Therapeutic potential of Ushaq (Dorema ammoniacum D. Don): A unique drug of Unani medicine

Abstract

Ushaq (Dorema ammoniacum D. Don) is a well known and potent herbal drug used in various Traditional Medicines for its various beneficial effects in different ailment and diseases. It is commonly known as Gum Ammoniac. It Consists of oleogum resin obtained by exudation from the stem of the flowering and fruiting plant of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don The genus Dorema D. Don comprises 12 species and belongs to Apiaceae (alt. Umbelliferae) family, Dorema ammoniacum D. Don is one of them. It is used in Iranian, Indian and Western Medicine and is listed in the British pharmacopoeia as an antispasmodic and expectorant. The mentioned plant is utilized in the factories producing of glues and cosmetic industry. In Unani Medicine it is used as a potent drug for various ailments as mentioned by Avicenna and Razi in their treatises. This review article discusses the pharmacognosy, phytotherapy, phytochemical and biological studies of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don along with comprehensive review of based on Unani Medicine as well as recent scientific reports.