review on arusa [adhatoda vasica nees]

ABSTRACT

The drug Arusa has been used since very long time in Unani system of medicine. According to the classical Unani medical literature Arusa is an important drug for respiratory system. Many Unani physicians have described it as an effective drug for a variety of ailments, such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma and fever. There are various vernacular names of Arusa in different languages. In Arabic Hashishatus-sual, in English Malabar nut, in Hindi Bansa, in Kannada Adusoge, in Persian Bansa and in Urdu Arusa. It has antispasmodic, expectorant, bronchodilator, antitubercular, antiseptic, parasiticidal, anti-inflammatory, antiphlcgmatic, antibilious, uterine stimulant, antidote, digestive, appetizer, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, diuretic and antihypertensive activities. The alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone are potent bronchodilators. Vasakin a non-nitrogenous principle obtained from alcoholic extract is antidiabetic. Leaves are chiefly used in chest diseases particularly as expectorant and bronchial antiseptic, also regarded as useful in tuberculosis. The leaves dried and made into cigarettes are smoked in asthma. The leaves when smoked in a pipe give relief in asthma because it produces an ammoniacal vapour which makes breathing easier. Its hypotensive, bronchodilator, expectorant, hypoglycemic, antibiotic, antitubercular and uterine activities have been proved by experimental and clinical studies