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Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy

Review on Darunaj-aqrabi (Doronicum hookeri C.B. Clarke): an Unexplored Medicinal Plant of Unani System of Medicine

  1. Mohd Aleem
  2. Mohd Imran Khan
  3. Qamrul Islam Usmani
  4. Altaf Ahmad

Abstract

Introduction: The rhizomes of medicinal plant Darunaj-aqrabi (Doronicum hookeri C.B. Clarke ex Hook.f.) (Family Asteraceae) has long been used in Unani system of medicine (USM) as Cardiac tonic (invigorative and exhilarant), nervine tonic, carminative, protective of the foetus, antidotary etc. in different dosage forms. It is included in specific drugs for heart and is much valuable for palpitation. Because of having antidotal characteristics and protective (corrective) attributes, the rhizomes are generally used in compound formulations having tonic effects for the body. Aim of the review: The study aims to reflect the importance of Darunaj-aqrabi in USM. This review provides essential data focusing on traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological profile, thereby identifying research gaps and future opportunities for investigation and development of this plant. Materials and methods: All available information related to Darunaj-aqrabi in the internationally accepted scientific databases including Pub Med, Science Direct, Scopus, Sci Finder, Google Scholar, Microsoft academy and Web of Science were searched. Additional information was gathered from the classical text of USM on Herbs, Unani Pharmacopoeia, and so on. Results: The literature supported its use traditionally in formularies or by rural people as a digestive, carminative, protective of the foetus, cardiotonic, stomach tonic, liver tonic, lithotriptic, antidote etc. Its extract showed antibacterial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activity. The main phytochemical constituents are alkaloids; saponins; flavonoids, photoactive thiophenes, sesquiterpene alcohol, paralianchol and its acetophenone derivatives. There is limited data available on this plant. Conclusion: The contemporary pharmacological studies showed the anti-microbial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activity of Darunaj-aqrabi. However, most of the aspects of this herb have still not been identified. Along with this, there are inadequate details on the phytochemistry and toxicological profile. Due to the extensive traditional uses of Darunaj-aqrabi, more research on pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, toxicity and adverse effects tend to be required to determine its medicinal values.

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