Shabnam Ansari

: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common disorder of the skin, which is dermatologically manifested by erythematous patches covered by yellow-grey scales. It mostly appears on the face, scalp, upper chest, and back. Half of the adult population is estimated to be affected by seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Although its prevalence is very high, the etiology has not been very well known. Numerous intrinsic and external environmental factors such as excessive sebum secretions, fungal colonization of the surface of the skin, genetic susceptibility, and dynamics, among others, can result in the development of the disease. Unani medicine is familiar with this disease under the entity named ‘Tasherul Raas/Huzaz’. Various herbal and mineral-origin drugs have been declared in the Unani classical literature for the treatment of SD. In the present paper, topical Unani drugs particularly beneficial for scalp seborrheic dermatitis are discussed.

Objectives Saussurea lappa, CB Clarke (S.lappa) is a perennial herb of the Compositae family. The root of S.lappa has been used for the treatment of various diseases such as hepatitis, jaundice, intestinal worms, bronchial asthma, and a variety of skin diseases. The aim of the study was to ensure quality control of S.lappa and its preparation HAESL (hydroalcoholic extract of S.lappa) along with assessment of HAESL antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in vitro. Methods HAESL was prepared with 50% ethanol, (v/v). Physiochemical analysis of the root of S.lappa, and phytochemical screening, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of HAESL were performed using the standard protocol. Results Physiochemical and phytochemical assessments of S.lappa and HAESL showed the greater quality of the drug. HAESL showed the presence of many phytochemical constituents corresponding to colorful spots, p...

Article history Unani system of Medicine is documented with several forms of hepatitis along with their treatment through traditional drugs. The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of a formulation of Unani Medicine in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) cases and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials. We conducted a case series with five patient of CHB, subsequently treated with a Unani formulation as the main medicine. Cases were confirmed with standard hepatitis antigen and viral measurements. Patient were treated for 6 months with measurement of HBV DNA quantitative value. CVR (complete virological response) was observed within an average 14 weeks of treatment marked by undetectable HBV DNA in the blood. We reviewed the literature related to the Unani formalation used for the treatment in this cases. Its constituents have exhibited antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities, could be the possible mech...

Cardiovascular diseases remain a major global healthcare burden and are alone responsible for 17.3 million deaths annually. For nearly half a century, the relation between dietary factors and cardiovascular diseases has been a major focus for health researches. Advocacy of certain dietary regimen and usage of nutraceuticals have suggested to reduce the risk factors related to coronary vessel diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Nutraceuticals are those foods and plant-based compounds, which produce health benefit beyond their nutritional value and can be used for preventive and therapeutic measures in different diseases and ailments. Various clinical studies have substantiated that nutraceuticals such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, unrefined grains, fish oils, carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols, micronutrients, omega-3-fatty acids, vitamins C and E, cocoa, low-fat dairy products, a diet low in carbohydrate, low in saturated fats, and sodi...

Objectives: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major health concern in terms of its high prevalence, as well as restricted, and costly health care resources in India. The physicians of the Unani system of Medicine have been treating hepatitis since centuries. The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of Unani Formulation in the treatment naive, CHB cases and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials. Methods: We conducted a case series with five patient of CHB, subsequently treated with the Unani formulation. Cases were confirmed with standard hepatitis antigen and viral measurements. The patients were treated for 6 months with measurement of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg). Results: Loss of surface antigen occurred in the patients and became HbsAg negative within an average 13 weeks of treatment. Discussion: We reviewed the literature related to the Unani formulation used for the treatment in this study. Its constituents have exhibited antiviral, anti-inflammat...

Diabetes is common metabolic disorder which affects larger population of the world. Currently its prevalence is high up and increased day by day. In despite advancement of western science which resist to treat of this silent killer disease. Diabetes characterized by the ‘too great emptying of urine’ finds its place in antiquity through Egyptian manuscripts dating back to 1500 B.C This article depicted preliminary opinion that diabetes was associated to an alimentary illness, and concludes with the discovery of it being a persistent systemic ailment and described three successive ways. This short review article informs us, how for many centuries peoples are suffered from the devastating illness with very little offered in terms of treatment or relief. After long time the pancreas was identified as the causative organ and, some time later, animal experimentation resulted in the abstraction of the

Taranjabeen is the Unani name of a resinous sweet exudate obtained from the leaves and stems of a plant named camelthorn (Alhagi pseudalhagi). It belongs to the family Fabaceae and a native of Israel, Egypt, Syria, Arabia, north America etc. It has been used in the Unani medicine for the treatment of liver diseases, hyperbilirubinemia states, as an excellent laxative for children’s, gastrointestinal diseases, joint pains, as blood purifier in various viral diseases such as chicken pox, measles, mumps etc. It is an important ingredient of many Unani formulations, hence worthwhile to revive this medicine through its comprehensive review of morphology, chemistry, temperament, pharmacognosy, pharmacological actions, dosage, adverse effect, correctives, alternatives and major formulations.

Traditional system of medicine (TM) is an effective and often overlooked health resource with many applications, especially in preventing and managing lifestyle disorders and chronic diseases and meeting the health requirements of aging populations. The ever-increasing burden of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases and insufficient clinical benefits of chemical drugs are fostering the need for economical healthcare services. Thereby, many countries are adopting, developing, and expanding coverage of traditional medicine healthcare services with engrossment and compulsion. The 21st century's unique health challenges have led to the revival in interest in TM even in Western countries. According to WHO, the TM landscape has been steadily improving globally. The Asian continent is exceptionally flourished with TM of different concepts and theories such as AYUSH in India, Koryo medicine in Korea, traditional Chinese medicine in China, Kampo medicine in Japan, traditional me...

At present, liver transplantation remains the only curative option for the patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver diseases. The survival rate and recurrent diseases remain the major issues in the patient post-transplantation. Unani medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine which has been treating chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis (Talayyaful-Kabid) for centuries. The current study aimed to assess the impact of Unani treatment on decompensated cirrhosis and collect data to warrant further clini- cal trials. Authors conducted a case series on five patients with decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The disease was confirmed through FibroScan and ultrasound and treated with Unani treatment orally for seven months. Results were evaluated based on FibroScan, liver function test (LFT), EuroQol-5D (EQ5D), Child-Pugh and TTO-TIME (trade-o question). Significant improve- ments in LFT, fibrosis and quality of life were achieved in the studied patients. T...

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...

Liver problems among troops and civilians during conflicts is not new as evident from the rise in Hepatitis A and E viruses in troops during the World War 2. The liver is the primary site for xenobiotics clearance and metabolism and in a position to be exposed to potentially toxic chemicals. In toxic hepatitis, reactive metabolites of a drug tend to cause toxicity. The deleterious effect of the drugs and chemicals on liver structure and functions can be prevented and treated through the administration of healthy nutrition, plant foods, hepatoprotective medicinal plants, antioxidant supplements, and Unani dietotherapy in risky individuals and patients. This chapter particularly updates information about the effects of dietary intake of healthy food and botanicas on liver health, with a specific focus on the possible beneficial effects of dietary and medicinal plants on protection from liver damage induced through drugs and chemicals.

Background/Aim: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major health concern in terms of high prevalence, as well as restricted and costly health-care resources in India. The objective was to evaluate the antiviral effect of herbal drugs, Saussurea lappa and Artemisia absinthium against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the management of CHB and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials. Materials and Methods: In an open prospective single-arm study, we assigned thirty patients with HBeAg-negative or positive CHB to receive decoction of S. lappa, 15 mL in the morning, and decoction of A. absinthium, 15 mL in the evening once daily empty stomach for 12 weeks. Test drug was evaluated for its efficacy in loss of HBsAg and HBeAg, plasma HBV DNA level of <200 IU/mL (complete virologic response [cVR]), mean reduction in HBV DNA, and normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) at week 12 (after treatment). Results: HBsAg loss was observed in 35.71% (n = 14) and 25% (n = 16) of patients in HBeAg-positive (P < 0.05) and negative group (P = 0.10), respectively, at week 12 (after treatment). HBeAg loss was observed in 71.42% of patients at week 12 (P < 0.001). cVR was achieved in 57.14% (P< 0.01) and 37.5% (P < 0.05) and ALT normalization in 85.71% and 81.25% of patients (P < 0.001) in HBeAg-positive and negative group, respectively, at week 12. Conclusions: Our study has substantiated that S. lappa and A. absinthium have antiviral effect against HBV in CHB besides being quite safe for a treatment duration of 12 weeks. Abbreviations Used: CHB: Chronic hepatitis B, HBV: Hepatitis B virus, S. lappa: Saussurea lappa, A. absinthium: Artemisia absinthium, HBsAg: Hepatitis B surface antigen, HBeAg: Hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA: Hepatitis B deoxyribonucleic acid, cVR: Complete virologic response, ALT: Alanine aminotransferase.

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 gl...

Background ‘Nutool’ is one of the regimenal therapy used in Unani medicine since centuries in various inflammatory and painful conditions. Chronic prostatitis (Warm-e- Gudda Mazi Muzmin) is associated with ‘chronic pelvic pain syndrome’ (CP/CPPS), is a chronic pain condition of non-bacterial origin in men with mixture of other symptoms such as lower urinary tract voiding, ejaculatory ailments and negative impact on quality of life (QOL), which almost lacks uniform effective therapy in conventional medicine. Objectives The purpose of our case study was to assess the impact of nutool in CP/ CPPS refractory to standard therapies and collect data to warrant further research in this area.        Case study  A 30 yrs. old Asian male admitted with symptoms of pelvic pain and pain during ejaculation from 6 month in absence of lower urinary tract symptoms with negative thoughts, diagnosed as CP/ CPPS on the protocols of NIH. Nutool of anti-inflammatory Unani drugs was given as the main thera...

India has HBV carrier rate of 3.0% approximately with a high prevalence rate in the villages and remote areas. The variation in social, ethnic, economic, habits and other health conditions in different areas may explain the difference in outcomes of the disease. High-risk groups (especially tribals) also harbor significant disease burden and have a high prevalence of occult infection, supporting the potential of unknowingly spreading the disease. Hence identifying and targeting those population for public healthcare measure is the necessity to control the disease and promoting hepatitis B vaccination around the country. The present study was carried to out to elucidate epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B in the patients of Majeedia Unani Hospital New Delhi to locate high risk groups and areas for health education regarding lifestyle, preventive measures, early disease detection and proper adherence to drugs and of health care workers on adoption of proper precautions while carrying ...

To detect the safety of intravitreal injection of anti-connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) (IVAC) in rat eyes in order to apply this neutralizing antibody for experimental animal studies. Forty-five Lister Hooded male pigmented rats were divided into five groups that received IVAC (2 μl) corresponding to the doses of 10 (B), 20 (C), 50 (D), and 100 μg/ml (E), equal to 1.25, 2.5, 6.25, and 12.5 µg/ml of antibody concentration in rat vitreous, respectively. The sham group (A) received 2 μl of normal saline. Full field electroretinography (ERG) was performed at baseline and on days 7 and 28 after IVAC. The animals were euthanized and the corresponding eyes were subjected to routine histopathology, immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and terminal transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. Scotopic rod b-wave amplitude and maximal combined b-wave amplitude were 111.89 ± 71.2 and 178.57 ± 55.58 μV, respectively, at baseline which significantly reduce...

Background: Gilbert's Syndrome (GS) is the most common form of congenital, non haemolytic, mild Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinaemia. Familial cases linked with mutation in enzyme UDP glucoronosyl transferase 1producing decreased conjugation of bilirubin which accumulates in the form of unconjugated bilirubin. Hyperbilirubinaemia is mild (<6 mg/dl) while liver enzymes & histology are always found normal. It is clinically characterized by vague symptoms like loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss and mild Jaundice. A review of Unani literature showed disease similarity clinically with Sue -Mizaj Jigar Har Yabis, with dominating features of Safra (yellow bile). Material & Methods: We report our experience with such a case of GS by validated integrative assessment and management with Unani Medicine e.g Arqayat (Makoh+Kasni+Biranjasif), Jigreen, Sharbat-e-Bazoori and Majoon Dabid-ul-Ward along with a short review of literature. Results were analyzed based on clinical and LFT o...

Liver damage or disease is a worldwide health threat due to non-availability of
specific drug and potentiality of modern drugs to add further damage. A large
number of traditional drugs possesses hepatoprotective activity have been
used in liver pathologies since centuries. So investigating these drugs for their
hepatoprotective effect to make an effective medicine in the treatment of liver
toxicity or dysfunction is promising. Different kinds of laboratory models have
been used to assess the hepatoprotective action of these drugs. Hepatotoxic
agents such as Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), Paracetamol, D-galactosamine are
commonly used. Most widely, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been used to
induce liver toxicity in rodents. Likewise chloroform, acrylamide, adriamycin,
aflatoxin, thioacetamide, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethanol, pyrilizidine alkaloid,
alphanapthoisothiocynate, tamoxifen, phalloidin, cadmium, lead and
erythromycin have been also used to induce chemical injury in the liver. When
the disease is induced in an appropriate animal, the traditional drugs can be
tested for its therapeutic effect as well as its effective dose and toxicological
profile. In experimental models, both in vivo and in vitro models of liver have
been used. The hepatoprotective effect is evaluated by ability of the trial drug
to prevent or mitigate the injury in different parameters like biochemical,
histological changes and normalization of the volume of the liver. The present
article explains the types, dose and mechanism of hepatotoxic agents along
with experimental model used to study hepatoprotective effect of traditional
drugs.