Effect of integrative Unani personalized regimen in reducing risk factors of Metabolic Syndrome. A randomized open-labeled controlled clinical study

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for CVD and diabetes. The number of individuals with
metabolic syndrome continues to rise. The current study aimed to test the efficacy and safety of an Integrative Unani
personalized regimen (IUPR) in reducing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: Patients
according to NCEP ATP III criteria were selected, 50 patients (30 in the test group and 20 in the control group)
completed the study. The test group was treated with an IUPR and the control group was treated for respective risk
factors with standard drugs for 2 months. The response was measured by changes in TC, TG, HDL, FBS, BP, WC,
and Weight. Results: IUPR was found superior in reducing body weight, waist circumference, and BP (P < 0.01),
equivalent in reducing serum triglyceride and fasting blood sugar level and inferior in reducing total cholesterol
compared to standard drugs provided for respective risk factors after 2 months of intervention. HDL increased by
1.033 mg/dl in the test and decreased in the control group by 4.850 mg/dl. Conclusion: In metabolic syndrome
lipid storage increases due to the deterrence of the pathological mechanisms. Unani regimen caused a reduction
in risk factors of the metabolic syndrome might be by attenuation in physiological changes possibly by reverting
rate-limiting enzymes and increasing energy expenditure. Long-term high-quality trials with dietary modification
are needed to get optimal results.