Ajij Ahmed et al PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ADIANTUM CAPILLUS-VENERIS LINN: AN IMPORTANT DRUG OF UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

The aim of the present paper is to provide information regarding the therapeutic uses and scientific studies carried out on Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. The key words used for the literature search were Adiantum capillus-veneris, Parsioshan, physico chemical, phytochemical and pharmacological study. The search was carried out through Unani classical books, ethno botanical literature and Google scholar. The drug is popularly known as “Parsiaoshan” in Unani and used to treat a number of diseases. It is traditionally used as a diuretic, resolvent, antipyretic, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant and deobstruent. It is also useful in the treatment of hair fall and skin diseases. Chemical analysis of Parsioshan shows that it contains triterpenoids, flavonoids and various other constituents. Research studies have shown that it possesses anti fungal, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, hypoglycemic and lithotriptic activities. An extensive review of ancient literature of Unani medicine revealed that the drug having numerous therapeutic actions, several of which have been established scientifically which may help the researchers to set their minds for approaching the utility, efficacy and potency of Adiantum capillus-veneris.