EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF UNANI MEDICINE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIMAN E MUFRIT (OBESITY)

Abstract

Introduction:

The word obesity is derived from Latin obesitas, which means stout, fat, or plump. Obesity may be defined as abnormal deposition of adipose tissue due to an enlargement of fat cell size, an increase in fat cell number, or a combination of both. It is generally associated with lifestyle disorders. In Unani literature, Siman e Mufrit (obesity) is defined as a condition in which there is an increase of ratoobat (wetness) and baroodat (coldness) in the body. In other words, Khilt e Balgham is increased more than the normal limit in the body. Its etiology is attributed to Soo e hazam, Ifrat e naum, Ifrat e sukoon, and Qillat e harakat e badani. The Unani system of medicine gives the concept of asbab e sitta zarooriyya, without which the life of a human being is unimaginable. 

Aim and Objectives:

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Unani drugs in the cases of Siman e Mufrit (obesity) and to determine the safe, easily available, and cost-effective Unani drugs used in Siman e Mufrit (obesity).  

Material and Methods:

Diagnosed cases of obesity after fulfilling inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated after taking informed consent from either group. Group A (control group) will be given Unani formulation oral Sufoof twice a day. Group B (test group) will be given Unani formulation of oral Sufoof twice a day. The sample size of the study was 40 patients, who were randomly allocated into two groups, Group A and Group B, with 20 patients in each group. a randomized single-blind standard controlled clinical trial. 

Result and Discussion:

The overall response to treatment was defined as an excellent response, a good response, a satisfactory response, and a poor response. The therapeutic responses of groups A and B showed that out of 40 patients, 14 (35%) got a good response, 18 (45%) patients got a satisfactory response to their clinical symptoms and signs, and 8 (20%) patients were found in the categories of poor response. It is evidenced that the formulae of both groups are effective in relieving clinical symptoms and signs of obesity. It is evident from the above-described observations that group A (test) medicines are more effective than group B (control). Obesity signs and symptoms were improved in both groups. At the end of the study, the statistical significance of the result was noted. It was concluded that the efficacy of Unani formulations on obesity was found to be clinically and statistically significant; both groups are safe and effective in both groups. Further, the study found that p<0.0001 contradicts the null hypothesis and shows significance. 

Conclusion:

On the basis of the above result and discussion, it can be concluded that the drugs in groups A and B produced a significant effect in the treatment of obesity. However, the biological mechanisms through which the Group A and B drugs reduce clinical features still remain unclear and need to be validated with experimental and clinical studies.  

Keywords: Siman e mufrit, Globesity, Asbab e sitta zaooriyya, Ifrat e Naum, Su e Hazm