Unani drugs in the management of cardiovascular diseases: A review on pharmacological studies on Arjun and Zafran

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability in the world. They have emerged as a major health threat in developing countries contrary to the prior belief that they were confined primarily to industrialized nations. The global burden of disease due to cardiovascular diseases is escalating, principally due to a sharp rise in the developing countries which are experiencing rapid health transition. An estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs in 2008 and over 80% of CVD deaths take place in low and middle income countries. By 2030, almost 23.6 million people will die from CVDs. Therefore, finding ways to reduce the mortality of cardiovascular disease remains an important public health goal. Traditional Medicines have been an integral part of the healthcare system since time immemorial. WHO reports indicate that around eighty percent of the global population still relies on botanical drugs and several herbal medicines have advanced to clinical use in modern times. Unani occupies an important place in the rich traditional heritage of indigenous systems of medicine in India and contributes significantly to the health care. The core of treatment in Unani System of Medicine is based on drugs of herbal, mineral and animal origin. The ancient classical literature of Unani has mention of numerous drugs possessing cardioprotective and cardiotonic activity, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Zafran (Crocus sativus) are two of them. The Unani physicians have been using these drugs successfully since ages and this is possible only by inherent quality and safety standards specified in the system. With the advent of new techniques and recent upsurge towards scientific exploration of traditional medicines, empirical data substantiating their safety and efficacy has been generated and had led to better understanding of their role to prevent and cure diseases. The aim of this paper is to review and highlight the work done on Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Zafran (Crocus sativus) as cardioprotectives and cardiotonics mentioned in Unani literature as well as highlight the scientific exploration of the same.