Unani Concept of Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Review

Abstract

Anaemia is a global public health problem most often associated with iron deficiency—the most widespread nutrient deficiency in the world. It affects variable proportions of the population in both developing and developed countries, with three to four times higher prevalence in the developing world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria mild anaemia ranges from 11–11.9 g, moderate anaemia from 8–10.9 g and severe anaemia is less than 8 g. Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutritional disorders and it has public health importance in developing countries. It is the most common cause of nutritional anaemia in adolescents and women of reproductive age. About 2 billion people are iron deficient. Globally 50% of anaemia is attributed to iron deficiency and accounts for approximately 841,000 deaths annually worldwide.Anaemia in the classical literature of Unani medicine has been described under the heading of Su’alqinya (an umbrella term which stands for “lack of vital treasure—blood”) and it is literally translated as Faqr al dam (anaemia), and it is being in use profusely (Anonymous, 2012). According to Unani physicians IbnSina (980–1037 AD), Ismail Jurjani (1041–1136 AD), IbnHubal Baghdadi (1117–1213 AD) and Hakim Azam Khan (1813–1902 AD), blood is considered to be the vital fluid of human body which is formed in the liver. Due to derangement of the liver functions and weakness of hepatic faculties or sometimes due to associated diseases, the resultant formation of blood is not normal for nourishment (nuqstaghzia) thereby leading to anaemia.

Keywords: anaemia, Faqr al dam, Unani, nuqstaghzia, Su’alqinya

Cite this Article

Khaleel Ahmed, Farooqui Shazia Parveen, Mariyam Roqayia, Sana Baig, Nikhat Kausar. Unani Concept of Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2019; 6(2): 7–14p.