EFFECT OF AN UNANI REGIMEN IN THE TREATMENT OF 'YARAQĀN' (JAUNDICE): A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Jaundice due to hepatitis viruses is considered to be a most prevalent disease worldwide. In Unani literature, it is referred as 'yaraqān' which is caused by inflammatory diseases of liver, intra or extra-hepatic obstructions, and poisoning due to drugs or animals. Several Unani drugs including Ma'jun Dabid al-Ward, syrup Jigreen, Araq-iMako, Araq-i-Kasni, etc are frequently used for the treatment of jaundice and liver disorders including infective hepatitis. A 16 year old male patient suffering from yellowish discoloration of sclera, skin, mucous membranes and urine, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever for one week admitted in the male ward of RRIUM, Chennai. The laboratory investigations revealed severe hyperbilirubinemia, raised serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and negative HBsAg. On the basis of history, clinical observations and laboratory investigations, the patient was diagnosed as a case of 'yaraqān' (jaundice) which may be due to acute viral hepatitis. A Unani regimen comprising Ma'jun Dabid al-Ward (5 g twice a day), syrup Jigreen (10 ml twice a day), Araq-i-Mako (75 ml twice a day), Araq-iKasni (75 ml twice a day) for 25 days, Sharbat-i-Khaksi (10 ml twice a day for 7 days), and Habb-i-Tursh Mushtahi (1 g twice a day) for 15 days were given by oral route. The fever has subsided after 7 days and the appetite improved after 15 days of the treatment. The yellow discoloration of sclera and mucous membranes started to reduce gradually th from 7 day onwards. At the end of the treatment, the laboratory reports revealed that the total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and ALP were within normal range. The core objective of this case report is to re-emphasize the effectiveness of Unani medicine particularly in the treatment of jaundice. Thus, this data may be helpful to increase awareness amongst the common people and scientific community for the popularity of Unani medicine in general and for the treatment of jaundice and liver disorders in particular.