Article: ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND MANAGEMENT OF WAJAAL-MAFASIL (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS): AN EVIDENCE-BASED COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1206180

Pages: 96-103

Author: Ansari Umme Ammara Maqbool Ahmad *, Qamar Uddin, Bhoraniya Abdullah Ismail, Juveria Jabeen

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical inflammatory polyarthritis involving small joints of the hand and feet. It has a global prevalence of 0.8 to 1% in Europe and the Indian subcontinent. Rheumatoid arthritis (Waja‘al-Maf?sil) had been broadly described and managed by the Unani scholars since antiquity. Many pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods are available in the classical Unani literature. The treatment differs for different varieties of morbid humour involved in disease pathogenesis. Treatment aims to reduce morbidity and prevent disability, subsequently improving the quality of life. This review article mainly highlights the management of rheumatoid arthritis mentioned in classical Unani literature and supportive scientific evidence of various preclinical and clinical studies suggesting the potential of Unani medicine. This review article aims to explore the concept of rheumatoid arthritis in the Unani system of medicine to provide a better understanding of disease and its management through the holistic policy of Unani medicine. This review may conclude that Unani treatment can form an alternative source to manage RA.

Keyword: Waja‘al-Maf?sil, Rheumatoid arthritis, Etiopathogenesis, Unani management, clinical Trial, polyherbal Unani formulations