Unani preparation ‘Sharbat Misali’ is useful as an alternate medicine to safely treat anemia: A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Unani Medicine had its golden past in the middle age. Allopathic medicine evolved with simultaneous exploration of modern scientific development. Discovery of chemicals and antibiotics to deal infectious disease led foundation of epitome of modern medicine. There is however growing tendency among people to show their to depend on plant source and time old preparations. It is estimated that about 80 percent of population of the Asia and African countries uses herbal medicine for health care. This scenario opened the scope and merit to evaluate the preparation(s) which people are still using and the present study tested the usefulness and safety of 'Sarbat Misali' an Unani hematinic preparation in treating anemia. Materials and Methods: A total 31 women of age 24-40 yrs were enrolled in the study following ethical guidelines. The volunteers offered the choice and were free to refuse for not being included. Anthropometry recorded and blood sample obtained for biochemical test from the consenting subjects and prescribed with the preparation. Weight recorded and blood samples taken at the baseline end of four weeks. During study period they were in touch for their allegiance to taking the test preparation. Hemoglobin was estimated using autoanalyzer. Serum creatinine and SGPT were determined by standard biochemical method using autoanalyzer. Results: Blood hemoglobin level showed significant increase at the end of the supplementation (12.03±0.82) compared to the baseline level (10.78±1.08) (p<0.001). Serum creatinine and SGOT did not show any statistical difference between before and after supplementation. Conclusion: Data concluded that Sharbat Misali an Unani preparation of hematinics improved hemoglobin level and safety was supported by the fact of unaltered hepatic and renal functional status, however, to conclusively comment on adverse and toxic effect(s) chronic study needs to be undertaken with attention of inclusion of exhaustive biochemical markers.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices Regarding Traditional Medicine Use among Pharmacy Students of Different Private and Government Universities of Lahore, Pakistan

“…A great proportion i.e. 80% of population has shown inclination to use medicinal plants, specifically as a home remedy to treat various disorders 3,8 . However, the use finds its roots in culture and societal grounds as seen with Asian, in particular Pakistan 5,9 .…”

“…More than 70% of the Asian population of developing countries are using the medicinal plants for the treatment of the various diseases 2,3 . According to a study, approximately 57% of the Pakistan population relies on the traditional medicine for the treatment of multiple disorders 4 .…”

“…Many low-and middle-income countries are striving to inculcate the traditional medicine system into their national health system and programs. Asia seems to be more progressive in this venture of instilling the traditional health system to national health policy and China achieved this agenda successfully 3 . The assessment of the data, questions evaluation, testing of different hypothesis and various anthropological aspects regarding traditional medicine would be proved beneficial to reach a definite conclusion and foster the bond between natural, medical and social sciences 1 .…”

Antibacterial Effect of Some Palestinian Plant Extracts against Clinical Multidrug-Resistant Gram- Negative Bacteria: A possible synergism with antibiotics

“…This activity is most likely associated with the phenolic compounds in these extracts that can effect cellular membranes altering their permeability and release of intracellular constituents (e.g. ribose and Na glutamate), but also interfere with membrane functions (electron transport, nutrient uptake, protein, nucleic acid synthesis and enzyme activity) 10,52 .…”

Herbal Products and Conventional Drugs – an Uneasy Alliance

“…24 Not all herb-drug interactions are unwelcome or deleterious. 25,26 . Piperine (an active ingredient of peppers) increases the bio-availability of the anti-epileptic drug phenytoin, the beta blocker propanolol, and the bronchodilator theophylline.…”