Exploring curcuma zedoaria as a therapeutic option for saher muzmin (Chronic Insomnia): A unani medicine case series

• Author Details:   
• Mussadiq Ahmed S
• Nusrath Thasneem ^*
• Mubasheera Begum
• Habibullah V
• Dua Harmain AS

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Saher (Insomnia), a prevalent sleep disorder, is associated with hyperarousal and imbalances in cerebral temperament in Unani medicine. Curcuma zedoaria (Zarambād), a Unani drug, is traditionally used for its sedative and nervine tonic properties. The Objective is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Curcuma zedoaria in improving sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia using modern psychometric tools. 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 assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Satisfaction Scale (SSS) at baseline, days 10, 20, and 30. Mean PSQI scores decreased from 11.4 ± 3.13 to 6.0 ± 3.24 (p = 0.043, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test), and SSS scores improved from a median of 3 to 7 (p = 0.042). All patients reported increased sleep duration (6.5–7 hours) and improved sleep continuity. No adverse events were reported. Curcuma zedoaria shows promise as a safe, effective intervention for chronic insomnia, requiring further research with larger, controlled studies. These findings integrate Unani medical concepts with modern clinical assessment tools, highlighting the relevance of traditional therapeutics in contemporary evidence-based practice.