A Comprehensive Review on Yarqan (Jaundice) in Unani Medicine and Its Modern Correlation

Jaundice, known as Yarqān in Unani medicine, is a pathological condition characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes due to an increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood.[1,2,7] In the Unani system of medicine, Yarqān (jaundice) mainly happens when Safra (yellow bile) in the body increases too much or becomes unhealthy resulting in hepatic dysfunction and systemic disturbances.[1,2,4] Unani scholars such as Hippocrates, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Al-Razi, and Jurjani have elaborated on its etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management, emphasizing the role of humoral imbalance and liver derangement (Su’-e-Mizaj-e-Kabid).[1,2,5] The Unani approach to management focuses on restoring humoral balance through Ilaj bil Ghiza (dietotherapy), Ilaj bil Dawa (pharmacotherapy), and Ilaj bit Tadbeer (regimental therapy), using natural hepatoprotective(muqawwi-e-kabid) and mushil-e-safra (cholagogue agents) such as Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Banafsha (Viola odorata), and Tukhm-e-Karafs (Apium graveolens)[1,3,5]. This review highlights the traditional concepts of Yarqān, its correlation with modern hepatobiliary pathology, and the therapeutic relevance of Unani formulations in the management of jaundice.[7,10]