International Research Journal of Medical Sciences ____________________________________ ISSN 2320 –7353 Vol. 1(9), 10-14, October (2013) Int. Res. J. Medical Sci. International Science Congress Association 10 Review Paper Critical assessment of the concept of Mizaj-e-advia (Temperament of Drugs) and its role in Drug development Mudasir Khazir* 1 , Ghulamuddin Sofi 1 and Sabha Shafi 2 1 Dept of Pharmacology, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya, Magadi Road, Bangalore-560091, INDIA 2 Dept of PSM, Kashmir Tibbia College Hospital and Research Centre, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, INDIA Available online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me Received 9 th September 2013, revised 14 th October 2013, accepted 16 th October 2013 Abstract The concept of Mizaj-e-advia (temperament of drugs) in Unani medicine is not only unique in its own way of describing the properties of drug substances but also stands the test of time by proving extremely valuable in predicting the behavior of drugs on administration or topical application to humans. Mizaj-e-advia is a broad concept, which describes the pharmacological properties of crude drugs derived from plant, animal and mineral sources. This classical way of drug development may show promising results as an alternative to the extremely cumbersome and costly experimental phase of the conventional drug development process. However, it needs extensive research to unravel its yet obscure pharmacological correlations and scientific interpretations. This work reviews the concept of Mizaj-e-advia and assesses its role in drug developmental process in Unani Medicine. It also includes a review of some important research works so far undertaken in this field, lays emphasis, and highlights certain preferred and important areas for carrying out further research in this direction. Key words: Mizaj-e-advia, temperament, topical application, Unani medicine. Introduction All substances of plant, animal and mineral origin have their individual Mizaj, which even the close and related species/forms do not share. Based on closeness of the Mizaj of substances with the Mizaj of human body, they may serve as food, drug or poison, with decreasing order of similarity. Foods are closely related to Mizaj of human body and poisons are just opposite and far away, while drugs may be considered intermediate between the foods and poisons. These substances are categorized into absolute foods, medicinal foods, nutritional drugs, drugs, poisonous drugs, and absolute poisons 1,2 . Among these substances some act internally (systemic), some externally (topical) and some act both internally and externally. Furthermore, some substances may act quickly while others may act slowly on the body on administration or application 1 . The drugs have different effects on different human bodies as per their Mizaj (temperament) and conditions of use. The knowledge of Mizaj of drugs is very important for a physician for effective treatment. The initial phase of drug development in Unani medicine is carried out through analogy based on certain organoleptic and physical properties of the drugs. This process provides a lead for further drug development through experiment. As the process is simple it may be considered for use as an alternate way of identifying drug leads in conventional medicine too, which may lower the cost and labour of drug development process. The knowledge of Mizaj tells about possible actions of drugs in the body, dosage regime and about the duration up to which a drug can be continuously used by the patient. For instance, the drugs of 3 rd and 4 th degree can’t be used in high doses or for longer duration, while as 1st degree and moderate drugs can be used safely for longer duration without adverse effects on the body 1,2 . Mizaj as construct is verifiable as illustrated by Mohammad Immaduddin Shirazi in evaluating Mizaj of Afiyun 3 and Beikh Chini 4 . However Mizaj as described in Unani texts especially by Ibn Sina 5 and others related to the Ilmul Advia (Unani pharmacology) amply seems a physical concept stemming out of the very intrinsic theory of the nature of bodies with supra physical connotations 6 . The wholesome objective assessment of the Mizaj requires accounting of both the domains. However, physical nature of the concept of Mizaj-e-advia warrants its critical evaluation, which is possible only when the physical correlate of the Mizaj is made comprehensive and empirical. As the concept of Mizaj of drugs is used as a tool to assess the pharmacological, therapeutic and toxicological properties of Unani drugs, it is imperative to evaluate the concept thoroughly from classical literature and then try to interpret it in the light of new scientific developments. Present study was carried out to review the concept of Mizaj-e-advia from classical Unani books and include some important research works conducted in this field, lay emphasis on the possible future aspects and need of further research in this field. Concept of Mizaj (temperament) in Unani medicine The concept of Mizaj uniquely belongs to the Unani system of medicine, it is fundamental to the understanding of drug action,