Unani physicians' key contributions to Qarabadin (Unani materia medica).
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: The valuable contributions by unani physicians in qarabadin (unani materia medica)
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Mahmooda Begum
P. G. Scholar, Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Hyderabad, India.
Ashfaque Ahmad
Research Officer (Unani), National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad
H.M.A. Rasheed
Professor and HOD, Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Hyderabad
A.A. Syeed
Associate Professor, Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Hyderabad
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: The valuable contributions by unani physicians in qarabadin (unani materia medica)
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The contributions of Unani physicians to the field of pharmacy and pharmacognosy have been significant over centuries, particularly through the development of Qarabadin, which refers to Unani pharmacopoeias. These texts encompass a rich variety of natural drugs, mainly derived from herbs, but also include elements from animal, mineral, and marine sources. Landmark works were produced by notable figures such as Sabur ibn Sahl, whose creation of the first true medical formulary, al-Aqrabadhin, laid the groundwork for the organization and classification of medicinal substances and their formulations. The evolution of pharmacy as a distinct profession was notably influenced by cultural exchanges and the preservation and expansion of ancient medical knowledge, becoming integral to medical practice in many regions including the Middle East and Asia.
The Impact of Al-Kindi on Pharmacy
One of the prominent figures in Unani pharmacy is Al-Kindi, who is credited with advancements in chemistry and pharmacology. In his works, he focused on the systematic extraction of perfumes and the development of distillation techniques. His refinement of distillation apparatus signifies a pivotal evolution in the methodology of alchemical practices. Al-Kindi's writings not only documented technological advancements but also laid a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of substances. He is noted for being among the earliest to distill alcohol, enhancing the knowledge around medicinal uses of chemical compounds and solidifying the relationship between chemistry and pharmacology.
The Legacy of Ibn Sina (Avicenna)
Another major contributor to the field is Ibn Sina, known in the West as Avicenna, whose seminal work, Al-Qanun fit Tibb, served as a principal medical reference for centuries. He cataloged the properties and actions of over 760 drugs, emphasizing the importance of clinical testing and establishing foundational rules that paved the way for modern clinical trials. Ibn Sina's principles regarding drug efficacy, dosage, and disease management reflect a systematic approach to both medicine and pharmacology. His delineation of drug interactions and outcomes remains influential even today, showcasing his impact on the evolution of medical practice and pharmacy.
Conclusion
The achievements of Unani scholars, such as Al-Kindi and Ibn Sina, underscore the invaluable contributions they made to the foundations of pharmacy. Their work not only laid the groundwork for modern pharmaceutical practices but also fostered a rich tradition of scholarly inquiry into the properties and applications of various substances. Allowing for significant advancements in both medical and pharmaceutical fields, the legacy of these Unani physicians continues to be acknowledged and appreciated in contemporary medicine, highlighting the enduring relevance of their discoveries and methodologies in today's healthcare systems.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Qarabadin in Unani medicine?
Qarabadin refers to Unani pharmacopoeias that comprise a vast collection of natural drugs, primarily herbal, but also including animal, mineral, and marine materials, used for medicinal purposes. The formulae are organized by remedy type, encompassing various formulations like tablets, powders, and syrups.
Who was Sabur bin Sahl and his contribution?
Sabur bin Sahl was the author of the first true medical formulary, 'al-Aqrabadhin', written in Arabic. His work presented organized medical recipes detailing methods, dosages, and administration, serving as a guide for pharmacists and significantly advancing pharmaceutical practices in Unani Medicine.
How did Unani physicians influence pharmacy development?
Unani physicians such as Ibn Sina, Razi, and Jabir Ibn Hayyan made significant contributions to pharmacy, establishing foundational principles, documenting various drugs, and developing preparation methods that influenced both Eastern and Western medicinal practices, shaping modern pharmacology.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Unani physicians' key contributions to Qarabadin (Unani materia medica).”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drugs are medicinal substances used for treatment. Notably, the Unani Materia Medica includes thousands of drugs derived from plants, animals, minerals, and marine sources. They have varied pharmacological actions.
2) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Contributions by Unani physicians have significantly impacted the development of medical knowledge and practices.
3) Substance:
In the context of Unani medicine, substances used in treatments include not just plants but also minerals and animal products, reflecting a diverse pharmacopoeia.
4) Knowledge:
Knowledge of medicinal substances expanded through various treatises and translations, notably by scholars like Dioscorides and Galen, who influenced Islamic and subsequently European pharmacopeia.
5) Cina:
Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, made vital contributions to pharmacy and medicine. His work, 'Al-Qanun fit Tibb', included descriptions of 760 drugs and rules for testing new medications, shaping pharmacological knowledge.
6) Mineral:
Minerals form a substantial part of Unani medicinal substances. Classical works by Unani scholars detail mineral-derived compounds such as alum and silica for therapeutic use.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological actions of drugs derived from various origins are essential in treatment in Unani Medicine. Scholars developed methods to test and document these actions systematically.
8) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is a field significantly advanced by Unani physicians, who perfected the study and application of drugs, contributing to developing modern concepts in medicinal chemistry and drug effects.
9) Animal:
Animal substances are part of the materials used in Unani medicine, making up a portion of the diverse pharmacopoeia used for varying treatments.
10) Disease:
The Unani system of medicine describes best practices for using drugs to treat different diseases, categorizing diseases and corresponding remedies meticulously.
11) Wine:
Wine was distilled using advanced apparatus described by Al-Kindi, hinting at the early scientific developments in the Islamic world.
12) Al-Biruni (Al-Bîrûnî):
Al-Biruni was a prominent Unani scholar who advanced pharmaceutical science. His work 'al-Saydnah fit-Tibb' defined the role of pharmacists and promoted academic training in pharmacy.
13) India:
India has a rich history of medicinal plants included in the Unani Materia Medica. The practice is still prevalent in India, influenced by centuries of Unani medical knowledge.
14) Gold (Golden):
The Islamic Golden Age saw significant advancements in pharmacy and medicine brought by Unani scholars, whose works set the foundation for many modern practices.
15) Toxicology:
Toxicology involves studying the adverse effects of substances, an area Unani scholars like Razi contributed to significantly with their extensive works on antidotes and poison treatments.
16) Alchemist:
Jabir Ibn Hayyan is acknowledged as the father of chemistry and a prominent alchemist. His works laid the foundation for modern chemical and pharmaceutical sciences.
17) Language:
Unani medicinal texts existed in multiple languages, including Arabic, Persian, and Greek, showing the transmission and evolution of medical and pharmacological knowledge across cultures.
18) Silver:
Silver was used medicinally, like gold, for coating pills, indicating the advanced state of pharmaceutical formulations in the Unani tradition.
19) Powder:
Unani medical formularies included various preparations, among them powders, classified alongside tablets and ointments. These were meticulously documented for their uses and methods of preparation.
20) Glass:
Glass retorts were used by Al-Kindi for distillation processes, illustrating the sophisticated apparatus developed and employed in early scientific investigations.
21) Pain:
Pain management in Unani medicine involved the use of various drugs, such as opium derived from poppies, a practice dating back to Hippocrates.
22) Arabic literature:
Arabic literature on pharmacology evolved distinctly, including comprehensive treatises on medicinal substances and their uses, driven by Unani scholars.
23) Human body:
Research by Ibn Sina detailed pharmacological actions on the human body and established testing standards, paving the way for clinical drug trials.
24) Science (Scientific):
Scientific contributions by Unani physicians were pivotal, encompassing experimental methods in chemistry and pharmacology that preceded modern practices.
25) Mountain:
The diverse geographical areas, including mountains, offered varied medicinal plants, influencing the Unani pharmacopoeia's richness and variability.
26) Sanskrit:
The Unani pharmacopoeia included drugs with synonyms in several languages like Sanskrit, indicating the integration of knowledge across different cultures.
27) Samanid:
Al-Razi’s book on chemistry and pharmacy was dedicated to the Samanid prince, reflecting the patronage of scholarly works during the Islamic Golden Age.
28) Andhra (Amdhra):
The Government of Andhra Pradesh published 'Qarabadin Sarkari', underscoring the continued importance and practice of Unani medicine in India.
29) Greece:
In ancient Greece, Dioscorides and Galen laid early groundwork in materia medica and pharmacy, influencing subsequent Islamic and European pharmaceutical traditions.
30) Cancer:
Ibn al-Baytar discovered an early herbal treatment for cancer using Hindiba, showcasing advanced medicinal knowledge in Unani practice.
31) Syria (Syrian):
Syria is significant in the history of Unani medicine, serving as a region where many medicinal plants were identified and used by Unani scholars.
32) Indian:
India remains a repository of plants listed in the Unani Materia Medica, demonstrating the long heritage and ongoing practice of Unani medicine.
33) Roman (Roma):
Galen, a Roman-period Unani physician, distinguished pharmacy from medicine, contributing significantly to pharmacological practices still recognized today.
34) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH signifies traditional medicine systems in India, including Unani, with ongoing research and practice as reflected in journals like AYUSHDHARA.
35) Sahi:
The pharmacopoeia 'Zakheera Khwarazm Shahi' is one of the many Unani texts consolidating knowledge of compound drugs, exemplifying the scholarly tradition.
36) Horse:
Avicenna’s experimentation rules included testing drugs on the human body rather than animals like horses, highlighting a methodical approach to pharmacology.
37) Sugar:
Ibn Sina was the first to introduce sugar coatings for pills, reflecting advanced pharmaceutical practices in Unani medicine.
38) Shari (Sari):
Nil Sari patented the traditional herbal cancer treatment Hindiba in 1997, illustrating the modern relevance of Unani medicinal discoveries.
39) Medi:
The composition and use of compound drugs were methodically recorded in Unani medical formularies like 'De Compositione Medicamentorum' by Galen.
40) Shana (Sana):
The work 'Kamil al-Sana’h' by Ali ibn Abbas Majusi includes detailed chapters on compound drugs, showcasing the comprehensive treatment methods in Unani medicine.
41) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]
42) Diet:
Dietary rules and nutritional guidelines were integral to Unani treatments, with significant contributions from scholars advising on the role of food in health.
43) Lion:
Ibn Sina emphasized testing drugs on the human body specifically, noting that results from other animals like lions might not be applicable, a precursor to modern clinical trials.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Unani physicians' key contributions to Qarabadin (Unani materia medica).’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Materia medica, Galen, Hippocrates, Pharmaceutical preparation, Pharmacognosy, Unani physicians.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.