Pharmacological Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Unani Medicine: An Evidence-Based Review.

Background

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are one of the most common illnesses in humans. Unani medications are widely used for this indication and are considered effective in alleviating the symptoms.

Objective

This article aims to document the Unani medications used for URTIs under a single heading and to provide evidence of their efficacy.

Methods

A literature survey of classic Unani texts was conducted to screen for single and compound Unani formulations for URTIs. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were searched to obtain evidence regarding the efficacy of these recommended drugs in URTI treatment.

Results

In the Unani medicine literature, the authors found descriptions of 28 single herbs and 40 compound formulations for the treatment of URTIs. A search of electronic databases yielded 13 clinical studies confirming the efficacy of the recommended medications in URTI treatment. These trials demonstrated that the administration of Unani medications significantly accelerated clinical improvement in URTIs.

Conclusions

The findings of the included studies led us to conclude that the use of Unani medicines significantly accelerates clinical improvement in URTIs, as demonstrated by various subjective and objective parameters. Hence, clinically validated Unani medications should be considered for the treatment of URTIs.