Vol. 9, Issue - 1, Part A (2025)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread inflammation and multi-organ involvement, driven by immune system dysregulation. It presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and renal dysfunction, which vary in severity among patients. The pathogenesis of SLE involves a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure, infections, and certain drugs, which trigger autoimmune responses. Modern medical research has identified key genetic contributors, including variants in HLA, IRF5, and STAT4 genes, alongside complement system deficiencies, which underline the disorder’s complex etiology. While advancements in biomedical science have enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for SLE, its multifaceted nature continues to challenge effective management.

Unani medicine, a holistic healthcare system with Greco-Arabic roots, provides an alternative framework for understanding SLE through the lens of humoral theory and temperament (Mizaj). Unani scholars describe a condition analogous to SLE, termed "Waram-e-Mufassil," characterized by systemic inflammation, skin lesions, and joint pain. According to Unani principles, SLE results from an imbalance in Safra (Yellow bile) and Sauda (Black bile), often exacerbated by dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Unani therapeutic approaches aim to restore humoral balance through dietotherapy, herbal remedies like Withania somnifera and Curcuma longa, regimental therapies such as cupping and venesection, and stress management techniques. By integrating Unani concepts with modern medical insights, this article explores the potential for a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of SLE, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary advancements.