Unani Perspectives on Oligospermia (Qillat-e- Mani): A Comprehensive Review of Classical Concepts and Contemporary Evidence

Oligospermia, defined as a sperm count below 15 million/mL of semen, is a major contributor to male infertility. It is often accompanied by poor sperm morphology, motility, and vitality. Globally, infertility affects 60–80 million couples, with male factors implicated in a significant proportion. In India, male infertility accounts for approximately 23% of cases among couples seeking treatment, with recent estimates suggesting it may be as high as 50%. Conventional treatments, though effective, are often costly and associated with adverse effects, prompting growing interest in complementary and alternative systems—particularly herbal medicine. The Unani system of medicine, rooted in Greco-Arabic traditions, offers a holistic framework for managing reproductive disorders. In Unani, oligospermia is termed Qillat-e-Mani or Qillat-e-Haiwan-e-Manvia. Treatment is guided by Usool-e-Ilaj (principles of therapy), which emphasize correcting underlying humoral imbalances through general and organ-specific tonics, semen-enhancing drugs, and thickening agents. Depending on the etiological factors—such as dryness, coldness, or excess heat—Unani employs dietary therapy (Ilaj bil Ghiza), pharmacotherapy (Ilaj bil Dawa), and regimental therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbeer), including massage, warm baths, moderate exercise, and regulated sexual activity. Recent pharmacological studies support the efficacy of several Unani herbs, such as Withania somnifera, Mucuna pruriens, and Nigella sativa, which have shown potential in improving sperm parameters and hormonal balance via modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary- gonadal axis. This review critically examines Unani approaches to oligospermia, integrating classical concepts with contemporary scientific evidence.