Concept of chronic kidney disease and its management in Unani medicine- A review

Chronic diseases have become a major public health problem accounting for 60% of all deaths worldwide. In India, the projected number of deaths due to chronic disease was around 5.21 million in 2008 and is expected to rise to 7.63 million in 2020 (66.7% of all deaths). Globally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the 12th cause of death and the 17th cause of disability, respectively. Unani medicine is an ancient system of medicine which advocates the treatment of chronic disease with drugs of natural origin. Ancient Unani physician Hippocrates (460-375BC) recognized for the first time kidney as a vital organ responsible for urine formation [3]. Unani literature described kidney disease in detail based on ancient pathology of disease along with complete management which is still in practice. As per Unani concept kidney has been provided by four ordinary powers viz. Quwwate Jazibah (absorptive power), Quwwate Hazimah (digestive power), Quwwate Masikah (retentive power) and Quwwate Dafiah (power of expulsion) and one unique power i.e. Quwwate Momaiyazah (power of discrimination) upon which normal functioning of kidney is based. Also, there are four types of abnormalities that take place in kidney viz. Amraz Sue Mizaj, Amraz Sue Tarkeeb, Amraz Sudda and Amraze Tafarruque Ittesal which forms the basis of all renal diseases. The term Zauf-e-kuliya is used to describe deranged kidney functions resulting into bol-e-ghussali (proteinuria). This paper is an attempt of understanding the ancient Unani patho-physiological concept of chronic kidney disease for finding an alternative solution of the problem.