Modification in Unani drug dosage forms Need of the...

Int J Adv Pharmacy Med Bioallied Sci. 4, 1, 2016. www.biomedjournal.com

1 Ansari et al.| Modification in Unani drug dosage forms–Need of the hour

Modification in Unani drug dosage forms–Need of the hour Athar Parvez Ansari1*, Zaheer Ahmed N2, Mohammad Sheeraz 3.

1,2Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CCRUM, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India), Royapuram, Chennai–600 013 (TN), India. 3Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CCRUM, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India), Bhadrak–756 100 (Odisha), India.

REVIEW ARTICLE ABSTRACT

ARTICLE INFORMATION The compounding of Unani drugs is profoundly rooted in history. The earliest preparations i.e., Sufoof (Powder) and Tiryaq (Anti-dote) were prepared by Arastu (Aristotle) and Indrumakhas I (Andromachus I) respectively. Some of the preparations like Habb-e-Ayarij, Amroosiya, Basaliqoon and Ointment etc., were introduced by Buqrat (Hippocrates). But the large number of dosage forms were prepared by Jalinus (Galen) who propounded that the patient’s body would pull out of a complex prescription the substances that it needed to restore its humoral balance. Hence, he is considered as the father of polyherbal pharmaceutical preparations. One of the prime factors for not reaching Unani System of Medicine to the public at large is the stagnation in drug dosage forms. Nearly 90 dosage forms are recorded in Unani pharmaceutical books, of them only 1/3rd is used in present era. Most of the dosage forms remain only an ornament of books because of varied reasons viz. time consuming preparations, not easy to carry, large bulk of doses, not so attractive, unsterilized method of handling, delayed action, high sugar content etc. Thus, it is highly imperative to modify the Unani drug dosage forms. Modifications should be done in all three phases of pharmaceutical drugs i.e., before, during and after preparations. Apart from this, several dosage forms which are not used may be changed into sub lingual, chewable and dispersible tablets, lozenges, drops, inhalers, suppositories, pessaries, cosmetics, enemas, etc. Unless and until afore said measures are taken on priority basis, the survival of the system will remain a quagmire.

Keywords: Unani drugs; dosage forms; ashkale advia; modification.

Article history Received: 12 January 2016 Revised: 26 January 2016 Accepted: 13 February 2016

Early view: 25 February 2016

*Author for correspondence

E-mail: [email protected]

Biomedjournal © Copyright 2013, All rights reserved. Biomedjournal Privacy Policy.

INTRODUCTION

The exact time of origin of the earliest dosage forms is 1 lost in the mists of history. It can be safely assumed that 2 primitive man took parts of plants including leaves, 3 stems, roots and berries internally for a range of 4 symptoms. A variety of plant and animal materials would 5 undoubtedly have also been applied externally to aid the 6 healing of wounds (Anonymous, 2015). 7

The earliest comprehensive Materia medica was written 8 at the time of King Assurbanipal 2000 years B.C. 9 containing approximately 250 vegetable and 120 mineral 10 drugs. Around 1500 B.C., the famous Egyptian Papyrus 11 Ebers is the best known pharmaceutical record containing 12 800 prescriptions using 700 drugs drawn from plants, 13 animals and minerals origin (Jokhab, 2015). The ancient 14 Greeks and Romans used a number of dosage forms, many 15 of which can be recognized today; these included 16 ointments, oils, powders, pills, pessaries, gargles and eye 17 lotions etc (Anonymous, 2015). 18

Unani Medicine claims earliest preparations viz; Sufoof 19 (Powder) (Rehman, 1991; Bari, 2003; Said, 1997) and 20 Tiryaq (Anti-dote) were prepared by Arastu (Aristotle) 21 and Magneeus Felsoof respectively. Indrumakhas I 22 (Andromachus I) modified Tiryaq, mixed fleshes of snakes 23 into Tiryaq and given name Tiryaq-e-Farooq (Ibn Abbas, 24 2010). Some of the preparations like Ayarij Feeqra 25 (Arzani, 1998) Amroosiya, Basaliqoon (Arzani, 1998; Said, 26 1997), and ointment etc, were introduced by Buqrat 27 (Hippocrates). (Rehman, 1991) But the large number of 28 dosage forms were prepared by Jalinus (Galen) who 29 propounded that the patient‟s body would pull out of a 30 complex prescription the substances that it needed to 31 restore its humoral balance. Jalinus practiced and taught 32 both pharmacy and medicine in Rome; his principles of 33 preparing and compounding drugs ruled the Western 34 world for 1,500 years; and his name still is associated 35 with that class of pharmaceuticals compounded by 36 mechanical means-Galenicals. He was the originator of 37

Q

R

C

o

de

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN

PHARMACY MEDICINE AND BIOALLIED SCIENCESAn International, Multi-Disciplinary, Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Indexed, Triannually Published Journal

|www.biomedjournal.com|

mailto:[email protected]



the formula for a cold cream, essentially similar to that 38 known today. Many procedures Galen originated have 39 their counterparts in today's modern compounding 40 laboratories (George, 1965). Hence, he is considered as 41 the father of polyherbal pharmaceutical preparations. 42 Barshasha, Laooq (Linctus) and Huqna (Enema) were also 43 introduced by him in pharmaceutics (Rehman, 1991; Bari, 44 2003). 45

After Jalinus many Unani physicians introduced several 46 dosage forms viz; Jawarish and Gulqand were invented by 47 Iranian physicians. Hamul (Pessary), Farzaja (Vaginal 48 pessary) and Fateela (Bougie) were introduced by 49 Bukhtishu. Zimad (Paste) was prepared by Egyptian 50 physicians while Arq (Aqueous) (Rehman, 1991) and 51 Kushta (Calx) were made by Arab physicians. It is claimed 52 that Majun (Confection) was invented by Hermes 53 (Rehman, 1991; Bari, 2003). Sharbat (Syrup) was 54 introduced by Feesagorus (Pythagoras). Khameera 55 (Fermented confection) was invented by Hakims (Unani 56 physicians) of Mughal period (Table 1) (Rehman, 1991; 57 Said, 1997). 58

Table 1. Important dosage forms introduced by ancient 59 Physicians. 60

Dosage forms Introducer

Sufoof Arastu

Tiryaq Indrumakhas I

Ayarij Feeqra Amroosiya Basaliqoon Marham

Buqrat

Cold cream Barshasha Laooq Huqna

Jalinus

Jawarish Gulqand

Iranian physicians

Hamul Farzaja Fateela

Bukhtishu

Zimad Egyptian physicians

Arq Kushta

Arab Physicians

Sharbat Feesagorus

Khameera Hakims of Mughal period

Apart from dosage forms individual formulations were 61 also prepared by different Unani physicians viz; Habb-e-62 Qoqaya and Majun Sara were first prepared by Jalinus, 63 Habb-e-Zahab introduced by Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Majun 64 Baladuri was prepared by Zakariya Razi (Rhazes), Majun 65 Flasafa was introduced by Indromakhas II (Andromachus 66 II) while Majun Najah is ascribed to Hermes, and to 67 Jalinus as claimed by some (Table 2) (Arzani, 1998). 68

Need of dosage forms 69

Unani Medicine defines Ashkal-e-Advia as “drug is used 70 either singly or in combination but it is never used in its 71 original form, hence the form has to be modified” 72 (Qureshi, 1995). Unani physicians have difference of 73 opinion over the use of compound formulations; many of 74

them advocate single drug is best for treatment of 75 diseases. Razi quoted “whenever possible, always use 76 single drugs for treatment of diseases; compound 77 formulations may be used only in compelling situation‟‟. 78 Ibn Sina stated that “tested drugs are better than 79 untested drugs and single drugs should be used in single 80 diseases than compound formulations”. But sometimes, 81 single drugs are not sufficient to cure a disease. 82 According to some Unani physicians this principle of 83 treatment has limitations, may be accepted only in 84 certain conditions. Majusi (Haly Abbas) said “all diseases 85 could not be cured by single drugs because the 86 temperaments of disease and drug may vary”. Several 87 Unani physicians are of the opinion that treatment of 88 diseases with single drugs is confined to single diseases” 89 (Qureshi, 1995). 90

Table 2. Individual dosage forms introduced by ancient 91 physicians. 92

Dosage forms Introducer

Habb-e-Qoqaya Majun Sara

Jalinus

Habb-e-Zahab Ibn Sina

Majun Baladuri Zakariya Razi

Majun Flasafa Indromakhas II

Majun Najah Hermes / Jalinus

However, after much deliberation, Unani physicians 93 advocated treatment by compound drugs which are best 94 because of varied reasons viz; Islah-e-Advia ke liye (for 95 correction of drugs), Izafa-e-Quwat ke liye (to increase 96 potency), Tazeef-e-Amal ke liye (to decrease action), 97 Sura’t-e-Nufooz ke vaste (to increase absorption), Ibta-e-98 Nufooz ke vaste (to decrease absorption), Amraz-e-99 Murakkaba ke ilaj ke liye (for treatment of compound 100 diseases), Tahaffuz-e-Advia ke liye (for preservation of 101 drugs), Dawa ki miqdar-e-Khurak ko badhana (to increase 102 the bulk of drug) and Dawa-e-Mufrad ki taseer-e-Kulli ko 103 juza’i banana (to decrease the effect of drug in whole 104 body) (Wadud, 2004; Qureshi, 1995; Ibn Sina, 2006; Ibnul 105 Quf, 1986). 106 Today, several dosage forms have been modified in 107 Conventional Medicine as per need viz; to provide 108 optimal drug action from topical administration sites 109 (transdermal patches), to provide for insertion of a drug 110 into one of the body‟s orifices (rectal or vaginal 111 suppositories), to protect the drug substance from the 112 destructive influences of atmospheric oxygen or humidity 113 (coated tablets, sealed ampoules), to protect the drug 114 substance from the destructive influence of gastric acid 115 after oral administration (enteric-coated tablets) 116 (Chaudhary et al, 2013). Even many modern dosage forms 117 are referred to in the Ebers papyrus viz; gargles, snuffs, 118 inhalations, suppositories etc. (Jokhab, 2015). 119

Types of dosage forms 120

The term pharmacopoeia was coined by Dr. Foes in 1561 121 A.D. Pharmacopoeia is a book containing directions for 122 the identification of sample and the preparation of 123 compound medicines and published by the authority of a 124



government or a medical or pharmaceutical society 125 (World Health Organization, 2013). Similarly the term 126 Qarabadeen / Anqarabadeen / Aqrabadeen was derived 127 from an Arabic word Ankarabadeen. Probably Ali Gilani 128 was the first to use and gave this term, meaning „Advia 129 murakkaba ka dafter‟ (office of compound drugs) and 130 Arzani quoted the meaning of Qarabadeen is „Advia 131 murakkaba‟ (compound drugs) in Qarabadeen-e-Qadri. 132 (Arzani,1998). In India, fourteen Qarabadeen are 133 approved by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India apart from 134 other several pharmacopoeias. These are Qarabadeen-e-135 Qadri by Akbar Arzani, Qarabadeen-e-Kabeer by 136 Mohammad Husain Khan, Qarabadeen-e-Azam by Azam 137 Khan, Qarabadeen-e-Jadeed by Abdul Hafeez, Elaj-ul-138 Amraz by Shareef Khan, Bayaz-e-Kabeer Volume II and 139 Kitab al-Taklees by Kabeerudeen, Miftah-ul-Khazain by 140 Kareem Baksh, Ma’dan al-Akseer by Firozuddin, Makhzan-141 ul-Murakkabat by Ghulam Jeelani, Al Qarabadeen-e-142 Jadeed by Kabeeruddin, Kitab al-Taklees by Abdul 143 Hafeez, National Formulary of Unani Medicine and Unani 144 Pharmacopoeia (Lohar, YNM).

145

Mostly all Unani pharmacopoeias broadly classify Ashkal-146 e-Advia into four broad categories: (1) Jamid Advia (Solid 147 dosage forms), (2) Neem Jamid Advia (Semi-solid dosage 148 forms), (3) Saiyyal Advia (Liquid dosage forms), (4) 149 Bukhari Advia (Gaseous dosage forms) (Table 3) (Wadud, 150 2004; Qureshi, 1995; Ibn Sina, 2006; Chaudhary et al., 151 2013; Ghani, 2010). 152

Table 3. Total number of dosage forms. 153

Dosage forms Total

Numbers

Jamid Advia (Solid dosage forms) 27

Neem Jamid Advia (Semi-solid dosage

forms) 17

Saiyyal Advia (Liquid dosage forms) 42

Bukhari Advia (Gaseous dosage forms) 04

Jamid advia (Solid dosage forms): Hab (Pill), Qurs 154 (Tablet), Sufoof (Powder), Shiyaf (Suppository), Hamool 155 (Pessary), Farzaja (Vaginal pessary) Fateela (Bougie), 156 Sanoon (Tooth powder), Mazoogh (Masticator), Burood 157 (Eye dusting powder), Kohl (Collyrium), Zaroor (Dusting 158 powder), Usara, Nafookh (Insuflation), Atoos (Errhine), 159 Ghaza (Face powder), Ghalia (Perfumed powder), 160 Ubtana, Lazooq (Band-aid), Norah (Hair remover), 161 Murabba (Preserver), Gulqand, Rub (Extract), Halva 162 (Sweet), Mishtri, Damam and Argaja (Wadud, 2004; 163 Qureshi, 1995; Ibn Sina, 2006; Ghani, 2010; Jalaluddin, 164 2006; Ali, 2006; Khan, 2006; Khan, 2005). 165 Neem jamid advia (Semi-solid dosage forms): Majoon 166 (Confection), Itrifal, Jawarish, Anushdaru, Khameera 167 (Fermented confection), Laooq (Linctus), Laboob, Dawa-168 ul-Misk, Yaqooti, Bershasha, Tiryaq (Anti-dote), Zarooni, 169 Usara, Marham (Ointment), Qeruti (Poultice), Zimad 170 (Paste) and Latookh (Wadud, 2004; Qureshi, 1995; Ibn 171 Sina, 2006; Ghani, 2010; Jalaluddin, 2006; Ali, 2006; 172 Khan, 2006; Khan, 2005). 173

However, Itrifalat, Anushdaru, Jawarishat, Majunat, 174 Khameerajat, Laooqat, Labubat, Muffarehat and Dawa-175 ul-Misk could be classified as Majoon, but have been 176 classified separately because of their special 177 characteristics (Rehman, 1991; Said, 1997). 178

Saiyyal advia (Liquid dosage forms): Ma-ul-Jubn (Whey), 179 Ma-ul-Asl (Hydromel), Ma-ul-Lahem (Mutton soup), Ma-180 ush-Sha’eer (Barley water),Ma-ul-Buqool (Vegetable 181 juice), Ma-ul-Favakiha (Fruit juice), Rooh (Essence), 182 Sharbat (Syrup), Sikanjbeen, Nabeez, Joshanda 183 (Decoction), Khisanda (Infusion), Zulal, Haleeb va mazeej 184 (Mixture), Sharab (Wine), Sirka (Vinegar), Aabkama, 185 Mehlool (Solution), Nutool (Irrigation), Sakub, Ghusool 186 (Washing lotion), Pashoya (Foot bath), Nazooh (Spray), 187 Tila (Liniment), Dalook (Rubbing agent), Dohan (Oil), 188 Khizab (Hair dye), Sabigh (Skin dye), Mazmaza (Mouth 189 wash), Gharghara (Gargle), Wajoor (Throat drop), Saoot 190 (Nasal drop), Nashooq (Snuff), Zarooq (Syringing), Aabzan 191 (Sitz bath), Huqna (Enema), Masooh, Marauwakh, Lua’bat 192 (Mucilage), Dayaqooza, Arq (Distillate), Qutoor (Eye 193 drop) (Wadud, 2004; Qureshi, 1995; Ibn Sina, 2006; 194 Ghani, 2010; Jalaluddin, 2006; Ali, 2006; Khan, 2006; 195 Khan, 2005). 196

Bukhari advia (Gaseous dosage forms): Bukhoor / 197 Dhooni (Fumigation), Inkibab/Bhapara (Vapour bath), 198 Lakhlakha (Inhalation) and Shamoom (Olfaction) (Wadud, 199 2004; Qureshi, 1995; Ibn Sina, 2006; Ghani, 2010; 200 Jalaluddin, 2006; Ali, 2006; Khan, 2006; Khan, 2005). 201

Need of modification in dosage forms 202

At present, nearly 90 dosage forms are recorded in 203 different Unani pharmacopoeias (Arzani, 1998; Said, 204 1997; Ibn Sina, 2006; Ghani, 2010; Kabeeruddin, 1935; 205 Hafeez, 2005), among them only 1/3

rd is in vogue. Most of 206

the dosage forms remain only an ornament of books 207 because of varied reasons viz. time consuming 208 preparations, uneasy to carry, large bulk of dosage, 209 unattractiveness, unsterilized method of handling, 210 delayed action, high sugar content etc. Thus, it is highly 211 imperative to modify the Unani drug dosage forms. 212 Modifications should be done in all three phases of 213 pharmaceutical drugs i.e., before, during and after 214 preparations. 215

Modification in single drugs before compounding 216

All single drugs which are used in preparations should be 217 identified by Pharmacognostical methods. Those single 218 drugs which are not yet classified scientifically must be 219 classified on the basis of their taxonomy rather than 220 alphabetical classification because this classification is 221 only suitable for quick reference. Mufrad advia (single 222 drugs) must be collected by qualified persons who are 223 aware about the medicinal benefits and appropriate 224 season of collection of drugs. Foreign matter found in a 225 sample of herbal drug should not go beyond the limit set 226 in national or international pharmacopoeias (World 227 Health Organization, 2007). All collected single drugs 228 must be stored properly as per guidelines of Unani 229 pharmacopoeias (Qureshi, 1995; Ibnul Quf, 1986). 230



Cultivation of several species of Unani drugs may be 231 taken as priority basis because cultivated drugs may have 232 good concentrations of active constituents (Kokate, 233 2009). In this regard, a cohesive approach is essential to 234 co-ordinate with different stake holders like medicinal 235 plants board, state agriculture and forest departments 236 etc, to procure quality of drugs. 237

The Doses of individual drugs may be standardized with 238 the help of pre-clinical studies. The doses of various 239 single Unani drugs vary in different books. A dose range 240 of each drug may be given. The World Health 241 Organization emphasizes more on safety aspect of a drug 242 rather than efficacy. Hence, toxicological studies are 243 imperative. All single drugs must be tested in animals for 244 their toxicity. Majusi also suggested for animal study of 245 Unani drugs (Ibn Abbas, 2010). Several Unani drugs are 246 contradictory, have different species and few drugs are 247 not easily available and some are extinct. These matters 248 should be sorted out. 249

Modification in processing 250

The premises where the preparation is done should be 251 according to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) 252 guidelines for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Medicines. All 253 instruments should be labeled by ISI (Indian Standards 254 Institute). Sterilization facility should be available for 255 premises, instruments, containers and individuals. All 256 processes should be done by using modern machineries to 257 reduce man power, time and to increase production at 258 short intervals. All preparations should be prepared with 259 the help of old as well modern parameters, methods and 260 techniques. Few old parameters may be modified viz; 261 instead of taar ka qiwam, viscosity of drugs may be 262 tested. Classical number of sieve may be replaced by 263 British standard of sieve to get uniform particle size of 264 powder drugs. 265

Modification in dosage forms 266

Powder 267

Particle size of the drug plays a major role in the 268 dissolution rate of the drugs. Almost all the formulations 269 are prepared by powder drugs. For high potency drugs, it 270 can be advantageous to have small particle sizes to 271 maximize the number of particles in order to allow 272 adequate mixing and dose uniformity. Since small 273 particles have greater significance (Lund, 2009). In Unani 274 Medicine, Attiba (Unani physicians) have mentioned 275 powder of Jawarish should be coarse (durdura) because 276 these preparations are required to stay in gastrointestinal 277 tract for long time for gradual action (Kabeeruddin, 1935; 278 Hafeez, 2005). Sometimes the powder should be fine in 279 case of Majun and Kushta for quick absorption. 280

Attiba have also mentioned the size of mesh to confirm 281 the particle size like 40, 60, 80, 100 number of meshes 282 (Said, 1997) which were also used by westerners in 20

th 283

Century A.D. but now the method is obsolete and „British 284 Standard of sieve size 410: 1986‟is in vogue. The old 285 method represents the number of openings per linear 286

inch of mesh. But the British Pharmacopoeia defined in 287 terms of particle size as determined by microscopy 288 (Lund, 2009). The following terms are used: 289

Coarse powder: All the particles of powder pass through a 290 sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 1700 micrometers. 291

Moderately coarse powder: All the particles of powder 292 pass through a sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 710 293 micrometers. 294

Moderately fine powder: All the particles of powder pass 295 through a sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 335 296 micrometers. 297

Fine powder: All the particles of powder pass through a 298 sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 180 micrometers. 299

Very fine powder: All the particles of powder pass 300 through a sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 125 301 micrometers. 302

Micro fine powder: All the particles of powder pass 303 through a sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 45 304 micrometers. 305

Superfine powder: All the particles of powder pass 306 through a sieve with a nominal mesh aperture of 10 307 micrometers (British Standard 410: 1986) (Lund, 2009). 308

Qurs (Tablet) 309

According to British pharmacopoeia tablet was invented 310 by Arab physicians (Lund, 2009). The tablet should be 311 stable. Stability of Unani tablets is very weak, after some 312 time of preparation they easily break down. For better 313 stability, diluents, granulating agent, lubricant, glidant 314 and disintegrant may be taken of good quality. All 315 processes of making tablets viz.; mixing, wetting, 316 granulation, drying, sieving and compression should be 317 followed in systematic manner for better stability and 318 disintegration. 319

Sublingual tablets 320

Conventional Medicine is preparing lipid soluble tablets 321 and pills for sublingual use. These types of drugs are 322 readily absorbed through the sublingual veins and 323 immediately reach the circulation. They may be helpful 324 in certain emergencies like Ischemic Heart Diseases and 325 Hypertension etc. (Tripathi, 2003). The same can be 326 imbibed for Unani drugs also to meet emergencies. 327

Lozenges 328

Lozenges are large tablets that are intended to stay in 329 the mouth for relatively long periods (10-15min), while 330 they dissolve or erode (Lund, 2009). In Unani Medicine, 331 only Sualeen is available as lozenges. Unani Medicine can 332 prepare more lozenges for antibacterial and anesthetic 333 local effect for throat and mouth diseases. 334

Chewable tablets 335

In contrast to lozenges, chewable tablets are designed to 336 be broken down rapidly in the buccal cavity by the action 337 of the teeth (Lund, 2009; Gopal et al., 2012). Chewable 338 tablets are preferably given to children, old and 339



bedridden patients, who have difficulty in swallowing or 340 dislike swallowing but at the same time palatable (Gopal 341 et al., 2012). 342

Dispersible tablets 343

Dispersible tablet is defined as uncoated or film 344 coated tablet intended to be dispersed in water 345 before administration giving a homogeneous dispersion. 346 Typically, a dispersible tablet is dispersed in about 5-15 347 ml of water and the resulting dispersion is administered 348 to the patient. However, they can also be placed 349 directly on the tongue and sucked. The dispersion 350 properties of dispersible tablets can be facilitated by the 351 inclusion of an acid/ base couple in which the base 352 liberates carbon dioxide when the components of the 353 couple are dissolved in water (Amarnath et al., 2014). 354

Bulk density of Majoon, Itrifal, Khameera, Laooq and 355 Jawarish should be determined by bulk density meter. It 356 will be helpful in the identification of an adulterant. 357

Viscosity of those dosage forms and Sharbat, Joshanda, 358 Khisanda and other liquid form drugs should also be 359 determined by viscometer. It will also be helpful in the 360 identification of an adulterant. 361

pH of those dosage forms should also be determined by 362 pH meter. Other physico-chemical standardization such 363 as moisture content, ash value and qualitative analysis of 364 phyto-constituents may also be analyzed (Lateef et al., 365 2013; Meena et al., 2010). 366

Lazooq (Band-aid) 367

The traditional method to prepare this dosage form is 368 fine powder of drugs mixed to white part of egg or other 369 mucilaginous substances then spread over already sieved 370 paper and apply the paper on affected area (Wadud, 371 2004). It can be considered as Band-aid that is used in 372 Conventional Medicine. However, Conventional Medicine 373 has confined this dosage form only for haemostatic and as 374 an antiseptic, but Unani system Unani System of Medicine 375 is enriched with lot of formulations of lazooq (Khan, 376 2005; Kabeeruddin 2006) which can be developed and 377 modified. 378

Shiyaf (Suppository) 379

In Unani Medicine, this preparation is used according to 380 the site like ear, nose, urethra, rectum, vagina and 381 wounds, etc, in the form of batti (cylindrical shape) and 382 given different names viz; Hamool, Fateela and Farzaja. 383 (Qureshi, 1995; Ghani, 2010) Conventional Medicine 384 prepared this dosage form by using appropriate 385 absorbent, absorption enhancers, diluents and lubricants. 386 They commonly use theobroma, kokum, olive, glycerol 387 and almond oil as base of suppository. Unani 388 pharmaceutical laboratories can also prepare this dosage 389 form with the help of these bases. It will be helpful in 390 some emergency conditions like high grade fever, 391 vomiting, constipation, local sepsis etc. It can also be 392 useful in children and old patients particularly in cases of 393 fever. (Tripathi, 2003). 394

Farzaja (Vaginal pessary) 395

Presently, this dosage form is rarely used in Unani System 396 of Medicine (Said, 1997). Fatty bases, such as theobroma 397 oil, or water soluble bases such as glycerol are used for 398 the preparation of pessaries in Modern pharmaceutics. 399 Bases should be formulated such that the pessaries melt 400 at, or slightly below 37 °C (Lund, 2009). 401

Huqna (Enema) 402

Unani Medicine claims Jalinus introduced this dosage 403 form. It is prepared with the help of „Roghan-e-Gul’ and 404 „Roghan-e-Kunjud’ as the base of Huqna. Today, 405 practitioners of Conventional Medicine also prefer „soap 406 water enema‟ that was previously preferred by Unani 407 physicians. This may be prepared in a more scientific 408 manner. This dosage form may be useful in inflammation 409 of gastrointestinal mucosa, constipation and several 410 emergencies and may also use for nutritive purpose in 411 terminally ill patients (Ghani, 2010). 412

Khizab (Hair dye), Ghaza (Face powder), Ghalia 413 (Perfumed powder), Norah (Hair remover), Sabeeg 414 (Skin dye) 415

These are cosmetic dosage forms which are vital for 416 beauty enhancements in today‟s life. Razi has written a 417 chapter of Alhawi fit tib volume VI and Kitab al-Mansuri 418 on this topic (Razi, 1999; Razi, 1991). The author of Al 419 Moalijat-e-Buqratiya has also given a lot of formulations 420 for cosmetic disfigurements (Tibri, 1997). At present, 421 only „Ghaza Husn-e-Afza‟ prepared by Hamdard 422 laboratories (Said, 1997) and „Kalonji Fairness Cream‟ 423 prepared by Mohammadia Dawakhana are being 424 marketed. Unani soaps, shampoos, hair dyes and 425 perfumed powder may be of wider use, if develop on a 426 large scale due to its safety and efficacy. 427

Lakhlakha (Inhalers/ Aerosol) 428

Unani physicians used this dosage form in traditional 429 manner. They advised the patients to take powder drug 430 into a large opening of utensil and inhale. This dosage 431 form was prepared at the time of administration of drug 432 (Ghani, 2010). Now pharmaceutical laboratories prepare 433 this dosage form as Aerosol which generally consists of 434 solutions, emulsions, or suspensions of medicaments in a 435 mixture of inert propellants which are held until required 436 (Lund, 2009). 437

Saoot (Nasal drop), Qutoor (Eye & Ear drop) 438

Jalinus was the founder of Saoot. He prepared this 439 dosage form for patients who felt inconvenience in taking 440 medicine orally particularly in headache. Now it is used 441 especially in nasal diseases. (Ghani, 2010) Hamdard 442 pharmacopoeia has mentioned „Qutoor-e-Ramad’ and 443 „Qutoor-e-Siyah’ (Said, 1997). However, these are not 444 available in the market. A pre-clinical study has been 445 done on conjunctivitis by Abdul-Lateef et al. (2010), who 446 prepared an eye drop of Unani formulations and used in 447 rabbits and result was found statistically significant 448 (Abdul-Lateef et al, 2010). 449



Oily vehicle and several preservatives are found to stop 450 cilial movements. In order to prevent deleterious effects 451 on cilial action, the viscosity, tonicity and pH of nasal 452 drops should be as near as possible to those of natural 453 secretions; adjustment may be made by the addition of 454 hypromellose, sodium chloride and buffers (Lund, 2009). 455

CONCLUSION 456

The compounding of Unani drugs is profoundly rooted in 457 history. Ancient Unani physicians introduced varied 458 dosage forms viz; Sufoof, Qurs, Shiyaf, Qutoor, Majun, 459 Iitrifal, Laooq, Khameera and Sharbat etc. Arastu, 460 Indrumakhas, Buqrat, Arab physicians and even Indian 461 Hakims prepared and modified several dosage forms as 462 per the necessities and public demand which kept the 463 system going. In ancient period, all the dosage forms 464 were accepted but now the period has highly been 465 developed with social, cultural and even environmental 466 state of affairs have been changed. Unani Medicine has 467 been developed in several aspects but some areas are 468 still unexplored. Nearly 90 dosage forms are documented 469 in Unani pharmaceutical books, (Arzani, 1998; Said, 1997; 470 Ibn Sina, 2006; Ghani, 2010; Kabeeruddin, 1935; Hafeez, 471 2005) but only 1/3

rd is used in present era. Most of the 472

dosage forms remain only an ornament of books because 473 of varied reasons viz. time consuming preparations, not 474 easy to carry, large bulk of doses, not so attractive, 475 unsterilized method of handling, delayed action, high 476 sugar content etc. These are the prime factors for not 477 reaching Unani medicine to the public at large due to 478 stagnation in drug dosage forms. In contrast to Unani 479 Medicine, Conventional and Ayurvedic Medicines have 480 changed drug dosage forms according to need of time and 481 individuals. Those Unani drug dosage forms which are 482 only an ornament of books e.g., Shiyaf, Saoot, Qutoor, 483 Farzaja, Fateela, Lakhlakha, Khizab, Ghaza, Ghalia, 484 Ubtana, Kohl, Zaroor, Nafookh, Qeruti, Lazooq, Norah 485 and Shamoom etc., are to be explored and prepared in 486 scientific manner. Those dosage forms which are already 487 used but have certain draw backs they should also be 488 modified viz; tablets may be prepared in varied forms, 489 most of the semisolid dosage forms contained rich sugar 490 contents may be transformed into tablets and capsule or 491 they should be free from sugar because of high 492 prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Most of the dosage forms 493 may be prepared from extract to decrease bulk of dosage 494 and increase efficacy of drugs. 495

To counter the advocacy of traditionalist physicians to 496 maintain status quo in modification of drugs, stern efforts 497 may be taken to conduct pre-clinical and clinical studies 498 to compare the safety and efficacy of existing as well as 499 modified drug dosage forms to arrive at the ideal dosage 500 form. Unless and until the aforesaid measures are taken 501 on priority basis, the survival of the system will remain a 502 quagmire. 503

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 504

The authors hereby acknowledge the librarian of Regional 505 Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai and 506

Central Library of National Institute of Unani Medicine, 507 Bangalore for providing necessary literature materials. 508 The authors are also grateful to authors of those papers 509 whose research papers were cited in this review. 510

CONFLICT OF INTEREST 511

None declared. 512

REFERENCES 513

Abdul-Lateef, Razique A, Sukul RR, Siddiqui N. Anti-514 inflammatory and Antihistaminic Study of a Unani Eye 515 Drop Formulation. Ophthalmol Eye Disease. 2010; 2: 17-516 22. 517

Ali E. Qarabadeen-e-Ehsani. 2nd Edition. New Delhi: 518 CCRUM, Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family 519 Welfare, Govt. of India; 2006. p. 28-145. 520

Anonymous. The evolution of pharmacy Theme D, Level 521 1, the development of dosage forms; 522 [https://www.rpharms.org] (Assessed on 12 October 523 2015) 524

Arzani A. Qarabadeen-e-Qadri. (Urdu translation). New 525 Delhi: Ejaz Publishing House; 1998. p. 6, 9, 20, 22, 58, 526 60, 89. 527

Bari A. Jame al-Advia. Deoband: Faisal Publications; 528 2003. p. 104. 529

Chaudhary SS, Tariq M, Zaman R, Imtiyaz S. Solid dosage 530 forms in Unani system of medicine. Journal of 531 Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation. 2013; 2 (3): 17-532 22. 533

George AB. Great Movements in Pharmacy. Park, Davis & 534 Company; 1965. p 10. 535

Ghani N. Khazain al-Advia. 1st Edition. New Delhi: Idarah 536 Kitab al-Shifa; 2010. p. 108-124. 537

Hafeez A. Qarabadeen-e-Jadeed. New Delhi: Dept. of 538 AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of 539 India; 2005. p. 25. 540

Ibn Abbas. Kamil al-Sana. Vol 2, Part II. (Urdu translation 541 by Kanturi GH). CCRUM, Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of 542 Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 2010. p. 479-543 492. 544

Ibn Sina. Al Qanoon fit Tib (Urdu translation by Kanturi 545 GH) Vol. V. New Delhi: Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health 546 and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 2006. p. 1-4. 547

Ibnul Quf, Kitabul Umdah Fil Jarahat (Urdu translation by 548

CCRUM) Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of 549 India, New Delhi, 1986. p. 102-107, 174-175, 234, 263, 550 268, 271-274, 292-293. 551

Jalaluddin. Qarabadeen-e-Jalali. 2nd

Ed. New Delhi: 552 CCRUM, Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family 553 Welfare, Govt. of India; 2006. p. 2-134. 554

Jokhab S. Pharmacy History. 555 [http://ksupc.com/download] [Assessed on 16 October 556 2015) 557



Kabeeruddin. Al-Qarabadeen. 2nd Edition. New Delhi: 558 CCRUM, Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family 559 Welfare, Govt, of India; 2006. p. 991-992. 560

Khan A. Qarabadeen-e-Azam va Akmal. (Urdu translation 561 by CCRUM), New Delhi: Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of 562 Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 2005. p. 2, 8, 563 11, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 31-32, 35, 36, 84, 88, 95, 564 317, 318, 321, 330, 331, 335, 362, 363, 378, 397, 405, 565 416, 419, 420, 421, 422, 430, 432, 433, 434. 566

Khan MS. Elaj al-Amraz. (Urdu translation by 567 Kabeeruddin). New Delhi: Ejaz Publishing House; 2006. p. 568 912-944. 569

Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB. Pharmacognosy. 43rd 570

Ed. Pune: Nirali Prakashan; 2009. p. 3.1. 571

Lateef A, Tafseer MB, Rauf A, Rehman S. Physico-572 chemical standardization of Laooq Sapistan Khayaar 573 Shambari: A Pharmacopoeial Compound Unani 574 Formulation. Pharmacophore. 2013; 4 (6) 268-274. 575

Lohar DR. Legal statuts of Ayurvedic, Siddha & Unani 576 Medicines. Ghaziabad: Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for 577 Indian Medicines. Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and 578 Family Welfare, Govt. of India; YNM. p. 30. 579

Lund W. The Pharmaceutical Codex. 12th Ed. India: CBS 580

Publishers & Distributors; 2009. p. 12, 24-27, 28-29, 128-581 132, 158, 175. 582

Meena R, Meena AK, Khan SA, Mageswari S. Evaluation of 583 a Unani compound formulation-Majoon-e-Sandal. 584 International Journal of Pharma Sciences and Research. 585 2010; 1(5): 238-242. 586

Pasupuleti A, Kumar S, Brahma CK. Formulation and 587 evaluation of Oro-dispersible tablets of Deferasirox. 588 International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and 589 Nano Sciences. 2014; 3(6): 509- 516. 590

Patil J, Vishwajith V, Gopal V. Formulation development 591 and evaluation of chewable tablets. Journal of 592 Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation. 2012; 1 (3): 593 112-117. 594

Qureshi EH. Muqadma-e-Ilmul Advia. New Delhi: Ejaz 595 Publishing House; 1995. p. 81-103. 596

Razi. Al Hawi fit Tib. Vol. VI. (Urdu translation by 597 CCRUM). New Delhi: Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health 598 and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 1999. p. 183-239. 599

Razi. Kitab al-Mansuri. 1st Ed. (Urdu translation by 600

CCRUM). New Delhi: Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health 601 and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 1991. p. 187-205. 602

Rehman Z. Kitab al-Murakkabat. Aligarh: Ajmal Khan 603 Tibbiya College, AMU; 1991. p. 65, 99, 111, 114, 152, 604 158. 605

Said M. Hamdard Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine. 2nd

606 Ed. Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications; 1997. p. 65, 73-75, 607 77, 119, 152, 169, 608

Tibri A. Al Moalijat-e-Buqratiya. Vol. II. (Urdu translation 609 by CCRUM). New Delhi: Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of 610

Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 1997. p. 12-611 57, 107-110. 612

Tripathi KD. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 5th 613 Edition. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers 614 (P) Ltd; 2003. p. 8,176,488,715. 615

Vogel HG. Drug Discovery and Evaluation: 616 Pharmacological Assays. 2

ndEd.New York: Springer-Verlag 617

Berlin Heidelberg; 2008. p. 2. 618

Wadud A. Ashrah al-Advia (Kulliyat-e-Advia). Burhan Pur: 619 Printed by Mumtaz Screen Printer; 2004. p. 54-69. 620

World Health Organization. Review of World 621 Pharmacopoeia, International Meeting of World 622 Pharmacopoeias. Geneva: World Health Organization; 623 2013. P. 3-4. [http://www.who.org] (Accessed on 12 624 October 2015). 625

World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for assessing 626 quality of herbal medicines with reference to 627 contaminants and residues. Geneva: World Health 628 Organization; 2007. P. 19. [http://apps.who.int org] 629 (Accessed on 15 October 2015) 630

631

Modification in Unani drug dosage forms Need of the...

Documents

Transcript of Modification in Unani drug dosage forms Need of the...