Atqia Asnah

Vitamin D is most unique among all vitamins. The term 'vitamin d' is actually a misnomer, as Vitamin D is not a Vitamin but is the only vitamin which is a hormone, synthesized endogenouslyby the kidneys. Vitamin D is a seco-steroid hormone with multiple functions in the nervous system. Physiological brain mechanisms of vitamin D and its receptors include neuroprotection, antiepileptic effects, and Immuno modulation, possible interplay with several brain neurotransmitter systems and hormones, as well as the regulation of behaviours. Vitamin D insufficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide. An estimated 1 billion people worldwide, across all ethnicities and age groups, have a vitamin D deficiency (VDD). This hypovitaminosis D can mainly be attributed to lifestyle (for example, reduced outdoor activities) and environmental (for example, air pollution) factors that reduce exposure to sunlight, which is required for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced vitamin D production in the skin. Here we review the important role of the vitamin D neuroendocrine system in the brain and outline perspectives for the search and usage of novel neurotropic treatment to treat various vitamin Drelated dysfunctions and psychiatric illnesses.

Complementary medicine methods have a long history, but modern medicine has just recently focused on their possible modes of action. Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy, an old technique, has been studied by many researchers for possible effects on various diseases such as inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and after different surgeries. Hirudo medicinalis has widest therapeutic usage among the leeches, but worldwide, many different species were tested and studied. Leeches secrete more than 20 identified bioactive substances such as antistasin, eglins, guamerin, hirudin, saratin, bdellins, complement, and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, platelet inhibitory, anticoagulant, and thrombin regulatory functions, as well as extracellular matrix degradative and antimicrobial effects, but with further studies, the spectrum of effects may widen. The technique is cheap, effective, easy to apply, and its modes of action have been elucidated for certain diseases. In conclusion, for treatment of some diseases, MLT is not an alternative, but is a complementary and/or integrative choice. MLT is a part of multidisciplinary treatments, and secretes various bioactive substances. These substances vary among species and different species should be evaluated for both treatment capability and their particular secreted molecules. There is huge potential for novel substances and these could be future therapeutics.

Menopausal stages are progressively associated with an increased prevalence of hyperuricemia, especially from the late transition stage. This association was independent of age and other confounders, indicating menopausal stage per se as an independent risk factor for hyperuricemia. Estrogen has uricosuric properties and with its decline the menopausal women are prone to gouty arthritis. Hormone replacement therapy is touted as the best treatment to problem of gout in menopause. However, HRT isn't without risks. In fact, it has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and stroke. The side effect of the therapy shows immense responsibility of the alternative medicine to create awareness for the particular aspect. Unani medicine has a variety of safe and effective drugs for the management of Niqris(Gout) in Menopause. And it has been successful in treating this disease since a long time without any unwanted effects.

Gout (Niqras) is a common metabolic disorder which causes inflammatory arthritis generally presenting as monoarthritis. It is a true crystal deposition disease caused by formation of monosodium urate crystals hinge joints and other tissues. Unani classical text provides a comprehensive detail on the concept of Niqras. According to Ibn Sina Niqras is a type of pain which starts sometimes from fingers, toe, and sometimes heel. Owing to dreadful complications of Gout and lack of safe and effective drug for its management, it becomes a thrust area for research, in every field of medical science. Unani medicine has a variety of safe and effective drugs for the management of Niqras. And Unani medicine claims have been successful in treating this disease since a long time without any unwanted effects.