Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest-growing global health crises, affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin secretion or resistance, diabetes leads to long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. While modern medicine relies on insulin therapy and oral hypoglycemics, the Unani system of medicine offers a complementary, holistic path rooted in centuries of observation and practice.

Unani medicine (or Unani Med) views diabetes under the term Ziabetus or Ziabetus Shakri, which is described as a disorder of excessive urination with sweetness. According to classical texts, it arises due to humoral imbalance — particularly dominance of heat and dryness that deplete body fluids while impairing metabolic functions.

The Unani system of medicine emphasizes restoring balance through dietary modifications, regimental therapies, and the use of carefully selected Unani herbs. Unlike conventional therapies, which often target blood glucose alone, Unani treatment aims to improve digestion, regulate metabolism, enhance immunity, and prevent long-term complications. This makes classical Unani treatments highly relevant in today’s integrative management of diabetes.

Understanding Diabetes in Unani Medicine

In Unani medicine, Ziabetus is explained as an ailment where the kidneys excrete excessive water due to increased heat in the liver and kidneys. This heat draws fluids from the body, causing excessive thirst and urination, with the urine acquiring a sweet taste.

Two main categories are recognized:

• Ziabetus Shakri (sugar diabetes): Comparable to modern diabetes mellitus.
• Ziabetus Ghair Shakri (non-sugar diabetes): Where excessive urination occurs without glucose in the urine.

The underlying causes, according to the Unani system of medicine, include:

• Poor digestion (Su-e-Hazm) leading to abnormal metabolic byproducts.
• Sedentary lifestyle and excessive intake of sweet, fatty, and moist foods.
• Weakness of vital organs such as liver, pancreas (though not identified as such in classical terms), and kidneys.

Thus, Unani treatment for diabetes involves:

1. Strengthening the liver and kidneys.
2. Correcting digestion and metabolism.
3. Using Unani herbs to regulate blood sugar and improve systemic health.

This approach underlines why classical Unani treatments remain relevant for comprehensive diabetes management.

Key Unani Herbs for Diabetes Management

The pharmacopoeia of Unani herbs includes several plants with proven benefits in controlling blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing diabetes-related complications.

1. Jamun (Syzygium cumini)

Jamun seeds have been used in classical Unani treatments for centuries. They are considered cold and dry, reducing excessive thirst and urination. Modern research confirms that Jamun seed powder lowers blood glucose and improves glycemic control.

2. Karela (Momordica charantia)

Bitter gourd, or Karela, is classified as cold and dry in Unani medicine. It is prescribed for excessive thirst, urination, and weakness. Contemporary studies validate its insulin-like compounds (charantin, polypeptide-p), making it one of the most effective Unani herbs for diabetes management.

3. Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek seeds are widely prescribed in Unani treatment for their ability to improve digestion, reduce sugar absorption, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Modern trials confirm that regular consumption lowers fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.

4. Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre)

Although originating in Ayurveda, Gurmar found its place in Unani medicine for its sugar-lowering potential. It reduces sugar cravings and improves pancreatic function. Known as the “sugar destroyer,” it remains a cornerstone herb in diabetes care.

5. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem leaves are valued in Unani medicine for their bitter taste and cooling properties. Traditionally used to purify blood and control excessive heat, modern studies suggest Neem improves insulin sensitivity and lowers glucose levels.

6. Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Amla, rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, is prescribed in Unani treatment to strengthen the liver and regulate metabolism. It reduces oxidative stress, improves pancreatic function, and helps delay complications of diabetes.

Together, these Unani herbs highlight how Unani medicine integrates digestive correction, humoral balance, and systemic healing for effective diabetes management.

Classical Unani Treatments for Diabetes

Classical Unani treatments for Ziabetus combined herbs, dietary regulations, and regimental therapies. The goal was not only to lower sugar but to strengthen vital organs and prevent long-term damage.

Pharmacological Preparations

• Safoof-e-Ziabetus: A powdered herbal formulation combining Jamun seeds, Methi, and Karela.
• Majoon Dabeed-ul-Ward: Used to strengthen digestion and reduce excessive thirst.
• Qurs Tabasheer: Tablets made from herbal ingredients to regulate urination and heat in the body.

Dietary Guidelines (Ilaj bil Ghiza)

Patients were advised to avoid sweet, fatty, and starchy foods while emphasizing whole grains, barley, bitter vegetables, and lean meats. Honey in small quantities was sometimes used as a safer alternative to refined sugar.

Regimental Therapies (Ilaj bil Tadbeer)

• Exercise (Riyazat): Recommended to burn excess sugar and restore humoral balance.
• Massage (Dalk): To improve circulation and metabolic activity.
• Cupping (Hijama): Used to remove stagnant humors and regulate body heat.

By combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, the Unani system of medicine provided a comprehensive plan for diabetes management long before the discovery of insulin.

Modern Research and Global Relevance

Today, diabetes management has moved beyond glycemic control to include prevention of complications and lifestyle modification. This is exactly where Unani medicine aligns with modern perspectives.

Recent scientific studies validate the hypoglycemic properties of many Unani herbs:

• Jamun seeds show significant reductions in fasting glucose and postprandial sugar.
• Karela extracts mimic insulin action and lower blood sugar levels.
• Fenugreek seeds improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles.
• Neem and Amla reduce oxidative stress, protecting against complications.

Global wellness industries are now formulating standardized supplements inspired by classical Unani treatments, such as Jamun capsules, Fenugreek extracts, and Karela powders. The World Health Organization encourages integration of traditional medicine like Unani treatment into primary healthcare, especially for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

This growing recognition proves that the Unani system of medicine continues to offer effective, evidence-based strategies for managing chronic metabolic disorders.

Evidence-Based Validation of Unani Medicine

Recent scientific investigations strongly validate the wisdom of the Unani system of medicine in managing diabetes. Clinical trials on classical formulations like Qurs-e Ziyabetus have shown significant reductions in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, while systematic reviews highlight the effectiveness of Unani herbs such as Jamun, Karela, Methi, and Ashwagandha in improving insulin sensitivity and protecting pancreatic function. Research published in journals like Phytotherapy Research, PubMed-indexed studies, and Iranian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences confirms that these remedies not only control blood sugar but also reduce oxidative stress and safeguard vital organs from diabetic complications. Such evidence bridges tradition with modern science, underscoring how classical Unani treatments remain relevant in today’s fight against diabetes. By integrating time-tested Unani treatment with contemporary approaches, patients gain access to a holistic, safe, and sustainable path for long-term diabetes management.

Conclusion

Diabetes management requires more than just controlling sugar levels; it demands lifestyle correction, organ strengthening, and prevention of complications. The Unani system of medicine addresses all these aspects through its humoral theory, diet, regimental therapies, and the intelligent use of Unani herbs.

From Jamun and Karela to Fenugreek and Neem, the remedies of classical Unani treatments offer natural, safe, and sustainable ways to regulate blood sugar while enhancing overall health. Unlike one-size-fits-all medications, Unani treatment is personalized, holistic, and deeply rooted in balancing the whole body.

In an age where diabetes continues to rise globally, revisiting the wisdom of Unani medicine is not just a cultural revival but a medical necessity. By combining ancient knowledge with modern science, Unani offers a path toward healthier living and sustainable diabetes care.