Bushra Rehman et al. Journal of Biological & Scientific Opinion • Volume 12 (2). 2024 16 Available online through www.jbsoweb.com ISSN 2321 - 6328 Review Article UNANI PERSPECTIVE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) Bushra Rehman 1 *, Tabassum Latafat 2 , Tanzeel Ahmad 2 , Jamal Azmat 3 , Mursaleen Naseer 3 1 PG Scholar, Department of Moalejat, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India 2 Professor, Department of Moalejat, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India 3 Assistant Professor , Department of Moalejat, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India *Corresponding Author Email: bushrarehman2005@gmail.com Article Received on: 24/10/23 Accepted on: 20/03/24 DOI: 10.7897/2321-6328.12289 ABSTRACT The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not described in classical Unani literature as such; however, many physicians have discussed the features caused by sua-e- mizaj har and sua-e-mizaj barid which imitate the clinical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver. The liver is responsible for the metabolic functions of the body. Synthesis of humours (Akhlat) takes place in liver. The temperament of liver is hot and moist (har ratab) but due to some unhealthy dietary habits, fat consumption in very large amount and using such diets which is unfavourable to the liver, the mizaj of liver is changed to barid. Keywords: NAFLD, Liver, Fatty liver, Unani INTRODUCTION The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not described in classical Unani literature as such; however, many physicians have discussed the features caused by sua-e- mizaj har and sua-e- mizaj barid which imitate the clinical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver. The liver is responsible for the metabolic functions of the body. Synthesis of humours (Akhlat) takes place in liver. According to Unani scholars, liver is the core of quwwat-e- tabbayah (nutritive faculty) through some sub faculties such as quwwat-e-hazema, quwwat-e-masiqa, quwwat-e-jazba and quwwat-e-dafiyah. These quwas are responsible for metabolic functions of the body. 1-9 The temperament of liver is hot and moist (har ratab) but due to some unhealthy dietary habits, fat consumption in very large amount and using such diets which is unfavourable to the liver, the mizaj of liver is changed to barid. As a result, the normal function of the liver is affected and there is production of balgahmi khoon in the liver causing accumulation of morbid matter in the form of fat. Occasionally excessive intake of hot drinks, drugs and alcohol change the mizaj of liver which is known as sue mizaj har kabid. 1,5,9 SHAHAM (FAT) IN UNANI LITERATURE Fat is a product of nutritive blood, and its main function is to conserve the heat in human body. According to Hakim Kamaluddin Husain Hamdani, shaham (fat) is a white and soft structure which contains oily substance in good quantity and mostly found in membranes and ligaments. He described some functions of shaham like, it produces heat in the body just like dried grass in the flame, it makes organs soft and healthy, and it plays an important role in the maintenance of physique and beauty. 5 Ibn Quf Masihi told that shaham keeps the organs wet and provides the shield to the body for heat loss and external injuries. 2 Majoosi said that fat is white and soft material. The temperament of fat s cold so the fat containing organs are cold. Described the types and functions of fat with regard to its site and said it is a white and soft body. Due to presence of fat, the temperament of fat containing organs become cold. 5, 10 Ibn Sina has mentioned in his book Al-Qanoon Fit TIb that fat always denotes coldness and produce flabbiness, lack of fat is due to heat as the substance which causes greasiness in blood is fat and fat causes cold. More fat, more coldness, and more moisture. So, fat indicates the amount of heat in the body. 11 Allama Qarshi said that increase of fat is due to Rutubat and lack of fat is due to Yabusat and increase body mass due to fat is a sign of Burudat. 12 According to Hakeem Akbar Arzani fat produce by the liquid fatty substance in the blood. It coagulates by coldness and melts due to heat. He also mentioned the function of Shaham as it remains organs wet and safe. 13 TYPES OF SHAHAM (FAT) In Unani system of Medicine, there are two types of fat are mentioned i.e. Sameen (Liquefied fat) and Rawaj (Coagulated fat). Sameen remains liquid at normal body temperature while Rawaj found to be viscous and coagulated at the same temperature. Masihi mentioned two types of Shaham, i.e. Sameen and Sarb. Sameen is said when it is found over the muscles and when not over the muscles, it is known as Sarb. 10 Majoosi described that semi solid fat found over muscles is Sameen and that membrane at which fat present in large quantity is Sarb. Another term used by him is Wadak for the fat which provides nutrition to muscles. 11