Review on Aqarqarha (Anacyclus pyrethrum); A Unique Mufrad Advia (single drug) of Unani System of Medicine

Abstract

Anacyclus pyrethrum is a botanical origin drug that used by Unani Scholars as a name of Aqarqarha since antiquity. Although, all parts of Aqarqarha used in Unani system of medicine but therapeutically root is most commonly used. The aim of this study was to review the role of Aqarqarha in the management of Amrad Asab wa Dimag (disease of nerve & brain), Amrad Asnan (disease of teeth), Amrad Bah (sexual disease) and Amrad Khilt-i-balgham (phlegmatic disease) as mentioned in Unani literature. The pharmacological actions of Aqarqarha mentioned in ancient literature by renowned Unani scholars as an Abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, Sialagogue, Tonic, Gastrosis, Inflammation, Lethargy, Stimulant, Rubefacient, Cordial, antidepressant, Immunostimulating effect, Memory enhancing activity, Antioxidant effect and Interactions with Hormones. A review of literature on Aqarqarha was undertaken using the bibliographic database viz. Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus. The search was conducted using the terms ‘Aqarqarha’, ‘Anacyclus pyrethrum’, ‘Majoon Aqarqarha’, ‘Aqer Qarha’, ‘Pellitory’ and ‘Spanish Pellitory’. Further, books published in Urdu and English were used to compile the information as representative literature in Unani medicine. Unani medicine highly claims the usefulness of Aqarqarha and its formulations in the management of above mentioned ailments. Modern scientific reports though scarce, also suggest the possibility of such pharmacological effects of this lesser known drug. Therefore, this review based to reveal all possible scientific action of Anacyclus pyrethrum.