Dyslipidemia and its concept in Unani medicine: A review

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a condition characterised by an excess of potentially atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins. Dyslipidemia as a disease is not directly described in Unani texts. Clinical manifestations of dyslipidemia, on the other hand, are closely associated with signs and symptoms of cold temperament derangement (Su-e-Mizaj Barid Maddi) caused by a disturbance in the kamiyat (quantity) and kafiyat (quality-composition) of Ratubat al-tajawif or Ratubat-ul-uruq (internal environment of the body) or a disturbance in the homeostatic condition of the internal. This comes under the heading of Huzoom-e-Kabidi abnormalities as the primary root cause of dyslipidemia. Derangements in the cold temperament (Su-e-Mizaj Barid Maddi) and Huzoom-e-Kabidi, which have been thoroughly explained in famous books by eminent Unani scholars such as Zakaria Rhazi, Ibn-e-Sina, Rabban Tabri, Ali Ibn-e-Abbas Majusi, and Hakim Akbar Arzani. This review article identifies observations from Unani literature that describe cold temperament derangement due to Huzoom-e-Kabidi abnormality and relates them to the clinical presentation of dyslipidemia in conventional medicine. We have also explained about how all these indications are managed in Unani medicine.