Appetite-inducing effect and safety evaluation of Habb-e-Hilteet in patients with Ḍu‘f al-Ishtihā (anorexia): An open prospective clinical trial

Objectives: Anorexia is one among the most prevalent conditions triggering malnutrition, drastic weight loss and serious health issues in people especially older adults. Habb-e-Hilteet commonly prescribed Unani pharmacopoeial formulation for anorexia. However, no scientific data available as to its safety efficacy. The current study assessed appetite-inducing effect of Ḍu‘f al-Ishtihā (anorexia) patients.
 Methods: An open prospective clinical trial was carried out 95 clinically diagnosed anorexia patients either gender (19-65 yrs old). approved by Institutional ethic committee conducted accordance with GCP guidelines. Habb-e-Hilteet, 1 pill (500mg) administered orally twice daily 14 days. important pathological biochemical indices monitoring adverse events. efficacy on basis improvement Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) score.
 Results: Out recruited, 78 completed 17 lost follow-up. mean age 29.8 yrs, majority (59.0%) being female. Overall therapeutic response found be 96%. A significant (P<0.05) increase SNAQ score observed after 7 days treatment when compared baseline. No difference before indices. events were reported during entire period.
 Conclusion: results indicate that could a viable option concerns.
 Keywords: al-Ishtihā; Buṭlān al-Shahwa; Anorexia; Habb-e-Hilteet; pharmacopoeal formulation.