Therapeutic Values of Frequently Used Unani Drug Turbud (Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Plants are always considered for their multidimensional approach from livelihood to medicinal use. Traditional Systems of Medicine including the Unani System of Medicine (USM) have a treasure of important Medicinal plants. Turbud is one of the important Medicinal plants of the USM. The root powder of the drug is used for the treatment of rheumatism, flatulence, paralysis, scorpion sting, snakebite, and skin disorders (such as Vitiligo, eczema, abscesses, acne, scabies, and warts). It is used frequently for Mushil (i.e., therapeutic purgation) in USM. The rhizomes/roots are phlegm-purgative and used for the treatment of phlegmatic and nervous diseases, such as Wajʻal Mafāsil (Arthritis), Irqun Nisa (Sciatica) Niqras (Gout), Fālij (Paralysis) Laqwa (facial palsy), Ḍῑq al-Nafas (bronchial asthma), and Suʻal (cough). The present review comprehensively integrates the pharmacognosy, therapeutic uses, and pharmacology and some evidence-based scientific studies of O. Turpethum related to its efficacy like anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, antisecretory, ulcer protective, hepatoprotective, and antibacterial activities also incorporated.