Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Unani Medicine: Pathways for Diagnosis, Treatment, Drug Development and Standardization

Unani system of medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine, which has been practiced for centuries especially in South Asia and the Middle East. It originated in Greece and further developed in Arab, which is why it is also called as Greco-Arabic medicine. The basic principle of Unani system of medicine is the Humoral theory. Other very important concept is Mizaj (Temperament). According Unani system of Medicine, balance and imbalance of Humours (Blood, Phlegm, Yellow Bile, and Black Bile) and Temperament (Mizaj), determines the health and disease. Unani System of Medicine has a rich history of clinical relevance, still it is lagging behind due to lack of standardization, reliance on subjective diagnosis, and limited integration with modern scientific frameworks. Artificial Intelligence (AI), with its ability to analyse large datasets easily, identifying patterns, and providing support in decision making, offers a great opportunities to modernize and strengthen Unani system of medicine. The aim of this paper is to provide an idea of how AI can be integrated into Unani System of Medicine in various departments like diagnosis, treatment, preclinical and clinical research, drug standardization, patient monitoring, and healthcare delivery. It also tells about working process of AI, what are ethical challenges in its implementation and recommendations for future research. Through this integration, Unani medicine can move towards evidence-based practice, global acceptance, and improved patient outcomes.