Standardization and Safety Profile of Seeds of Sisymbrium irio Linn (Khaksi)

Khaksi is the dried seed of Sisymbrium irio Linn (Family Brassicaceae), used in Unani Medicine since long time as antipyretic, expectorant, analgesic, aphrodisiac and antimicrobial in pulmonary and urinary tract infections, fever, cough, gastric ulcer, liver complaints and skin disorders etc. All parts of the plant are mentioned to be useful in traditional medicines but seeds are more effective. The plant is an annual herb exceeding three feet in height with open, slender stem branches that grows in Europe, Africa, Mediterranean Islands and many Asian countries from Middle East to India and Pakistan.

The physicochemical and phytochemical standardization of herbal drugs plays an important role in the establishment of genuine quality andpurity of drugs as well as to free from adulteration. Since the standardization work of Khaksi was not done so far, therefore keeping in view of its medicinal properties, various parameters were followed to establish its standard quality. Its diagnostic characters were identified with the help of modern scientific quality control procedures. The organoleptic characters, physico-chemical profile and thin layer chromatographic studies were performed that will be helpful in laying down the parameters of standardization for Unani pharmacopoeia of India. The qualitative screening of different chemical constituents was carried out to facilitate the desirable therapeutic efficacy. The safety study of khaksi was also performed using various parameters.