Irqunnisa is the disease in which pain arises from lower back and radiates to the leg. It is known as sciatica in modern medicine. The pain radiates in the lower limb due to irritation of the nerve roots of sciatic nerve. Patients may also report sensory symptoms. Lumbar spine osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of sciatica. In Unani system of medicine the management of irqunnisa [sciatica] includes use of Unani drugs and massage of Unani medicinal oils. Roghan-e-Surkh is Unani medicinal oil which contains various drugs. It is beneficial for the treatment of arthritis, sciatica, gout and paralysis etc Present study was conducted in MIJ Tibbia Unani Medical College, Mumbai in the year 2007. Nine patients suffering from sciatica due to lumbar spine osteoarthritis were selected. Their clinical examinations were conducted to diagnose the sciatica. The X-ray of the lumbar spine was also taken to confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of lumbar spines. Massage with Roghan-e-Surkh on the lower back and affected lower limb for 8-10 minutes daily for 14 days caused a significant reduction in the symptoms and signs of sciatica after the completion of study
Theft of Unani formulations for the treatment of various diseases is not new but it is a matter of concern since last couple of decades. However, information regarding Unani Medicine exists in Arabic, Urdu, Persian and other regional languages. The examiners of different national/ international patent offices are unable to understand this information as prior art, before granting patents due to language barrier