Therapeutic potential of Habb-ul-Aas (Myrtus communis Linn.) with Unani Perspective and Modern Pharmacology: A review

Abstract

Myrtus communis Linn. (MC) is an important medicinal shrub being used in Unani Medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, peptic ulcers, leucorrhoea, urethritis, haemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, palpitation, pulmonary and skin disease. This review provides data on the botany, phytochemical, Preclinical & Clinical Studies and Unani traditional uses of MC, with an aim to make update of the current information and obtain opportunities for further therapeutic potential. The information was obtained from scientific literature databases including PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Science Direct. Additional information was gathered from classical Unani text books, and published materials. MC are used traditionally for the treatment so many diseases. The Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hypoglycaemic, Anticancer, Analgesic, Antidiarrheal properties have been widely investigated. More than 50 active ingredients have been isolated from this plant including monoterpene, sesquiterpene, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, tannins and flavonoids. The present review verifies the real identity of Myrtle, summarizes its valuable description in Unani literature, and its medicinal efficacy in haemorrhoid, aphthous stomatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other disorders. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies and clinical investigations on the crude drug and isolated principles proved the multipotent action of Myrtle.