Unani Pharmacopoeia: Qarabadeen and Classical Formulations

Exhaustive guide to the Unani pharmacopoeia (Qarabadeen) covering the history and structure of the Unani pharmacopoeia, the classical Qarabadeen texts including those by Ibn Sina, Najmul Ghani, and Hakim Azam Khan, the classification of Unani formulations by their form and use, major Unani formulations including Khamira, Majoon, Joshanda, Sharbat, Jawarish, Itrifal, Sufuf, and Hab, the principles of formulation and standardization, and the integration of classical formulations with modern pharmacological knowledge.

Introduction

The Qarabadeen (Unani pharmacopoeia) is the official collection of Unani formulations — the recipes and methods of preparation for Unani medicines. The Qarabadeen is the counterpart of the Ayurvedic Bhaishajya Kalpana and is essential for the standardization and quality control of Unani medicines.

For the student, the Qarabadeen provides the formulas and methods for preparing Unani medicines.

For the practitioner, familiarity with the Qarabadeen is essential for prescribing and preparing Unani formulations.

Major Formulations

Jawarish is a semi-solid paste used as a digestive tonic. Itrifal is a paste of three myrobalans (similar to triphala in Ayurveda). Khamira is a semi-solid confection used as a tonic and base for other medicines. Sufuf are powdered formulations. Hab are pills. Sharbat are medicated syrups.

Conclusion

The Qarabadeen is the official Unani pharmacopoeia providing the formulations and methods of preparation for the medicines used in Unani practice.