TRADITIONAL AND MODERN PERSPECTIVES ON ASAROON (ASARUM EUROPAEUM): AN INTEGRATIVE UNANI-PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

*Abdul Salaam, Zaibunissa Begum, 3Ather Moin Rasheeda

ABSTRACT

Under the name Asaroon, a perennial herb belonging to the Aristolochiaceae family, is highly valued in Unani medicine. Its glossy reniform leaves, solitary purplish-brown flowers, and creeping rhizome set it apart. Originating in Europe, it is found throughout temperate regions and thrives in damp, shaded conditions. Asaroon's therapeutic qualities are well-explained in Unani literature. It is considered to be Mufatteh-e-Sudad (deobstruent), Mudirr-i-Bawl (diuretic), Munaffis-e-Balgham (expectorant), and Muharrik-i-A‘sab (nervine stimulant). It has been used to treat neurological disorders like epilepsy and respiratory ailments like cough, asthma, and catarrh. Moreover, it is a crucial part of a number of murakkabat (compound formulations). Asarum europaeum L. has a variety of therapeutic uses, which can be explained by the presence of bioactive compounds like asarone, safrole, methyleugenol, volatile oils, and flavonoids, according to phytochemical studies. These ingredients support the conventional assertions recorded in Unani sources. With documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties, contemporary pharmacological assessments further support its effectiveness. These results offer a scientific justification for its traditional therapeutic application. However, because of their potential toxicological effects, some constituents also need to be carefully evaluated, emphasizing the necessity of controlled and evidence-based applications. This review bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific validation by integrating the historical, botanical, morphological, Unani, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects of Asarum europaeum L. The study emphasizes the plant's value in Unani medicine while highlighting the need for more investigation to determine its safety profile, determine the best dosage, and look into its potential clinical uses.

Keywords: Asarum europaeum L., Asaroon, Unani medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacological studies, traditional formulations.