Nishasta-e-Gandum (Triticum aestivum L.) through the ages: An ethnopharmacological review

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most consumed cereals around the world, apart from rice and maize. Wheat is cultivated globally, and it has various pharmacological benefits. Nishasta-e-gandum (wheat starch) is a powder obtained from the seeds of grain by certain procedures. It is used traditionally in various parts of India and other countries as a part of food preparations, and Unani medicine considers its medicinal properties along with its nutritive value. This review is to focus on the ethnobotanical description, history, pharmacological activities, and the literature summarization of the Nishasta-e-gandum mentioned in ancient Unani medicine texts. The classical unani texts, publications, pharmacological textbooks, and scientific databases are used for the material collections of the review. The Nishasta-e-gandum has utilized for various conditions in traditional uses and for activities in ancient unani scriptures such as muqawwi-e-bah(aphrodisiac), mulayyin(laxative),Mughadhdhi(nutritive),etc.,. modern research supports its effect on osteoporosis, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolaemic activity, etc. The whole wheat constitutes numerous other activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and laxative. The review provides insight into the betterment in the usage of wheat and wheat starch as a functional food due to its medical properties tagging along nutritional benefits. The traditional wisdom has broad knowledge on the therapeutic and nutritive potential of Nishasta -e-gandum which plays role in prevention and cure of ailments. The review emphasis the further scientific research needed in the unani medicine which can provide new light in to modern nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Keywords: Wheat starch, Nishasta, Unani medicine, Triticum aestivum, gandum