Kasni (Cichorium intybus Linn.) is a powerful hepatoprotective and nephroprotective drug which has been extensively used in Unani System of Medicine. It is commonly known as chicory in English language. It is an erect perennial herb of the dandelion family Asteraceae. There are two types of Kasni depending on colour of the flowers which are usually bright blue and white or pink rarely. Chicory consists of a dietary fibr e called as Inulin which is very useful in treating diabetes and constipation. As per Unani classical literature, it has been extensively used as Mufatteh Sudud (Deobstruent), Musaffi Dam (Blood Purifier), Muqawwi Kabid (Hepatic Tonic), Muqaiwwi Meda (Tonic for Stomach), Waram e Meda (Gastritis), Amraz e Kabid (Liver Disorders), Ghisyan (Nausea and Vomiting), Amraze Kulliya (Kidney Diseases), etc. The root of Kasni possesses various properties such as Aperient, Cholagogue, Deobstruent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Resolvent. Its leav es’ decoction is used as lithotriptic and also useful in elimination of internal mucus. This paper gives an overview of types, phytochemical studies, pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses of Kasni as per Unani classical literature and current scientific studies.
Kasni (Cichorium intybus) has been extensively used for a long period in Unani System of Medicine. It is an excellent tonic for the liver & digestive tract and also useful in the cleansing of urinary tract. It is used as a Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective for a long time. There are two types of Kasni: wild and cultivated. The wild Kasni is better than the cultivated variety for stomach diseases. Kasni is said to be suitable for all kinds of temperaments of the liver, and the drug is particularly suitable for hot-tempered livers. As per Unani classical literature, Kasni has been extensively used as Mufatteh Sudud (Deobstruent), Musaffi Dam (Blood Purifier), Muqawwi Kabid (Hepatic Tonic), Muqaiwwi Meda (Tonic for Stomach), Waram e Meda (Gastritis) and Mushil (Mild Laxative) in the treatment of Amraz e Kabid (Liver Disorders), Ghisyan (Nausea and Vomiting), and Amraze Kulliya (Kidney Diseases). Many therapeutic uses of Kasni have also been proved by the recent scientific pharmacological studies viz. hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antiallergic.