Ethno-pharmacology of Asaroon (Asarum europaeum L.) with special reference to Unani System of Medicine.

Abstract

Asaroon is the rhizome of Asarum europaeum L. and is commonly used in Unani medicines for its various pharmacological actions. It is an evergreen plant with glossy foliage. It belongs to the family of Aristolochiaceae and is native to Europe and the United State of America. Some species of Asaroon have been found in theEastern Himalayan region. Asaroon has actions like Muharrik-i-A'sab (nervine stimulant), Mudirr-i-Bawl (diuretics), Mudirr-i-Hayd (emmenagogue), Musakkin-i-Alam (analgesic), Mufattit-i-sudad (remove obstructions) and Muqawwī-i-Jigar (hepatotonic), etc. It is used in the management of Hummā (fevers), Waja 'al-Mafasil (polyarthritis), Sara (epilepsy), Falij (paralysis), Ihtibās al-Tamth (amenorrhea) and Niqris (gout), etc. as per the Unani system of medicine (USM). It is used as a single herb as well as with a combination of other drugs to manage many diseases. The A.europaeum L. contains volatile oils and flavonoids along with other secondary metabolites. In the Indian market, Valeriana wallichii DC has been sold as Tagar but in some cases, it is sold as Asaroon. It is a clear case of adulteration by replacement of costly foreign drugs with a similar-looking indigenous drug. In this manuscript, we have discussed the Ethno-pharmacology of the A.europaeum L. with special reference to USM and basic differences with V.wallichii DC to show that both drugs are different and their actions and uses are also different from each other.