Abstract

HISTORICAL APPROACH OF DRUG DISCOVERY IN UNANI

Neya S., Pavendhan S., Sujai J., Suresh C., Bhaghawan R. K.*, Manivanan R.

Abstract

The Unani system of medicine, or Tibb Unani, stands among the oldest healing traditions still practiced today. Rooted in Greco Arabic philosophy, it has evolved over centuries through contributions from Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Persian, and Islamic scholars. This paper explores how Unani medicine developed as a scientific and holistic approach to health, tracing its transformation from early herbal practices to structured pharmacological systems. It examines key historical milestones, philosophical principles, and the evolution of drug discovery within this tradition. Unani’s integration into modern healthcare highlights its continued relevance in promoting preventive, personalized, and integrative medicine. The study concludes that Unani medicine’s focus on balance, temperament, and the body’s natural healing force offers valuable insights for future drug discovery and global health innovation.

Keywords: Unani Medicine; Drug Discovery; Historical Development; Pharmacology; Integrative Medicine; Traditional Systems.