Systemic Lupus erythematosus - An autoimmune disorder in comparison with unani medicine - A review

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread inflammation and multi-organ involvement, driven by immune system dysregulation. It presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and renal dysfunction, which vary in severity among patients. The pathogenesis of SLE involves a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure, infections, and certain drugs, which trigger autoimmune responses. Modern medical research has identified key genetic contributors, including variants in HLA, IRF5, and STAT4 genes, alongside complement system deficiencies, which underline the disorder’s complex etiology. While advancements in biomedical science have enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for SLE, its multifaceted nature continues to challenge effective management.Unani medicine, a holistic healthcare system with Greco-Arabic roots, provides an alternative framework for understanding SLE through the lens of humoral theory and temperament (Mizaj). Unani scholars describe a condition analogous to SLE, termed