Scientific appraisal of plant origin Emmenagogue and its therapeutics in unani medicine: A review

Abstract

Unani system have holistic approach to deals many gynecological disorders in a systematic manner as evident from classification of diseases available in ancient Unani literature and the number of plant drugs thereby available and have greater significance for their treatment. One of the categories of these herbs is of emmenagogue (Mudir-e-Tams) drugs. Prevalence of pathological amenorrhoea is one of the most common gynecological problem has been reported to be 3-4% worldwide. Hormonal therapy based on estrogen and progesterone is the mainstay of treatment present in contemporary system which is associated with a number of side effects. This situation produces a dire need to search a safe, alternate, effective therapy of natural origin. In Unani literature several herbs have been mentioned and practiced by ancient Unani physicians till now having Mudir-e-Haiz property viz: Abhal, Hilteet, Darchini, Tarmas, Hasha, Pudina etc, which stimulate the flow of blood towards uterus and dilate its blood vessels, liquefy blood and removes sudda (obstruction) and rectify the functional defects of the uterus. Among them many have been scientifically validate their safety and efficacy. In this appraisal an attempt is done to explore information regarding herbal emmenagogue and their therapeutic potential present in Unani literature and PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar researches.