A review on the past, present and future of Traditional Medicine of Uzbekistan

Objectives: Uzbekistan possesses a distinctive and longstanding medical tradition rooted in Islamic medicine, which declined under Soviet rule. Recent initiatives aim to reconstruct traditional medicine and foster international cooperation, particularly with Korean traditional medicine. However, comprehensive understanding of the historical and current status of traditional medicine in Central Asia remains limited.Methods: This study reviews the medical history of Uzbekistan across three periods: the Silk Road era, the Russian and Soviet period, and the post-independence era. For each period, the socio-cultural context, healthcare infrastructure, and status of traditional medicine are examined. Recent legal and institutional developments supporting traditional medicine in the post-independence period are also analyzed.Results: Uzbekistan traditional medicine evolved under diverse influences, including Islamic, Persian, Greco-Roman, Indian, and East Asian systems, but was largely dismantled during the Soviet era. Since independence, four laws were enacted in 2018, 2020, and 2023 to promote traditional medicine. These efforts have led to the establishment of regulatory frameworks, research institutions, and educational centers dedicated to traditional medicine.Conclusion: Uzbekistan is actively pursuing the restoration of traditional medicine to strengthen public health and develop the pharmacological sector. Capacity building through expert training is essential for advancing traditional medical systems across Central Asia, and Korean traditional medicine may serve as a valuable model in this effort.

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