Abstract

TEMPERAMENT OF UNANI COMPOUND FORMULATIONS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Adnan Mastan*

ABSTRACT

Mizāj (temperament) can be defined as a state which is produced as a result of interplay between very minute particles called Arkān (elements) with their Kaifiyāt (qualities). Mizāj-i Advia (temperament of drug) play a very important role in drug action and treatment of disease under Unani system of medicine as main concept of disease and treatment in this system is based on Hippocratic theory of four temperaments. Categorization and evaluation of temperament of Mufradāt (single/individual) drugs exist but no certain analogy or framework exists for evaluation of temperament of Murakkabāt (compound formulations) which contains more than one Mufrad Dawāʹ (single drug). The aim of this study was to analytically evaluate temperament of essential compound formulations (a total of 213 compound formulations) used in Unani system of medicine. The temperament analysis was carried out as per the method mentioned by Al-Kindi (Alkindus) and further augmented and refined by the author. It is believed that this work would be helpful to traditional practitioners in their clinical practice.

Keywords: Murakkab?t; Miz?j-i Advia; Unani medicine; Compound formulation; Temperament.