Vol. 9, Issue - 3, Part B (2025)

A comprehensive review of Sawdā’ (Black Bile): Classical Unani perspectives and modern correlations

According to Unani medicine, human health is maintained by the equilibrium of the four Akhlāṭ (Humours): Dam (Sanguine), Balgham (Phlegm), Ṣafrā’ (Yellow bile) and Sawdā’(Black bile). Among them, Sawdā’(Black bile), is considered to be lowest in importance because of having opposite Kayfiyat (Quality) to that of Dam (Sanguine/Blood). Even though it is lower in hierarchy, it plays a crucial role in human physiology and pathology. Sawdā’ is primarily produced in the liver and transported to the spleen, where it participates in thickening of blood, nourishment of Bārid Yābis A‘ḍā’ (Cold and Dry Organs), and stimulation of appetite. Sawdā’, if imbalanced either quantitatively or qualitatively, is associated with a number of diseases like melena, melanoma, and melancholia. Modern parallels of Sawdā’ include melanin, black iron pigments, and altered hemoglobin, which validate classical Unani descriptions. This review aims to approach classical descriptions of Khilṭ Sawdā’ along with contemporary approach of understanding its clinical relevance.