Quality Control of Unani Medicine: Challenges and Way Forward

Background: Unani system of medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine and existence of this system till now itself is an evidence of validity of its principles. However, the essence of any science is progress based on a continuous quest for new knowledge through research, development and newer applications. Unani medicine too should not be exception to this. With the same objective, Government of India established a Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine to develop this system in its own theoretical framework. Indian traditional medicinal system of Unani has a very rich history of their effectiveness; modern research also acknowledged the importance of such medicine. Indian traditional medicine or medicinal plants are also considered as a vital source of new drug.

Method: Evidence-based validation of the ethno-pharmacological claims on traditional medicine (TM) is the need of the day for its globalization and reinforcement. India has a rich wealth of TMs and the potential to accept the challenge to meet the global demand for them. Traditional medicine is the best source of chemical diversity for finding new drugs and leads. Authentication and scientific validation of medicinal plant is a fundamental requirement of industry and other organizations dealing with herbal drugs.

Results: Quality control (QC) of botanicals, validated processes of manufacturing, customer awareness and postmarketing surveillance are the key points, which would ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of traditional medicine. For globalization of traditional medicine, there is a need for harmonization with respect to its chemical and metabolite profiling, standardization, scientific validation, documentation and regulatory aspects of traditional medicine.

Conclusions: Ironically, ongoing research is in line of modern medicine protocol without taking into consideration, the contrasting epistemology and principles of the systems. Thus, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the research methodology for evaluating Unani medicine.