Lipid-Modulating Effects of Al-Hijamah (Wet Cupping) on Hypertensive Sudanese Patients: A Prospective Case-Control Study

الملخص

Background: Cupping therapy, particularly the traditional wet cupping method known as Al-Hijamah, is an ancient medical practice still widely used in Sudan and many other cultures. Although it has been traditionally applied to manage cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy remains limited. This study aimed to establish a biochemical profile of Sudanese hypertensive patients undergoing Al-Hijamah, focusing on its potential lipid-modulating effects. Methods: A prospective, interventional case-control study was conducted in two cupping therapy centers in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 67 participants were enrolled, comprising 40 hypertensive patients and 27 normotensive controls. Blood samples were collected at three time points: before cupping, from the cupped blood, and one-week post-cupping. Samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides. Results: Among hypertensive participants, total cholesterol decreased significantly from 225.7 mg/dL to 197.3 mg/dL, (Purification Index, PI = 13%). LDL cholesterol showed a (PI = 12%) reduction (from 154.5 mg/dL to 136 mg/dL). Triglycerides declined modestly by 7.7% in the hypertensive subjects, while controls exhibited an 18% reduction. HDL levels remained largely unchanged in both groups following intervention. Conclusion: Al-Hijamah demonstrated notable lipid-lowering effects, particularly in reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels in hypertensive patients, although it should not replace conventional antihypertensive therapy. Al-Hijamah may serve as a valuable complementary, non-pharmacological intervention, especially in low-resource settings. Further large-scale, controlled studies are recommended to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.