Mohd Afsahul Kalam¹*, Zaffar Husain¹, Abdul Haseeb¹, Safia Husain¹, Kausar Shah¹ and Basharat Saleem²

¹Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Naseembagh Campus, Habak, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
²Institute of Asian Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir, India

*Corresponding Author: Mohd Afsahul Kalam, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Naseembagh Campus, Habak, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Received: January 17, 2021; Published: February 17, 2021

Citation: Mohd Afsahul Kalam., et al. “Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L.): A Boon for the Management of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Perspective of Unani Medicine-A Review”. Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences 5.3 (2021): 02-09.

Abstract

  Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L.) is one of the most important aromatic plant of the family Lamiaceae. It is named as Jarub-i-Dimagh (broom of brain) in Unani System of Medicine due to its scavenging property of evacuating morbid matters from the brain, those matters may cause neurological disorders like insomnia, amnesia, melancholia etc. The drug is used since time immemorial and was mentioned by Dioscorides in 1^st Century AD for its various pharmacological properties. Various studies on its effect on nervous system have been explored by researchers which may attributes to its bioactive compounds present in it like, glycosides, phenols, steroids, terpenes etc. This review gives an account of the current knowledge on the phytochemistry, and pharmacological actions along with its uses in the perspective of Unani System of Medicine.

Keywords: Ustukhuddus; Lavandula stoechas L.; Insomnia; Glycosides; Steroids; Unani System of Medicine

Introduction

  Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L.) is one of the most important plant of the family Lamiaceae. It is an aromatic herb and its leaves resemble Sa‘tar Farsi (Zataria multiflora), but thinner and longer in comparison. The branches resemble Cuscuta reflexa [1]. Flowers are greyish blue in colour, found in clusters and smell like camphor. Taste is bitter [1]. Its species are widely distributed in the Mediterranean region and cultivated in France, Spain and Italy. Dioscorides named the plant as ‘stoechas’, it is due to Stoechades, a group of islands on the south coast of Gaul near Marseilles where plant was grown abundantly [1-5]. It is known “Romero Santo” in Spain which means sacred rosemary. The Lavandula stoechas L. was likely the first to be used for its essential oils. The Romans, Greeks, and Arabs all recognized its medicinal properties [6]. Several researchers have evaluated the pharmacological effects of Lavandula stoechas L. essential oils and extracts, for its antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, other potential pharmacological effects of this plant have not yet been evaluated. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the plant according to Unani medicine and its phytochemical, pharmacological, and biological activities.

• Arabic: Anasul Arwah [7,8], Hafizul Arwah, Mawqaful Arwah, Alfajan, Geyah-i-Jalinus, Mumsik al-Arwah, Ustukhuddus [2,3,7,8]; Zaram, Zohr al-Zaram [3]
• Bengali: Tantana [3]
• English: Arabian or French Lavender, Stoecados [8,9]
• Guajarati: Lavandarana phula
• Hindi: Dharu, Tantana, [1,7,8] Alphagandharu, Ustukhuddusa
• Marathi: Alphajan,
• Persian: Jarub-i-Dimagh, Ustukhuddus [7]
• Syrian: Sanjavas, Shahe Safram Romi [3,8], Sakhawis
• Urdu: Ustukhuddus

   The plant is found in Mediterranean region and to Constantinople to Asia Minor. It is also found in Arab, Spain, Italy, India and Pakistan. In India it grows in Himalaya and Kashmir. Dried plant and flowers are imported to Mumbai from Persian Gulf. It is found in Canaries, Portugal, and eastwards throughout the Mediterranean region to Constantinople and Asia Minor [10]. The plant cultivated in Afghanistan and Peshawar is considered best in quality [11]. According to Najmul Ghani, Ustukhuddus which is cultivated in Hijaz (Arab) and Rome is more potent [2].

   Lavandula stoechas L. belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is a perennial shrub up to 90 cm, grey-tomentose, entire and sessile with somewhat revolute margins; flowers dark purple, about 4 mm, long and dense short peduncled spikes with terminal tuft of large purple bracts. Flowering occurs in June-July, which is situated in the axils of downy, heart shaped bracts [12].

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Lamiales

Family: Lamiaceae/Labiatae

Genus: Lavandula

   Ustukhuddus is a Unani drug and was known to Unani physicians since long time. Dioscorides in 1^st Century AD has described it first in his book “De Materia Medica”. The name of the genus is given from the word ‘Lavare’ means ‘to wash’, as it was used to wash the body and clothes in ancient Greek and Rome [14]. The specific name is taken from ‘Stoechades’, a group of islands on the south coast of the Marseilles, where it grows abundantly [8]. The plant grows in Rabi (spring) season in wet soil. The plant attains a height up to one and half feet [3]. The stem is green having rough surface and half meter long; leaves are bluish white with something yellow and red color, with hair on the dorsum, and looks like Sa‘tar (Zataria multiflora), but lesser in breadth and more in length; flowers appear in peduncle spikes, tastes bitter, having sharp essence like camphor [3,7] which produce sneezing on smell; seeds are blackish yellow present in bunches on upper side, looking just like Rayee (Brassica nigra) but slightly flattened (Figure 2), having fragrance like camphor and bitter in taste. Grey colored and slight bitter in taste with bit pungency is rated best of quality. The parts used for medicinal purpose include leaves and flowers of Lavandula stoechas L [3,7]. Another species is also mentioned in Unani literature with the name of Khuzama (Lavandula officinalis) [2,15], that is commonly cultivated for its volatile oil. In India, one species namely Prunella vulgaris L. [9] found in Kashmir is used as substitute of Ustukhuddus in the valley. The plant has been credited with cephalic virtue and called as “Jarub-i-Dimagh” which means broom of the brain [7]. It is called so because it sweeps away all phlegmatic impurities, removes obstructions, strengthens its power of expelling waste crudities and improves the intellectual capacity. Its medicinal values were well described by Jalinus (Galen 131 AD), that is why, it is also known as Geyah-i-Jalinus (Galenical herb). New and greyish colored Lavandula is considered best for therapeutic uses [2-5,7,8].

Leaves, flowers, and whole plant (Figure 1) [2].

Figure 1: Flowers of Ustukhuddus.

Figure 2: Seeds of L. stoechas L.

Hot 1^st and dry in 2^nd degree [1,2], According to Ibn Masoya it is hot and dry in 2^nd degree [8].

  Flowers and leaves are used for the treatment of various disorders, especially neuropsychiatric disorders, due to its Muhallil (resolvent), Mulattif (demulcent), Mundij (concoctive), Muqawwi (tonic), Munaqqi-i-Dimagh (purifier of brain), Muqawwi-i-A‘sab (nervine tonic), Munawwim (sedative), Mufattih-i-Sudad (deobstruent), Mushil-i-Balgham (phlegmagogue), Mushil-i-Sawda (melanogogue), Muharrik-i-A‘sab (nerve stimulant), Dafi-i-Tashannuj (anticonvulsant), Muqawwi-i-Ruh (strengthen of innate heat) and Dafi-i-Ta‘affun (antiseptic) and Muqawwi-i-Alat-i-Bawl (tonic to excretory system) properties. It also used for its Habis (styptic), Musakkin-i-A‘sab (nerve sedative), Qabid Khafif (mild astringent), Jali (detergent), Kasir-i-reyah (carminative), Muqawwi-i-Mi‘da (stomachic), Muqawwi-i-Qalb (cardiac tonic), Mufarrih Qalb (exhilarant), Muqawwi-i-Badan (general tonic) and Taryaq (antidote) properties. Oil-possesses Muḥammir (rubefacient), Dafi’ jarasim (antimicrobial) antiseptic activities [1-3,7-9,16].

  In Unani System of Medicine the flowers and leaves are used commonly for the treatment of Amraz-i-Dimagh and A‘sab (diseases of nerve and brain) such as Nazla-i-Sard (cold catarrh), Suda’ (headache), Nasiyan (amnesia), Sar‘ (epilepsy), Malankhūliyā (melancholia), Waswas sawdawi (anxiety), Junūn (mania), Jumūd (catalepsy), Fālij (hemiplegia), Laqwa (facial paralysis), Ra’sha (chorea), Sadr (giddiness), Dawar (vertigo), Ikhtilaj (trembling), Tashannuj Imtila‘i (convulsion), Khadar (numbness), Iltihab-i-Tajawif-i-Anaf (sinusitis), etc. It relieves sprains, Waj’ al-A‘sab (neuralgia) and Waj’ al-Mafasil (rheumatism). It is also useful for Dama (asthma), Su’āl (cough) Warm-i-Jigar Sard (fatty liver), and Istisqa (ascites). Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in his famous treatise, “Advia Qalbia’’ described its efficacy in removing the Sawda and Balgham (black bile and phlegm) from brain, hence called as “Jarub-i-Dimagh” (broom of brain) [1-3,9,15,16]

  It is taken as Saoot (nasal drop) along with honey to evacuate the morbid matters from brain [8]. Continuous use of the plant along with Aqir Qirha (Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.), and Sikanjabeen is effective for Sar‘(epilepsy). Along with Shahme Hanzal (Citrullus colycinthis), Ustukhuddus can be repeatedly used every year to cure Sara Balghami and Sawdawi. A Saoot (nasal drop) of Joshanda Ustukhuddus (decoction) mixed with Maul Asal (honey water) is used to treat the same ailment. A fumigation of Ustukhuddus is given in Istirkha (flaccidity). A Zimad (plaster) of Ustukhuddus is used on head to treat Nasiyan and Jamood. Joshanda Ustukhuddus (decoction) is very effective in Waja al-A’sab (neuralgic pain). 3 ½ g of Ustukhuddus along with Ayaraj Fiqra (aloe) 3 ½ g is taken for 35 days in the management of Ra’sha (chorea) [3]. The powder of Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L), Filfil Seyah (Piper nigrum) and Kishniz Khusk (Coriandrum sativum) is used early in the morning to treat Suda-i-Nisfi (migraine) [17], and Sar‘ (epilepsy), the same is also Mujarrab (tested) for Du’f-i-Basr (poor eye vision) [8]. It is applied on paralyzed limbs to stimulate the nerves. In the Palestinian tradition, the decoction of the aerial part of lavender is used to treat migraine and epilepsy [18]. In case of Taz‘za-e-Dimaghi (concussion) it is useful, if taken with Maul Asal [8]. it also cures Ra‘sha-i-Dimaghi that occurs due to loud voice. Fresh Sharbat Ustukhuddus with lemon syrup is useful to strengthen the memory [3]

  The decoction of Ustukhuddus is used to ease neuralgic and musculoskeletal pain of ribs [1] its decoction is used to cure chest pain which effects like Zufa (Hyssopus officinalis) [8]. Joshanda Ustukhuddus (decoction) is very effective in chest pain and cough [3].

  According to ethnobotanical and phytopharmacological studies, Lavandula stoechas is used in Morocco to treat nephrotic syndrome, works as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent, to reduce pain and inflammation [19,20].

  Joshanda Ustukhuddus (decoction) is useful in various joint pain [3]. A Gulqand of Lavender is prepared in spring season and used for removing Khilt Sawda to obtain its Mufarrih (exhilarant) effect [8].

  Two part Ustukhuddus and one part Post Beekh-i-Kibr (Capparis spinosa Bark) mixed with honey is taken to remove coldness of stomach and all morbid matters causing discomfort in stomach [8] and is also useful in haemorrhoids [3]. Its decoction made along with Sa‘tar (Zataria multiflora) and Tukm Karafs (Apium graveolens) is taken with Mushilat (purgatives), it effects without causing spasm in the stomach [8]. Its decoction and infusion is useful in Warm-i-Jigar Barid (fatty liver) and Istisqa (ascites). It is also used to evacuate morbid matter from spleen and kidney [3].

  It may cause vomiting or anxiety, and is harmful for people having Mirra Safra (hot temperament) because it possesses Muwallid-i-Safra (cholagogue) property. It is also harmful for lungs, if taken in excess quantity [2,3,8,15].

  Sharbat-i-Limun (syrup of lemon) [7] Katira (gum tragacantha), Sikanjabeen (compound preparation of honey and vinegar) are used as corrective to counter its adverse effects [2,3,8].

  Aftimoon (Cuscuta reflexa) and Badranjboya (Melissa officinalis) are used as substitute for Tanqiya Dimagh and Frāsiyūn (Morrubium vulgare L.) in case of asthma. Gul-i-Banafsha (Viola odorata) is also a substitute for Ustukhuddus [2,3,7,8].

Powder 1-3 gm, decoction 5-7 gm. According to Razes, its dose is 7-10 gm and is better to use with Sikanjabeen [1-3,7,8].

Itrifal Ustukhuddus, Ma‘jun Azaraqi, Ma‘jun Najah, Taryaq Nazla, etc.

Table 1

  It contains bioactive compounds like, glycosides, phenols, steroids, terpenes and also organic substances such as carbohydrates, resins, etc. The leaves contain polyphenols, apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, luteolin and its 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, and7-Obeta- D-glucuronide, rosmarinic acid, and 6-O-caffeoyl glucose. In the essential oil, there are 51 compounds have been isolated, the major ones being fenchon (30.85), pinocarveyl acetate (10.2.), camphor (9.58), eucalyptol (8.12) and myrtenol (4.65%) determined as major components; aerial parts of the plant contain volatile oil, oleanolic, ursolic and vergatic acid, beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrin and its acetate, lupeol, erythrodiol, luteolin, acacetin and vitexin [9,28,29]. Inorganic substances as calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, potassium and strontium are also present. The ethanolic extract of whole plant of Lavandula stoechas L. was reported to yield β-sitosterol, ursolic acid and an unidentified triterpenic acid [28,30]. A new acetylated glucoside of luteolin and two flavone glucosides were isolated from Lavandula stoechas [31].

Various pharmacological studies on Lavandula stoechas L. have reported its several properties such as antibacterial, blood purifying, adaptogenic/antiaging etc.

  An aqueous extract of Lavandula stoechas L. flowers is found to have anticonvulsant, sedative but not hypnotic, and antispasmodic effects in mice. It additionally prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time in a manner similar to that of diazepam [32]. L. stoechas has been found to have hypoglycemic activity [33]. It’s has been found to be useful as nocturnal sedative in elderly patients in the form of an air freshener [18,34]. It has also beneficial effects in stress [35]. Inhaling the lavender oil vapors shows anticonvulsive action [36]. For depression, tincture of lavender flower (1: 5 in 50% alcohol), 60 drops per day, has been used for 4 weeks in Western herbal [9].

  The aqueous extract of Lavandula stoechas L. showed significant anti-ulcer activity in ethanol induced gastric (P < 0.001) and duodenal (P < 0.01) ulcers in albino Wistar rats, when compared with control group [37].

  Antimicrobial Activity of Lavandula stoechas oil was determined by Disk Diffusion Method. The essential oil was tested against standard bacterial strains, and showed mild activity mainly against the pathogens Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli, among which Staphylococcus aureus found most sensitive in the dilution of, 1/32 and 1/64 [38].

Conclusion

  Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas L.) is a very common drug of Unani Medicine used since time immemorial. It is very effective in various nervous disorders, cardiac and liver problems, due to phyto-constituents present in the drug. On the basis of the use of the drug according to classical literature and recent scientific studies it is concluded that Ustukhuddus may play a great role in treating various complicated disorders especially related to brain and heart. In this regard in future, more attention should be paid to isolate, characterize many more phyto-constituents and to evaluate more scientific activities of this miraculous plant.

Acknowledgement

  The authors are thankful to Assistant Director, In charge, RRIUM, CCRUM, New Delhi, Ministry of AYUSH Govt. of India for her encouragement and providing the facilities in the library for literature survey.

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