Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in modern society and there is increasing evidence to suggest that its incidence and severity are increasing. There is a high prevalence of usage of complementary medicine for asthma. Current estimates suggest that 300 million people worldwide suffer from Bronchial asthma. This disease is very well recognized since ancient times in Unani system of medicine. Various ancient Unani Scholars and Physicians have use different Arabic terms like Rabu (short inspiration and prolonged expiration), Buhar, Dama, Intesab-un-Nafas and Zeequn Nafas under the caption of bronchial asthma. They also described the etiopathological factors, clinical features, types, and various complications of bronchial asthma that are presented in detail in their concerning treatises. Unani physicians have been treating this disease for thousands of years and they have mentioned various single as well as compound drugs viz; Kakra Seenghi (Pistacia integerrima) Arusa (Adhatoda vasica), Ajmod (Apium graveolens), Aslussoos (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Bazrul banj (Hyoscyamus niger), Biskhapra (Trianthema portulaca), Doodhi (Euphorbia hirta), Nil(Indigofera: tinctoria), Qinnab (Cannabis sativam) etc. and the compound formulations in the forms of -Kushta,
The Unani system of Medicine started in Greece and was
developed by Arabs into an elaborate medical science based
on the frame work of the teaching of Hippocrates (460-370 BC)
and Galen(131-210 AD). Since that time Unani medicine has
been known as Greco-Arab Medicine. After Hippocrates (460-
370 BC) Roman, Arab and Persian scholars enriched the
system considerably, of whom Galen stabilized the
foundations on which Arab physicians like Razi (850-925 AD)
and Ibn Sina (980-1037 AD) constructed an imposing edice.
It was introduced in India by the Mughals and soon it took rm
roots on Indian soil. The system found immediate favour from
[1] the masses and soon spread all over the country . Over the
centuries, this system has assimilated so well in the Indian
civilization that today it has become an integral part of the
healthcare delivery system of India.
The spectacular thrust and inquisitiveness of the present-day world have resulted in an incredible scientific approach regarding herbal medicine potential. The importance of herbal medicine has witnessed a tremendous expansion because of its significant effective and safe medications, especially in chronic and long-standing ailments. <em>Filfil daraz</em> (<em>Piper longum</em> L.) or long pepper, is a herb with enormous therapeutic benefits. Its beneficial actions are <em>HÄá¸im</em> (digestive), <em>MuqawwÄ«-i-MiÊ»da</em> (stomachic), and <em>KÄsir-i- RiyÄḥ</em> (carminative). Since ages, Unani physicians used this herb for several disorders like <em>BalghamÄ« khansi</em> (Phlegmatic cough), <em>FÄlij</em> (Paralysis), <em>Laqwa</em> (Facial palsy), <em>Mirgi</em> (Epilepsy), <em>Niqris</em> (Gout), <em>‘Irq al-NasÄ</em> (Sciatica), and <em>QÅ«lanj</em> (Colitis) etc. Literature survey revealed countless important phytoconstituents namely alkaloids such as piperine, volatile oil, esters and resins. Moreover, many plant parts have shown distinct activities like analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, immunomodulatory activities in quite a lot of<em> in-vivo</em> and <em>in-vitro</em> studies. The present review delivers a comprehensive description of <em>Piper longum</em> L., its ethnobotanical uses, and recent scientific studies. New research avenues are open for future research endeavours for phytochemical studies and preclinical and clinical trials to explore its medicinal importance.
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