Abstract

*Dr. Zakera Begum, Dr. Hidayath Khan Mehdi

ABSTRACT

Unani System of Medicine is bestowed with a vast literature of gynaecological and endocrine afflictions like Hirsutism. Hirsutism is characterized by Growth of terminal hair growth in women like male. Distributions various treatment modalities available such as mechanical, cosmetic and pharmacological, not a single remedy is effective competently to ameliorate it. Although many studies have been conducted on hirsutism, majority of the published work concerning management with herbs shows considerable shortcomings. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the ancient physiological concept of hirsutism present in Unani system of Medicine in the light of available new information and to appraise the effects of herbs on hirsutism with an objective to update the current knowledge. Rigorous literature search was done to understand the physiology and management of hirsutism described in ancient Unani literature. Herbs like Shahitra Chiraita Tukhm-e-Gazar Majeeth, Darchini, Barg-e-Sudab, Afsanteen, Aftimoon, Tukhm-e-Sambhalu, Barinjasif may modulate the underlying endocrine and metabolic disturbances responsible for hirsutism directly or indirectly by anti-androgenic, estrogenic, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic and insulin sensitizing properties, but the evidences are weak.