RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Mazaryun (Daphne oleoides Schreb.) is used as an anti-inflammatory drug in Unani medicine after detoxification, as it is defined under fourth-degree drugs. OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory activity of crude and detoxified Mazaryun in maximum and minimum doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Wistar rats of either sex, weighing 150-200 gm, were divided into seven groups (I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IVA, IVB, and V) of six animals in each. Group I - plain control, administered with 1 ml of 1% CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (CMC); Group II - standard control, given Diclofenac Sodium (6 mg/kg); Group III - crude Mazaryun and Group IV - detoxified Mazaryun, A and B are maximum and minimum doses of test drug, respectively; and V group - positive control was not treated with any other drugs. The data was statistically analyzed by ANOVA repeated for inter-group analysis and ANOVA one-way for intra-group analysis with post hoc Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test. The GC-MS analysis of crude and detoxified leaves of Mazaryun was also carried out in continuation of study to determine the phytochemical changes before and after detoxification. RESULTS: Maximum dose of detoxified Mazaryun and standard control groups showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at p < 0.001, and detoxified Mazaryun showed dose-dependent activity. The GC-MS fingerprints showed totally eight different chemical constituents in its crude and detoxified form. CONCLUSION: The study standardised the concept of detoxication in Unani medicine, as the detoxified Mazaryun showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and present of totally different chemicals constituents.
RESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Unani system of medicine uses drugs from plants, minerals and animals (Mawaleed-e-salasa) origin. Most of the drugs used are believed to be safe, but some drugs may have toxins and produce harmful effects, so it is very important to remove the toxins or to minimize their harmful effects before using, so as to increase their therapeutic values and make easy for use. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the concept, aims and objectives of islah-e-advia (rectification/purification of drugs) in Unani system of medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A through literature survey was undertaken using the various online bibliographic databases like Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus. Classical Unani literature books which are translated in Urdu by CCRUM were used for Unani references. The keywords used for the search included "Tadbeer-e-Advia", "Islah-e-advia", Mudabbar process, detoxification and purification of drug. RESULTS: The ancient Unani physicians were well aware of toxicity of the drugs and have divided drugs into four degrees (1°, 2°, 3° and 4°) according to the Mizaj (temperament) of drugs. The fourth degree drugs produce so strong effects that the physiological functions of the body get disturbed; such drugs are also considered to be poisonous drugs. Different methods of purification have been mentioned for drugs belonging to the third and fourth degree temperament and always recommended their use after subjecting them to certain Tadbeer (rectification/purification). Otherwise these drugs may destroy the physiological function of the body. After purification process the drugs become physically and chemically pure, therapeutically more effective and less toxic. Very few pharmacological and toxicity studies have been conducted. CONCLUSION: Third and fourth degree drugs and its formulations have been claimed by Unani scholars to be useful in the management of various diseases of the body. After purification toxicity has been reduced in comparison crude drug. However, further elaborate and comprehensive studies are required to validate such claims.
