Effect of Hijama (wet cupping), Dalk (massage) and Bukhur (medicated steam) in amelioration of Waja al-Zahr (non-specific low back pain) - an open prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is the most widespread musculoskeletal ailment and a common cause of disability worldwide. Conventional medicine typically treats low back pain with a combination of physical therapy; activity modification and rest; pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications which are associated with huge socioeconomic implications and adverse drug reactions. In contrast Hijama, Dalk and Bukhur are ancient medical techniques recommended in the management of musculoskeletal disorders with little or no adverse effects. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Hijama bi'l Shart (wet cupping), followed by Dalk (Massage) with Roghan Dafli and Bukhur (medicated steam) with Tukhm Soya (Anethum graveolens Linn) in patients of Waja al-Zahr (Non-specific Low back pain). METHODS: Patients of either gender in the age group of 18-50 years with low back pain persisting for four weeks or more as chief complaint were recruited in the trial. The study was GCP compliant. The duration of the protocol therapy carried out was 14 days. RESULTS: Ninty two patients of NSLBP were screened, of which 34 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study were recruited. Three participants were lost to follow-ups due to personal reasons and 31 patients completed the trial during the study period. Overall therapeutic response observed in this study was 97% while 3% of the patients did not respond to intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings imply that there is a credible evidence to ensure that the regimens intervened are safe and effective in ameliorating the symptoms of Waja al-Zahr.

Effects of co-administration of Unani pharmacopoeia formulations Qurs Tabasheer Sartani and Arq Hara Bhara with CAT-I antitubercular drugs in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem globally, despite incredible advancements in healthcare system. In Unani system of medicine, Qurs Tabasheer Sarthani (QTS) and Arq Hara Bhara (AHB) have been traditionally used for tuberculosis like conditions. The study was aimed to investigate the effects of co-administration of QTS and AHB with category I first line antitubercular drugs (CAT-I) on the indices of liver and kidney function in rats. METHODS: QTS and AHB were prepared individually and mixed to achieve final compound Unani pharmacopoeia formulation (UPF). The human equivalent doses for rats were calculated and administered with and without CAT-I. The effects of the formulations on serum indices of kidney and liver function, hematological markers and plasma CAT-I drug levels were estimated at 14th, 60th & 180th days of treatment. RESULTS: The administration of UPF, CAT-I and UPF + CAT-I altered the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and haematological markers. These alterations were within permissible range and randomly distributed among groups during various time points. Administration of CAT-I alone resulted in moderate histopathological changes which were completely abrogated in CAT-I + UPF co-administered animals. The co-administration of UPF with CAT-I improved the plasma peak rifampicin (RIF) levels, without altering the liver and kidney functions. CONCLUSIONS: The co-administration of UPF with ATT improved liver and kidney functions and increased the plasma levels of RIF. These beneficial findings provide a scope to evaluate the pharmacokinetic studies in humans.

Lithotriptic effect of Safuf Hajar-al Yahud in patients of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) - an open prospective clinical validation trial.

BACKGROUND: Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) is one of the most common chronic conditions and has been known to the mankind since antiquity. The incidence is increasing globally with geographic, racial and gender variation in its occurrence. Medical management of Nephrolithiasis still poses a considerable challenge for modern medical practice. Unani drugs possessing lithotriptic activity are not only cost effective but also have least side effects. Safuf Hajar-al Yahud has been used since long for the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) but no documentary evidence based on scientific parameters as to its safety and efficacy are available. OBJECTIVE: To validate the safety and efficacy of Safuf Hajar-al Yahud in the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya. METHODOLOGY: An open prospective clinical trial was carried out on 107 subjects of renal calculi of 3-7 mm diameter diagnosed by Ultrasonogram-KUB (USG-KUB). Subjects were evaluated by clinical history & examination, laboratory investigations followed by USG-KUB for confirmation. The safety was assessed by reporting of adverse events and by pathological and biochemical investigations. Assessment of efficacy was based on improvement observed in VAS score and expulsion/reduction of stone size as detected by USG-KUB. RESULTS: Substantial reduction (53%) in the size of calculi confirmed by USG-KUB and considerable lowering of VAS score (75%) were observed with the active intervention in majority of the cases. CONCLUSION: The trial has revealed that the Unani pharmacopoeal formulation Safuf Hajar-al Yahud was well tolerated and has the therapeutic potential in the reduction and expulsion of renal calculi.