The role of abnormal phlegm (Ghair Tabayi Balgham) in Human Diseases: A Review
Abstract
The Unani system of medicine recognizes phlegm as one of the four fundamental humors responsible for preserving physiological homeostasis and maintaining tissue nourishment, lubrication, and moisture. Under normal conditions, Normal Phlegm serves as a reserve source of nutrition and supports normal metabolic functions. However, qualitative or quantitative alterations lead to the formation of abnormal phlegm, which classical Unani physicians regarded as a major etiological factor in the development of numerous acute and chronic diseases. Classical scholars, including Hippocrates, Galen, Al-Razi, Ibn Sina, Ismail Jurjani, and Akbar Arzani, described distinct forms of abnormal phlegm and their involvement in disorders affecting the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems. Emerging biomedical evidence demonstrates remarkable similarities between the Unani concept of abnormal phlegm and pathological processes characterized by metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance. These interconnected mechanisms are increasingly recognized as central contributors to obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and several neurodegenerative conditions. Integrating classical Unani concepts with contemporary biomedical knowledge provides a comprehensive framework for understanding disease pathogenesis and supports the development of holistic preventive and therapeutic approaches. This review critically evaluates the classical descriptions, classification, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and multisystem involvement of Ghair Tabayi Balgham while highlighting recent biomedical evidence and future research priorities. Such an integrative perspective may strengthen evidence-based Unani medicine, facilitate interdisciplinary research, and promote the scientific validation of traditional concepts in modern healthcare
Keywords: Balgham, Ghair Tabayi Balgham, Unani Medicine, Humoral Theory, Akhlat, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation
Keywords:
Balgham, Unani Medicine, Humoral Theory, Akhlat, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Syndrome, InflammationDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v16i7.7915References
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