Modernization of Unani Pharmacy: Revitalization & Reforms

Dr. Abdul LatifDepartment of Ilmul Advia(Unani Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences),Faculty of Unani MedicineA.M.U., Aligarh

Introduction• Today, Unani Medicine is an officially recognized system

of medicine in India. • Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO)

recognizes it as Traditional Medicine (TRM). • There is global resurgence in traditional and alternative health care systems resulting in world herbal trade

which stands at US$ 120 billion and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2050

However, International & national good trading by Ayurveda is on top but Unani Medicine is very less.

ISM&H Industry Overview

• There is a complex of large number of manufacturing units using herbal material for various purposes. 1) Pharmaceuticals2) Cosmetics and food supplements.3) Units is engaged in making extracts and distilling oils

for use by other industries and for exports.

85 %

4 %

4 % 7 %

AyurvedaUnaniSiddhaHomeopathy

What is Modernization

Modernization means Transformation, Innovation, Upgradation, Reconstruction, Renewal and redesigning of the Pharmaceuticals.Modernization is to change from older practices and methods into newer ways according to the latest trends available in the society.

Why, When and How are the main questions of every science.

Why Modernization is needed in Unani Pharmacy?

Is this not modernization?Gomutra (COW URINE CAP )

First Time In Ayurveda an innovation dedicated to the betterment of mankind. Now consuming Gomutra has become very easy. No Pungent taste & odor, because They have converted Gomutra (Cow Urine) into powder capsule form, which can be taken anywhere, anytime

*Unani System is an ancient system of medicine.Tibb Unani writings have shown that they have thought about and have visionary goal of universalizing Tibbi education. *But now in implementation; education is lost in getting it’s due, leading the widening of the gap between the haves and the have-nots. *The syllabi of Unani Pharmacy framed by the CCIM is very poor. So, Unani experts come forward for redesigning of syllabus of Unani Pharmacy that shall be a first step.

*Imperfect technological methods of Saidla should be redesigned. *No Dawasaz Hakim knows about drugs particle size and its role in formulation, fungus etc. *Every drug has some relation with temperature, pH, solubility, even we neglect the primary & basic steps. *So, how can our formulations get effective. Such types of drugs formulations are much less effective or may be its placebo effects.

Disadvantage of Majoonat (semi liquid) dosage forms.1. Bulky, therefore difficult to transport.2. Storage problem3. Needs an accurate spoon to measure the

dose which is not possible (e.g. some time spoon contains weight 3 gm sometime 5 gm some time 8 gm.

4. Less stable than solid dosage formcolour changesprecipitatemicrobial growthchemical gas formation

RealityThe semi liquid dosage forms e.g. Majoonat, Jawarishat etc. having 70% to 80% sugar. The other ingredients are in negligible amount. The example is Jawarish Kamooni... So, it may act as a placebo or only its main ingredient KAMOUN may be effective.

?? ? ? ?

Change

China’s Uyghur Medicine Pharmacopeia*Indeed experts Of Uyghur Medicine (Based on Unani Medicine) have added different dosage form of Qarabadeeni formulations of Unani Medicine in their Pharmacopeia.

* They have compiled as: Jawarish Kamooni ( semi liquid dosage form) and also added Tablet solid dosage form they named as: Qurs Jawarish Kamooni. *likewise they have added all inTablets (solid dosage form) of semi liquid dosage : Khamira Marwareed & qurs Khameera Marwareed. *off course it is an excellent addition in Uyhgur Medicine Pharmacopeia that is approved by their country.

* So,we Unani medicine expert must take a lesson from Uyghur Medicine & also add the Tablet – solid dosage form for all semi liquid dosage form formulations in Unani Pharmacopeia and get approved by the Govt. of India

FURTHER WE CAN CHANGE ALL SEMI LIQUID DOSAGE FORM INTO NABEEZ: A MOST EFFECTIVE & IMPORTANT LIQUID DOSAGE FORM OF UNANI MEDICINE, A NEED OF REVIVAL OF NABEEZ REQUIRED Nabeez is actually an Arabic word employed to a

special form of medicinal/nutritional liquid preparations obtained by the fermentation of sweet aqueous solutions of various food grains, fruits and medicinal ingredients for a specific period of time.

It is considered as one of the initial forms of compound drugs formulated in the earlier days of Unani medicine.

• The famous Roman Physician Rufus (100AD) in his manuscript “Risala Nabeez” later translated in to Arabic by Qusta bin Luqa in 9th Centaury AD has described properties and uses of Nabeez along with its socials and cultural importance in their time.

• Earlier Indian Physicians like Sharif Khan, Azam Khan, Mohd Husain, Najmul Ghani and Ajmal Khan have mentioned various Nabeez formulations in their respective Qarabadeen and had used for sexual and digestive diseases & tonics which also promote the general health.

• The Ayurvedic medicine has the pride possession of different types of Asava and Arishta as the counterparts of Nabeez.

Arishta / Nabeez• Arishta are the Ayurvedic medicinal liquid

preparations obtained by keeping the kasaya (decoction) of the drugs in the form of a solution of sugar or jaggery in a container (pot) for a specified period of time during which it undergoes the process of sandhana (Fermentation). After the completion of fermentation the solution is decanted and after another or three days it is stained and then preserved for use.

Asava / Darbehra• Asava are also similar to Arishta with only the

difference that here in avasa the cold infusion of the drugs is used to make the solution with Sugar, Jaggery, Honey etc. and then fermented according to the texts. All other processes are same as in Arishta.

• Fermentation is a complex biochemical phenomenon brought about by various microorganisms which results in to the breakdown of the complex organic matter in to the simpler/ smaller substances (Sharma B.K. 1997).

Purpose of Fermentation• To preserve the food or medicines• To make them more effective, Palatable, nutritious

and digestible.• Combination of all above properties.

Present status of Nabeez• At present the use of Nabeez as a health supplement

is not common in India (Anonymous 1988). Become Matrook ????

NABEEZ• Only few pharmaceutical companies manufacture the Nabeez but

only to add it to some other products to improve their efficacy and potency.

• No prominent Dawakhana is marketing it in the prep of Nabeez except Dawakhana Tibbiya college only one preparation i.e. ‘Angori’ & second one is by Hamdard’ Dawakhana : 1) Ma’ulaham Du’ Atisha 2. Lahmeena

• While in Ayurveda Asava and Arishta similar to Nabeez have greater scope in the market of India. Most of popular & effective liquid dosage forms of Ayruveda prep are made of Nabeez/Aristha based.

• The only possible reason for lesser use of Nabeez in Unani medicine in present era seems to be just supposed fear of intoxication which is not based on facts. In fact the properly prepared Nabeez is never intoxicating if used properly in its recommended dose (Latif A. 1997).

All dosage forms of Unani formulations• Unani drug manufacturing units are mostly family

owned business.• The origin of most of these companies can be traced

back to a Hakim who used to prepare some formulations for dispensing and the gradual acceptance of medicines led to growth of such units.

• Need Revitalization with modern pharmaceutical Methods of preparation for the improvement & quality assurance of Unani Pharmacopeia & non pharmacopeia preparations.

Modernization in manufacturing unit [ Suggestions]

• Operation unit:1) Preservation of raw materials2) Extraction by CO2 (using super critical fluid Extraction Technology (CO2).

3) Extraction through controlled pressure4) Fermentation through latest Technique , Bioreactors5) Development of herbal cultivation & Conservation of

medicinal plants

Modern Technology of Pharmacy• All modern pharmaceutical technology should

be adopted by Unani Manufacturing units as Indian Ayurveda manufacturing units following e.g. DABUR, HIMALAYA, CHARAK, ZHANDU & some others.

• HAMDARD DAWAKHANA (Unani), specially Hamdard’s Manesar- Haryana unit of ‘ROOHAFZA ‘ is modernized (one of best unit in India).

Manufacturing Unit

1) Good Manufacturing Practices [ GMP]2) Good Laboratory Practices3) Good Agricultural & Collection Practices (WHO / Feb

2004)

Modernization of Unani Pharmacy*Metal content removal before processing of raw materials.Pb, As, Hg, Cd etc are removed before processing.

*Use of excipients, additives, preservatives, anti-oxidants, coloring agents, flavoring agents, alternate sweeteners permitted in the Indian Pharmacopoeia / Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, Food product Order and Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 1986.

Conclusion Redesigning of SYLLABI of BUMS/PG DIP/PG’s

(Saidla/Ilmul Advia) Education by CCIM through high level Unani & Modern Experts.

Pharma industry plays vital role in success of Unani Medicine, hence without compromising the principles changes should be incorporated.

Pharma industries should involve Unani Medicine researcher for better output.

Change is inevitable but tradition is our identity.