Hepatocentric Activity of Afsanteen (Artemisia Absinthium L) in Unani Medicine – An Appraisal

Abstract

Mother Nature has been endowed by Almighty with diverse flora and fauna for its optimum utilization by the mankind. Traditionally Afsanteen (Artemisia Absinthium L) has long been considered an effective remedy to improve appetite and to treat dyspeptic complaints. It is also used as a tonic, stomachic, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti- spasmodic, carminative, febrifuge and anthelmintic in Unani medicine. Of late due to global herbalization, biotechnologistsare evincing keen interest in the herbal drugs as around 75% of the global population still rely on non-conventional medicine due to their low cost, easy availability and above all sans adverse effects. Afsanteen is an aromatic and bitter shrubby plant which is native of Europe, also found in Kashmir up to 1500-2000 m altitude. It is rich in volatile essential oil and loaded with several phytochemical constituents. A strenuous attempt has been made to highlight the hepatocentric and other medicinal activities of Afsanteen as mentioned in Unani classics and its validation through various scientific studies.