Concept of Stability of Drugs in Unani Perspective

Abstract

Stability of a pharmaceutical product can be defined as the capability of a particular formulation, in a specific container closure system to remain within its physical, chemical, microbiological, therapeutic and toxicological specifications. According to ancient Unani physicians shelf life of a drug is determined by organoleptic characters of the drugs i.e., external features, color, smell, taste, consistency, structure, weight, clarity, cleanliness and freshness. In classical Unani literature there is a clear mention about the stability of plant, animal and mineral origin drugs, whether single or compound. In relation to single drugs of animal, plant and mineral origin Unani literature describes the stability of flowers, leaves, fruits, kernels, branches, barks, roots, lattices, gums, extracts, oils, stones, minerals, amber, musk, corals etc. Ali Ibn Abbas Majoosi, a renowned Unani physician had mentioned about the potency periods of compound drugs including Majoon, Itrefal and Tiryaaq. Regarding Tahafuzeadvia (preservation of drugs) ancient physicians have advocated various precautionary measures to be adopted which remain true even today like preservation of all drugs with volatile contents in air tight containers, liquid preparations never to be preserved in metallic closures, maghziyat to be roasted in ghee before it is stored in tight containers to enable them a longer life and likewise many more.