An appraisal of medicinal properties of Choona (CAO) in Unani system of medicine

Abstract

Choona is hard, white colored heavy lump which is produced after the calcination of various substances like sange marmar, conch, egg shells etc. Gachh, kalas, ahak are its various names which are used synonymously in Unani System of Medicine. It is widely consumed along with betel leaf as Paan in Asian countries like India and Pakistan. Lime, slaked lime, calcium oxide are its different forms mentioned in classical literature. In Unani classical literature, bujha hua choona (Slaked lime/calcium hydroxide) and unbujha choona (Calcium oxide) are its two forms having different medicinal properties. It has many beneficial effects in treating several diseases which can be used in the future for the preparation of different Unani formulations for oral as well as topical use and that will be a boon in treating wide range of diseases like dyspepsia, indigestion, jaundice, epistaxis, burn injuries, leucorrhoea, hirsutism etc.