03/10/2025
โ๏ธ Department of Ilmul Advia โ๏ธ
โจ CCRUMโNRIUMSD, Hyderabad โจ
(NABH Accredited & NABL Certified)
As a part of the weekly departmental presentations, today, Dr. Mubashshera Mohd. Irfan, a Second Year P.G. Scholar, delivered an insightful and comprehensive presentation on the topic: โNootropics: Insights from Modern and Unani Medicineโ
In her presentation she systematically covered various aspects of Nootropics, also known as โsmart drugsโ or cognitive enhancers, which are substances used to improve memory, creativity, and motivation in healthy individuals as well as in disease conditions. She began with a detailed overview of the concept of Nootropics and its etymology. She highlighted the therapeutic uses of Nootropics, including memory decline, learning disabilities, dementia, Alzheimerโs disease, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and age-related cognitive impairments. Dr. Mobashshera classified Nootropics into various categories such as:
Natural Nootropics (e.g., Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri)
Synthetic Nootropics (e.g., Piracetam, Modafinil)
She also elaborated how these agents work through multiple pathways, such as:
Enhancing cerebral blood flow and oxygen utilization
Modulating neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin) Protecting neurons from oxidative stress
Promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity
In the Unani framework, she explained the role of Quwwat-e-Mufakkirah (cognitive faculty) and how its weakness leads to disorders of memory and understanding. Factors like Sue Mizaj (abnormal temperament), excessive coldness and dryness of the brain, or imbalances in Akhlat (humors) were discussed as causes of cognitive decline. She presented the single drugs and compound formulations used in Unani medicine for enhancing memory and cognition, such as:
Adviae Mufrada: Asgandh (Withania somnifera), Brahmi Booti (Bacopa monnieri), Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas), Zafran (Crocus sativus), and Balchhar (Nardostachys jatamansi).
Murakkabat (compound formulations): Majoon Nisyan, Majoon Vaj, Itrifal Ustukhuddus, Majoon-e-Falasfa etc.
To strengthen the Unani claims, she shared recent research evidence and pharmacological studies conducted on these herbs, highlighting their neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, and memory-enhancing effects.
The presentation concluded with the importance of integrating traditional Unani knowledge with modern scientific advancements, suggesting that nootropics could be a promising therapeutic area in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive disorders.
Her presentation was highly informative and well-appreciated by the faculty and fellow scholars, followed by a discussion and exchange of views.