scholarly journals Understanding the concept of Purgation (Ishal) in Unani Medicine: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-246
Author(s):  
Hina V Kouser ◽  
Fatima Khan ◽  
Ayesha Tehseen ◽  
Mohd Nayab ◽  
Abdul Nasir Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
The Body ◽  
Main Determinant ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Disease Elimination ◽  
Concept Of Health ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
A Minor

The theory of humours (akhlat) is one of the fundamental pillars of the Unani System of Medicine (USM). The concept of health and disease depends on the quality (kaifiyat) and quantity (kammiyat) of humour (khilt). Health (sehat) lasts when humours remain in equilibrium and the main determinant of health is the balance in six essential factors (asbab-e-sittah zarooriya). These factors are highly modifiable and deviation in any of them leads to disequilibrium in humours either qualitatively or quantitatively which ultimately manifests in the form of the disease. Elimination (istifragh) of these morbid humours from the body becomes mandatory to treat the diseases or to restore health. One of the effective methods of elimination is purgation (ishal). It is a method by which morbid humours from the body are eliminated through the anal route. Before the elimination of any pathological humour especially in chronic diseases, it is mandatory to make the humour easily eliminable. This process of making the pathological humour eliminable is known as concoction (nuzj). The process of concoction is a regular and continuous process of the tabiyat (mediatrix naturae) of the body. In case of a minor deviation in humour, tabiyat itself eliminates it from the body after concoction. When the causative pathological humours are in abundance or grossly deviated from normalcy, tabiyat needs help from outside the body. This help of tabiyat can be done with some humour specific drugs which are known as concoctive medicines (munzij advia). Once, the humours become eliminable, the process of evacuation can be started. Classical Unani literature and published papers were explored to find the rationale of purgation therapy. Purgation is found to be advisable in the treatment of many chronic diseases. Tabiyat is the ultimate healer in the body and purgation helps it to overcome the diseases. Keywords: Istifragh; Munzij; Nuzj; Akhlat; Humours; Concoction

Understanding Holism in the light of principle underlying practice of Unani Medicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasim Ahmad ◽  
Ghulamuddin Sofi ◽  
Md Anzar Alam ◽  
Mohd Zulkifle ◽  
Bilal Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
The Body ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Disease Causation ◽  
Basic Relationship ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Principles Of Treatment ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The holistic Unani medicine is fundamentally different from the reductionist conventional medicine. It asserts the self-integration amongst its basic disciplines, without considering them underlying principles of Unani system of medicine cannot be understood. The diagnosis, selection of drugs, and plan of treatment is also overlooked. Unani scholars attribute health to the functions or actions of the body in a normal way. The constitution is considered as the result of need based on the amalgamation of Arkan (primordial essence). Umoor Tabiya (basic principles) interact at many levels and manifest into Kaifiyyat (Mizaj), Akhlat (Humour), Arwaah (Pneuma), Quwa (faculties), and Tabiyat (Physis) which need to be understood properly for effective management and diagnosis of disease in Unani medicine as well as its treatment. Ilmul Asbab is applied in the prevention of disease as well as in disease causation. In Unani medicine, there should be conformity in between, Asbab (causes), Alamaat (symptoms), and therapeutics. Therefore; the treatment strategy needs the knowledge of Ilmul Asbab. This paper will examine the basic relationship amongst disciplines i.e. Basic principles, diagnosis, and principles of treatment. It will attempt to illustrate the need for awareness of the basic principles of health and disease for a physician for effective management of disease which is what Unani medicine claims to be holistic.

scholarly journals Research Opportunities in Unani/ Greco-Arabian Medicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-155
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hashir
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Important Research ◽  
Traditional System ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Concept Of Health ◽  
Holistic Concept ◽  
Basic Concepts

Unani medicine is a traditional system of medicine which was founded on the teachings of Hippocrates (460-377 BC). It is based on a holistic concept of health preservation, promotion and disease prevention. Mizaj (temperament), asbab-e-sitta zaruriyah (six essential factors), and tabiy’at (physis) are the basic concepts of Unani medicine which help in disease prevention as well as management. Unani medicine has a rich treasure of many effective preventive and therapeutic methods for lifestyle disorders, acute and chronic diseases, as well as psychological conditions. In this paper, we discuss the important research areas in Unani system of medicine, particularly related to present-day world. Keywords: Unani medicine, lifestyle, chronic diseases, Mizaj

scholarly journals Beneficial Role of Carica papaya Extracts and Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress and Related Diseases: A Mini Review

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 287
Author(s):  
Yew Rong Kong ◽  
Yong Xin Jong ◽  
Manisha Balakrishnan ◽  
Zhui Ken Bok ◽  
Janice Kwan Kah Weng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Carica Papaya ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Impaired Wound Healing

Oxidative stress is a result of disruption in the balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants in which subsequently impacting on redox signaling, causing cell and tissue damages. It leads to a range of medical conditions including inflammation, skin aging, impaired wound healing, chronic diseases and cancers but these conditions can be managed properly with the aid of antioxidants. This review features various studies to provide an overview on how Carica papaya help counteract oxidative stress via various mechanisms of action closely related to its antioxidant properties and eventually improving the management of various oxidative stress-related health conditions. Carica papaya is a topical plant species discovered to contain high amounts of natural antioxidants that can usually be found in their leaves, fruits and seeds. It contains various chemical compounds demonstrate significant antioxidant properties including caffeic acid, myricetin, rutin, quercetin, α-tocopherol, papain, benzyl isothiocyanate (BiTC), and kaempferol. Therefore, it can counteract pro-oxidants via a number of signaling pathways that either promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes or reduce ROS production. These signaling pathways activate the antioxidant defense mechanisms that protect the body against both intrinsic and extrinsic oxidative stress. To conclude, Carica papaya can be incorporated into medications or supplements to help manage the health conditions driven by oxidative stress and further studies are needed to investigate the potential of its chemical components to manage various chronic diseases.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is a Common Denominator Linking Skeletal Muscle Wasting Due to Disease, Aging, and Prolonged Inactivity

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 588
Author(s):  
Hayden W. Hyatt ◽  
Scott K. Powers
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Cancer Chemotherapy ◽  
Muscle Wasting ◽  
The Body ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Wasting ◽  
Vital Functions

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the body and is required for numerous vital functions, including breathing and locomotion. Notably, deterioration of skeletal muscle mass is also highly correlated to mortality in patients suffering from chronic diseases (e.g., cancer). Numerous conditions can promote skeletal muscle wasting, including several chronic diseases, cancer chemotherapy, aging, and prolonged inactivity. Although the mechanisms responsible for this loss of muscle mass is multifactorial, mitochondrial dysfunction is predicted to be a major contributor to muscle wasting in various conditions. This systematic review will highlight the biochemical pathways that have been shown to link mitochondrial dysfunction to skeletal muscle wasting. Importantly, we will discuss the experimental evidence that connects mitochondrial dysfunction to muscle wasting in specific diseases (i.e., cancer and sepsis), aging, cancer chemotherapy, and prolonged muscle inactivity (e.g., limb immobilization). Finally, in hopes of stimulating future research, we conclude with a discussion of important future directions for research in the field of muscle wasting.

scholarly journals ‘Ilāj bi’l-Tadbīr (regimenal therapy): a core mode of Unani treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Athar Parvez Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
The Body ◽  
Core Mode ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Therapeutic Applications ◽  
Leech Therapy ◽  
Care System

AbstractSince antiquity, the Unani system of medicine has been participating in health care system. Usually, four modes of treatment viz. regimenal therapy, dietotherapy, pharmacotherapy and surgery are applied for the treatment of diseases. Regimenal therapy is an important mode in which the morbid matter present in the body is either dispersed/excreted or its unnecessary production is blocked or its flow is restricted and the diseases are cured by natural healer of the body, consequently bring back the humoural stability. Nearly 30 regimens have been mentioned in classical Unani literature. Commonest regimenal procedures such as fasd (venesection/phlebotomy), hijāma (cupping), ta‘līq al-‘alaq (hirudotherapy/leech therapy), ishāl (purgation), qay’ (emesis), idrār-i-bawl (diuresis), huqna (enema), ta’rīq (diaphoresis), riyādat (exercise), dalk (massage), hammām (bathing), tadhīn (oiling), natūl (irrigation), sakūb (douching/spraying), inkibāb (steam/vapour application), takmīd (fomentation) etc. are usually applied for the management of various ailments. These regimenal procedures are completely based on holistic approach and are potential but needs to be explored scientifically. This review outlines the therapeutic applications of various regimens of regimenal therapy used in Unani medicine.

scholarly journals Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Sesamum indicum L.—A Review

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (24) ◽  
pp. 4426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Shun Wu ◽  
Levent Bless B. Aquino ◽  
Marjette Ylreb U. Barbaza ◽  
Chieh-Lun Hsieh ◽  
Kathlia A. De Castro-Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Sesamum Indicum ◽  
The Body ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Pharmacological Significance ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Natural Medicines

The use of foodstuff as natural medicines has already been established through studies demonstrating the pharmacological activities that they exhibit. Knowing the nutritional and pharmacological significance of foods enables the understanding of their role against several diseases. Among the foods that can potentially be considered as medicine, is sesame or Sesamum indicum L., which is part of the Pedaliaceae family and is composed of its lignans such as sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol and sesamolin. Its lignans have been widely studied and are known to possess antiaging, anticancer, antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Modern chronic diseases, which can transform into clinical diseases, are potential targets of these lignans. The prime example of chronic diseases is rheumatic inflammatory diseases, which affect the support structures and the organs of the body and can also develop into malignancies. In line with this, studies emphasizing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of sesame have been discussed in this review.

scholarly journals The thymus and the science of self

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Geenen
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Adaptive Immune System ◽  
Lymphoid Organ ◽  
The Body ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Major Organ ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Essential State ◽  
The 1960S

AbstractThe conventional perception asserts that immunology is the science of ‘discrimination’ between self and non-self. This concept is however no longer tenable as effector cells of the adaptive immune system are first conditioned to be tolerant to the body’s own antigens, collectively known as self until now. Only then attain these effectors the responsiveness to non-self. The acquisition of this essential state of tolerance to self occurs for T cells in the thymus, the last major organ of our body that revealed its intricate function in health and disease. The ‘thymus’ as an anatomical notion was first notably documented in Ancient Greece although our present understanding of the organ’s functions was only deciphered commencing in the 1960s. In the late 1980s, the thymus was identified as the site where clones of cells reactive to self, termed ‘forbidden’ thymocytes, are physically depleted as the result of a process now known as negative selection. The recognition of this mechanism further contributed to the belief that the central rationale of immunology as a science lies in the distinction between self and non-self. This review will discuss the evidence that the thymus serves as a unique lymphoid organ able to instruct T cells to recognize and be tolerant to harmless self before adopting the capacity to defend the body against potentially injurious non-self-antigens presented in the context of different challenges from infections to exposure to malignant cells. The emerging insight into the thymus’ cardinal functions now also provides an opportunity to exploit this knowledge to develop novel strategies that specifically prevent or even treat organ-specific autoimmune diseases.

Inhibiting ventilatory evaporation produces an adaptive increase in cutaneous evaporation in mourning doves Zenaida macroura

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (21) ◽  
pp. 3021-3028 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.C. Hoffman ◽  
G.E. Walsberg
Keyword(s):  
Skin Surface ◽  
The Body ◽  
Evaporative Heat Loss ◽  
Evaporative Water ◽  
Zenaida Macroura ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Rapid Adjustment ◽  
Mourning Doves ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Cutaneous Evaporation

We tested the hypothesis that birds can rapidly change the conductance of water vapor at the skin surface in response to a changing need for evaporative heat loss. Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) were placed in a two-compartment chamber separating the head from the rest of the body. The rate of cutaneous evaporation was measured in response to dry ventilatory inflow at three ambient temperatures and in response to vapor-saturated ventilatory inflow at two ambient temperatures. At 35 degrees C, cutaneous evaporation increased by 72 % when evaporative water loss from the mouth was prevented, but no increase was observed at 45 degrees C. For both dry and vapor-saturated treatments, cutaneous evaporation increased significantly with increased ambient temperature. Changes in skin temperature made only a minor contribution to any observed increase in cutaneous evaporation. This indicates that Z. macroura can effect rapid adjustment of evaporative conductance at the skin in response to acute change in thermoregulatory demand.

Onset of the segmentation clock in the chick embryo: evidence for oscillations in the somite precursors in the primitive streak

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (5) ◽  
pp. 1107-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Jouve ◽  
Tadahiro Iimura ◽  
Olivier Pourquie
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Process ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
The Body ◽  
Paraxial Mesoderm ◽  
Segmentation Clock ◽  
Head Mesoderm ◽  
Dynamic Expression ◽  
Mesoderm Formation ◽  
Cyclic Gene

Vertebrate somitogenesis is associated with a molecular oscillator, the segmentation clock, which is defined by the periodic expression of genes related to the Notch pathway such as hairy1 and hairy2 or lunatic fringe (referred to as the cyclic genes) in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Whereas earlier studies describing the periodic expression of these genes have essentially focussed on later stages of somitogenesis, we have analysed the onset of the dynamic expression of these genes during chick gastrulation until formation of the first somite. We observed that the onset of the dynamic expression of the cyclic genes in chick correlated with ingression of the paraxial mesoderm territory from the epiblast into the primitive streak. Production of the paraxial mesoderm from the primitive streak is a continuous process starting with head mesoderm formation, while the streak is still extending rostrally, followed by somitic mesoderm production when the streak begins its regression. We show that head mesoderm formation is associated with only two pulses of cyclic gene expression. Because such pulses are associated with segment production at the body level, it suggests the existence of, at most, two segments in the head mesoderm. This is in marked contrast to classical models of head segmentation that propose the existence of more than five segments. Furthermore, oscillations of the cyclic genes are seen in the rostral primitive streak, which contains stem cells from which the entire paraxial mesoderm originates. This indicates that the number of oscillations experienced by somitic cells is correlated with their position along the AP axis.

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