In vitro and Ex vivo study targeting the development of a Lavandula stoechas L. (Ustukhuddus) loaded Unani Transdermal patch: Implication of Unani Medicine in the treatment of Nisyan (Dementia).

Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L.) has been extensively used orally and topically in treating various neurological disorders, including dementia. The optimum potential of traditional dosage forms of Ustukhuddus is limited for various reasons. Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a novel means of drug delivery and is known to overcome the drawbacks associated with traditional dosage forms. The current study aimed at fabricating and evaluating Ustukhuddus hydro-alcoholic extract (UHAE) and essential oil (UEO) loaded matrix-type transdermal patches having a combination of hydrophilic - hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and hydrophobic - ethyl cellulose (EC) polymers. ATR-FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM analysis were carried out to study drug-polymer interactions, confirming the formation of developed patches and drug compatibility with excipients. We assessed the fabricated patches to evaluate their physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, and permeation characteristics via ex vivo experiments. The physicochemical characteristics of patches showcased the development of good and stable films with clarity, smoothness, homogeneity, optimum flexibility and free from causing skin irritancy or sensitization. In vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation profile of developed patches were evaluated employing Franz diffusion cells. UHAE and UEO patches exhibited a cumulative drug release of 81.61 and 85.24 %, respectively, in a sustained-release manner and followed non-Fickian release mechanisms. The ex vivo permeation data revealed 66.82 % and 76.41 % of drug permeated from UHAE and UEO patches, respectively. The current research suggests that the formulated patches are more suitable for TDDS and hold potential significance in the treatment of dementia, contributing to enhanced patient compliance, thereby highlighting the implication of Unani Medicine in Nisyan (Dementia) treatment.

Analytical review of Tiryaq-i-Wabai - A Unani panacea for the control of COVID-19.

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected the whole world drastically and led to a substantial loss of human life. Relentless research is underway to identify effective treatment to control the disease. Traditional systems are also being explored to search for a potent drug. Unani formulation 'Tiryaq-i-Wabai' has long been used in cholera, plague and other epidemic diseases. This review is aimed at analysing the possible role of Tiryaq-i-Wabai in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methodology: Unani classical texts and Pharmacopoeias available in the library of Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai were reviewed to collect information related to epidemics, commonly prescribed drugs during epidemics, and therapeutic uses of Tiryaq-i-Wabai ingredients. ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to collect information regarding current pandemic and pharmacological activities of ingredients and phytoconstituents present in the formulation. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted. Results: Tiryaq-i-Wabai was found to be the most recommended prophylactic and curative drug during epidemics. The formulation ingredients, Sibr (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.), Murr Makki (Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl.) and Zafran (Crocus sativus L.) are categorized under Tiryaqi Advia (literally - antidote drugs) and are considered to be very effective in SARS related conditions. These ingredients have been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antitussive, smooth muscle relaxant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities corroborating the traditional use of Tiryaq-i-Wabai. Conclusion: Scientific data imply great potential and utility of the formulation which could be a possible alternative approach for the prevention and control of current and future pandemics.

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance and magnitude of Unani medicine - scope and challenges.

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance, with practically all newly developed and even more potent antibiotics like carbapenem and colistin, has become a matter of great public health concern. A number of common diseases of public health importance are becoming harder and sometimes impossible to treat due to increased resistance of pathogens. These alarming threats seek prime attention of scientific community to develop newer antibiotics with long-lasting efficacy, least side effects, and low economic burden. Unani classical texts have enormous citations on different infectious diseases. Many single drugs and compound formulations are in vogue since ages for the treatment of infectious diseases. Use of Afaviya (spices), Mufarrehat (exhilarants), Tiryaqi Advia (drugs with antidote properties) and Sirka (vinegar) is highly advocated in treating various infectious diseases. Though, enormous research activities have been undertaken worldwide to explore and develop newer antibiotics from natural resources, indicating massive magnitude of natural products in treating various infectious diseases, however, the higher plants, still largely seems to be unexplored. Moreover, elaborated and well controlled clinical studies are still lacking to authenticate their clinical significance. Hence, a rigorous, well-designed & well-structured research is highly paramount to ascertain the provision of newer, relatively safe and cost effective natural antibiotics.