Shugufta Hamid’s scientific contributions

In the Unāni system of medicine, there are three methods of treatment viz; ilaj-bit-tadbeer wa ghiza (regimenal therapy and dietotherapy), ilaj- bil- dawa (pharmacotherapy) and ilaj- bil- yad (Surgery). Ilaj-bit-tadbeer is one of the most popular treatments practiced by ancient Unāni physicians for ages. Ābzan (Sitz bath) is one of the procedures of ilaj-bit-tadbeer described in the Unani system of medicine used to manage various diseases. Ābzan (sitz bath) is a type of bath in which hips and buttocks are immersed in water, either plain or medicated (Joshanda, Khaisanda), for therapeutic effects. This article aims to discuss and clarify several aspects of Ābzan, including its clinical applications in Unāni medicine. However, for rational demonstration of the effectiveness of Ābzan in the modern period, standard operating procedures (SOP) and scientific standards must be developed. Unāni system of medicine is enriched with the concept of Ābzan. To benefit the community, more research should be done to explore the efficacy of Ābzan in managing diseases.

Introduction: Boils also referred as furuncles are infections of hair follicles caused by the bacteria producing painful, nodular pus-filled lesions on skin surfaces. There are various conditions and co-morbidities which lead to the formation of boils on skin surfaces like diabetes, weaning immunity, variety of skin infections, poor hygiene. In Unani System of Medicine (USM),boil occurs due to the imbalance of Akhlat (humours) which is actually increase of hot and moist humours. This imbalance leads to the accumulation of morbid matter in blood causing skin inflammation. Hammam is a regimenal therapy which causes the diversion and evacuation of morbid wastes from the body. Clinical presentation: A 50 year old male patient with no co-morbidity visited the OPD of Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Habak, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir in the month of November in 2024. The patient was a diagnosed case of boils which were present on the left flank of abdomen, on left iliac crest, gluteal region. The patient had no aggravating or relieving factor. Intervention: The patient was treated with Hammam therapy infused with Burg-i-Nīm(BN) and Burg-i-Hina(BH)for a period of 15days. All the pre and post treatment SOP’s were taken into consideration. Results: The presenting signs and symptoms were reduced which was assessed through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Discussion: Hammam, a known regimenal therapy in USM helps through the evacuation of morbid wastes from the body leading to complete detoxification. The use of Burg-i-Nīm (BN) and Burg-i-Hina (BH) as a decoction in hammam helped in blood purification. Also,beingapotent antibacterial agent,it aides in wound treatment and healing. The chemical constituents like quercetin, β-sitosterol, margolone, etc. possess antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion:In this study, it was validated that Hammam has significant effect on boils and is beneficial in the treatment of boils. KEYWORDS:Boils, Buthūr, Hammam, Regimenal therapy, Unani treatment.

Introduction: Boils also referred as furuncles are infections of hair follicles caused by the bacteria producing painful, nodular pus-filled lesions on skin surfaces. There are various conditions and co-morbidities which lead to the formation of boils on skin surfaces like diabetes, weaning immunity, variety of skin infections, poor hygiene. In Unani System of Medicine (USM),boil occurs due to the imbalance of Akhlat (humours) which is actually increase of hot and moist humours. This imbalance leads to the accumulation of morbid matter in blood causing skin inflammation. Hammam is a regimenal therapy which causes the diversion and evacuation of morbid wastes from the body. Clinical presentation: A 50 year old male patient with no co-morbidity visited the OPD of Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Habak, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir in the month of November in 2024. The patient was a diagnosed case of boils which were present on the left flank of abdomen, on left iliac crest, gluteal region. The patient had no aggravating or relieving factor. Intervention: The patient was treated with Hammam therapy infused with Burg-i-Nīm(BN) and Burg-i-Hina (BH) for a period of 15 days. All the pre and post treatment SOP’s were www.wjppr.com 1 Sheeraz et al. World Journal Of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research taken into consideration. Results: The presenting signs and symptoms were reduced which was assessed through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Discussion: Hammam, a known regimenal therapy in USM helps through the evacuation of morbid wastes from the body leading to complete detoxification. The use of Burg-i-Nīm(BN) and Burg-i-Hina (BH) as a decoction in hammam helped in blood purification. Also, being a potent antibacterial agent, it aides in wound treatment and healing. The chemical constituents like quercetin, β-sitosterol, margolone, etc. possess antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: In this study, it was validated that Hammam has significant effect on boils and is beneficial in the treatment of boils.

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is recognized as one of humanity's earliest cultivated plants, having served as a food source for over 6000 years. It holds a prominent status as the most favoured fruit in the Middle East and North Africa. Date fruit has a long history of consumption and traditional medicinal use. Whether eaten fresh or dried, dates offer a rich source of energy due to their exceptional nutritional content and extended shelf life. They provide an economical means of obtaining essential nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. Furthermore, date fruit exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic and many more. It is also beneficial in disorders of paralysis, sexual debility, fever etc. Date palm fruits offer a natural and safe alternative or complement to synthetic drugs in managing numerous health conditions. Keywords: Dates, Phoenix dactylifera, Arecaceae/Palmae, Khajur, Unani Medicine.

Angūr or Zabīb is a fruit used in Unani Medicine for the treatment of various ailments and also for nutritional purposes. It is commonly known as Grape in English. It is obtained from the woody climber Vitis vinifera and belongs to the Vitaceae family. Grapes are mostly used as fresh fruit, dried fruit, and in the form of wine and juice, but due to their medicinal properties, it is used in Unani Medicine to treat many diseases such as piles, chronic bronchitis, hepatopathy, anaemia, dyspepsia, epilepsy etc. Grapes contain bioflavonoids (Vitamin P), thiamine, niacin, procyanidins B1 and B2 etc. Recent studies on Vitis vinifera show that it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the Unani description, historical background, potential therapeutic uses, and pharmacological activities of Vitis vinifera.

Many medicinal plants that have been used for centuries to cure a wide range of illnesses, which are abundant over the world. In India, medicinal plants have long been utilized to treat both human and veterinary ailments. This illustrates the growing demand for medicinal plants and their products. Worldwide, there is a "renaissance" of herbs and a comeback of sorts for them. Nowadays, herbal goods stand for safety as opposed to synthetic ones that are not safe to humans. In Unani System of Medicine practiced in various nations, especially in India, Sida cordifolia L. seeds are considered beneficial for a variety of ailments. It possesses a variety of activities which include aphrodisiac, analgesic, antipyretic, laxative, decongestant, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, anti-rheumatic, pain reliever for sciatica etc. The current evaluation focuses on the plant's distribution, chemical profile and main applications in order to assess the need for further research and look into its potential pharmaceutical uses through clinical trials.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. ASD encompasses a broad range of symptom severities and associated features, leading to variability in presentation and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Although the exact causes are unknown, both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. Its prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades. Unani medicine offers a holistic approach to managing ASD, focusing on restoring balance through individualized dietary and lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and regimenal therapies. It also addresses comorbidities such as gastrointestinal disturbances, immune dysregulation, and metabolic imbalances. Early identification and intervention are essential for improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD. Integrating Unani medicine with conventional approaches may provide a comprehensive treatment strategy, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. This review focuses on the neuroprotective potential of Unani drugs as alternatives to pharmacotherapy in autism.

Digitalis purpurea L. (foxglove) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is native to northern Africa (i.e., Morocco) and Europe (i.e. Denmark, France, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain). Its leaves have cardio-tonic, diuretic, sedative, hemostatic, antipyretic properties etc., and are used for the treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart, palpitations, ascites, epistaxis, hemoptysis, menorrhagia, epilepsy, pneumonia, chronic pleurisy, wounds, and burns. A variety of phytoconstituents are isolated from Digitalis, which include glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, organic acids, tannins, mucilage etc. Various pharmacological studies on the plant have been done, like cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, insecticidal, antioxidant, etc. The aim of the paper is to highlight the therapeutic applications as described in Unani literature and scientific studies done on Digitalis purpurea.