Clinical evaluation of classical Unani formulations in allergic rhinitis: A pilot case series

Background Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the upper airway characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal irritation, and ocular symptoms, significantly impairing quality of life. Although conventional pharmacotherapy provides symptomatic relief, recurrence and incomplete control remain common. In Unani medicine, a similar condition is described as Nazla Ḥārr , attributed to derangement of temperament and accumulation of morbid humours, for which classical compound formulations are recommended. Methods This case series included three patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis who attended the outpatient department of the National Institute of Unani Medicine, Ghaziabad. After obtaining written informed consent, patients were treated with classical Unani formulations Tiryāq-e-Arba‘a (5 g), Ițrīfal Ustukhuddus (5 g), and Ḥabb-e-Jawāhir (two tablets) administered orally twice daily for 21 days. Clinical improvement was assessed using an arbitrary sneezing frequency score at baseline and during follow-up visits. Objective parameters, including Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) and Serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), were measured before and after treatment. Results All patients demonstrated progressive reduction in sneezing frequency over the 21-day treatment period. Absolute Eosinophil Count decreased by 36–51%, while Serum IgE levels declined by 81–92% after treatment. No adverse drug reactions were reported during the study period. Conclusion The present pilot case series provides preliminary observational evidence of possible improvement in symptoms and allergic inflammatory markers following treatment with classical Unani formulations. However, owing to the small sample size and methodological limitations, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation through larger controlled clinical studies.