Therapeutic evaluation of Qalbeen- A polyherbal mineral formulation in ischaemic heart disease

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is the serious, chronic, life threatening illness affecting the general cross section of population in developed and developing countries. It causes more deaths and disability, and incurs greater economic loss than any other illness in the developed world. Similar pattern is now being seen in India also. India being a host of several well recognized alternative medicines, especially Unani medicine can contribute a lot in its management. Several drugs either singly or in combination have been used by the ancient as well as modern Unani physicians with promising results. Usually the benefits of herbal drugs overlay its hazards and complications. Hence for this purpose, Qalbeen (a herbomineral formulation) which is used by the Unani physicians for this purpose, and also cost effective has been discussed. The overall improvement in clinical symptoms, signs, electrical and mechanical functions of the left ventricle as determined by two dimensional echocardiography was found to be significant. Therefore, the drug can be prescribed in the stable cases of ischaemic heart disease with certain reservation for a pretty length of time.