Blood Cupping (AL-hijamah) Potentially Affects Biomarkers Associated with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases

Abdelgadir  Elmugadam; Ghada A  Elfadil; Safaa  Alsafi; Mohammad  Eldood; Asma  El-Hassan; Wissam  Salih; Amar  Ismail

doi:10.52981/smlj.v11i1 and 2.3117

Abdelgadir Elmugadam Department of Clinical chemistry, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Sudan University of science and technology, Sudan
Ghada A Elfadil Department of Clinical chemistry, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Sudan University of science and technology, Sudan
Safaa Alsafi Department of Clinical chemistry, Al-Madeinah Al-Monwarah Health Center, Ministry of health, Khartoum, Sudan
Mohammad Eldood Department of Clinical chemistry, Radio and Isotopes Centre, Ministry of health, Khartoum, Sudan
Asma El-Hassan Department of Clinical chemistry, College of Higher Education, University of science and technology, Sudan
Wissam Salih Department of Clinical chemistry, College of Higher Education, University of science and technology, Sudan
Amar Ismail Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Neelain University, Sudan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52981/smlj.v11i1%20and%202.3117

Keywords: Blood cupping, Al-hijamah, CRP, Blood pressure, lipid profile, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Cupping therapy (CP) local name (Al-hijamah) is one of the oldest documented medical techniques. Al-hijamah used in Middle Eastern cultural practice for centuries. Despite blood cupping is oldest medical procedures therapy, the secrets of its mechanisms still mysterious.

Objectives: To investigate the impact of blood cupping (Al-hijamah) on biochemical parameters. Furthermore, to demonstrate their relation to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Methods: In analytical, quasi-experimental study, 40 subjects who underwent blood cupping at Al-Almi and Al-Rawabih centers, were included. Their demographic data were obtained. Blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), creatinine, uric acid, Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase AST, Albumin, C- reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured pre- and post-Al-hijamah.

Results: Compared to pre-samples BP, TC, LDL-C, Uric acid, and CRP levels were significantly decreased. While HDL-C, albumin and creatinine levels were significantly increased. No significant changes were observed in AST and CK, while ALT revealed significant increase. SBP negatively correlated with age (r= -0.353, P= 0.026), BMI (r= -0.380, P= 0.042) and positively correlated with uric acid (r= 0.388, P= 0.013). Albumin negatively correlated with TC (r= -0.502, P= 0.001) and LDL-C (r= -0.311, P= 0.044).

Conclusion: Blood cupping has a potential effect on the biomarkers associated with hypertension and CVDs.

Key words: Blood cupping, Al-hijamah, CRP, Blood pressure, lipid profile, Sudan

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