Role of Unani Herbal Medicines in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications – A Review

Abstract

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a common and chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose level. In Unani system of medicine, diabetes mellitus is known as Ziabetus Sukkari. The prevalence of diabetes in India is 40.9 million and it is expected to be 69.6 million by 2025 if imperative preventive measurements are not taken. In this condition, the patient will suffer from chronic hyperglycemia which leads to irreversible damage to vital organs. This damage is due to increased free-radical production and oxidative stress. According to Unani concept, it is due to weakness of kidney, Sue Mizaj Haar Kulliya (ill temperament of kidney), Burudat Kuliya (coldness of the kidneys), QawiQuwat-e-Jaziba (strong expulsive power) and Kamzor Quwate Masika (weakness of retentive power). Hence the herbal medicines having the temperament of cold and wet and properties of tonic to the liver and kidneys would be more beneficial. Hence herbal preparations having antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and protective effect of heart, kidneys and nerves are more valuable. This review focuses on antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, cardio-protective, neuro-protective and nephron-protective effect of herbal medicines documented in preclinical and clinical trials. These herbs are Jamun (Eugenia jambolana), Karela (Momordica charantia), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), Bijasar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Gilu (Tinospora cordifolia), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), etc.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Ziabetes, Sue Mizaj Haar Kuliya, vital organ damage, Unani herbal medicine, anti-diabetic, antioxidant therapy and protective effect