A systemic review on efficacy and safety of Unani medicines in the management of Daul Shalal al Ra’ash (Parkinson’s disease) and Raasha (Tremor) with Contribution of Greco-Arab Physicians

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common old aged neurological condition, first described by James Parkinson in 1817 as the shaking palsy. Its etiology has not been fully known yet; however, basal ganglion and dopamine receptors are mainly affected. There is no description of this disease in Unani books, but when we look at the Unani literature, there is vast description about the “Rashsa” i.e. “tremors”. As tremor is the important clinical entity of Parkinson’s disease, the Parkinson’s tremors can be well visualized under the context of “Rasha”, as described by these physicians. “Rasha” mainly caused by sue-mijaz barid of Aasab (cold imbalance temperament of nerves), dryness of nerves and muscles, and unnecessary accumulation of abnormal phlegm in nerves. Unani physicians therefore advocated that it treatment should start with removal of balgham-e-ghaleez and appropriate dose of Munzij (coction) and Mushil therapy (purgative). Later har mizaj drugs (hot temperament) along with specific dugs like Hilteet (Ferula foetida), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Jund badaster Castorium), Fil-fil siyah (Piper nigrum), Amla Khushk (Embilica officinalis), Post-e-Halela Zard (Terminalia chebula), Tukhm-e-Khaskhaash (Papaver somniferum), Kishneez (Coriandrum sativum), Maghz-e-Badaam Sheerin (Amygddalus communis Linn.), Tukhm-e-Konch (Mucuna pruriens) are advocated.Our aim is to illustrate the concept and methods of treating Parkinsonism mentioned by Unani Physicians, with the aim of providing economical, readily available and relatively safe drugs and popularizing Unani herbs among people. In light of the above discussion, we can conclude that the spreading of facts about the extensive and competent Unani herbs and general treatment principles applied by Unani physicians will be really efficient in its treatment.