Time Tested Safe and Effect Oriented Drugs in Unani Medicine

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Dyslipidemia is a pathological condition in which lipid levels are deranged. It is a major health problem leading to dreadful complications such as Waja‘al-Qalb (angina pectoris), Khafaqan (palpitation) Iflas al Qalb (myocardial infarction), Siman-e-Mufrit (obesity), Ziabetus Shakri (diabetes), Sartan (cancer) and abrupt death etc. Overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome which includes dyslipidemia in south Asians varies from 20% to 32% and 11% to 41% among Indians which pose great challenge on the economic implications and health care burden on the society. Many synthetic anti-dyslipidemia drugs like statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid are the corner stone of management at present, but these drugs are loaded with adverse effects and prolong use remains an impediment. In view of this, a recent trend has been developed and scientists are turning their attention towards the alternative medicine to overcome such dreaded ailments. In Unani Medicine many drugs have been used for the treatment of Siman-e-mufrit (obesity) which closely resembles to dyslipidemia in several aspects and many of these drugs have already been reported for their anti-dyslipidemia and other activities.

Non communicable diseases (NCD) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. An array of adverse life style changing factors such as nutritional imbalance, physical inactivity, stress, and increased consumption of alcohol and tobacco is said to be responsible for metabolic syndrome which include Dyslipidemia and obesity due to neo globalization, rampant urbanization and mechanization. Dyslipidemia is a pathological condition in the plasma cholesterol triglyceride levels are increased above the normal range. It is a major health problem leading to its dreadful complications such as Waja‘al-Qalb (angina pectoris), Khafaqan (palpitation) Iflas al Qalb (myocardial infarction), Siman-e-mufrit (obesity), Ziabetus (diabetes), Sartan(cancer) etc. Overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in south Asians varies from 20% to 32% and 11% to 41% among Indians, which pose great challenge on the economic implications and health care burden on the society. Unsuccessful life style modification and pharmacological intervention with statins remains the mainstay of management. However severe adverse effects of statins result in its discontinuation posing much higher risk. In view of this, a recent trend has developed and scientists are turning their attention towards the indigenous system of medicine to overcome the present day diseases. In Unani Medicine many drugs have been used for the treatment of Siman-e-mufrit (obesity) which closely resembles to Dyslipidemia in various aspects and many of these drugs have already been reported for their anti-dyslipidemic activity. However, a large proportion of Unani drugs remain still unexplored. It is the need of the hour to unfold Unani drugs to provide promised cure and safe medicament to the mankind. Hence strenuous attempt has been made to bring to medical domain certain single and compound formulations used in Unani system of medicine corroborated with scientific studies. Asbaab (Etiology) Its etiology is attributed to:Su’ehazam (Dyspepsia), Ifrat naum (Excessive sleep), Ifrat sakun (Excessive rest), Qillate harkat- e-badani (Sedentary life style), Martoob wa ghaliz Ghiz’a (Meat, fatty/oily and sweets), Mizaj Barid (Cold Temperament), Ghalbae Balgham (Dominance of Phlegm), 
Ifrate Sharab bade Ghiz’a (Excessive Alcohol after meal), Virasat and Khilqui (Hereditary and Congenital), Hawa-e-Ghaliz (Polluted air), Aa’be Ghaliz (Contaminated water), Farhat (Excessive gratification), Naghma (Music), Narm wa mulaim bister (Soft couch).