Physicochemical Standardization and Safety Evaluation of Khar-e-Khasak Khurd (Fruits of Tribulus terrestris): A Unani Drug

Abstract

Background: Global resurgence of interest in herbal medicines has led to an increase in the demand due to their potential of being effective, safe and economic source of natural drugs. This great ‘shift’ of universal trend to natural selection from synthetic to herbal medicine has led to a decline in their quality, primarily due to lack of adequate regulations pertaining to drugs. They are very often procured and processed without any scientific evaluation and launched into the market without any mandatory safety and physicochemical study. Methods: An attempt has been made on a well-known drug of Unani medicine Khar-e-Khasak Khurd (Fruits of Tribulus terrestris) by evaluation of Physicochemical parameters (Extractive values, Solubility, Moisture content, Ash Values, pH of 1% & 10% solution, Loss of weight on drying, Bulk Density (Poured & Tapped densities), Thin Layer Chromatography & Fluorescence analysis). Results: Microbial load, Aflatoxins, Pesticidal residue and heavy metal analysis was also done in the sample available and it was found to be free from contaminants and safe for use. Conclusion: This study provides quality standards and safety profile of Khar-e-Khasak Khurd that could be matched for its uniform and safe therapeutic effects for any study to be done ahead