Abstract

ABRAK (MICA) AND ITS UNANI FORMULATIONS– REVIEW

Mustehasan* and Misbahuddin Azhar

Abstract

Abrak is a tasteless, odourless non-metallic mineral composed of alumina-silicate having a sheet or plate like structure. It has four varieties on the basis of colour i.e. black, white, yellow and red. Black and white Abrak are used medicinally. Black is considered of superior quality. In India it abundantly found in Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. It is having Qabiz (Astringent), Muqawwi-e-Bah (Aphrodisiac), Daf-e- Sual wa Zeeq un Nafas (Antitussive and anti-asthmatic), and Daf-e- Humma (Antipyretic) actions. On the basis actions it is used to treat bleedings, sexual debility, fevers cough and Bronchial asthma. In present review Unani classical literature was searched for its complete description viz. temperament, actions, therapeutic, and dosage uses etc. For recent research in respect of toxicology, pharmacology and clinical trials to prove the importance of Abrak computerized databases such as Medline, Pubmed, Ovid SP, Google Scholar and Science-direct were searched. Abrak is most commonly used in the form of Kushta (Calx). SOP and physic chemical parameters have developed by using modern tools with modern technique. Kushta Abrak is used in Unani Medicine since long time for various illness particularly for respiratory diseases and sexual debility. Toxicity of Kushta Abrak is yet to be reported. It may be concluded that researchers may conduct safety studies, pharmacological studies and clinical trials with other formulations to prove its importance.

Keywords: Abrak, Mica, Talc,Unani medicine, mineral drug, Kushta abrak.