Jadwar (Delphinium denudatum): A potent Drug for Various Ailments

Jadwar, root of Delphinium denudatum is an important central Nervous system active drug of Unani  System of Medicine. The generic name of Jadwar is derived from a Greek word, which means Dolphin, as the nectary resembles the figure of Dolphin. The word Jadwar is Arabic form of Persian Zadwar, which means the great purifier or Antidote. In India Jadwar was named as Nirbisi due to its antidotal properties. In various classical texts, it has been mentioned to be sedative, analgesic, brain and nervine tonic and is recommended for various brain and nervine disorders like epilepsy, tremors, hysteria, atony, numbness, paralysis, morphine dependence. Jadwar is adultered with the root of Beesh (Aconite), a poisonous herb root that may cause death. Ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi and Klebsilla pneumoniae.