Boston University Dean Carries on Family's Unani Medicine Legacy

Dr. Adnan Hyder, Dean of Boston University School of Public Health, comes from a long line of Unani practitioners.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dr. Adnan Hyder, the Dean of Boston University School of Public Health, has a unique family history - his mother's side has practiced Unani medicine, a traditional healing system originating in the Indian subcontinent, for over 11 generations. As integrative medicine gains popularity, Hyder's background provides valuable insights into how ancient practices like Unani can intersect with modern medical science.

Why it matters

The increasing demand for holistic and personalized healthcare solutions has created space for traditional medical systems like Unani to gain more attention. However, integrating these practices into mainstream healthcare requires bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific methodologies. Institutions like Boston University, under Hyder's leadership, play a crucial role in advancing research, education, and collaboration between traditional practitioners and modern scientists.

The details

Unani medicine emphasizes the body's inherent ability to maintain health through a delicate balance of elements - blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Diagnosis focuses on understanding an individual's unique temperament, or 'mizaj', to restore equilibrium. For centuries, Unani practitioners, known as hakims, have utilized herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments to treat a wide range of ailments. Dr. Hyder's family history exemplifies this dedication, with ancestors serving as hakims for generations.

  • Dr. Hyder's family has practiced Unani medicine for over 11 generations on his mother's side.

The players

Dr. Adnan Hyder

The Dean of Boston University School of Public Health, who comes from a long line of Unani practitioners.

Unani Medicine

A traditional healing system originating in the Indian subcontinent, based on the principles of natural healing and balancing the body's elements.

Hakims

Practitioners of Unani medicine, who utilize herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments to treat a wide range of ailments.

Boston University School of Public Health

The institution where Dr. Hyder serves as the Dean, playing a crucial role in advancing research, education, and collaboration between traditional practitioners and modern scientists.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health, under Dr. Hyder's leadership, are exploring ways to integrate Unani practices with modern medical science, including studying the efficacy of specific Unani herbal formulations and identifying the active compounds in Unani herbs.

The takeaway

As the demand for holistic and personalized healthcare solutions grows, traditional medical systems like Unani have the potential to play a significant role in the future of healthcare. However, integrating these practices requires a collaborative approach between traditional practitioners and modern scientists, as well as rigorous scientific validation to ensure safety and efficacy.