Therapeutic Potential of Rhizomatous Plants Used in Unani Medicare System

Abstract

A number of plant drugs are used in different medical conditions, mainly by the practitioners of traditional medicines. Some of the plants are used as a whole, but more often their parts including leaves, stems, roots, barks, bulbs, corms, seeds, and flowers are used to prepare different dosage forms intended to be used therapeutically. They contain biologically active constituents which are often considered a basis for their therapeutic uses. The literature survey of Unani System of Medicine reveals that rhizomes are widely used in the management of a number of acute and chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, sexual disorders, gynaecological problems, etc. Many rhizomes such as Waj, Zanjabil, Zard Chob, Zarambād, etc. have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, analgesic, antiseizure, antidepressant, and anticoagulant effects, etc. Rhizomes are used to prepare a number of pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial Unani drugs which are commonly used by the physicians in routine practice. Few of the rhizomes and their preparations investigated scientifically in recent years not only validated the claims of Unani medicine but also provided lead for newer actions and novel therapeutic application. With the advancement of technological tools and techniques, a huge number of bio-active compounds have been identified and analysed, and their biological activities have been ascertained. Therefore, it is imperative to establish the scientific basis for the biological activity and therapeutic uses of plant drugs, as they may serve as the source for the development of new drugs. Thus, the aim of present chapter is to provide updated information on the importance of rhizomatous plants in respect to their therapeutic application in Unani System of Medicine against various different diseases and also to elucidate the possible mechanism of their pharmacological actions.