Concept of Abdaal e-Advia (Therapeutic Interchange) in the Light of “Maqala Fi- Abdal Al- Adwiya Al- Maustamala Fi -Al -Tib Wa Al- Ilaj” Known as “Kitab Al- Abd

Background and Objectives: Unani Medicine is mainly based on the drugs collected from plant sources. These drugs are time-tested, but their availability has become a challenge. Rapid industrialization and overpopulation have resulted in mindless exploitation and destruction of these drugs, and as a result, many species have become endangered. Therefore, conservation of such species is imperative. However, despite all the strategies, the purpose is yet to be achieved successfully. It is the need of hour to find the therapeutic interchanges of our precious herbal wealth. “Abu Bakr Mohammad Bin- Zakariyya al-Razi” (Rhazes) (865-925 AD), in his book “Maqala Fi Abdal al-Adwiya al-Mustamala Fi al-Tibb wa al-Ilaj” known as “Kitab al Abdal” has formulated principles and regulation which form the basis of therapeutic interchanges and help in finding new therapeutic interchanges. He wrote an exclusive monograph, the first and most groundbreaking work on therapeutic interchange in Unani medicine. This analysis investigates the major ideas and tenets of Rhazes' Abdaal-e-Advia. The unique therapeutic interchanges mentioned in "Kitab al-Abdal" have been rigorously analyzed in this review in light of Unani core principles. Methodology:122 main drugs described by Razi and their 223 therapeutic interchanges mentioned in Kitab al Abdaal were analyzed, and parameters for analysis were set from Razi's theoretical considerations. Therapeutic interchanges were categorized accordingly, augmenting the reason for therapeutic interchange. Results: A drug is changed during practice when a particular drug claimed for a particular action is unavailable for various reasons. Despite all the efforts, the required drug is not available, as it is costly, banned, or difficult to procure. It is evident that none of the therapeutic interchanges is a therapeutic interchange for all actions. Therefore, while substituting a drug, there must be a strong basis. Unani scholars have discussed these bases, which are based on the similarity of action in the main and therapeutic interchanged drug, similarity in mizaj (temperament) of the main and substituting drug, and similarity in physical properties of the primary and therapeutic interchanged drugs. After retrospection, it is apparent that it is mainly the action of drugs that was considered a basis for therapeutic interchange of drugs. Conclusion: Razi has laid a strong foundation for drug interchange in routine practice, and detailed guidelines may be formulated for such therapeutic interchange.