Standardization and Safety Profile of Seeds of Sisymbrium irio Linn (Khaksi)

Khaksi is the dried seed of Sisymbrium irio Linn (Family Brassicaceae), used in Unani Medicine since long time as antipyretic, expectorant, analgesic, aphrodisiac and antimicrobial in pulmonary and urinary tract infections, fever, cough, gastric ulcer, liver complaints and skin disorders etc. All parts of the plant are mentioned to be useful in traditional medicines but seeds are more effective. The plant is an annual herb exceeding three feet in height with open, slender stem branches that grows in Europe, Africa, Mediterranean Islands and many Asian countries from Middle East to India and Pakistan.