Search

Objectives: Anorexia is one among the most prevalent conditions triggering malnutrition, drastic weight loss and serious health issues in people especially older adults. Habb-e-Hilteet is commonly prescribed Unani pharmacopoeial formulation for anorexia. However, no scientific data is available as to its safety and efficacy. The current study assessed the appetite-inducing effect and safety of Habb-e-Hilteet in Ḍu‘f al-Ishtihā (anorexia) patients. Methods: An open prospective clinical trial was carried out in 95 clinically diagnosed anorexia patients of either gender (19-65 yrs old). The study was approved by Institutional ethic committee and conducted in accordance with the GCP guidelines. Habb-e-Hilteet, 1 pill (500mg) was administered orally in patients twice daily for 14 days. The safety of the formulation was assessed by important pathological and biochemical indices and monitoring adverse events. The efficacy was assessed on the basis of improvement in the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) score. Results: Out of 95 patients recruited, 78 completed the trial and 17 patients lost to follow-up. The mean age of patients was 29.8 yrs, with the majority (59.0%) being female. Overall therapeutic response was found to be 96%. A significant (P

Background: Saqmunia, a resin obtained from the root of Convolvulus scammonia L. is widely used in Unani system of medicine for the treatment of several body ailments. This important medicinal plant is belonging to Convolvulaceae family, and is commonly grown in Mediterranean regions. Purpose of the review: The core objective of this appraisal is to emphasize the different characteristics of Saqmunia (Convolvulus scammonia L.) viz. botanical description, pharmacological and therapeutic properties, folklore uses, temperament, dose, scientific studies, etc, as mentioned in Unani and botanical literature that will be helpful in the rationale use of this botanical drug. Materials and methods: This review was done after going through ample of literature survey of Unani and botanical texts, and published articles related to Saqmunia (Convolvulus scammonia L.). The botanical names of drugs mentioned in this review have been validated through ‘World Flora’ (http://www.worldfloraonline.org). Results: The Unani physicians prescribe Saqmunia for the treatment of skin diseases, chronic headache, bilious fever, conjunctivitis, jaundice, etc. This drug is also added in many compound Unani formulations such as Habb-i-Kotwali, Safoof-i-Suranjan, Habb-i-Banafsha, Ayarij-i-Kabir, Tiryaq-i-Zahab, Habb-i-Saqmunia, Majun-i-Anjeer, etc which are used for various therapeutic purposes. The phytochemical analysis of the root of Convolvulus scammonia L. has been reported that it contains 8% resin along with beta-methyl-esculetin, dihydroxy cinnamic acid, ipuranol, sucrose, reducing sugar, starch, etc. The resin yields glycosides mainly scamonin which is pharmacologically active. Some scientific reports showed that this important medicinal plant possesses certain potential pharmacological activities. The significant anticancer property of aqueous and alkaline extracts of Convolvulus scammonia L. has been identified in mice. Conclusion: Although, the resin of Convolvulus scammonia L. is extensively used in Unani medicine. But, sufficient studies regarding its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology are still lacking. Hence, it is suggested that extensive studies by using modern scientific parameters may be carried out to explore the every aspect of this important botanical drug. Keywords: Saqmunia; Convolvulus scammonia L.; Unani medicine; Resin

Background: Zarawand Mudharaj (Aristolochia rotunda L.) belongs to family Aristolochiaceae. According to Unani scholars, it is a female plant of Aristolochia fontanesii Boiss. & Reut. (Syn. A. longa L.), usually found growing in Mediterranean regions, Central Asia and South Europe. Purpose of the review: The main aim of this review is to highlight various aspects of Zarawand Mudharaj such as temperament, botanical description, pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses etc, as mentioned in Unani literature that will ultimately guide researchers to design various studies for further exploration of this important medicinal plant. Materials and methods: The present review has been carried out through extensive literature survey of various classical Unani and botanical texts, and published papers available on different search engines. The botanical names and their synonyms were validated through ‘The Plant List’ (www.theplantlist.org). Results: In Unani medicine, the rhizome of Zarawand Mudharaj is used for the treatment of several ailments viz. stomach and liver diseases, jaundice, cough, septic wounds, splenomegaly, gout etc. Apart from its use as single drug, it has also been added in many compound preparations viz. Anqarooya-i-Kabir, Habb-i-Rewand, Majun Falasifa, Majun Dabeedul Ward etc. A study on physicochemical standardization of rhizome of Aristolochia rotunda L. has reported the presence of moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, alcohol and water-soluble extractive values within normal limits. The same study has also revealed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of rhizome of Aristolochia rotunda L. possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in albino Wistar rats. Several toxicity reports have pointed out that aristolochic acid containing herbal drugs including Aristolochia rotunda L. cause renal impairment and other serious adverse reactions. Conclusion: It is concluded that Aristolochia rotunda L. is widely used in Unani system of medicine. However, extensive studies on pharmacognosy, pharmacology, toxicology, phytochemistry and quality control of different parts of this potential medicinal plant have not been carried out so far. Therefore, such studies on modern scientific parameters may be conducted for further exploration so that the benefits may reach the masses. Keywords: Zarawand Mudharaj; Aristolochia rotunda L.; Unani medicine; Hepatoprotective; Aristolochic acid; Toxicity