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Ahmed et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
735
EFFECTS OF ARAQ I- ILAICHI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KATHRA
AL-JUSHĀ’ (ERUCTUS/BELCHING): A CASE REPORT
Sadiya Khatoon1, Mohammed Sheeraz Mushtaque Ahmed2*, Adnan Ali3 and Tooba3
1PG Scholar (M.D), Department of Moalajāt, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine,
University of Kashmir, Habak, Naseembagh Campus, Hazratbal, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
2Research Officer Scientist Level II & Reader, Department of Moalajāt, Regional Research
Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Habak, Naseembagh Campus, Hazratbal,
Jammu and Kashmir, India.
3PG Scholar (M.D), Department of Moalajāt, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine,
University of Kashmir, Habak, Naseembagh Campus, Hazratbal, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
ABSTRACT
Background:- Belching (Eructation) is the release of gas from the
gastrointestinal tract. Excessive belching, or Kathra al-Jushā’, can
result from conditions like cold stomach (Burūdat-i Mi‘da), stomach
weakness (Ḍu‘f al-Mi‘da), abnormal digestion, or excessive gas
production (Waram al-Mi‘da). Objectives:- In This case study our
objective is to evaluate the efficacy of ʻAraq i- Ilāichi in Kathra Al-
Jushā’ (Eructus/Belching). Methods:- A 28 year old male patient
presented to the OPD of the Regional Research Institute of Unani
Medicine, Srinagar.Over a 4-week period, the problem of belching was
treated withʻAraq i- Ilāichi 30ml twice a day orally after meals with
water, on the basis of weekly assessments. Result- This study found
thatʻAraq i- Ilāichi effectively reduces frequency of belching after
meals and patient reports 90% relief in the symptoms of belching.
Conclusion- The treatment was safe, effective and bearable, and the
patient's quality of life improved significantly. After treatment, there
was a statistically significant decrease in frequency of belching.
KEYWORDS: ʻAraq i- Ilāichi, Kathra Al-Jushā’, Eructus, Belching,
Ḍu‘f al-Mi‘da, Unani Management.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
SJIF Impact Factor 8.453
Volume 14, Issue 3, 735-741. Case Study ISSN 2277–7105
Article Received on
11 Dec. 2024,
Revised on 01 Jan. 2025,
Accepted on 24 Jan. 2025
DOI: 10.20959/wjpr20253-35371
*Corresponding Author
Mohammed Sheeraz
Mushtaque Ahmed
Research Officer Scientist
Level II & Reader,
Department of Moalajāt,
Regional Research Institute
of Unani Medicine,
University of Kashmir,
Habak, Naseembagh
Campus, Hazratbal, Jammu
and Kashmir, India.
Ahmed et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
736
INTRODUCTION
Belching (or Eructation) refers to the release of a gas bubble from the upper gastrointestinal
tract, which can either be audible or, in some cases, silent. For most people, belching is a
normal physiological process and is not considered a symptom. However, some individuals
seek medical help due to excessive belching, either because it is bothersome to them or to
those around them. While excessive belching might initially seem like a minor issue, in these
cases, it can significantly impact the person's quality of life.[1]
The sound of expulsion of Rīh (gases) through mouth is known as Jushā’.[2-5] When this
condition aggravates it is termed as Kathra al-Jushā’,[2-5] The following broad categories of
the disease have been mentioned:[2]
Type first or the Mu‘tadil (moderate): It refers to the normal reflex or the release of the
Bukhārāt-i Mi‘da(gastric flatus) after eating or drinking.
Ghayr Mu‘tadil (abnormal) type encompasses is associated with each of the following
conditions:[2-5]
1. Burūdat -i Mi‘da or the cold temperament of the stomach: The associated features with
eruciation are infrequent passage of the stools.
2. Ḍu‘f al-Mi‘da or weakness of stomach: The patient complains of the pain stomach after
the intake of diet along with the frequent belching
3. The abnormal digestion of food or the fermentation of food: The food intake aggrevates
the eructation.
4. Waram al-Mi‘da which produces the abundant gas in the stomach. The patient feels the
discomfort in the stomach.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A case of belching (Kathra Al-Jushā’) was selected for the study from the OPD of the
Department of Moalajat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Habak,
Srinagar, Kashmir. The patient was a 28-year-old male, non-diabetic, normotensive, and
euthyroidic, who presented with complaints of frequent belching for the last two months. The
belching occurred suddenly, 30-40 times continuously after meals, particularly at lunch and
dinner, and was associated with a burning sensation. On systemic examination, the abdomen
was found to be flat and non-tender. The patient's personal history indicated regular bowel
habits and normal appetite. The study lasted for six weeks, with three follow-ups, each
Ahmed et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
737
conducted after 14 days, starting with the baseline assessment. Informed consent was
obtained from the patient prior to the commencement of the intervention, confirming his
willingness to participate in the study.
Vitals on examination
Vital Sign
Measurement
Blood Pressure
120/80 mmHg
Heart Rate
72 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate
16 breaths per minute
Temperature
98.6°F (37°C)
SpO₂ (Oxygen Saturation)
98%
Blood Glucose Levels
Fasting: 90 mg/dL; Postprandial: 120 mg/dL
Thyroid Function Tests
Within normal range (Euthyroidic)
Intervention
The interventions provided to the patient included lifestyle modifications, dietary changes,
and oral herbal medication. Lifestyle modifications involved taking dinner earlier and
engaging in a brisk walk for 15-20 minutes after meals to promote digestion and overall
health. Dietary changes emphasized the importance of a well-balanced diet, rich in fibers, and
encouraged the inclusion of fruits and green vegetables while avoiding fast foods.
Additionally, the patient was given an oral herbal medication, ʻAraq i- Ilāichi[6,7] a well-
known drug in the Unani system, at a dose of 30 ml twice a day, after lunch and dinner, to
support the patient's health and treatment plan.
Follow up
The treatment was administered for a total of 28 days, with follow-up assessments conducted
weekly over the course of four weeks. The patient was evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28,
with feedback gathered regarding the reduction in the frequency of belching and the
improvement in symptom quality. The patient’s progress was monitored by assessing changes
in the severity of symptoms, specifically focusing on the frequency of belching episodes and
the associated discomfort, such as the burning sensation. These assessments allowed for a
comprehensive understanding of the treatment's effectiveness and the patient’s response to
the intervention.
Ahmed et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
738
Week
Base line
0th day
Week 1
7th day
Week 2
14th day
Week 3
21st day
Week 4
28th day
Frequency of Belching
(per day)
35
30
20
2-3
0
Intensity of Burning
Sensation (0–10 scale)
10
9
8
3
0
Abdominal Tenderness
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Appetite
(Normal/Reduced)
Reduced
Reduced
Normal
Normal
Normal
Bowel Habits
(Regular/Irregular)
Regular
Regular
Regular
Regular
Regular
Patient-Reported
Improvement (%)
0%
20%
50%
80%
90-95%
Explanation of Columns
1. Frequency of Belching: Number of belching episodes per day.
2. Intensity of Burning Sensation: Patient rates burning sensation on a scale of 0 (no
sensation) to 10 (severe sensation).
3. Abdominal Tenderness: Indicates the presence or absence of tenderness upon
examination.
4. Appetite: Assesses if appetite is normal or reduced compared to baseline.
5. Bowel Habits: Tracks regularity or irregularity of bowel movements.
6. Patient-Reported Improvement: Subjective percentage improvement in symptoms as
reported by the patient.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this case study, the patient was evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28, with feedback
collected regarding the reduction in the frequency of belching and the overall improvement in
symptom quality. The patient’s progress was monitored by assessing changes in symptom
severity, focusing specifically on the frequency of belching episodes and the associated
discomfort, including the burning sensation. These regular assessments provided a
comprehensive understanding of the treatment's effectiveness and the patient’s response to
the intervention. Notably, there was a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life,
with a marked reduction in belching frequency, burning sensation, and dyspepsia.
Furthermore, ʻAraq i- Ilāichi proved to be safe and well-tolerated, demonstrating its
effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of belching with promising results.
Ahmed et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
739
Outcomes of the Study
The outcomes of this study demonstrated significant improvements in the patient's condition
following the treatment. The patient showed significant improvement over the six-week study
period. At baseline, the frequency of belching was 35 episodes per day, accompanied by a
burning sensation intensity of 10/10 and abdominal tenderness, with reduced appetite but
regular bowel habits. By the 7th day (Week 1), the frequency of belching reduced to 30
episodes, and the burning sensation decreased slightly to 9/10, though tenderness persisted,
and appetite remained reduced. By the 14th day (Week 2), belching episodes further
decreased to 20 per day, the burning sensation was 8/10, tenderness resolved, and appetite
normalized. By the 21st day (Week 3), belching episodes dropped significantly to 2–3 per
day, with a burning sensation intensity of 3/10 and continued absence of tenderness, normal
appetite, and regular bowel habits. By the 28th day (Week 4), belching ceased entirely, with
no burning sensation or tenderness, appetite remained normal, and the patient reported a 90–
95% improvement in symptoms.
The patient’s quality of life improved markedly, with a reduction in discomfort and distress
related to gastrointestinal symptoms. ʻAraq i- Ilāichi the herbal medication used in the
treatment, was found to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective, showing promising results in
managing belching and associated symptoms. Regular follow-up assessments confirmed that
the drug not only provided symptom relief but also contributed to the patient’s overall well-
being throughout the study.
Figure 1.
Ahmed et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
740
CONCLUSION
This case study demonstrates the significant effectiveness of ʻAraq i- Ilāichiin treating
Kathra Al-Jushā’ (belching). Over a 28-day treatment period, the patient experienced a
marked reduction in the frequency of belching episodes, from 30-40 occurrences after meals
to a significantly lower frequency. Additionally, the burning sensation associated with
belching was alleviated, and symptoms of dyspepsia, such as bloating and indigestion, were
also substantially reduced. The patient’s overall quality of life improved, with less discomfort
and a notable reduction in gastrointestinal distress. The herbal medication was well-tolerated
and safe, showing promising results in managing the symptoms of belching. The results from
regular follow-up assessments confirmed that ʻAraq i- Ilāichi provided not only symptom
relief but also enhanced the patient's overall well-being. Thus, ʻAraq i- Ilāichi proves to be an
effective and safe treatment option for managing Kathra Al-Jushā’, offering significant
improvements in both symptom reduction and quality of life.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors attest that they have received all necessary patient consent papers. By signing
these documents, the patient consented to the publication of their clinical information. The
patient's name will be protected to the best of our ability, but total anonymity cannot be
ensured. The patient is aware that their initials and names will remain anonymous.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors express their gratitude to the Library staff and Dr. Irfat Ara, Deputy Director of
the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine in Srinagar, for their significant support
and provision of a vast array of literature relevant to this paper throughout the compilation of
this case report.
Ethical clearance: Not applicable.
Conflict of Interest: None.
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www.wjpr.net │ Vol 14, Issue 3, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │
741
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