Historical Evolution of Ilmul Wasaful Aqaqeer: Foundations and Advances in Unani Pharmacognosy
Abstract
Ilmul Wasaful Aqaqeer, commonly referred to as pharmacognosy in the Unani system of medicine, is the branch of science that deals with the study of crude drugs obtained from natural sources, including plants, minerals, and animal products. This discipline has been an integral component of Unani medicine since its inception, with its foundations rooted in Greco-Arabic medical traditions and classical Indian practices. The historical development of Ilmul Wasaful Aqaqeer reflects the synthesis of ancient knowledge from civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India, later enriched during the Golden Age of Arabic medicine. Key contributions by luminaries such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen, Al-Razi, and Ibn Sina laid the groundwork for systematic classification, authentication, and therapeutic application of medicinal substances. In the Indian context, Unani scholars incorporated and validated pharmacological knowledge, complementing Ayurveda and local folk practices. Modern pharmacognosy continues to evolve, integrating molecular biology, DNA barcoding, nanotechnology, and phytochemical research, while maintaining its roots in classical Unani principles. This review traces the historical evolution of Ilmul Wasaful Aqaqeer, highlights its contributions to drug discovery, and underscores its relevance in contemporary herbal medicine and pharmaceutical research.
Keywords: Unani Medicine, Ilmul Wasaful Aqaqeer, Pharmacognosy, Historical Development.
Keywords:
Unani Medicine, Ilmul Wasaful Aqaqeer, Pharmacognosy, Historical DevelopmentDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i12.7459References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Abudullah , Yasmeen Khan ; Labeeb Shaida; Abdul Kabeer, Rumana Khatoon , Naseem Ahmad
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