Research Methodology in the Unani Medical Sciences


Book Description

A good knowledge of research methodology is extremely important to conduct a scientifically sound research, and a valid research is essential for the development of every science, so does AYUSH systems of medicine. The movement of research in Medicine dates back to the times of its origin, when Greek Physician-Philosopher Hippocrates freed Medicine from superstitions, and presented it in the initial scientific form. Thereafter, the Roman Philosopher Galen stabilized the foundations of Hippocratic medical thoughts, on which the Arab and Iranian physicians like Rāzī and Ibn Sīnā, built an edifice and developed the system to great heights. Ibn Sīnā laid down guidelines for clinical testing of drugs as early as in 11th Century. The scientific research in AYUSH Systems of Medicine was given a boost in India by a versatile genius, Masīḥ al-Mulk Ḥakīm Ajmal Khān, in the 1920s. He spotted Dr. Salīm al-Zamān Ṣiddīqī, a chemist, for undertaking chemical studies on some important medicinal plants, used in Unani System of Medicine. The present scenario of the AYUSH systems of medicine and its contribution to healthcare is very important to date. There are several areas, where traditional medicines are independently able to manage the diseases, such as skin diseases, liver diseases, GIT disorders, etc., but scientific data of these claims are lacking. So, it is the need of the hour to explore and evaluate the AYUSH systems of medicine on internationally acceptable scientific parameters. For the purpose, a number of books are available in the market, but it is a very tough task for the newbies to understand the basics of research from these high-level books. This book is written in simple and palatable language, especially for the PG Scholars and AYUSH Researchers, who face difficulty in understanding the subject. The book deals with research and its types, research problem, hypotheses, research designs, and data collection, etc. with updated guidelines. We hope that the purpose of writing this book would be fulfilled and the Postgraduate Scholars, as well as other researchers, will find this book helpful in understanding the basics of Research Methodology.




Research Methodology for Health Professionals


Book Description

This book comprises a variety of topics, such as Identification and Prioritization of Research Problems, Literature Search, Formulation of Research Questions, Objectives and Hypotheses, Study Design Options, Research on Diagnostic Tests, Determination of Sample Size, Data Collection Methods and Techniques, Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Data, Designing Research Questionnaire, Ethical Issues, etc. with special inclusion of Writing a Research Proposal, Steps in Thesis Writing and Writing an Article for Publication which will help readers in designing and conducting research studies. Th.




Unani Medicine in the Making


Book Description

In 'Unani Medicine in the Making', Kira Schmidt Stiedenroth examines the contemporary institutions and practices of Graeco-Islamic healing in India. Drawing on interviews with practitioners, clinical observations, and Urdu sources, the book focuses on Unani's multiplicity, scrutinizing apparent tensions between the understanding of Unani as a system of medicine and its multiple enactments as Islamic medicine, medical science, or alternative medicine. Ethnographic details provide vivid descriptions of the current practices of Unani in India and invite readers to rethink the idea that humoral medicine is incommensurable with modern science. Ultimately, the book also discusses the relationship of Unani with Muslim communities, examining the growing practice of Prophetic Medicine in Urban India and the increasing representation of Unani as Islamic Medicine.







Unani


Book Description

A useful book on the Graeco-Arab medical system of 'Unani' based on the balance of the humours in the body. Also has an informative chapter on home remedies.







Research Methodology and Medical Statistics


Book Description

In the era of evidence-based medicine, the need to validate and scientifically explore Ayurvedic principles and therapies has become more pertinent than ever. The field of Ayurveda research is evolving, and there is a growing demand for scholars who can integrate traditional wisdom with modern research methodologies. This book, " Research Methodology and Medical Statistics," has been written specifically for MD and PhD scholars of Ayurveda, with the aim of guiding them in conducting scientifically robust research that adheres to contemporary standards while respecting the uniqueness of the Ayurvedic system. The book is divided into two major sections: Research Methodology and Medical Statistics, each specifically designed to meet the needs of MD and PhD scholars in Ayurveda. The first section on Research Methodology begins by laying the foundation for scientific inquiry, explaining the principles of formulating research questions, developing hypotheses, and selecting appropriate study designs. Given the unique nature of Ayurvedic treatments, this section covers various research designs, including clinical trials, observational studies, qualitative research, and N-of-1 studies, which can be particularly suitable for personalized Ayurvedic interventions. There is also an in-depth discussion on how to adapt conventional research designs to Ayurvedic contexts, such as accommodating individualized treatment protocols and dynamic diagnostic criteria. Special attention is given to challenges such as the standardization of herbal formulations, validation of Ayurvedic diagnostic tools, and integrating Panchakarma (detoxification therapies) into clinical research. The second section, focusing on Medical Statistics, serves as a valuable resource for understanding the statistical tools and techniques needed for analyzing research data. Statistical analysis is an integral part of research, providing a framework for making sense of collected data and drawing meaningful conclusions. This section introduces fundamental statistical concepts in a manner that is accessible to those who may not have a strong background in mathematics, with examples specifically tailored to Ayurveda. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and non-parametric tests.







New Look to Phytomedicine


Book Description

New Look to Phytomedicine: Advancements in Herbal Products as Novel Drug Leads is a compilation of in-depth information on the phytopharmaceuticals used in modern medicine for the cure and management of difficult-to-treat and challenging diseases. Readers will find cutting-edge knowledge on the use of plant products with scientific validation, along with updates on advanced herbal medicine in pharmacokinetics and drug delivery. This authoritative book is a comprehensive collection of research based, scientific validations of bioactivities of plant products, such as anti-infective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, immune-modulatory and metabolic disorders presented by experts from across the globe. Step-by-step information is presented on chemistry, bioactivity and the functional aspects of biologically active compounds. In addition, the pharmacognosy of plant products with mechanistic descriptions of their actions, including pathogenicity is updated with information on the use of nanotechnology and molecular tools in relation to herbal drug research. - Compiles up-to-date information on the chemotherapeutics used in the treatment of infective and metabolic disorders - Presents advancements in the discovery of new drugs from plants using molecular and nanotechnology tools - Examines detailed information on the use of herbals agents in cancer, HIV and other ailments, including diabetes, malaria and neurological disorders




WHO benchmarks for the training of Unani medicine


Book Description

The WHO benchmarks for the training of Unani medicine is an update of its previous version published in 2010. It defines the minimum requirement/criteria for establishing training of Unani medicine in WHO Member States. It provides the fundamental knowledge requirements for all those involved in practice and training of Unani medicine, including safety issues related to its clinical application and medicinal preparation. The document shall serve as a reference to national authorities to establish/strengthen regulatory standards to ensure qualified training and practice of Unani medicine. The document is aligned with the objectives of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-23. It reflects consensus arrived through established WHO processes from the community of practitioners in Unani medicine, health service providers, academics, health system managers, and regulators. The document provides information on types of training including training requirements for Unani medicine practitioners and associate Unani medicine service providers, presents the requirements on competency-based knowledge and skills for Unani medicine practitioners and associate Unani medicine providers, and provides content and structures for different training programmes. This update differs from the previous edition in its description of category of health work force, type of training offered and information integrating category of training with the levels of practice described in the WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Unani medicine.