Devising of Lazūq (A Conventional Unani Dosage Form) with reference to Transdermal Patch; Then and Now: A Critical Review

Objective: The endeavor is made to criticize the classical indications, preparations and application of Lazūq even after passing many centuries since its inception. Background: According to classical Unani literature, Lazūq is primarily formulated for headache, migraine, toothache, cervical pain, dropping of uvula and different types of pain like sciatica, backache, myalgia and some orthopedic conditions. Its approach is still conventional that encompasses thick sticky stuff of drug/s which is pasted over a cloth or thick paper, consequently, maximum ratio of medicinal properties remains insignificant owed to stratum corneum (layer of skin that functions as a barrier). Devising and method of drug delivery in classical form of Lazūq makes it inconvenient to the patient, thus, it drops patient’s compliance and anticipated efficacy. In this day and age, Unani practitioners do not prescribe it very often because of its devising and limited indications documented in classical literature. Hence, it’s now becoming out of practice. Whereas, modern medicine is practicing its novel approach epitomized as Transdermal patch for several bodily conditions like Acute post-operative pain, Alzheimer disease, Angina pectoris, Anti-emetic patch, Atrial fibrillation, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dementia, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Hypertension, Local dermal analgesia, Menopausal symptoms, Motion sickness, Osteoporosis, Overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, Post herpetic neuralgia pain, Smoking cessation, Tic disorder, Tourette syndrome and to prevent pregnancy. In transdermal patch, drug is used in micro/nano form with chemically produced permeation enhancers (CPEs) and other smart physio-chemical techniques that makes it very easy to apply, imparts maximum active pharmaceutical ingredients with controlled release of drug. Methodology: Ancient classical Unani formulations of Lazūq was appraised and then its course with respect to today’s newer formulations as transdermal patch was reviewed to look for its progress and application in novel dosage form with the advantage of innovations in pharmaceutical and allied sciences. Conclusion: Classical Unani formulations of Lazūq must be reviewed, transformed, evaluated, coped and applied as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of transdermal drug delivery system. Future Prospects: New formulations of Lazūq should be designed and appraised from the medicinal treasure of Unani system of medicine for different therapeutic conditions.