ABSTRACT
Zaj-e-Abyaz (Alum) is a mineral origin drug found immersed in stones and earth. Its description with the name of Stupteria is available in De Materia Medica by Dioscorides. Medicinal use of potash alum (potassium aluminium sulphate) has been reported since ancient times. Due to its antiseptic, astringent, and styptic actions, it is used to treat a variety of disorders such as dental disease, and to control different kinds of hemorrhages. One percent alum solution for bladder irrigation is still prevalent as a therapy to control obstinate hematuria of vesical origin. In an observational retrospective cohort study including COVID-19 patients, the alum in the dose of 2 g/day as a food supplement in addition to actual treatments have shown beneficial effects clinically as well as on laboratory parameters. In the present review all information available in Unani literature in terms of its vernacular names, occurrence, toxicity, actions, therapeutic uses, purification, and its important formulation have been summarized. Apart from this, the mechanism of action, experimental studies, clinical trials related to alum have also been summarized. This review will be helpful for researchers for further studies.
Keywords: Zaj-e-Abyaz, Shibb-e-Yemani, Phitkari, Potash alum, Unani Medicine.