Abstract

DIETO-HERBAL APPROACH OF OBESITY IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE- A REVIEW

Heena Kausar S*, Kamal Ahmad, Najeeb Jahan, Mohd Shadab, Masuma Zaki, Layeeqa Banu

Abstract

Obesity (Simne mufrit) is a complex disorder which presents with number of risk factors in almost all age groups throughout the world. Plant origin drugs have played a vital role in prevention and treatment of diseases since ancient time. In Unani system of medicine there is treasure of plant origin drugs having highest diversity in their properties both in dieto and herbal therapy, which can reduce body weight and prevent diet induced obesity. These are cost effective and free from toxic effects when compared with chemically synthetic drugs. There are several herbs which are used in preventing and treating obesity such as Gilo, Papaya, Coccinia, Gurmar, Turmeric, Onion, Vinegar, Malabar tamarind, Sandroos and many others which reduces body weight, total cholesterol and play a significant role in prevention of obesity and its related metabolic disorders. This review highlights and discusses about the herbs recommended for the management of obesity in diet as well as in drug therapy.

Keywords: Diet; herbs; Obesity; Simne mufrit; Unani medicine.