Saqmunia (Convolvulus scammonia L.), an important drug used in Unani system of medicine: A review

Background: Saqmunia, a resin obtained from the root of Convolvulus scammonia L. is widely used in Unani system medicine for treatment several body ailments. This important medicinal plant belonging to Convolvulaceae family, and commonly grown Mediterranean regions.
 Purpose review: The core objective this appraisal emphasize different characteristics Saqmunia (Convolvulus L.) viz. botanical description, pharmacological therapeutic properties, folklore uses, temperament, dose, scientific studies, etc, as mentioned literature that will be helpful rationale use drug.
 Materials methods: review was done after going through ample survey texts, published articles related L.). names drugs have been validated ‘World Flora’ (http://www.worldfloraonline.org).
 Results: physicians prescribe skin diseases, chronic headache, bilious fever, conjunctivitis, jaundice, etc. drug also added many compound formulations such Habb-i-Kotwali, Safoof-i-Suranjan, Habb-i-Banafsha, Ayarij-i-Kabir, Tiryaq-i-Zahab, Habb-i-Saqmunia, Majun-i-Anjeer, etc which are various purposes. phytochemical analysis has reported it contains 8% along with beta-methyl-esculetin, dihydroxy cinnamic acid, ipuranol, sucrose, reducing sugar, starch, yields glycosides mainly scamonin pharmacologically active. Some reports showed possesses certain potential activities. significant anticancer property aqueous alkaline extracts identified mice.
 Conclusion: Although, extensively medicine. But, sufficient studies regarding its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology toxicology still lacking. Hence, suggested extensive by using modern parameters may carried out explore every aspect Keywords: Saqmunia; L.; medicine; Resin