An Insight Into Unani Hypoglycemic Drugs And Their Mechanism of Action

Background: Diabetes mellitus type-II is a major public health problem characterized by hypo-insulinemia and insulin resistance leading to hyperglycemia and its complications. In Unani medicine, it is known as ziyābetus. Several drugs are prescribed in Unani medicine as single and compound formulations for various abnormalities caused by the disease. Most of these drugs have been studied on scientific parameters and have shown significant activity in reducing the symptoms and complications of diabetes. Objectives: The literature research was planned with the objective to find out the action mechanisms of certain selected herbal drugs of Unani medicine, with evidence of their efficacy. Methods: Unani literature was first reviewed extensively and the most frequently-prescribed and easily available drugs for diabetes were selected, followed by a search on major internet search engines for scientific evidence of their efficacy alongwith information of their active ingredient and dosage. Ten drugs were selected for the present review. Results and Conclusion: There is convincing evidence to suggest that the selected drugs have a promising action against diabetes and its complications. Also, there are largely no adverse events reported and some of the preparation methods described in Unani medicine have been proven to reduce or eliminate the adverse events, if any.