Therapeutic Evaluation of Unani Medicine, Including Single Drugs and Polyherbal Formulations with Special Reference to Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Unani remedies are considered safe and can be utilized as a healthcare resource due to the adverse effects of conventional pharmaceuticals. For instance, Donepezil, used to treat alzhemier's disease exerts many adverse effects such as dizziness, vertigo, dryness of mouth. Similarly, Memantine used to slow the neurotoxicity involved in alzhemier's disease also exerts adverse effects like vomiting, tremors and sleep disturbance. Over sixty percent of drugs are derived from synthetic basis, highlighting the potential benefits of natural Unani treatments as a safer alternative. Neurodegenerative disorders are illnesses characterized by structural and functional deterioration due to abnormal protein aggregation, resulting in inflammation and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. In unani system of medicine all current brain ailments, including alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, mania, anxiety, melancholia and others are classified under the general category of neurodegenerative disorders Their pathogenic variables and soociated symptoms and therapeutic modalities are similar. This study focuses on evidence-based Unani herbs and polyherbal formulations for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders. It reveals that 43 ethnomedicinal plants can be employed to treat the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders. The material was gathered from several sources that tabulated the specific details of individual herbs and polyherbal formulations and highlighted the importance of various phytoconstituents on neuroprotective action. The research provides in vivo and scientific evidence to support the use of ethnomedicine in treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Aim of the study: This study aims to validate the efficacy of Unani medicines, traditionally used for neurodegenerative diorders through evidence-based research.

Methods: To scan single and polyherbal formulations for neurodegenerative disorders, a literature review of traditional Unani medicine texts was conducted. To collect evidence on the efficacy of these indicated medications in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, electronic resources such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were searched. The current study is a systematic review that applies inclusion and exclusion criteria rooted in the classical symptoms of neurological disorders. It evaluates the efficacy of individual herbs and polyherbal formulations recommended by Unani scholars for treatment perspectives.

Results: The researchers have so far discovered 43 single drugs and 38 polyherbal formulations in Unani classical literature for treating various neurodegenerative disorders. These herbs have antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-Parkinsonism, anti-convulsant, cognitive enhancer, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, and anti-depressant properties, with clinical investigations proving their efficacy. The study exclusively focuses on systematic review, highlighting selected clinical studies to assess their quality and reliability of evidence. These are discussed in the introduction to provide context and understanding.

Conclusions: After a thorough review of entire literature of Unani medicine, it is evident that has painstakingly focused more on physiopathology of diseases of Dimāgh wa A'sāb including their treatment protocols .These protocols include Istifrāgh (biopurification), Taskhīn (producing warmth), Tajfiīf (desiccation), Tafrīħ-i Taba' (exhilaration). Research into Unani medicine has shown promising results, particularly in the use of medicinal plants known for their neuroprotective properties. One of the key advantages of Unani herbs is their natural composition, which typically consists of bioactive compounds that exert neuroprotective effects without the harsh impact often associated with synthetic drugs. For instance, herbs like Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri), Waj Turki (Acorus calamus), Chilghoza(Pinus gerardiana Wall) and Asgand (Withania somnifera) and many other plants have been studied for their ability to enhance cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, and support neuronal health. These herbs work through various mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and modulation of neurotransmitter levels, all of which contribute to their neuroprotective potential. Nevertheless some of the compound formulations presented, that, have not yet undergone clinical testing. As a result, the researchers are advised to validate those medicines that have not yet undergone clinical evaluation.