Bisma Ashraf’s scientific contributions

In the Unani System of Medicine (USM), drugs are mainly obtained from three sources: plants, animals and minerals. Drugs from mineral sources are focused less in comparison to plant-origin drugs. 'Aynul Hirra' (cat's eye) is a precious gemstone, known for its specific glistening or shiny nature. Besides its ornamental uses, it is also used for Medicinal purposes in the form of paste and powder as mentioned by several Unani physicians. It acts as an exhilarant, nerve tonic, eye tonic, cicatrizant, antiflatulent and digestive. This comprehensive study deals with vernacular names, identification, historical significance, medicinal properties and chemical constituents of the cat's eye. This review provides us with better information about various features of a cat's eye.

This comprehensive study is about a gemstone named as “Zircon”.The study involves Zircon's vernacular names, identification, origin, acquisition, actions, properties, and its minerology etc. Zircon is a luminous stone derived from the Arabic words "Zar" and "Gūn" means Golden-coloured. It is a lustrous stone which is obtained from burnt lead. Historically Zircon has been esteemed among ancient gemstones. Besides its ornamental uses, it is used in capsule form, tablet form, as ointment, and in Sitz bath with fat and extract of Plantago major in Unani system of medicine as antiflatulent, cardiac tonic, and is used in Phlegmatic diseases, Wound healing, Skin disorders etc. So this study has been compiled to describe its medicinal uses in perspective of Unani system of medicine in detail.

This comprehensive study delves into the vernacular names, etymology, identification, historical significance, medicinal properties and chemical constituents of the Topaz, It is a renowned and valuable gemstone resembling diamonds, considered one of the hardest. Beyond its ornamental value Topaz is acknowledged for its medicinal benefits serving as exhilarant for the heart, cardiac tonic, and tonic for vital organs. The gem exhibits a range of properties, blood purification, antidote for poisoning, and relief from various ailments. Drawing insights from classical Unani literature and recent research, this review aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of Topaz's multifaceted attributes.

Piper cubeba, commonly known as cubebs, is a fruit obtained from the woody climber Piper cubeba of the Piperaceae family. This versatile plant has been extensively used in Unani medicine, serving as a condiment and a therapeutic agent. It has shown diuretic, emmenagogue, antitussive, analgesic actions. Therapeutically, it has been used to treat conditions like gonorrhoea, cystitis, rheumatism and urinary incontinence. Therefore, Piper cubeba emerges as a multifaceted botanical resource within Unani medicine, offering diverse therapeutic applications. This review provides valuable insights into its pharmacological composition and potential clinical implications.

Celosia cristata, commonly known as 'cockscomb,' is an annual erect herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. Locally referred to as 'Mawal,' it is cultivated in Kashmiri gardens for ornamental purposes and can be found growing naturally in the plains and up to an altitude of 5,000 ft. in the Himalayas. In traditional Unani Medicine, the seeds and inflorescence of Celosia cristata are utilized for treating various health conditions, including sexual weakness, leucorrhoea, haemorrhoids, haematuria, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, wounds, diabetes, and dysuria. Review Article Kalam et al.; J. 18 Celosia species, including Celosia cristata, contains a diverse array of phytoconstituents such as phytosterols, saponin, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids. Numerous pharmacological studies have been conducted on this plant, revealing its hemostatic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-nociceptive, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. This paper aims to shed light on the therapeutic applications of Celosia cristata based on both traditional Unani literature and scientific studies conducted on different parts of the plant.