Unani medicine insights and modern phytopharmacological evidence on Tukhme Jirjeer (Eruca sativa mill. seed)

Tukhme Jirjeer (TJ) ( Eruca sativa mill. [ES]) has been valued for centuries in the Unani system of medicine, where it is prescribed for a wide range of conditions related to the digestive, urinary, reproductive, and integumentary systems. Although it is well-documented in classical Unani sources, scientific consolidation of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential has been limited. This review brings together evidence from Unani classical and contemporary texts and recent research databases peer-reviewed, indexed journals to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant, with special emphasis on its seeds was given, which are most frequently used in Unani formulations. Traditional literature describes ES as a hot and dry drug possessing aphrodisiac, resolvent, deobstruent, diuretic, digestive, galactopoietic, and carminative actions. These descriptions find support in modern studies reporting antioxidant, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, fertility-enhancing, antiplatelet, antimicrobial, and photoprotective activities in various in vitro and in vivo models. The plant is rich in glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins, and minerals, many of which have recognized biological actions that align with classical claims. By integrating historical knowledge with recent scientific findings, this review highlights the wide therapeutic spectrum and pharmacological relevance of TJ. The evidence suggests that ES. is a therapeutically capable medicinal plant with significant potential for dermatological, metabolic, gastrointestinal, and reproductive health applications.