Unani/Persian Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of Historical Evolution, Philosophical Foundation, and its Legacy in Global Health Care

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Deptartment of Jarahat (Surgery), Kashmir Tibia College Hospital and Research Centre, Shilvath, J&K, India

2 Assistant Professor, Deptartment of IBT, Kashmir Tibia College Hospital and Research Centre, Shilvath, J&K, India

3 Deptartment of Moalijat (Medicine), Kashmir Tibia College Hospital and Research Centre, Shilvath, J&K, India

10.30476/rhm.2026.107204.1324

Abstract

Unani/Persian medicine, originating from Greco-Arabic traditions, is a time-honoured holistic medical system that integrates philosophical, empirical, and ethical principles, its foundation lying in the Hippocratic-Galenic theories later enriched by Islamic scholars such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Razi, and others; the system emphasizes the balance of humours, temperament (mizāj), lifestyle (asbāb-e-sitta zarūriyya), and ethical responsibility. This review aims to systematically explore the historical evolution, philosophical doctrines, diagnostic paradigms, and therapeutic modalities of Unani/Persian medicine, assessing its scientific contributions and relevance in modern integrative healthcare. A narrative literature review was conducted using historical texts, classical treatises (e.g., Canon of Medicine, Kitāb al-Hāwī), peer-reviewed scientific publications, and regulatory documents from WHO, AYUSH, and traditional medicine councils, with sources selected for their relevance to historical, philosophical, and clinical dimensions of Unani/Persian medicine. The results show that Unani/Persian medicine is based on a unique epistemological framework incorporating the theory of four humours (akhlāṭ), temperament classification (mizāj), and the role of tabiʿat (vis medicatrix naturae) in self-healing; historical milestones include translation movements during the Abbasid Caliphate, institutionalization in the Mughal era, colonial suppression, and post-independence revival through governmental support, while the system presently faces challenges in research validation, standardization, and international integration. In conclusion, the historical continuity and philosophical coherence of Unani/Persian medicine affirm its potential in contemporary integrative and preventive healthcare; with evidence-based research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preservation of epistemological integrity, Unani medicine can contribute meaningfully to global health discourse.

Keywords

References

  1. Ahmad, A., and Siddiqui, M.Y., 2020. Unani medicine and non-communicable diseases: A potential paradigm. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, 9(1), pp. 15–22.
  2. Ahmad, S., Akhtar, J., and Khan, M.M., 2015. Regimental Therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbeer) in Unani Medicine: An Overview. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 20(4), pp. 292–296.
  3. Ahmad, S.I., 2008. Unani Medicine in India: Its Origin and Fundamental Concepts. New Delhi: CCRUM.
  4. Ahmed, N., and Kafeel, M., 2020. Role of regimental therapy in the Unani system: An overview. International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine, 4(1), pp. 15–22.
  5. Alam, S., 2012. Therapeutic principles in Unani medicine. Hamdard Islamicus, 35(4), pp. 45–59.
  6. Amr, S.S., and Tbakhi, A., 2007. Ibn Sina and the Canon of Medicine: A Millennium of Influence on Medical Practice and Education. Avicenna J Med, 1(1), pp. 8–16.
  7. Annual Report 2018–2019, 2019. Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
  8. Basic Concepts of Unani Medicine, 2015. Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
  9. Basic Principles of Unani Medicine, 2010. Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Available at: https://ccrum.res.in/UserView/index?mid=1414 [Accessed 2 July 2015]
  10. Gutas, D., 1998. Greek Thought, Arabic Culture: The Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement in Baghdad and Early Abbasid Society (2nd–4th/8th–10th centuries). London: Routledge.
  11. Habashi, F., 2000. Zoroaster and the Theory of Four Elements. Bulletin for the History of Chemistry, 25(2), pp. 109–115.
  12. Herodotus, 2003. The Histories. Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt. Book I. London: Penguin Books. pp. 131–132.
  13. Khan, A., and Khatoon, S., 2013. Diagnostic tools in Unani medicine: A review. Journal of Research in Unani Medicine, 2(1), pp. 1–8.
  14. Nasir, A., and Alam, M.T., 2018. Research trends in Unani pharmacology: A review. Unani Medical Journal, 12(2), pp. 30–38.
  15. Nasr, S.H., 2006. Science and Civilization in Islam. Cambridge, Massachusetts (MA), USA: Harvard University Press.
  16. Pharmacopoeia of Unani Medicine, 2020. Vols. I–VI. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. New Delhi: Government of India. pp. 46-87.
  17. Pormann, P.E., and Savage-Smith, E., 2007. Medieval Islamic Medicine. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK: Edinburgh University Press.
  18. Qureshi, M.A., and Zulkifle, M., 2011. Challenges and future perspectives in Unani medicine. Journal of Indian Medical Heritage, 18(3), pp. 45–50.
  19. Rahman, H., 2008. History of Medicine in Islamic Civilization. In: Ahmad, S.I., ed., Unani Medicine in India: Its Origin and Fundamental Concepts. New Delhi: Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM).
  20. Rizvi, S.A.A., 2000. Unani Medicine in India: Its Origins and Development. Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University Publications.
  21. Rizwan, S., and Haider, N., 2022. Integration of Unani medicine into modern healthcare: A global perspective. Journal of Integrative Health Sciences, 5(1), pp. 55–63.
  22. Shaki, M., 1998. ‘Elements’ in: Encyclopaedia Iranica. Vol. VIII, Fasc. 4. New York, USA: Bibliotheca Persica Press.
  23. Ullmann, M., 1978. Islamic Medicine. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK: Edinburgh University Press.
  24. Unani System of Medicine: An Overview, 2020. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Available at: Available from: https://ayush.gov.in. [Accessed 8 July 2021]
  25. World Health Organization, 2013. WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy: 2014–2023. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/92455. [Accessed 20 May 2021]
  26. Wujastyk, D., and Smith, F.M., 2008. Modern and Global Ayurveda: Pluralism and Paradigms. Albany, New York, USA: SUNY Press.
  27. Zahrawi (Albucasis), 1973. Kitab al-Tasrif .0.(The Method of Medicine). Berkeley (CA): University of California Press.
  28. Zulkifle, M., and Husain, A., 2001. Textbook of Unani Medicine: Basic Theories and Concepts. New Delhi: Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences.

 

Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2
Special Issue on Unani/Persian Medicine
May 2026
Pages 103-114

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics