Dr Shiffa

Introduction:: Elwa (Aloe barbadensis / Aloe vera) also known as Sibr in Unani medicine which is dried juice obtained by the inspissations and used to treat many diseases, especially digestive disorders, arthritis, gastric ulcer, jaundice, amenorrhoea, kidney diseases, diseases of spleen and liver, constipation, nervine disorders, wounds, burns, scalds and other skin diseases. Methods:: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of Aloe barbadensis gel (ABG) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals in each. Group I (control); group II, III and IV were administered gentamicin 100 mg/kg/d subcutaneously from day four to eight. The lower (350 mg/kg) and higher doses (1260 mg/kg) of crude ABG were co-administrated orally in group III and group IV from day 1. On 9th day animals were sacrificed and serum was studied for blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine and kidneys were prepared for histo-patholo...

Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are common cause of morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Squeal of severe NTDs lead to lifelong physical, social, emotional and financial difficulties. Annually worldwide an estimated 300,000 or more babies are born with NTDs. Fortunately; a large number of NTDs are preventable. Several studies have shown that periconceptional use of Folic Acid (FA) has an effective role in the prevention of NTDs. The objective of our study was to assess awareness and practice of FA intake for prevention of NTDs. This cross-sectional study was done on pregnant women who seeking for antenatal care at Rajamalwatta antenatal clinic, Mattakuliya from 2012 August to 2013 December. A well validated questionnaire was administered to the subjects. Out of 261 women served; 81.22% heard about FA, but only 16.98% knew that FA prevent the NTDs. Knowledge was significantly associated with higher socio-economic status and higher education (p<0.005). A higher education ...

694-699Althaea rosea L. (AR) seeds are commonly used in renal disorders in Unani medicine. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of methanolic extract of AR seed (ME-AR) and its chloroform soluble (CHSF) and insoluble (CHIF) fractions in gentamicin-induced renal oxidative damage in Albino rats. The rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as control. All five groups were received 1 % CMC (10 mL/kg), orally for 8 days. In addition to this, the groups III, IV and V were received ME-AR 103 mg/kg, CHSF 70 mg/kg, and CHIF 35 mg/kg respectively, orally for 8 days. Gentamicin was injected subcutaneously (100 mg/kg) in neck region in the volume of 1 mL/kg for the last 5 days for the group II (Toxicant), III, IV and V. Following treatment, the nephroprotective effects were evaluated with level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), redu...

Bloodletting is an ancient therapy and is being practiced in terms of leech therapy as well as cupping with scarification for treating various illnesses. According to Unani classics many diseases are the result of imbalance of body humors and that can be brought in equilibrium by releasing blood. Leech therapy has remained a popular option among Unani physicians for this purpose. Hirudo medicinalis has long been used as medicinal leech in European countries, whereas in India, Hirudinaria granulosa is used traditionally for therapeutic purposes. Leech therapy is being practiced in knee osteoarthritis very effectively. Recently, several clinical trials have been conducted in knee osteoarthritis that have showed better outcomes with minimal adverse effects. Earlier it was believed that the beneficial effects of leech therapy are merely due to the bloodletting process, whereas, later on scientists are able to discover various bioactive substances in leech saliva. These bioactive substan...

ABSTRACT IntroductionHistorically physicians have used leech therapy for various ailments. Hirudo medicinalis is commonly used in western countries for medicinal purpose and in other parts of the world, different species are used. In India, Hirudinaria granulosa species is used traditionally for this purpose. Although this treatment approach has been used for many centuries, there is little scientific data on its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to validate the efficacy of leech therapy in knee osteoarthritis.Materials and methodsThis study was a randomized, parallel group, controlled trial with the approval of Institutional ethics committee. The total of 60 patients, 30 in each group, completed the study. The outcome measures included; Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), range of motion, 15-m walking time and knee circumference were used to assess clinical efficacy. The test group received leech therapy along with a Unani formulation. The other group (control) received the Unani formulation only.Results and discussionThe test group demonstrated highly significant improvements in evaluated parameters when compared with baseline values. Statistically significant differences were observed in KOOS total score and its sub scores (P < 0.0001), VAS (P < 0.0001) at the 4th week when compared with the control group. The reduction in pain, other symptoms and physical function, were observed even 4 weeks after the treatment (P < 0.0001).Conclusion The leech therapy seems to be an effective treatment for reducing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and improving physical function with no major adverse effects.

Althaea rosea L. (AR) seeds are commonly used in renal disorders in Unani medicine. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of methanolic extract of AR seed (ME-AR) and its chloroform soluble (CHSF) and insoluble (CHIF) fractions in gentamicin-induced renal oxidative damage in Albino rats. The rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as control. All five groups were received 1 % CMC (10 mL/kg), orally for 8 days. In addition to this, the groups III, IV and V were received ME-AR 103 mg/kg, CHSF 70 mg/kg, and CHIF 35 mg/kg respectively, orally for 8 days. Gentamicin was injected subcutaneously (100 mg/kg) in neck region in the volume of 1 mL/kg for the last 5 days for the group II (Toxicant), III, IV and V. Following treatment, the nephroprotective effects were evaluated with level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glu...

Cucumis melo Linn. (family cucurbitaceae) is extensively cultivated throughout India particularly in the hot and dry North-Western areas. Its fruit pulp, root, seeds and seed oil are used for medicinal purposes. In Unani medicine, the seed kernel is commonly used to treat various disease conditions. Seeds are having diuretic, lithontriptic, laxative, demulcent and refrigerant properties. There are many varieties of melon available and they also show great diversity in foliage. Hence, adultration is very common with this plant. Standardization provides a more reliable, effective and high-quality product by confirming the presence of plant constituents qualitatively and quantitatively. Hence, efforts have been made to standardize the seed to provide scientific data for identification, authentication and distinguishing the plant from its adulterants. The morphological, microscopic, physicochemical and chromatographic studies of Cucumis melo seed will be useful for quality control of th...

Khatmi (Althaea officinalis), commonly known as Marsh Mallow is one of the important medicinal plant used in Unani medicine. Khatmi is a perennial plant with light brown coloured, long and thick root, ovate-cordate, slightly toothed leaves and pale pink or pale purple coloured flowers. Root, leaves, flowers and seeds are mainly used in medicine. All the parts contain mucilage. It is having emmollient, analgesic, astringent, haemostatic, expectorant, luxative, cleansing, demulcent, concoctive, diuretic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory and exhilarant properties. In Unani medicine, Khatmi has been used for several centuries to treat inflammatory disorders like metritis, enteritis, mastitis, arthritis, colitis, bronchitis, gastritis, etc. It also has been used for other ailments like catarrh, renal calculai, pityriasis, tremor, dysuria, dysentery, haemoptysis, whooping cough and many more. Though, this plant is used for many varieties of disease, very few actions of this plant have been ...

Sankhahauli (Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.) as it is commonly referred to as is a perennial herb. It belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is an indigenous plant commonly found in the plains of Northern India and Bihar. It is widely used in Unani medicine and is also mentioned as a rasayana in Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian medicine. It has been used in Unani medicine as brain tonic, anticonvulsant, nervine tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, eye tonic, blood purifier, etc. According to modern science, it has several important activities such as anxiolytic, antidepressant, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidaemic activity, etc. This review will deal the morphology, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions and uses, reported ethnobotanical studies for exploring the various medicinal properties of Sankhahauli. Pharmaceutical Sciences

This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/authorsrights Abstract Introduction: Historically physicians have used leech therapy for various ailments. Hirudo medicinalis is commonly used in western countries for medicinal purpose and in other parts of the world, different species are used. In India, Hirudinaria granulosa species is used traditionally for this purpose. Although this treatment approach has been used for many centuries, there is little scientific data on its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to validate the efficacy of leech therapy in knee osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: This study was a randomized, parallel group, controlled trial with the approval of Institutional ethics committee. The total of 60 patients, 30 in each group, completed the study. The outcome measures included; Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), range of motion, 15-m walking time and knee circumference were used to assess clinical efficacy. The test group received leech therapy along with a Unani formulation. The other group (control) received the Unani formulation only. Results and discussion: The test group demonstrated highly significant improvements in evaluated parameters when compared with baseline values. Statistically significant differences were observed in KOOS total score and its sub scores (P < 0.0001), VAS (P < 0.0001) at the 4th week when compared with the control group. The reduction in pain, other symptoms and physical function, were observed even 4 weeks after the treatment (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The leech therapy seems to be an effective treatment for reducing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and improving physical function with no major adverse effects.

Strychinus nuxvomica (SN) is an evergreen and medium sized deciduous tree, usually 15-20 m high and up to 70 cm diameter. The fruits are globose, 2.5-5cm. in diameter, orange red when ripe containing many discoid, compressed coins likes seed in fleshy pulp. Seeds are used for therapeutic purposes. The objective of the present investigation was development of the quality standards and the phytochemical analysis of SN. This includes morphological and histological characters. pH of aqueous solution, ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, fluoresce analysis , primary phytochemical screening and HPTLC finger printing profile of different extracts. The finding of this study might be useful as supplement information regarding the identification of SN and lying down pharmacopoeial standards as standardization of the herbal medicine is essential and need of today. Pharmaceutical Sciences International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2249-6793

Parsiyoshan (Maidenhair) is a graceful delicate fern with worldwide distribution. It (Adiantum cappilis-veneris L.) belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. In Sanskrit, it is named as Hansapadi. The word Hansapadi is derived from Hansa, which means geese, and padi, the foot. The segments of the leaves resemble feet of geese. It has been in use for centuries in Unani medicine as anti-inflammatory, demulcent, hair tonic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenogogue, etc. due to its varied chemical composition. Adiantum cappilis-veneris L. holds a rich source of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, carotenoids, etc. In this review, an attempt has been made to explain the morphology, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions and uses, reported ethnobotanical studies for exploring the medicinal properties of Parsiyoshan.

Melasma is a cosmetic problem that sometimes cause great emotional suffering. One survey showed that melasma was associated with a significant impact on health related quality of life. It is defined as a disorder of pigment metabolism characterized by sharply demarcated, blotchy, brown maculae, usually symmetrical on the cheeks, forehead, sometimes on the upper lip and neck. In Unani Medicine, it is mentioned that Kalf is due to black bile homour and charred blood parts, which oozes out of capillaries and get accumulated under the skin. The present study was a Randomized, parallel group, comparative clinical trial. The present research was done to evaluate and to compare the clinical efficacy of a topical application made up of powdered cuttlefish bone and lemon juice along with oral Cascuta reflexa capsule which was compared with another group that is oral placebo with same topical application. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by MASI, skin color shades chart, Patient's Global Assessment, Patient's Satisfaction Index and DLQI. Assessment of safety was done by clinical assessment, patients' complains about any adverse effects i.e. itching, inflammation, rashes, eruptions etc., DLQI and laboratory parameters such as LFT, KFT, CBC and Hb%. At the end of the treatment all the efficacy parameters showed significant improvement when compared with baseline in both the groups; however the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Thus, topical application had promising effects in melasma.

‘Qurse mafasil’ is a Unani poly herbal formulation mentioned in Qarabadeen-e-Majeedi (which is now a part of National Formulary of Unani Medicine, India), commonly prescribed for rheumatic conditions. This formulation contains three ingredients Curcuma longa Linn., Colchium luteum Baker. and Acacia arabica Willd. These herbals have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti oxidant, etc. properties. In present context, the adulteration has become a major problem due to unavailability of standards relating to genuineness of herbal drugs. The WHO has emphasized the need to certify the quality of herbal products by adopting various standard parameters. In this study efforts have been made to analyze the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters such as extractive values, ash values, loss on drying, pH, swelling index, fluorescence analysis, powdered drug reaction with different reagents, disintegration test, uniformity of mass/ weight variation and estimation of total phenolics and flavonoids content were carried out in Qurse mafasil tablet. HPTLC fingerprint profiles of different extracts of the drug also developed. This would serve as a standard reference for identification, authentication and for further studies in this Unani formulation.

Bloodletting is an ancient therapy and is being practiced in terms of leech therapy as well as cupping with scarification for treating various illnesses. According to Unani classics many diseases are the result of imbalance of body humors and that can be brought in equilibrium by releasing blood. Leech therapy has remained a popular option among Unani physicians for this purpose. Hirudo medicinalis has long been used as medicinal leech in European countries, whereas in India, Hirudinaria granulosa is used traditionally for therapeutic purposes. Leech therapy is being practiced in knee osteoarthritis very effectively. Recently, several clinical trials have been conducted in knee osteoarthritis that have showed better outcomes with minimal adverse effects. Earlier it was believed that the beneficial effects of leech therapy are merely due to the bloodletting process, whereas, later on scientists are able to discover various bioactive substances in leech saliva. These bioactive substances are injected in to the body tissues during leech bite. It is the bioactive substances which are responsible for these beneficial effects. At present more than 100 bioactive compounds have been isolated that include anticoagulants, antistasins, protease inhibitors, prostaglandins, histamine-like vasodilators, and poorly characterized anesthetic and analgesic compounds. Therefore, the possible mechanism of action of leech therapy in knee osteoarthritis are due to anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anesthetic action, increasing tissue perfusion, relieving oedema and stiffness by reducing venous congestion, facilitating the nutritive and anabolic substances to reach the knee joint by improving blood circulation, increasing the availability of medicaments by its tissue spreading action.