Standardization, quality control and pharmacological review on Glycyrrhiza glabra L. A potential medicinal herb in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is a potential herbal drug used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. In view of the medicinal and pharmacological importance of this species in different systems of medicine, an attempt has been made to provide comprehensive information on standardization and quality control of the herb based on WHO guidelines. The important parameters for standardization and quality control are sensory, macroscopic, microscopic and chemical characteristics along with the physico-chemical characteristics [moisture content, successive extractive value, ash value, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value, acid value, iodine value] and TLC finger prints of different extractives. At the same time, chemical constituents, properties and its uses, pharmacology, precautions and toxicity are discussed based on literature review

Theft of Unani formulations for the treatment of various diseases is not new but it is a matter of concern since last couple of decades. However, information regarding Unani Medicine exists in Arabic, Urdu, Persian and other regional languages. The examiners of different national/ international patent offices are unable to understand this information as prior art, before granting patents due to language barrier

Some of the examples of case studies of misappropriation of Pistacia lentiscus Linn is discussed in which the indication of Pistacia lentiscus Linn i.e. anti-inflammatory [mentioned in Unani classical texts] has been claimed for wrong patent

Record of ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of various diseases and ailments in the South-Western Region of Bangladesh

An ethnomedicinal survey was undertaken to collect information from local traditional healers on the medicinal use of plants in the south-western region of Bangladesh during June 2003 to July 2005 for the first time. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The investigation revealed that, the local people and traditional healers used 126 species of plants distributed in 112 genera belonging to 58 families to treat various diseases and ailments. These plant species are enumerated alphabetically in the text by adopting the accepted names, synonym/s wherever applicable, local names, habit and habitat, along with short description of their ethnomedicinal uses