Clinically Significant Improvement in a Case of Chronic Diarrhea with Unani Medicines: A Pediatric Case Study

Abstract Diarrhea (also known as Is’haal in Unani system of medicine) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly affecting children in the resource-limited settings. Conventional treatments often involve antibiotics, which may not always yield long-term relief and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This study explores the potential of Unani medicine as an alternative treatment for diarrhea in pediatric patients. To evaluate the efficacy of Unani formulations in the treatment of recurrent diarrhea in a pediatric patient. We report the case of a 4-year-old male with a 2-year history of recurrent loose stools, who was treated unsuccessfully with conventional antibiotics. He was evaluated as per the Unani principles based on Arqaan, Akhlaat, Quwa , and Mizaaj . He was prescribed a combination of Unani formulations Dafay Ishaal (anti-diarrheal), Habis and Qabiz (styptic and astringent), Muqawwi-e-Jigar (hepatoprotectives), and Muqawwiya (general tonic). Within 5 days of commencing Unani treatment, the frequency of loose stools reduced from 7–8 times per day to two times per day. By the end of the 15-day treatment course, the patient exhibited only 1 loose stool per day, with significant improvement in general health and appetite. The patient did not require any conventional treatments during this period. This case highlights the effectiveness of Unani medicine in managing recurrent diarrhea in pediatric patients. The observed clinical improvements suggest that Unani formulations can serve as a viable alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and to integrate Unani medicine into broader diarrhea management protocols.