Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Jawarish-e-Bisbasa, an Unani polyherbal formulation, is used traditionally in the clinical treatment of stomach ulcers, weakness of digestion, piles, flatulence, nausea, gastritis and as an energy enhancer for stomach. In the current work; phytochemical, safety and pharmacokinetic profile of Jawarish-e-Bisbasa has been evaluated. Phytochemical constituents in Jawarish-e-Bisbasa were qualitatively evaluated using standard tests. Safety of the formulation was affirmed by conducting acute oral toxicity in mice. Chemical characterization was carried out on the basis of piperine content. A simple HPLC method was developed for determination of piperine in rabbit plasma and applied to study the pharmacokinetics of piperine after oral administration of aqueous slurry of Jawarish-e-Bisbasa in rabbits. Jawarish-e-Bisbasa showed the presence of flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids and resins. It did not show any evident toxicity in mice. Piperine content in Jawarish-e-Bisbasa was 0.15±0.004 mg/g using HPLC. Piperine was detected in rabbit plasma with Cmax and Tmax of 79.21±1.24 ng/ml and 0.75±0.00 h respectively post administration of Jawarish-e-Bisbasa. The current work demonstrates a modern approach towards standardization of traditional Unani formulation Jawarish-e-Bisbasa.

Key words: Unani formulation, safety, pharmacokinetic study, piperine, HPLC