Conceptual Understanding of Preventive Strategies for Metabolic Disorders in Unani Medicine: A Narrative Review.

Background: The global burden of metabolic disorders is increasing at an alarming rate. These disorders have a huge impact in terms of human suffering and economic implications. There is an urgent need for effective strategies, including the use of traditional systems of medicine, to reduce the burden of these diseases. Objective: The objective of this article is to compile information on preventive strategies for metabolic disorders found in Unani medicine. Methods: A literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to understand the conceptual framework in Unani medicine underlying preventive strategies for metabolic disorders. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched to obtain the evidence needed to validate the Unani medicine viewpoint. Results: Unani scholars have described a set of clinical conditions caused by the insufficiency of the nutritive faculty. These conditions correlate in many ways with metabolic disorders. Cold dystemperament of the liver is considered to be the cause of insufficiency of nutritive faculty. Therefore, care and protection of the liver is considered as the main preventive approach for metabolic disorders in Unani medicine. Several epidemiological studies have also reported a strong relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The broad set of approaches (based on its theoretical foundations) used by Unani scholars to maintain the nutritive faculty in its optimal functional state seems to be an effective measure for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Pharmacological Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Unani Medicine: An Evidence-Based Review.

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are one of the most common illnesses in humans. Unani medications are widely used for this indication and are considered effective in alleviating the symptoms. Objective: This article aims to document the Unani medications used for URTIs under a single heading and to provide evidence of their efficacy. Methods: A literature survey of classic Unani texts was conducted to screen for single and compound Unani formulations for URTIs. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were searched to obtain evidence regarding the efficacy of these recommended drugs in URTI treatment. Results: In the Unani medicine literature, the authors found descriptions of 28 single herbs and 40 compound formulations for the treatment of URTIs. A search of electronic databases yielded 13 clinical studies confirming the efficacy of the recommended medications in URTI treatment. These trials demonstrated that the administration of Unani medications significantly accelerated clinical improvement in URTIs. Conclusions: The findings of the included studies led us to conclude that the use of Unani medicines significantly accelerates clinical improvement in URTIs, as demonstrated by various subjective and objective parameters. Hence, clinically validated Unani medications should be considered for the treatment of URTIs.