Journal Pre-proof J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f ABSTRACT Since December 2019, a respiratory pandemic, named as Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)caused by a new coronavirus named as SARS-CoV-2, has taken the world by storm. The symptoms are fever, malaise, and cough which resolve in a few days in most cases; but may progress to respiratory distress and organ failure. Transmission is through droplet infection or fomites, but other modes such as airborne transmission and oro-fecal transmission is also speculated. Research is underway to develop effective vaccines and medicines for the disease. In such a scenario, we present the measures described in Unani system of medicine for health protection during epidemics. Unani is a traditional system of medicine developed during the middle ages, which employs natural drugs of herbal, animal and mineral origin for treatment. In Unani medicine, during an epidemic, apart from isolation and quarantine, three measures are of utmost importance, (i) purification of surroundings using certain herbal drugs as fumigants or sprays, (ii) health promotion and immune-modulation, and (iii) use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs. Drugs such as loban (Styrax benzoides W. G. Craib), sandroos (Hymenaea verrucosa Gaertn.) za'fran (Crocus sativus L.), vinegar etc. are prescribed in various forms. Scientific researches on these drugs reveal the presence of a number of pharmacologically active substances, which may provide a new insight into the management of infections and epidemics. Journal Pre-proof J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f ABBREVIATIONS

Kayi (cauterization), also known as wasm is part of ilāj-bil-tadbīr described in Unani medicine. Many Unani scholars believe kayi to be the most effective mode of treatment in certain disorders. Despite carrying some risks, the therapy was widely practiced and propagated by a number of Unani scholars, with excellent results. Kayi remains one of the largely unexplored areas in modern times. However, a few recent studies have acknowledged its efficacy in certain disorders, which necessitate further scientific studies on the subject. It is also a remarkable observation that a therapy described hundreds of years ago has proved its efficacy on the most recent parameters in modern times. The credit definitely goes to the Unani surgeons of yesteryears who had the courage to take up a difficult procedure and develop it to perfection

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Āmla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Family: Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinally important plant indigenous to tropical and sub-tropical regions of South-east Asia. The tree is 5-25 metres tall, deciduous, having deltoid-squamiform leaves and bears pale-green globose fruits 2-4 cm in diameter. In Unani medicine, it is widely used in compound formulations or in raw form in many disorders of central nervous system, gastro-intestinal system, skin, hair, general debility etc. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a rasayana, i.e., drugs which promote longevity and delay ageing. Āmla fruit is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C (478.56 mg/ 100 ml), alongwith important constituents such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium etc. recent researches on Āmla have revealed the presence of several biologically active substances with scientifically proven effects as anti-oxidant, anti-ageing, immunomodulatory, memory enhancing, protective towards vital organs such as liver, heart kidneys; anti-depressant, anti-cancer and many more beneficial effects. Most of the experiments have been carried out on Āmla fruit and are dose-dependent. Moreover, no toxic effects have been reported in any of the studies. This review focuses on the various biologically active components of Āmla and its relevance in modern pharmacology.

Nutool therapy, also known as irrigation is a popular mode of treatment in Unani medicine which refers to the pouring or dripping of drugs on body parts. Usually decoctions of drugs and medicated oils etc are used for this purpose. The benefits achieved are an amalgamation of neurological effects, psychological effects and pharmacological actions of the drugs used. Nutool plays an especially important role in diseases where it is required to alter the temperament of an organ, to disperse toxic humors or to strengthen an organ. The procedure is carried out on a daily basis for a fortnight to achieve sustained results. It is specifically useful as an adjuvant treatment in the management of CNS disorders like headache, insomnia, migraine, amnesia, melancholia, vertigo, epilepsy etc; also in certain other disorders like cystitis, mastitis, arthralgia etc. For this purpose, specific drug formulations have been prescribed in Unani texts to be used for nutool therapy. The need of the hour is to further evaluate these age-old prescriptions on modern parameters.

How to cite this article: Fazil M, Nikhat S. Exploring new horizons in health care: A mechanistic review on the potential of Unani medicines in combating epidemics of infectious diseases.

Promotion of positive health and prevention of diseases purposely requires keeping the body free of excess and morbid humors which inadvertently accumulate as a result of various physiological processes. Qai is a simple and effective method for removing such wastes and free of complications if the prescribed guidelines are followed. Muqiyat (emetics) induce qai either by stimulating the stomach and causing reverse peristalsis, or by stimulation of vomiting centre. Hammam, exercises and stimulation of the throat with a feather are also supportive measures to induce qai. In both cases, there are definite hormonal and immunological changes in the body. It is said to be the best method for excretion of balghami and safravi wastes, especially from the liver and stomach. The physical stress on the body during the act of qai mobilizes the humors in distant viscera also. If carried out in a proper manner, qai cleanses the stomach of morbid wastes, corrects digestion, promotes healthy weight gain, relieves the heaviness in head, and improves vision. However, qai should be avoided in pregnant and asthenic patients, in those who have a weak perineum, in patients having no plethora in their body, and certain other conditions. Nevertheless, over-enthusiastic procedure should be discouraged as it may lead to general weakness, damages the liver, lungs and eyes, causes weakening of the stomach, increases the flow of morbid humors towards the stomach, is harmful for the teeth and may cause haemoptysis due to increased intra-thoracic pressure. As a therapeutic measure, qai is recommended in patients of epilepsy, indigestion, gastralgia, gout, arthritis, rheumatic fever and various other disorders.