FERTILITY, ANTIFERTILITY AND CONTRACEPTION IN UNANI MEDICINE
Main Article Content
Keywords
Unani Medicine; Herbal Contraceptive; Maane hamal; Uqr; Infertility.
Abstract
The Unani system provides a unique perspective on reproductive health, highlighting the importance of balance and equilibrium in bodily functions. It describes various methods and agents to prevent conception, including herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and local applications. Unani physicians identified reproductive organs and their functions, emphasizing the role of quwa (faculties) in fertilization and fetal development. Unani physicians advocated contraception in specific circumstances, such as medical conditions or young age, and described temporary and permanent methods. The system includes a vast array of herbs and formulations with potential contraceptive properties, some of which have been scientifically validated.
This review examines the various forms of contraceptive methods and potential of Unani herbs in respect to contraception. Few herbs have been evaluated in Preclinical studies demonstrate their efficacy in modulating reproductive processes like alteration of estrus cycle, suppressing of ovulation, inhibition of implantation, disruption of hormonal balance etc.
These findings suggest that Unani herbs may offer a promising approach to contraception. To fully harness the potential of Unani medicine in modern contraceptive practices, further research is necessary to standardize extracts, elucidate mechanisms, and conduct clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy.
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Dr. Aisha Perveen
MD- Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Nasreen Jahan
Professor, Dept. of Ilmul Advia, NIUM, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Md. Tanwir Alam
Assistant Professor, Dept.of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (PSM), Govt. Tibbi College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.
Dr. Shaista Perveen
Phd, Dept of Ilmul Advia, National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.