Morpho-anatomical and physico-chemical studies of an anti-inflammatory unani drug - Ikleel-ul-malik (Astragalus hamosus L.)

Ikleel-ul-malik which is also known as Katila or Purtuk in hindi and nakhunah in urdu are the pods of Astragalus hamosus L. (family Papilionaceae, Fabaceae). It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent by the unani physicians in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. The decoction of the pods is given internally in nervous disorder; liver, kidney and spleen affections. The paste of the pods is massaged and applied externally on inflammatory areas and to relieve headache. The pods are also used in the preparations of a number of unani formulations such as zimad-e-kibreet, zimad-e-sumbul-ut-teeb, zimad-e-waram-e-unsayain muzmin, zimad-e-waram-e-unsayain muzmin, qairooti-e-arad-e-baqla, qairooti-e-babuna wali, qaiqooti-e-mamool, habb-e-mohallil and roghan-e-naf-e-warm-e-niqras. Owing to its medicinal importance the present study was undertaken, as per WHO guideline, with an objective to establish its morpho-anatomical and physico-chemical parameters. Besides this heavy metals, aflatoxins, pesticidal residue and microbial load studies have also been reported to ensure the quality of the drug material. All these studies would serve as a standard reference material for identification and authentication of the pods and useful in the preparation of its monograph.