Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Uses of Some Gums and Resins Used in Unani System of Medicine

Abstract

Gums and resins derived from medicinal plants hold a prominent place in the Unani System of Medicine, where they are valued for their diverse pharmacological actions and long-established therapeutic applications. These natural exudates, obtained from plants such as Boswellia serrata (Kundur), Commiphora mukul (Guggul), Acacia arabica (Samagh-e-Arabi), Ferula asafoetida (Hing), and Pistacia lentiscus (Mastagi), possess complex mixtures of bioactive constituents including terpenoids, polysaccharides, essential oils, and resin acids. Their multifaceted composition contributes to a wide spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, expectorant, and immunomodulatory effects.

In Unani therapeutics, gums and resins are used either singly or in compound formulations for the management of various diseases. Kundur and Guggul are widely prescribed for musculoskeletal disorders, chronic inflammation, and metabolic syndromes due to their proven anti-arthritic, hypolipidemic, and anti-obesity actions. Samagh-e-Arabi is traditionally used as a demulcent and anti-diarrheal agent owing to its mucilaginous nature and gastrointestinal protective properties. Hing is known for its carminative, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial effects, making it beneficial in digestive ailments such as flatulence, colic, and worm infestation. Mastagi, with its astringent and wound-healing potential, is incorporated in formulations for respiratory disorders, oral health, and gastrointestinal conditions.

Modern pharmacological studies increasingly validate these traditional uses, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential and supporting their integration into evidence-based complementary medicine. Despite extensive traditional knowledge, further clinical research is required to standardize formulations, elucidate mechanisms of action, and ensure quality, safety, and dosage consistency.

This review highlights the pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of selected gums and resins commonly used in Unani Medicine, emphasizing their importance as natural, bioactive agents with promising roles in contemporary healthcare.