A REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF KHATMI (ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS LINN.): AN IMPORTANT MUCILAGINOUS PLANT AND ITS UTILIZATION IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Abstract

Traditional medicines / drugs are helpful for management of life style disorders and chronic and acute diseases. Khatmi (Althea officinalis Linn.) is a one of the commonly used drugs that has potential for management of many diseases. The meaning of Khatmi (Marshmallow) is Kaseer-al-manafe (Multi actions) in Unani literature. Roots, flowers and seeds of Khatmi are used as a medicament. According to Unani texts the main actions of Khatmi are demulcent, expectorant, defragment, concoctive, astringent, detergent and repellent. It is also used as part of many traditional recipes. Analgesic, emollient, antitussive and diuretic activity are the most ethnobotanical and traditional medicine considerations; also used in Unani medicine for the treatment of the different inflammatory conditions e.g., metritis (Warme reham), enteritis (Warme amaa), mastitis (Warme pistan), arthritis (Waja ul mafasil) etc. Alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, Flavonoids, Polysaccharides, Phytosterols, Fatty acids, Mucilages, Hydroxybenzoic acid etc. are its main Chemical constituents. The whole plant parts yields mucilage in decoction and infusions, which is very useful in case of several ailments of mucous membranes. The scientifically proven / reported pharmacological activities are antitussive, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, UV exposure protective, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, antioxidant, antifungal, hepatoprotective, ulcer protective etc. These all findings reveal immense utility of Khatmi and scope for developing as a potent therapeutic tool particularly in contemporary lifestyle and also in immune susceptible diseases which is an emerging concern.