Unani/Persian Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of Historical Evolution, Philosophical Foundation, and its Legacy in Global Health Care

Unani/Persian medicine, originating from Greco-Arabic traditions, is a time-honoured holistic medical system that integrates philosophical, empirical, and ethical principles, its foundation lying in the Hippocratic-Galenic theories later enriched by Islamic scholars such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Razi, and others; the system emphasizes the balance of humours, temperament (mizāj), lifestyle (asbāb-e-sitta zarūriyya), and ethical responsibility. This review aims to systematically explore the historical evolution, philosophical doctrines, diagnostic paradigms, and therapeutic modalities of Unani/Persian medicine, assessing its scientific contributions and relevance in modern integrative healthcare. A narrative literature review was conducted using historical texts, classical treatises (e.g., Canon of Medicine, Kitāb al-Hāwī), peer-reviewed scientific publications, and regulatory documents from WHO, AYUSH, and traditional medicine councils, with sources selected for their relevance to historical, philosophical, and clinical dimensions of Unani/Persian medicine. The results show that Unani/Persian medicine is based on a unique epistemological framework incorporating the theory of four humours (akhlāṭ), temperament classification (mizāj), and the role of tabiʿat (vis medicatrix naturae) in self-healing; historical milestones include translation movements during the Abbasid Caliphate, institutionalization in the Mughal era, colonial suppression, and post-independence revival through governmental support, while the system presently faces challenges in research validation, standardization, and international integration. In conclusion, the historical continuity and philosophical coherence of Unani/Persian medicine affirm its potential in contemporary integrative and preventive healthcare; with evidence-based research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preservation of epistemological integrity, Unani medicine can contribute meaningfully to global health discourse.

کلیدواژه ها:

Unani/Persian medicine ، Mizāj ، humoral theory ، Greco-Arabic Tradition ، Traditional medicine ، Integrative Healthcare ، Global health ، Temperament