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hypertension, strokes, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes as well as different
types of cancer. Cereals contain all the macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) we need for support and maintenance. They are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients required for adequate health (Borneo and
Leon 2011).
A food can be made functional by applying any technological or biotechnological means to increase the concentration of, add, remove or modify a particular component as well as to improve its bioavailability, provided that component has been
demonstrated to have functional effect. In recent years, cereals and its ingredients
are accepted as functional food and nutraceuticals because of providing dietary
fibre, proteins, energy, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants required for human
health. Also, cereals can be used as fermentable substances for the growth of probiotic microorganisms. Wheat, buckwheat, oat, barley, flaxseed, psyllium, brown rice
and soy products are notified as the most common cereal based functional food and
nutraceuticals (Das et al. 2012; Cencic and Chingwaru 2010).
Unani (Greco-Arab) system of medicine originated in Greece and passed
through many centuries before establishing itself in India during the medieval
period (Husain et al. 2017). The Unani system of medicine is a comprehensive
medical system, which meticulously deals with the various states of health and
disease. It provides promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare.
The therapeutics in Unani system of medicine is described under the major headings of Ilājbi’l-Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), Ilājbi’l Ghidhā (Dietotherapy),
Ilājbi’l-Dawā (Pharmacotherapy) and Ilājbi’l-Yad (Surgery) (Central Council for
Research in Unani Medicine: http://ccrum.res.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/
Dossier_1325.pdf accessed on 30/11/2017). It was Hippocrates who famously
stated “let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food” (Jennings
et al. 2015). It uses natural products of plant, animal and mineral origin as a drug
in various dosage forms for the prevention and treatment of various disease of the
body (Makbul et al. 2017, 2018). Coarse cereals which are used in Unani system of
medicine include maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Jowar; Sorghum vulgare), barley
(Jow; Hordeum vulgare), pearl millet (Bajra; Pennisetum glaucum) (Table 15.1)
(Ibn al Baitar 1999; Ibn Sina 2007; Khan 2013). They are rich in dietary energy,
vitamins, several minerals insoluble dietary and phytochemicals with antioxidant
Table 15.1 List of cereals,
grains and millet used in
Unani medicine
English name Unani name Botanical/Scientific name
Wheat
Gandum
Triticum aestivum
Rice
Chawal
Oryza sativa
Maize
Makka
Zea mays
Barley
Jau
Hordeum vulgare
Sorghum
Jawar
Sorghum vulgare
Pearl millet
Bajra
Pennisetum glaucum
S. A. A. Makbul et al.
hypertension, strokes, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes as well as different
types of cancer. Cereals contain all the macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) we need for support and maintenance. They are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients required for adequate health (Borneo and
Leon 2011).
A food can be made functional by applying any technological or biotechnological means to increase the concentration of, add, remove or modify a particular component as well as to improve its bioavailability, provided that component has been
demonstrated to have functional effect. In recent years, cereals and its ingredients
are accepted as functional food and nutraceuticals because of providing dietary
fibre, proteins, energy, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants required for human
health. Also, cereals can be used as fermentable substances for the growth of probiotic microorganisms. Wheat, buckwheat, oat, barley, flaxseed, psyllium, brown rice
and soy products are notified as the most common cereal based functional food and
nutraceuticals (Das et al. 2012; Cencic and Chingwaru 2010).
Unani (Greco-Arab) system of medicine originated in Greece and passed
through many centuries before establishing itself in India during the medieval
period (Husain et al. 2017). The Unani system of medicine is a comprehensive
medical system, which meticulously deals with the various states of health and
disease. It provides promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare.
The therapeutics in Unani system of medicine is described under the major headings of Ilājbi’l-Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), Ilājbi’l Ghidhā (Dietotherapy),
Ilājbi’l-Dawā (Pharmacotherapy) and Ilājbi’l-Yad (Surgery) (Central Council for
Research in Unani Medicine: http://ccrum.res.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/
Dossier_1325.pdf accessed on 30/11/2017). It was Hippocrates who famously
stated “let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food” (Jennings
et al. 2015). It uses natural products of plant, animal and mineral origin as a drug
in various dosage forms for the prevention and treatment of various disease of the
body (Makbul et al. 2017, 2018). Coarse cereals which are used in Unani system of
medicine include maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Jowar; Sorghum vulgare), barley
(Jow; Hordeum vulgare), pearl millet (Bajra; Pennisetum glaucum) (Table 15.1)
(Ibn al Baitar 1999; Ibn Sina 2007; Khan 2013). They are rich in dietary energy,
vitamins, several minerals insoluble dietary and phytochemicals with antioxidant
Table 15.1 List of cereals,
grains and millet used in
Unani medicine
English name Unani name Botanical/Scientific name
Wheat
Gandum
Triticum aestivum
Rice
Chawal
Oryza sativa
Maize
Makka
Zea mays
Barley
Jau
Hordeum vulgare
Sorghum
Jawar
Sorghum vulgare
Pearl millet
Bajra
Pennisetum glaucum
S. A. A. Makbul et al.