Year: 2025 | Month: June | Volume: 12 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 340-347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250640
Concept And Management of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) in Unani System of Medicine: A Review
Bushra Ansari1, Yougshi Ilahi1, Asma MD Abid1, Mohd Rizwan2, Mohd Anzar Husain3
1PG Scholar, Department of Amraz-e-Jild Wa Tazeeniyat, Hakim Sayed Ziaul Hasan Government (Autonomous) Unani Medical College & Hospital Bhopal, (MP)
2Assistant Professor, Department of Amraz-e-Jild Wa Tazeeniyat, Hakim Sayed Ziaul Hasan Government (Autonomous) Unani Medical College & Hospital Bhopal, (MP)
3Professor & HOD, Department of Amraz-e-Jild Wa Tazeeniyat, Hakim Sayed Ziaul Hasan Government (Autonomous) Unani Medical College & Hospital Bhopal, (MP)
Corresponding Author: Bushra Ansari
ABSTRACT
Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a progressive condition characterized by patterned hair loss, affecting both males and females, often leading to psychological distress. The etiology of AGA is primarily attributed to genetic predisposition and hormonal influences, particularly androgenic activity. Within the Unani system of medicine, AGA is classified under the term Sula, with pathophysiological factors including Imtela-e-balgham (excessive accumulation of phlegm), Takhalkhul-e-Jild (scalp laxity), Yaboosat-e-Jild (dry scalp temperament), Nuqs-e-Taghziya (nutritional deficiencies), and the presence of morbid material beneath the skin. While conventional medical interventions primarily focus on controlling hair loss, Unani medicine emphasizes not only controlling hair loss but also restoration through a holistic therapeutic framework aimed at addressing the underlying humoral imbalances.
Objective: This review explores the Unani concept and management of AGA, highlighting classical treatment approaches including pharmacotherapy, dietary interventions, and regimenal therapies.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of Unani classical texts and contemporary scientific literature was conducted to identify etiopathogenesis and therapeutic interventions for AGA. Unani management principles such as Ilaj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy), and Ilaj bil Tadbeer (regimenal therapy), Ilaj bil Ghiza (Dieto-therapy) were reviewed.
Conclusion: Unani medicine offers a holistic, natural, and effective approach to managing androgenetic alopecia (AGA), prioritizing humoral balance and follicular rejuvenation. By offering a safer alternative with minimal adverse effects compared to conventional treatments, these interventions hold significant promise. However, further scientific validation is essential to establish standardized protocols and enhance the clinical applicability of Unani therapies for AGA.
Keywords: Hair growth, Hair loss, Hair cycle, Etiopathogenesis, Traditional medicine, Inteshaar e-Shaar
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