ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGY, THERAPEUTICS, PHARMACOKINETICS, AND TOXICOLOGY OF SAMM-UL-FAR (ARSENIC) IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

In traditional systems of medicine herbs, minerals, and animal sources are in used as medicine since antiquity. In the Unani system of medicine gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc, lead, salts, earthy matters, gems, arsenic, borax, etc. are used in the various formulation in different forms after the process of detoxification. Samm-ul-Far (Arsenic) is a naturally occurring odorless and tasteless element found in the ores of silver in the island and mountains of Khurasan. Chemically, Samm-ul-Far (SF) is arsenic trioxide. Unani formulations of SF is used in various disease especially nervine disorders, skin disease, sexual disorders, arthritis, blood infection, and blood dyscrasia. Since it is having a 4^th degree of hot and dry temperament it is used with caution and diligently even in therapeutic doses. In this review, information related to the history of medicinal use, Ethno-pharmacology, medicinal importance, toxicity study, formulation of arsenic, the pharmacokinetics of arsenic, therapeutic actions, and use of arsenic trioxide in the current scenario has been described. From the review with evidence, it may conclude that the risk-benefit ratio (more risk than benefit) should be kept in mind while using SF as medicine even at a therapeutic dose.

Keywords: Arsenic trioxide, Samm-ul-Far, Unani Medicine, Toxicity, Ethno-Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Purification