Quality Control and Standardization of the Unani Medicinal Drug Būzīdān (Pseudohandelia umbellifera [Boiss.] Tzvelev): A Physicochemical, Phytochemical, and Chromatographic Study

Background: Pseudohandelia umbellifera (Boiss.) Tzvelev (syn. Tanacetum umbelliferum Boiss.), commonly known in Unani medicine as Būzīdān , is a traditionally valued medicinal plant used for the management of gout ( Niqris ), rheumatic disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Although the drug is widely employed in Unani practice and supported by emerging pharmacological evidence, standardized quality-control parameters for its authentication and purity are inadequately documented. Aim of the Study: The present study aimed to establish physicochemical, phytochemical, and chromatographic standardization parameters for Būzīdān to ensure its identity, purity, and quality, and to provide scientific support for its safe and effective use in Unani medicine. Materials and Methods: The crude drug Būzīdān was subjected to organoleptic and macroscopic evaluation, followed by physicochemical analysis including loss on drying, ash values, extractive values, and pH. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to detect major secondary metabolites. Fluorescence analysis of the powdered drug was performed under visible and ultraviolet (UV) light. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was conducted using suitable solvent systems, with visualization under UV light. Results: Organoleptic and macroscopic studies revealed characteristic features useful for preliminary identification of the drug. Physicochemical parameters showed consistent values, with loss on drying of 6.13% ± 0.07%, total ash of 5.87% ± 0.06%, acid-insoluble ash of 1.79% ± 0.03%, water-soluble extractive value of 15.17% ± 0.16%, alcohol-soluble extractive value of 3.07% ± 0.05%, and a slightly acidic pH (5.47 ± 0.03). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, and proteins. Fluorescence analysis exhibited distinct color reactions under UV light. TLC profiling revealed multiple well-resolved bands with characteristic Rf values under UV light and after derivatization, indicating a complex phytochemical composition. Conclusion: The study establishes a comprehensive physicochemical, phytochemical, and chromatographic quality-control parameters for Būzīdān ( Pseudohandelia umbellifera ). The generated data provide a scientific basis for authentication, detection of adulteration, and batch-to-batch consistency that may serve as reference standards for pharmacopeial monograph development and future pharmacological investigations.