Research Methodology In The Unani Medical Sciences

A good knowledge of research methodology is extremely important to conduct a scientifically sound research, and a valid research is essential for the development of every science, so does AYUSH systems of medicine. The movement of research in Medicine dates back to the times of its origin, when Greek Physician-Philosopher Hippocrates freed Medicine from superstitions, and presented it in the initial scientific form. Thereafter, the Roman Philosopher Galen stabilized the foundations of Hippocratic medical thoughts, on which the Arab and Iranian physicians like Rāzī and Ibn Sīnā, built an edifice and developed the system to great heights. Ibn Sīnā laid down guidelines for clinical testing of drugs as early as in 11th Century. The scientific research in AYUSH Systems of Medicine was given a boost in India by a versatile genius, Masīḥ al-Mulk Ḥakīm Ajmal Khān, in the 1920s. He spotted Dr. Salīm al-Zamān Ṣiddīqī, a chemist, for undertaking chemical studies on some important medicinal plants, used in Unani System of Medicine. The present scenario of the AYUSH systems of medicine and its contribution to healthcare is very important to date. There are several areas, where traditional medicines are independently able to manage the diseases, such as skin diseases, liver diseases, GIT disorders, etc., but scientific data of these claims are lacking. So, it is the need of the hour to explore and evaluate the AYUSH systems of medicine on internationally acceptable scientific parameters. For the purpose, a number of books are available in the market, but it is a very tough task for the newbies to understand the basics of research from these high-level books. This book is written in simple and palatable language, especially for the PG Scholars and AYUSH Researchers, who face difficulty in understanding the subject. The book deals with research and its types, research problem, hypotheses, research designs, and data collection, etc. with updated guidelines. We hope that the purpose of writing this book would be fulfilled and the Postgraduate Scholars, as well as other researchers, will find this book helpful in understanding the basics of Research Methodology.