Concept of Zaght al-Dam-Qawi (Hypertension) and its Management Modalities in Unani System of Medicine

The scope of Unani medicine is increasing day by day as people are becoming more interested in herbal and organic world. However, Unani (herbal) knowledge needs to be coupled with scientific documented research done to verify its efficacy. The aim of this paper is to provide updated knowledge on hypertension and its management in the Unani system of medicine. Hypertension is a major health hazard globally especially in developed countries. In the Unani system of medicine, there are mudirrat (diuretics) to reduce body fluids and minerals, and musakkin (relaxants) and munawwim (sedatives) are also advised by Unani physicians to reduce anxiety. Unani physician, Razi recommends venesection for this particular ailment. Unani physicians have given the concept of hypertension as “Imtila-ba-Hasb-ul-Auiya” and have said that this occurs due to sue-e-mizaj damwi and comes under the heading of Imtila. Literally ‘Imtala’ means gathering and fullness of the body with madda (fluids). To be precise, it means there is a buildup of normal or abnormal fluids in the body. Unani physicians were all aware of the concept of Zaghta e damwi (blood pressure). Systole as ‘Zaghta-e-Inqabazi’ and diastole as ‘Zaghta-e-Inbesati’ is well depicted in the Unani literature. Most of the world’s population, mainly in developing countries, use herbal medicines for primary health care because of their ancient tradition, culture, and minor side effects. Various kinds of research have been conducted regarding the hypotensive and antihypertensive therapeutic values of local medicinal plants in the recent past, and they have provided evidence for the antihypertensive effects of some of these plants.

Unani and Modern Aspect of Psoriasis (Da-us-Sadaf): A Review

Psoriasis is a red and scaly chronic skin condition of unknown cause. The primary concern to most patients is unsightly appearance. Social exclusion discrimination is psychologically devastating for individuals suffering from psoriasis and their families. It can occur at any age. Psoriasis could be defined as an autoimmune disease. But no autoantigen responsible for this disease has been defined yet. In the Unani system of medicine, psoriasis is described in various headings such as Da-us-Sadaf, Taqashshure Jild, Qooba-e-mutaqashshira, Chambal and Al sadafiya, but there is no description of the word psoriasis and its cause in the Unani system of medicine. But a renowned Unani physician Ibn-e-zuhr use the term Taqasshure Jild, where abnormal humor (sauda-e-ghaleez in skin) is responsible for this disorder. The sauda-e-ghaleez hampers the skin nutrition hence the skin becomes dead and falls out in the form of scale. Unani physicians are successfully treating this ailment since ancient times by adopting different modes of treatment. This paper aims to explore each and every aspect of this disease.

Methods of Data Collection: A Fundamental Tool of Research

For conducting research, it is a must to collect data. Data is basically the information that is required for investigating a research problem after proper designing. The importance of data collection lies in the fact that without gathering the particular information the research could not be carried out. The data may be primary or secondary. Usually, the methods of primary data collection in behavioural sciences include observation methods, interviews, questionnaires, and through database. The sources of secondary data include the previously published books, magazines, journals, etc. and unpublished autobiographies and biographies, etc. Thus, data collection is mandatory to accomplish the research process and therefore, it is the fundamental tool of research. This paper reviews, in detail, the various methods and different ways of gathering the information for undertaking research.

Implication of Riyazat (Exercise) in Primary Dysmenorrhoea (Usr-E-Tams)

Dysmenorrhoea (usr-e-tams) is a usual gynaecological condition comprising of painful muscle spasms coming with menstruation, which in the absence of any fundamental irregularity or pathology, is known as primary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea is the nearly usual cyclical pelvic pain affecting the satisfaction of life. The relative incidence of primary dysmenorrhoea was reported to be within 20% and 90% in many societies. Studies have shown that regular exercise decreases dysmenorrhoea in women, which may be due to the effects of hormonal changes on uterine epithelial tissues or an enhancement in endorphin levels. It appears that exercise has pain-killing events that act in a non-particular way. Research has demonstrated that women with dysmenorrhoea have high degrees of prostaglandins, and hormones acknowledged to cause hampering abdominal pain. Exercise is a non-pharmacological treatment with the aim of reducing side effects commonly reported in association with NSAIDs, such as indigestion, headaches and drowsiness. Thus, diminution of pain may be due to consequences of hormonal changes on uterine epithelial tissues or an increase in endorphin levels. However, exercise has analgesic events that behave in a non-specific way and may be substituted for analgesics. Exercise may play a pivotal role in combating difficulties due to dysmenorrhoea. This article reviews the effects of exercise on dysmenorrhoea.

SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Review on Current Evidence and Unani Perspective

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus has emerged from the city Wuhan, China when cluster of pneumonia cases similar to viral pneumonia appeared, later named as SARS-CoV-2 virus, its symptomatology bears resemblance to Nazla-e-Wabāiya (epidemic influenza) in various treaties of Unani scholars. WHO on January 30, 2020 declared this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. To date, there are no specific vaccines or medicine for COVID-19 and the treatment is simply symptomatic. Therefore, prompt recognition of positive cases and rapid patient isolation may be needed to contain the disease spread to ensure timely management. Unani System of Medicine aims at preservation of health, management of diseases with a holistic approach. As per Unani classical literature, during epidemics prevention of disease and maintenance of health was achieved by strengthening the Ṭabī’at (Medicatrix Naturae) and modifications in Asbāb Sitta Darūriyya (Six Essential Factors).

Profile of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Patients Attending Community Health Centre (CHC), Rangat

Background: The sexually transmitted infections are common communicable diseases spread through sexual contacts and caused by a broad range of pathogens, e. g., bacteria, chlamydia, virus, fungus, protozoa, ectoparasites, etc. Methods: The study was conducted at Community Health Centre, Rangat, Middle Andaman. This was a cross sectional study involving all the patients attended CHC, Rangat during the period from April, 2017 to October, 2019. The statistical data is expressed as numbers and percentages. Result: 23 patients were diagnosed to have STIs during the study period. Herpes genitalis is the predominant STI diagnosed in 6 patients followed by condyloma acuminata, chancroid, molluscum, trichomonas vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: Thus, we performed this study to analyse the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection among patients attending CHC, Rangat. This study will be useful for planning and implementation of health care.