Exploring Curcuma zedoaria as a Therapeutic Option for Saher Muzmin (Chronic Insomnia): A Unani Medicine Case Series

Authors: Mussadiq Ahmed, Mubasheera Begum, Habibullah v, Nusrath Thasneem, Dua Harmain

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijn.12223.1758520857

Keywords: Insomnia, Curcuma zedoaria, Unani medicine, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Satisfaction Scale, sleep disorders

Abstract: Background: Insomnia, termed Saher in Unani medicine, is a prevalent sleep disorder linked to hyperarousal and cerebral temperament imbalances. Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe (Zarnabād), a traditional Unani drug, is noted for its sedative and nervine tonic properties. Purpose: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of Curcuma zedoaria in improving sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia using validated psychometric tools. Methods: A case series of five male patients (aged 42–62 years) with chronic insomnia (7 months to 2 years) was conducted at Aringnar Anna Government Hospital, Chennai, India. Patients received 500 mg Curcuma zedoaria capsules twice daily for 30 days. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Satisfaction Scale (SSS) at baseline, days 10, 20, and 30. Results: Mean PSQI scores decreased from 11.4 ± 3.13 to 6.0 ± 3.24 (p = 0.043, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test), and median SSS scores improved from 3 to 7 (p = 0.042). All patients achieved 6.5–7 hours of sleep with improved continuity. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Curcuma zedoaria shows promise as a safe and effective intervention for chronic insomnia, warranting further controlled studies.