Clinical study of primary hyperlipidaemia and the role of Kalonji [nigella sativa] and Saboos-e-Asapghol [plantago ovata] in its management

Lipid disorders comprise the most prevalent serious disorders in industrialized nations and are a rapidly growing problem in developing nations. The growing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and metabolic disorders are important risk factors for atherosclerosis. To cure the hyperlipidaemia several synthetic drugs of better efficacy are being introduced in the modern system of medicine. But most of the medications induce adverse side effects. Therefore search for safe and effective lipid lowering drugs was the main motivating factor behind this study. In Unani System of Medicine many drugs [single drugs as well as compound formulations] are used for the purpose of reducing body weight and treating the obesity. Saboos-e-Asapghol [Plantago ovata] and kalonji [Nigella sativa] are among these medicines. Their efficacy has also been proved pharmacologically and documented as good hypolipidemic. A clinical study was carried out in Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College Hospital on 60 patients of primary hyperlipidaemia. The diagnosis was made on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Unani formulation Sufoof-e-Kalonji [Nigella sativa] 2 gm and Saboos-e-Asapghol [Plantago ovata] 4 gm twice daily before meal were given for 90 days

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The combination of drugs was found to be significant in lowering the lipid level and in increasing the level of serum HDL-cholesterol, in patients of primary hyperlipidaemia. Therapeutic responses were evaluated through follow up observations at 45th day interval. The results were analyzed statistically and results were encouraging