AN EFFICACY OF ZANJABEEL (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA/ HYPERLIPIDAEMIA: A REVIEW

The tradition of home treatment is found in all cultures throughout the world whether in developed or developing countries. Few herbal drugs commonly appear in the home us e as a medicine. One such drug is Zanjabeel, it is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc. It is a popular spice that was used as an important medicine by ancient Unani physicians. It is a very important drug of house hold medicine kit used mainly as antiflatulant, digestive, anti-cough and other indications mentioned in traditional Unani text. Beside its traditional uses its new indications are as an, antemetic, hypocholesterolaemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardioprotective etc. Unani medicine has provided lot of information regarding this drug. Fresh look on the indications of Zanjabeel is needed in the light of current research performed on it and further scope of research can also be explored with the help of traditional knowledge exist in Unani medicine. This review is an attempt in this direction, so that Zanjabeel can become more beneficial to ailing people and particularly in contemporary lifestyle diseases which is an emerging concern. In Unani System of Medicine, many drugs (single drugs as well compound formulations) are used for the purpose of reducing body weight and treating the obesity (Muhazzil). Indian gooseberry (amla) & ginger (Zanjabeel) are among these medicines. Since these drugs are useful in obesity, these can also be proved beneficial in lowering increased concentration of plasma lipids or treating hyperlipidaemia. Their efficacy has also been proved pharmacologically and these are documented as good hypolipidaemic as well as antioxidant natural agents. The combination of drugs was found to be significant in lowering the level of serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum LDLcholesterol, serum VLDL-cholesterol and in increasing the level of serum HDL-cholesterol in patients of primary dyslipidaemia/hyperlipidaemia.