Physico-chemical standardisation of market sample of zufa khushk [agastache urticifolia]

ABSTRACT

In Unani system of medicine Zufa Khushk is in medicinal use since ancient times. There is controversy in botanical identity in between the two plants of same family [Labiatae]. Commonly available Zufa Khushk in north Indian market is botanically identified as Agastache urticifolia [Benth] Kuntze [Giant Hyssopus] but it has been described by some latest authors of Unani literature as Hyssopus officinalis [Common Hyssopus] and standardization of its flower has also been carried out by them. Keeping in view the necessity to provide pure and genuine drug to the patients for better efficiency of the prescribed drug, standardization of the sample drug has been carried out and revealed that actual botanical source of Zufa Khushk is Agastache urticifolia of Labiatae. It has also been studied that in spite of its aromatic nature, the market sample of Zufa Khushk was free from volatile oil