Therapeutic approaches to dyslipidaemia in Unani medicine: a narrative review

Dyslipidaemia is one of the most common metabolic disorders, strongly linked with cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other components of metabolic syndrome. In Unani medicine, this condition is understood through concepts such as obesity ( Simān-i-Mufriṭ ), with a predominance of phlegm ( Balgham ) and impaired hepatic temperament and has traditionally been managed by dietary regulation, regimental therapies and herbal drugs. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the Unani conceptualisation of dyslipidaemia and to map these traditional classical concepts with contemporary lipid-modulating mechanisms . It further discusses the pathophysiology of dyslipidaemia, and reviews therapeutic approaches such as regimental therapies, single drugs, and compound formulations, while evaluating the strength of evidence and highlighting future research priorities for integrative management. Electronic searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for articles published between 1980 and 2024. Classical Unani texts and authoritative pharmacopoeias were also reviewed. Search terms included dyslipidaemia, hyperlipidaemia, Unani medicine, obesity, metabolic syndrome, lipid-lowering herbs, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. Several Unani drugs, such as Emblica officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, Ocimum sanctum, Hemidesmus indicus, Anethum graveolens, Tinospora cordifolia, Myristica fragrans, Nigella sativa, Qurs tabasheer, Jawarish bisbasa and many more demonstrated lipid-lowering effects through mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects and improvement of hepatic function. However, the strength of evidence varies considerably, with limited clinical trials available for most interventions. Unani drugs demonstrate a plausible complementary approach for dyslipidaemia management through multi-target mechanisms aligned with modern pathophysiology. however, robust clinical trials and standardized formulations are required to establish efficacy and safety.