Possible role of Unani Pharmacology in COVID-19 - a narrative review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#covid-19 #communicable-disease-control #humans #india #inflammation-mediators

Possible role of Unani Pharmacology in COVID-19 - a narrative review

Alam et al., 2021 | Rev Environ Health | Systematic Review

Citation

Alam Md Anzar, Gani Mohd Abdul, ... Quamri Mohd Aleemuddin. Possible role of Unani Pharmacology in COVID-19 - a narrative review. Rev Environ Health. 2021-Sep-27;36(3):391-396. doi:10.1515/reveh-2020-0106

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral diseases continue to rise, and pose a significant public health problem. Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is close to Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic diseases) which was described by Hippocrates, Galen, Aristotle, Razes, Haly Abbas, Avicenna, Jurjani etc. Presently, there is no specific or challenging treatment available for COVID-19. Renowned Unani Scholars recommended during epidemic situation to stay at home, and fumigate the shelters with aromatics herbs like Ood kham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Kundur (Boswellia serrata Roxb), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Sandal (Santalum album L), Hing (Ferula foetida L.) etc. Use of specific Unani formulations are claimed effective for the management of such epidemic or pandemic situation like antidotes (Tiryaqe Wabai, Tiryaqe Arba, Tiryaqe Azam, Gile Armani), Herbal Decoction (Joshandah), along with Sharbate Khaksi, Habbe Bukhar, Sharbate Zanjabeel, Khamira Marwareed, Jawarish Jalinus, and Sirka (vinegar). Such drugs are claimed for use as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardiotonic, and general tonic actions. The study enumerates the literature regarding management of epidemics in Unani medicine and attempts to look the same in the perspective of COVID-19 prevention and management.

Key Findings

The study enumerates the literature regarding management of epidemics in Unani medicine and attempts to look the same in the perspective of COVID-19 prevention and management.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • COVID-19
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Humans
  • India
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Pandemics
  • Plant Preparations
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Ventilation

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09