Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading global health challenge with 8.2 million new cases recorded in 2023, necessitating innovative complementary therapeutic approaches. This review examines the scientific evidence supporting Unani Aahar (dietary therapy) in tuberculosis management, exploring its integration with conventional treatment protocols. Unani medicine employs a holistic dietary approach based on humoral theory and temperament (Mizaj) concepts, emphasizing foods that restore physiological balance and enhance immune function. Key therapeutic foods include honey, barley water (Ma-ul-Shae’er), specialized milk varieties (goat and camel milk), and marine-derived compounds such as crab preparations in formulations like QursSartanKafoori. Scientific evidence demonstrates that these traditional foods contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, saponins, and immunoglobulins that exhibit antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Mechanistic studies reveal their ability to disrupt mycobacterial cell surface integrity, inhibit biofilm formation, and enhance T-cell mediated immunity. Clinical investigations show that co-administration of Unani formulations with conventional anti-tubercular drugs improves patient outcomes, reduces treatment duration, and enhances medication tolerability. However, integration faces challenges including lack of standardized protocols, potential drug interactions, and limited high-quality clinical evidence. Current research gaps include inadequate sample sizes, methodological limitations, and insufficient standardization of preparations. While promising, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive evidence for clinical implementation and policy recommendations regarding Unani dietary interventions in tuberculosis management.
