Acta Scientific MEDICAL SCIENCES (ISSN: 2582-0931)
Volume 6 Issue 1 January 2022
Review Article
Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament
Azma Waseem1*, Usama Akram2, Waseem Ahmad3, Anwar Jamal1 and
M Fazil4
1
Research Officer (Unani), S-III, Hakim Ajmal Khan Institute for Literary and
Historical Research in Unani Medicine, Central Council For Research in Unani
Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
2
Received: September 30, 2021
Published: December 06, 2021
© All rights are reserved by Azma Waseem.,
et al.
Research Officer (Unani), Hakim Ajmal Khan Institute for Literary and
Historical Research in Unani Medicine, Central Council For Research in Unani
Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
3
Technical Officer, Hakim Ajmal Khan Institute for Literary and Historical
Research in Unani Medicine, Central Council For Research in Unani Medicine,
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
4
Research Officer (Unani), S-IV, Hakim Ajmal Khan Institute for Literary and
Historical Research in Unani Medicine, Central Council for Research in Unani
Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India, India
*Corresponding Author: Azma Waseem, Research Officer (Unani), S-III, Hakim
Ajmal Khan Institute for Literary and Historical Research in Unani Medicine, Central
Council For Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Abstract
In the south Asia region, people show faith and mostly rely on the traditional system of medicines for the treatment of various ail-
ments. The World Health organization (WHO) has also recognized the effectiveness and safety of the traditional system of medicine
including Unani medicine. As we know that various plants also used in Unani medicine for medicinal purpose. Ushba (Smilax ornata)
is a Unani drug that has been used singly or in combination for the treatment of various ailments like arthritis, ascites, fever, cough
and many skin diseases like psoriasis, dermaphytosis, etc.. Phyto-chemical studies confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents like
saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, protein, starch and resins. Very less information is available about this plant drug.
The aim and objective of this review is to provide the information on medicinal uses of Ushba maghribi (Smilax ornata) available in
Unani system of medicine and recent advances through scientific studies conducted on the drug. It may help in development of a new
drug for various ailments as most people of the world still rely on plant origin drugs for their primary healthcare.
Keywords: Ushba; Smilax ornata; Unani Drug; Research Studies
Introduction
Unani system of medicine is one of the ancient traditional
systems of medicine. It is also a component of AYUSH that
covers all traditional systems of medicine under one umbrella,
practiced in subcontinent of India. As we know that plants have
had historical significance in medicine since antiquity and utilized
for the treatment purpose. Due to the abundance of plant, Plants
origin drugs are readily accessible, affordable, and have safer sideeffects profile than synthetic drugs. It is estimated that two-thirds
of the world’s plant species have medicinal value. In Unani system
of medicine plant origin drugs are mostly used for therapeutic
purpose. The drug Ushba is a potent Unani drug botanically
named as Smilax ornata [1] belongs to family Liliaceae [2]. It is
also known as sarsaparilla in English [1,3]. There are several
varieties of sarsaparilla, but the most common variety used for
medicinal purpose is Smilax ornata formerly known as S. Regelii
called Ushba or Ushba Maghribi [2,3]. Another drug with the name
Ushba Hindi (Hemidesmus indicus) is also mentioned. Its leaves
Citation: Azma Waseem., et al. “Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 6.1 (2022):
08-12.
Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament
09
and stem resemble with the leaves of Jasmin plant [4,5]. Root of
Hemidesmus indicus is black and known as Ziyan in Arabic [3,6].
It is also used for medicinal purpose and shows near about the
same effects as Ushba Maghribi. The drug Smilax ornata (Ushba) is
native of America1 and has been used there for medicinal purpose
therefore known as Ushba Maghribi or Ushba Maghribiyya in Unani
medicine [4]. Another name of Ushba is mentioned as Ushbat al-
Naar due to red coloured appearance of inner part of rhizome/root
or excessive hiddat (heat producing effect) found in it [4,7]. It was
also cultivated in Jamaica hence the prefix Jamaica is added with
sarasaparilla and called as Jamaican sarsaparilla [2].
Plant description
It is a perennial climber with woody prickly stem, wrinkled and
fibrous, found on loofy trees, springing from a stout, knotty rhi-
zome. Stem is erect, and has very sharp thorns near abour ½ inch
long. Leaves are large, alternate stalks, almost evergreen and have
prominent veins. Seven nerve midribs are strongly marked. Cortex is thick and brownish, with an orange red tint, and has slightly
bitter and mucilaginous taste and tinges the saliva when chewed.
Phytochemical constituents of Smilax ornata (Ushba):
The Smilax species have high concentration of phenolic com-
pounds. Phytochemical constituents found in the rhizomes of
Smilax ornata are alkaloids, flavanoid, glycoside, carbohydrate,
protein, tannin, saponins, sarsaponin, parillin [9]. On hydrolysis
yields dextrose, isomeric sarspogenin and smilogenin [9]. Other
constituents in sarsaparilla include starch (50%), resin, acetyl alcohol, volatile oil, shikimic acid, ferulic acid, sarsapic acid and fatty
acids, kaempferol, and quercetin. Minerals reported in the genus
include aluminum, chromium, iron, magnesium, selenium, calcium,
zinc, and others [9,11].
Pharmacological action of Smilax ornata (Ushba)
Following pharmacological actions of Ushba are mentioned in
Unani Medicine [1,3-5,7,10].
It is anti-inflammatory (Muhaill-i Waram), alterative (Muad-
dil), liquefies viscous matter (Mulattif-i Mawad/Muraqqiq), blood
purifier (Musaffi-i Khoon), diuretic (Mudir-i Bawl), diaphoretic
(Mu‘arriq), [3,4,7] purgative of morbid humour (Mushil-i Akhlat),
Flowers are abundant, resemble with the flower of Indian jasmine,
liquefies semen (Muraqqiq-i Mani) and abortificient (Musqit-i Ja-
used as flavoring agent. Root is whitish and reddish colored, about
ous blood purifying formulations [3].
has greenish color and are very fragrant [4]. The root has no odour
but has slightly bitter taste [1,6,8]. The bitter principle of root is
neen) [1,4]. It is Muqawwi-i Kabid wa Meda (liver tonic and stomachic), acts as analgesic (Musakkin-i Alam) and included in vari-
3-4 inches long and fibrous [1]. They are shrunken and furrowed
Therapeutic indication of Smilax ornata (Ushba)
for preparation of soft drinks and mostly used in combination with
rosy (Juzam), arthritis (Waja al-Mafasil) [9]. It is highly effective for
longitudinally and bear numerous root lets. Roots are tough and
flexible and do not break easily. It is used as a beverage condiment
other aromatic plants. Branches and root of the plant is used for
therapeutic purpose [4,5]. Best variety of Ushba is that which has
moderate thickness and length, has reddish tint, exudes smoke/
It is useful for chronic skin diseases (Kohna Jildi Amraz), lep-
the treatment of gout (Niqris) [1,3,10], and sciatica (Irq al-Nasa)
[4,7]. It is beneficial for cold diseases of stomach, liver and brain
[4], also useful in the treatment of kidney ailments and uterine dis-
dust when broken, and the inner part is whitish [1,3,4]. Shelf life of
eases [1] ascites (Istisqa), renal and cystic pain (Waja al-Kuliyya wa
Part used (Musta ‘mil Hissa)
ness of brain (Khushki-i Dimagh), cardiac asthma (Rabw), bron-
rhizome/root is about 20 years [3,4].
•
Root [1,2,7]
•
Root, branches and flowers [3,4]
•
Root and branches [10].
Temperament (Mizaj) of the plant
•
•
•
Hot and Dry [10]
Hot 20 last, Dry [3]
Hot 30 Dry 30 [1,7] and fresh Ushba is Hot 20 Dry 20 [1].
Masana) [3]. Massage (Dalak) with its oil is beneficial for paralysis
(Falij) [3,4] facial palsy (Laqwa) [1] pruritus (Kharish) [7,10], dry-
chial asthma (Zeeq-un Nafs), hemorrhoids (Bawaseer), mad dog
bite (Gazeedgi-i Sag Deewana) and syphilis (Aatshak) [1,4]. It was
used for the treatment of syphilis in Europe [12]. Sarsaparilla has
been used for treating syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases throughout the world and was documented as an adjuvant
for leprosy treatment in 1959 [13]. It is suitable for the personnel
having phlegmatic temperament (Balghami Mizaj) and effective in
phlegmatic diseases (BalghamiAmraz) [3].
Citation: Azma Waseem., et al. “Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 6.1 (2022):
08-12.
Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament
10
Dose (Miqdar)
•
•
4.5 to 9 gm [4]
•
Up to 9 gm [1].
•
ba) 85 gm, Casia senna (Sana) 36 gm, Foeniculum vulgare
Mill. (Saunf) 12 gm, Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. (Sandal
Surkh) 12 gm, Polypodium vulgare (Bisfayij) 12 gm, Ipo-
Toxicity and adverse effects (Muzir Asrat)
moea turpethum (Nasawt) 12 gm, Honey 18gm and sugar
It causes combustion of blood (Ihtiraq-i Dam), increases heating
18 gm, when used in a dose of 12 gm, is effective for syph-
effect of bile (Safra’) [1], and not suitable to be used during acute
ilis (Aatshak). It removes the syphilitic matter, cleanses
fever, and other acute diseases like smallpox, chicken pox, etc. [1,4].
perament. Though it is effective medicine for the melancholic diseases (Amraz-i Sawdavi) but its prolonged used increases heat and
•
•
al-Jubn) [1,3]
Almond oil (Roghan Badam) [4,7,10].
rabadeen-i Azam’, mainly prescribed as blood purifier
(Musaffi-i Dam) and purgative (Mushil), that are useful
•
Substitute:
•
•
Smilax china (Chob chini) [1,4,10]
•
asthma (Zeeq al-Nafs) and chronic cough (Sual Muzmin) [4].
Root (Bekh) and branches (shakh) of Smilax ornata (Ush-
ba), each -16 gm are boiled with 420 ml of water till half
•
volume of water remains [3]. Another method of preparation of decoction is as follows [14].
Ushba root- 2.25 gm is cut into small pieces, ground and
soaked in 8 cups of water overnight. In the morning,
boiled till half volume of water remains, then filtered
the water and drink as tea (Qahwa) daily for 4 days. The
boiled drug remains is again soaked and boiled with 4
cups of water till half water remains. Repeat the process
for 4 days. Drink the decoction sip by sip at night for 14
to 21 days. Decoction is beneficial for paralysis (Falij),
chronic ascites (Istisqa Muzmin), bronchial asthma (Zeeq
Nasal Drops (Saoot) prepared with Ushba root and
Roghan Banafsha, is effective for migraine of cold type
(Shaqeeqa Barid) [3,4].
Powder (Safuf): Oral administration of Powder (Safuf)
7 days [3]. Ushba is included as an ingredient in a com•
pound formulation 'Safuf chob chini' which is also useful
for arthritis [15].
Paste (Zimad) prepared with Ushba root and rose distillate (Arq Gulab) reliefs pain associated with arthritis and
It is prepared as follows:
•
tus (Kharish) and other skin problems (Jildi Amraz) [15].
chronic arthritis (Waja al-Mafasil Muzmin) if taken for
Dosage forms
of its decoction (Matbookh) is useful for paralysis (Falij), bronchial
for syphilis (Aatshak), arthritis (Waja al-Mafasil), pruri-
of Ushba in a dose of 4.5 gm with sugar is beneficial for
Aged Smilax china (Chob chini kohna) [3].
It is used in form of decoction (Matbookh): Oral administration
There is found seven different formulations of Majoon Ushba in the book on Unani compound drugs ‘Qa-
Corrective (Musleh)
Cold distillate or extracts (Barid Araqiyat) and whey (Ma
reproductive tract, useful for pruritus (Kharish), melasma (Kalaf), and joints pain (Waja al-Mafasil) also [1].
causes combustion (Ihtiraq) [3,10].
•
Hakim Najmul Ghani has mentioned that a compound
formulation (Majoon) prepared with Smilax ornata (Ush-
6-9 gm [10]
It is harmful for weak persons and personnel of hot and dry tem-
al-Nafs) and chronic cough (Sual Muzmin) [3].
•
•
•
sciatica, reduces inflammation [4,7] and also useful for
paralysis [3].
Vaginal Suppository (Humool): Ushba when used as vaginal suppository is abortifacient [1,3,4].
Liniment (Tila) or paste (zimad) prepared with Ushba is
applied externally for the treatment of skin problems and
malignant ulcers [3,4].
The compound known as Maa al-Usool (Roots Tonic) in
Unani medicine is also prepared with Smilax ornata (Ush-
ba) which is used for elimination of morbid matter in the
treatment of arthritis. In Jamaica, root tonic prepared
with Smilax ornata and other roots is consumed at
home and sold locally as an energizer, aphrodisiac, for
blood purification, and for the promotion and mainte-
Citation: Azma Waseem., et al. “Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 6.1 (2022):
08-12.
Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament
11
nance of good health [16].
•
Oil (Roghan): Massage (Dalak) with its oil is effective in
paralysis (Falij) [3].
Pharmacological studies on Smilax ornata (Ushba)
Antimicrobial activity
Antimicrobial activity of ushba against gram positive and gram
Effect of majoon ushba in Da-us- Sadaf (Psoriasis)
A randomized single-blind placebo controlled study was con-
ducted to assess the safety and efficacy of two pharmacopeial
Unani formulations - Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi, in the
management of psoriasis on scientific parameters. The experimen-
tal group comprised 20 patients to whom Majoon Ushba 5 gm was
administered orally twice daily, and Roghane Hindi was applied
negative bacteria, in alcoholic and aqueous extract of Ushba has
locally twice daily. The control group comprised 10 patients were
showed effective antibacterial activity against the Streptococcus
psoriasis and efficacy of the drug was assessed by the Psoriasis
been reported by Ahmad and Khan. The highest antimicrobial ac-
tivity of Ushba was observed in alcoholic extract. Alcoholic extract
pyogens whereas aqueous extract showed moderate antibacterial
activity against gram positive bacteria and is found more effective
for Staphylococcus aureus. In Gram negative bacteria strains, both
extracts showed moderate results against Klebsiella pneumonia
and Pseudomonas aerugenosa. Aqueous extract also showed mild
activity against E. coli [17].
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity
given placebo drugs orally and topically. The duration of the trial
was 8 weeks and follow-up was done fortnightly. The severity of
Area and Severity Index (PASI) Scale. The study confirmed the
safety and efficacy of both the drugs in psoriasis [20]. Ahmad., et al.
has also reported the efficacy and safety of Majoon Ushba (contain-
ing ushba as ingredient) and Marham Safeda in the management of
psoriasis in a clinical trial [21].
Effect of majoon ushba in Qooba (dermaphytosis)
Tariq., et al. reported efficacy of Majoon Ushba and Marham Gu-
Khan., et al. reported that methanol and ethyl acetate extracts
labi in dermaphytosis (Qooba). Clinical study was conducted on 30
paw edema and tail flick model in Sprague Dawley rats. The metha-
days. The efficacy was evaluated on the basis of improvement in
of Smilax ornata (Ushba) exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic
activity in arthritis and rheumatic pain using carrageenan induced
nol extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) and the ethyl acetate extract
(400 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory ac-
tivity when compared with that of their control groups (saline and
vegetable oil respectively), with an onset of 150 min and a duration
patients suffering from dermaphytosis to evaluate the efficacy of
Majoon Ushba and Marham Gulabi. Study was carried out for 45
the clinical subjective parameters such as itching, scaling, oozing
erythema, papules, fissures, partially alopecia, broken stumps of
hair, kerion formation and ring formation with central clearing.
Both drugs found effective for Qooba (dermaphytosis) [22].
of 2.5 h. The methanol extract (200 mg/kg) exhibited significant
(P < 0.05) analgesic activity, with an onset of 60 min and a duration
Adulterants
kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity when compared with that of their control groups (saline and vegetable oil
its history of use. The most common adulterant and still used, is
Hemidesmus indicus (Ushba Hindi), the Indian sarsaparilla which
Anti-arthritic effect of Majoon Ushba
be distinguished if examined. Ushba Hindi has more dark brown
of 2 h. Also, the methanol and the ethyl acetate extracts (400 mg/
respectively), with an onset of 30 min and a duration of 2.5h [18].
In a clinical study efficacy of Majoon Ushba was investigated and
its underlying mechanism in adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) in
Smilax ornata (Ushba) is commonly adulterated throughout
has near about same pharmacological activities. The two drugs can
color, slight bitter and strong smell of vanilla whereas, smilax or-
nata (ushba) has light color and bland taste. Other adulterants are
Carex arenaria (German sarsaparila), and other species of Smilax
right hind paw of Wistar albino rats. Majoon Ushba (100 mg/kg/b.
[3]. Determining the presence of sarsaponin, through Thin-layer
(IL-10), inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines,
Conclusion
RANKL and OPG protein expression. Study confirmed Majoon Ush-
plication. It is considered to be safe herbal drug as confirmed by
wt) was given for 8 days after induction of arthritis. The result
showed that it increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines
suppressed the NF-kB, AP-1 and cytokines mRNA expression, sup-
presses the IL-17 and COX-2 protein expression and regulates
ba as an anti-arthritic drug [19].
chromatography (TLC) might help to rule out adulterants [23].
It can be concluded from the above review that ushba is a tra-
ditionally and clinically proven plant for both its efficacy and ap-
Citation: Azma Waseem., et al. “Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 6.1 (2022):
08-12.
Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament
12
scientific studies. Smilax ornata (Ushba) is a potent plant drug having wide range of medicinal activities like, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti- syphilitic, blood purifier, anti artharlgic activity etc.,
and is beneficial for various ailments. Some of pharmacological
activities are scientifically proven as well. Though it has a various
medicinal properties but very less is known about the morphology
of the plant and still very few studies have conducted on its me-
dicinal activities. More designed studies are needed to comprehend
the multi-target pharmacology and to ascertain the doses of Smi-
lax ornata. There is an immense necessity to evident and explore it
medicinal values at molecular levels, using biotechnological tools.
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Citation: Azma Waseem., et al. “Medicinal Importance of Smilax ornata (Ushba) - A Unani Medicament". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 6.1 (2022):
08-12.