Objectives Osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases which leads to functional decline and loss of quality of life. Knee osteoarthritis is considered as highly burdensome disease as well as highest contributor to global disability. Ḥijāmah (Cupping Therapy) and Dalk (Massage) are claimed effective in the treatment of Wajaʹul Mafāṣil (osteoarthritis). Present study was framed to compare the efficacy of Ḥijāmah bilā Sharṭ (Dry Cupping) and Dalk-i-Layyin Kathīr (soft and prolonged massage) with Roghan-i-Bābūna (chamomile oil) in the management of Wajaʹ ur Rukbah (knee osteoarthritis). Methods In present randomised controlled clinical trial, a total of 48 diagnosed patients of knee osteoarthritis were allocated randomly into group A (n=24) and group B (n=24). Group A was treated with soft and prolonged massage with Roghan-i-Bābūna while group B was managed with dry cupping on alternate day for 15 min. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were used for the assessment of efficacy. A total of 40 patients, group A (n=20) and group B (n=20), were completed the allocated duration of protocol therapy and were restricted to statistical analysis. Results Statistically highly significant improvement was observed in objective parameters using both paired and unpaired t-tests. VAS and all KOOS subscales were found to be strongly significant at 20th day when compared with baseline (p<0.001). In intergroup comparison significant change (p>0.05) was not observed. Safety parameters were in their normal range after treatment. Conclusions Dalk-i-Layyin Kathīr with Roghan-i-Bābūna and Ḥijāmah bilā Sharṭ both were found safe and effective in the management of Wajaʹur Rukbah. Hence, it may be concluded that both regimenal therapies are safe, effective and almost equal in their efficacy in the management of Knee Osteoarthritis.

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Māsh (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper belongs to the family Papilionaceae. It is one of the important legume crops extensively cultivated in India and other parts of the world. Pulses and legumes have been gaining interest because they are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The objective of this present review is to compile all relevant information regarding the medicinal uses of Vigna mungo. It is rich in flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phytoestrogens, phenolic acids, enzymes, fibers, starches, trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, saponins, tocopherols, fatty acids, and proteins. Most of the reported components are from the seed part of the black gram. Various processes like cooking, soaking, and germination affect bioactive components. Studies have shown the presence of bioactive compounds in other parts of the plant like leaves, pods, roots, stems, etc. which are normally considered as a waste product. Hence there is a need to isolate and characterize novel bioactive components from other parts of the black gram plant. This review demonstrates that Vigna mungo is rich in bioactive components and able to cure and prevent diseases in addition to its basic nutritional value. Keywords: Māsh, Vigna mungo, black gram, bioactive components, legumes

Introduction A novel coronavirus virus (2019-nCoV) emerged in China in December 2019 and achieved a high-risk category by the World Health Organization (WHO). The initial symptoms included fever, cough, dyspnea, and sore throat. The present review aims to evaluate the available evidence for the safety and efficacy of Unani herbal drugs and formulations in the prevention of Wabai Amraz (epidemic diseases) having resemblance to SARS-CoV-2. Methods Sources of data for this paper are classical Unani textbooks, Unani pharmacopeia of India, Indian Medicinal Plants-An Illustrated Dictionary , and published articles in various reputed peer-reviewed journals. Collected information was then critically analyzed. Results Despite great efforts, no specific treatment has been discovered for coronavirus yet. The best choices, therefore, are prevention and management. The Unani system of medicine offers health protection during epidemics. Three important interventions practised during an outbreak are (i) purification of the environment by using certain herbal drugs as fumigants which include vinegar (acetic acid) alone or combined with Ferula foetida Regel; (ii) promotion of health and immune modulation by using the pharmacopoeial preparations Khamira-e-Khashkhash and Khamira-e-Marwareed. Conclusion Several single drugs, as well as compound formulations, have been recommended in Unani medicine for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The pharmacopoeial preparation Tiryaq-e-Nazla has been used for respiratory catarrhal inflammations and influenza by Hakims of the medieval period. Scientific research on these drugs reveals the presence of many pharmacologically active substances possessing significant antiviral, antipyretic, anti-tussive, and immune-modulatory properties, which can give new insight into infection and epidemic management.

Ilaj bi’l tadbeer (regimenal therapy) is one of the preferred treatment methods used in Unani system of medicine since ancient times. Ḥijāma is one of the effective modalities of treatment in Ilaj bi’l tadbeer. It is a unique therapeutic procedure in which cup like vessels are placed on the body surface by creating a vacuum to either let out blood from below the skin surface or just plain suction without bloodletting. The objective of this comprehensive review paper is to address the claims of Unāni physicians and clinical studies conducted on the efficacy of Ḥijāma. Various published clinical trials showed the efficacy of Ḥijāma in the management of a number of diseases. Though, the effect showed by some clinical trials was short term. Hence, it is suggested that rigorous, well-designed, controlled, randomized and long duration follow up clinical trials on large sample size are to be conducted by trained clinicians or researchers to establish the efficacy of Ḥijāma in the management of various diseases. Keywords: Ilaj bi’l tadbeer, Ḥijāma, Therapeutic Benefits