BARAṢ (Vitiligo): Introduction, etiology, and its managements through Unani Medicine
Author(s): Sultan Ul Haque, Javed Ahmad, Mohammad Avid, Mohd Afsahul Kalam, Rahnuma Shahid, Rushda Rehman and Urzeeba Zahoor
Abstract: Vitiligo, characterized by depigmented patches on the skin, affects a significant portion of the global population, with prevalence estimates ranging from 0.5% to 2%. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of vitiligo remains uncertain, with various hypotheses proposed including autoimmune, environmental, neural, genetic, and biochemical factors. In Unani Medicine, the condition is attributed to factors such as
Zu'af-i Quwat-i-Mughayirra, Mushabbiha, and
Dafi‘a, possibly stemming from imbalances in bodily humours. Unani treatment, focusing on body purification, digestive correction, and local applications, has emerged as a prominent therapeutic approach for vitiligo management.
This study aims to explore the historical background, etiology, and therapeutic approaches for vitiligo, particularly focusing on the efficacy of Unani treatment. The objectives include reviewing relevant literature, both modern and classical, to elucidate the principles underlying Unani medicine's approach to vitiligo management and assessing the safety and effectiveness of Unani therapies in comparison to other treatment modalities.
A comprehensive review of over 50 articles and classical Unani literature was conducted to gather insights into the historical context, etiological theories, and treatment strategies for vitiligo. Key databases were searched to identify relevant studies, and Unani texts were consulted to understand the theoretical framework guiding Unani treatment. The efficacy and safety of Unani therapies, including body purification, digestive correction, and local applications, were assessed based on available evidence.
The review highlights the central role of Unani treatment in vitiligo management, emphasizing its historical significance and theoretical foundation. Unani therapies, such as Tanqiya-i Badan (body purification) and local applications, have been shown to offer promising results in re-pigmentation and symptom alleviation. The review also underscores the safety profile of Unani treatments compared to other therapeutic modalities.
In conclusion, Unani medicine presents a viable, safe, and effective approach to the management of vitiligo, drawing on centuries-old principles of holistic healing. The findings suggest that Unani therapies, including body purification and local applications, hold promise in addressing the underlying imbalances contributing to vitiligo and promoting re-pigmentation. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of Unani treatment and establish its role as a primary therapeutic modality for vitiligo.
DOI: 10.33545/27072827.2024.v5.i1b.112Pages: 87-92 | Views: 893 | Downloads: 478Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Sultan Ul Haque, Javed Ahmad, Mohammad Avid, Mohd Afsahul Kalam, Rahnuma Shahid, Rushda Rehman, Urzeeba Zahoor.
BARAṢ (Vitiligo): Introduction, etiology, and its managements through Unani Medicine. Int J Pharmacognosy Life Sci 2024;5(1):87-92. DOI:
10.33545/27072827.2024.v5.i1b.112
