of the ingredients of Habb-e-Qooqaya and thus its actions.

Backgrounds: Migraine is a form of primary headache, manifested by the recurrent attacks of pulsating headache, mostly associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, with or without an aura. Its onset is unilateral with varying intensity, frequency, and duration. It is the second-most common cause of headache disorder affecting about 12% of general population with 15% females and 6% males. The World Health Organization listed migraine as the 19th disability cause worldwide. In the present scenario of high prevalence and limited treatment options, this study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of a unani formulation named Habb-e-Quqaya, as a nervine tonic, brain tonic, stomachic, purgative, and its action in evacuating viscid morbid matter from the body in the management of migraine without aura. Methods: Thirty patients with migraine without aura were selected and administered with Habb-e-Quqaya 3 tablets weighing 500 mg each twice daily for 45 days. Subjective and objective parameters were assessed for each patient every 15 days. Data were analyzed statistically using the Student's t-test and paired proportion test. Results: Highly significant improvement (P < 0.001) was observed in all subjective and objective parameters. Conclusion: It was thus concluded that Habb-e-Quqaya can be a potential treatment for Shaqeeqa (Migraine without aura) with high efficacy and safety and without any side effects or toxicity during or after the trial. Hence, this study validates the use of Habb-e-Quqaya in Shaqeeqa (migraine without aura).

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a reversible condition of the liver, wherein large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulates in liver cells via the process of steatosis, despite any evidence of excessive alcohol consumption. In view of present scenario of high prevalence and limited treatment options, this study was conducted to assess the effect of Murabba-i- Zanjabīl in NAFLD. Present study was designed as a randomized placebo controlled trial with 30 patients in test group and 10 patients in control group. Participants in test group were administered with Murabba-i- Zanjabīl, 5 gm twice daily, 30 minutes before food for 45 days and those in control group were given 1 capsule of 500 mg each containing wheat flour twice daily, 30 minutes before food for 45 days. All the participants were asked to follow up at every 15 days for assessment of subjective parameters. Objective parameter was assessed before and after the trial period. On statistical analysis the test formulation showed significant reduction in scores (p<0.05) for most of the parameters on both inter and intra group analysis, while the reduction in control group was not found to be statistically significant (p.0.05). This study lays out that Murabbā-i Zanjabīl in a dose of 5gm twice daily given for 45 days is more effective than placebo in treating NAFLD. There was no adverse effect reported during the trial. It was thus concluded that Murabbā-i Zanjabīl is effective and safe in therapeutic management of NAFLD.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is recognized as the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in the present medical scenario, affecting 11% of the population globally. It is characterized by diarrhea or constipation and sometimes both alternately. The pathophysiology of the disease is not much understood but it has been linked to colonic motility dysfunction inflammatory changes of the intestines, change in normal microflora of the gut and disturbance of enteric nervous system. Unani literature describes the symptoms of IBS as dysfuntioning of any of the subfaculty of Quwa i Tabi’ah (Natural Faculties). This dysfunctioning either fails to retain the diet for ample amount of time causing diarrhea or excessive retention of diet in alimentary tract thus resulting in constipation. This review explores the possible mechanism of the disease and its treatment in view of Unani System of Medicine (USM) and paves the way for further research possibilities. Keywords: Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Diarrhea; Constipation; Unani System of Medicine. Cite this Article Arisha Shahid1, Mohd. Riyazuddin, Muzafar Din Ahmad Bhat. Irritable Bowel Syndrome- Reviewed Through the Lens of Unani System of Medicine. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy . 2020; 9(1): 1–6p.