Tukhm Khashkhaash (Poppy Seeds): A Unani drug of multitudinous potential

Abstract

Tukhm Khashkhaash is the seeds of Papaver somniferum belonging to the family Papaveraceae. The description of Poppy seeds is mentioned in various classical Unani books. Renowned Unani scholar Avicenna had also described poppy seeds in his famous book “The Canon of Medicine”. He wrote that Tukhme Khashkhaash safaid are the small white seeds obtained from the capsule of white poppy plant. The seeds which are obtained before the incision of capsules for the extraction of opium are considered to be of best quality. They are used since centuries for treating various ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, cough, premature ejaculation, chronic cough, insomnia and skin disorders as well as a nutritive food. Their antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic and hypoglycemic potential have also proved on scientific basis. In this review an effort have been made to collect the disseminated information and summarize the available data of the said drug.