Hyssopus officinalis – Zufa: Overview
Introduction
Hyssopus officinalis, commonly known as hyssop, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea, hyssop has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and as a symbol in religious rituals.Hyssop is a small, bushy plant that typically grows to about 60 cm (2 feet) in height. It has narrow, elliptical leaves that are dark green and aromatic. The plant produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that can be blue, pink, or white, blooming in mid to late summer.
Botanical Name:
Hyssopus officinalis Linn.
Family:
Labiatae/Lamiaceae
Urdu Name:
Zufa
English Name:
Hyssop
Parts Used:
Above ground parts (particularly flowers).
Temperament:
Hot + dry
Order:
2nd order.
Geographical Source:
Africa, America, Southern Europe, Central Asia, Middle East.
Organoleptic Evaluation:
Appearance: Zofa syrup has a dark brown colour.
Odour: Characteristics sweet and slightly spicy smell due to the presence of herbs like hyssop and nutmeg .
Taste: Sweet and slightly bitter taste with a spicy and nutty flavour.
Texture: Smooth and thick texture.
Pharmacological Actions / Functions:
Stimulant, carminative, deobstruent, pectoral (antiphlegmatic, expectorant-laxative), diaphoretic, resolvent, emmenagogue).
Specific Action:
Pectoral (in cough and bronchial asthma).
Chemical Constituent:
Beta and alpha pinene, Pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, camphor, methyl myrtenate, linalool, hydroxyisopinocamphone, pinic acid, myrtenic acid, Resins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, tannins, pigments.
Mode of Action:
1-Antiinflammatory property:
Hyssopus and nut mace ( constituents of Hyssopus officinalis) contain alpha- pinene, which causes an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effect. Zofa’s antioxidation and antiinflammatory compounds may benefit liver health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.Zofa’s compounds such as alpha-pinene ,inhibit COX-2 , reducing prostaglandins production and subsequent inflammation reduced.
2-Expectorant:
Flavonoids ( Zofa) marshmallow,mallow and jujube act as expectorants due to their high content of mucilage and have a soothing effect on respiratory tract . Zofa syrup is used to treat respiratory issues like cough,cold ,rhinitis and sore throat as well as asthma attacks and inflammation of respiratory system. Zofa’s compounds may inhibit AChE, increasing acetylcholine levels, which stimulate muscurinic receptors, leading to increased mucous secretion and expectoration. Zofa’s expectorant properties help relieve respiratory congestion, making it easier to expel mucus and it’s antiinflammatory compounds may reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Medicinal Uses:
- Hyssop being resolvent and expectorant of phlegm from pectoral region, is useful against dry cough, bronchial asthma, phlegmatic cough, acute pneumonia and catarrhal affections of the respiratory tract. For being deobstruent, administered in dropsy and liver obstructions.
- For resolving inflammations and swellings it is included in local applications too. Syrup and infusion is extremely useful against phlegmatic cough and asthma. An infusion or tea prepared from the plant is effective in nervous, pulmonary, digestive, uterine and urinary troubles.
- Sap of the leaves made into syrup with sugar and honey is used as vermifuge for round worms. The crushed herb is applied as a resolvent and vulnerary.
- Steeped in hot water it is used as fomentation for wounds, sprains and strains and muscular rheumatism. Also used as a salve in catarrhal ophthalmia. The infusion or syrup is also regarded as useful in hysteria and colic, sorethroat, amenorrhoea, and induration of liver and spleen. The compound syrup is also used in influenza.
Compound Preparations:
Sherbet Zufa, Tiryaq-e-Masana, Sherbet Zufa Murakkab,
Sherbet Sadar, Laooq Mo’tadil, Ma’jun Nankhwah, Mufarreh
Kabir.
Dosage:
3 to 7 g.
Corrigent:
Gum acacia and pomegranate (bitter variety).
Tenedium:
S`atar Farsi (Thymus serpylum Linn.), Glycyrrhiza glabra
Linn. (Mulaithi), Adhatoda vasica Nees. (Arusa).
Side Effects:
Sherbet Zufa is a reputed antiasthmatic, antiphlegmatic and
anti catarrhal preparation (of Unani medicine). The herb use
is contraindicated in patients suffering from liver affections.
Prescription:
1- For Respiratory Diseases:
(Cough, Asthma, Flu etc)
Joshanda / Syrup
Althaea Officinalis (Khatmi) 10g
Licorice (Mulethi) 20g
Fennel (Sanoof) 10g
Jujube (Unab) 20g
Violet (Benafsha) 20g
Ephedra (Soma kalpa) 20g
Hyssopus (zofa) 10g
Mix all ingredients and make a syrup or joshanda.
Conclusion:
Hyssopus officinalis, commonly known as hyssop, is a herbaceous plant widely used for its medicinal properties and culinary applications. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and as an antiseptic. Modern studies have indicated potential benefits of hyssop due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. However, more clinical research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. As with any herbal remedy, it’s advisable to consult healthcare professionals before using hyssop for therapeutic purposes.