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Introduction:
Alum is a mineral found in nature in both pure and impure forms. It is derived from alumen ore, which is a mineral salt. It is obtained from the soil ore found in Nepal, Bihar, Punjab, and the Kathiawar area.1 It is a colourless, clear, odourless, crystalline mass or granular powder with a sweetish astringent flavour. It has a molecular weight of 458.28 gm. It is found in Egypt, Italy, England, Germany, and India.
Phitkari, phatkiri, phatphadi (Bengali); aluminous sulphate, sulphate of alumina and potash, sulphate of aluminium and ammonium (English); phatkari (Gujrati); phitkari, phitikhari, phitkiri (Hindi); fatkari (Punjabi); pati-karam, padikharam, shinacarum (Tamil); sphatikari, surashtraja, kamakshi, tuvari (Sanskrit); pitki (Sindhi) are the common names of alum.2
When heated, it melts and loses its water of crystallisation at around 200 degrees resulting in an anhydrous salt. It is frequently contaminated with impurities in markets. It can be made suitable for therapeutic use by dissolving it in boiling water, filtering the solution, and evaporating it to produce crystals, which should be preserved for future use. Alum is a category of hydrated double salts that usually contain aluminium sulphate, the water of hydration, and another element’s sulphate. Aluminium potassium sulphate, also known as potassium alum or potash alum, is the most commercially important alum.2 It is made by evaporating a solution of aluminium sulphate and potassium sulphate in water. With the sulphates of sodium, ammonia, cesium, silver, rubidium, thallium, hydrazine, hydroxylamine, numerous organic amines, and potentially lithium, aluminium sulphate can produce alums. Aluminium sulphate can also be replaced by sulphates of trivalent iron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, gallium, titanium, vanadium, iridium, rhodium, and indium.2
It is found in many pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products. It has a strong astringent quality. It comes in four different colours: white, green, yellow, and red. White is known as phitkari, green is known as heera kasees, yellow is known as kasees, and red is known as surkh phitkari. The most notable quality alum, according to Unani physicians, is one that easily shatters.3 It is primarily found in Silajit or alum earth in Nepal or manufactured from alum shales in Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Cutch provinces. Mumbai is a significant producer of common alum as aluminium sulphate in India.2
Chemical Composition of Alum:
Alum is composed of potassium, aluminium, hydrogen, sulphur and oxygen.1
Therapeutic Uses of Alum:
Various therapeutic properties of alum are listed below.3
- Antibacterial
- Antiplatelet (prevents platelet aggregation)
- Anti-obesity2
- Anti- haemorrhagic (stops bleeding)1
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidandruff
- Anti-asthamatic3
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Benefits of Alum:
1. Benefits of Alum for Infections:
Different alum concentrations were tested against Proteus mirabilis, which causes urinary tract infections. The study’s findings revealed that antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by the loss of bacteria motility in culture media.1
Using an in-vitro bioassay method, the antibacterial activity of alum and clove extract was assessed against pathogens such as S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, and K. pneumonia. Antibacterial activity was observed in the alum and clove extracts, suppressing bacterial growth isolated from various infection sites.2
Using alum mouthwash rinses twice a day was particularly efficient in lowering the level of salivary mutans Streptococci in the children.3
The antifungal activity of alum was tested on yeast isolated from mouth lesions. It was concluded that alum could control fungal isolates and prevent infections such as oral thrush and mouth ulcers.3
2. Benefits of Alum for Platelets:
In an animal model, the antiplatelet action of alum was investigated in terms of platelet aggregation and bleeding time. After alum injection, platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited. The time it took for an animal model to bleed after receiving an alum injection was also much longer. The study’s findings suggest that alum could be used as an antiplatelet drug.2
3. Benefits of Alum for Obesity:
In an obese animal model, oral intake of potash alum resulted in significant reductions in body weight, food intake, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins. This indicates its anti-obesity effect.3
4. Benefits of Alum for Contraception:
In a study, the contraceptive effect of alum was investigated on sperms. Depending on the alum concentration, aqueous alum solutions kill the sperms or render them fully immotile.3
5. Benefits of Alum for Stomatitis (inflamed mouth):
Recurrent stomatitis is caused by antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs. A topical application of alum can be used to manage this condition.1 It is beneficial in managing stomatitis and can be administered along with honey.2
6. Benefits of Alum for Post-Operative Wounds:
Alum shows better outcomes for post-operative wound care.1 Alum can be dissolvedin water and used for the management of wounds.1
7. Benefits of Alum for Tumour:
Animal studies have shown the anti-tumour effect of alum. An animal model was injected with alum. The results of the study indicated signiï¬cant tumour growth reduction in the animal model.3
Other Benefits of Alum:
1. Benefits of Alum for Controlling Mosquito Larvae
The larvicidal (killing larvae) potential of alum was investigated to control mosquito larvae following 24 hours of exposure.Over the course of the experiment, there was no death of mosquito larvae in the control groups. Potash alum was found to be effective against all larvae of the experimental group.2
2. Benefits of Alum as an Adjuvant In Vaccines:
According to recent studies, adding alum as an adjuvant to vaccines increased the efficiency of hepatitis E, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus-Pre F vaccines, and other vaccines by many times.1
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How to Use Alum?
Alum can be used as alum powder or solution.2 Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the dose and form as per your need.
Side Effects of Alum:
Several side effects associated with alum use are listed below.
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- Dizziness
- A feeling of throat tightness
- Fluid accumulation around the eye
- Hives (red and itchy skin)
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Life-threatening allergic reaction
- Puffy face from water retention
- Skin ulcer
- Throat swelling
- Troubled breathing1
Precautions to Take With Alum:
The safety studies of alum on pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been carried out. Therefore, it should only be taken under the supervision and advice of a doctor. No research has been done on the safe use of alum in children.
Interactions With Other Drugs:
There is not much information available on how alum interacts with other medications. Hence, patients should consult a doctor before taking alum if they take any other drug or supplement.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is alum?
Alum is a mineral found in nature in both pure and impure forms, derived from alumen ore.1 It is a colourless, clear, odourless, crystalline mass or granular powder with a sweetish astringent flavour.2
What are the uses of alum?
Alum is used for managing bleeding gums, gingivitis, pyorrhoea, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, piles, vaginal inflammation, leucorrhoea (whitish or yellowish coloured discharge from the vagina), gonorrhoea, kidney and bladder abscess (swelling with pus), renal and bladder stones, conjunctivitis, ear abscess, dandruff, burns, breast hypertrophy (increase in size), stomatitis, dementia (memory loss), asthma and bleeding.3
How is alum made suitable for therapeutic use?
It can be made suitable for therapeutic use by dissolving it in boiling water, filtering the solution, and evaporating it to produce crystals, which should be preserved for future use.2
Is alum soluble in water?
Yes, alum is soluble in water. As the molecular formula of alum contains water molecule, it is water-soluble.1,2
Can we drink alum water?
Yes, we can drink alum water as alum is used for water purification.1
Is alum edible?
Yes, alum is edible. Potassium alum is an active ingredient in baking powder.1
What is the chemical formula of alum?
The chemical formula of potassium alum is K2SO4Al2(SO4)3.24 H2O.2
How to use alum for hair removal?
Alum is used in depilatory waxes that are used for the removal of body hair or applied to freshly waxed skin as a demulcent (relieves inflammation or skin irritation).1
How to purify water with alum?
It has been used to purify turbid liquids since antiquity. Alum is used to purify domestic wastewater. It is added to water to cause aggregation of particles and form flocs.1
What is the taste of alum?
Alum has a sweetish astringent taste.3
What are the other names of alum?
It is known as phitkari, phatkiri, phatphadi, sambe-mani, aluminous sulphate, sulphate of alumina and potash, sulphate of aluminium and ammonium, phatkari, phitikhari, phitkiri, patikar, turati, phitki, phatki, fatkari, sphatikari, surashtraja, kamakshi, tuvari, pitki, pati-karam, padikharam, and shinacarum.2
Where is alum found?
It is found in Egypt, Italy, England, Germany, and India. In India, it is primarily found in Assam, Punjab, and Bihar.2
What are the side effects of alum?
Dry skin, skin irritation, burn, dizziness, throat tightness, fluid accumulation around the eye, hives, hypersensitivity reaction, allergic reaction, puffy face from water retention, skin ulcer and throat swelling are the side effects of alum.1
Is alum good for obesity?
Yes, alum is good for obesity. The oral intake of potash alum significantly reduced body weight, food intake, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins in an obese animal model.3
Is alum good for ulcers?
Yes, alum is suitable for the management of ulcers. Topical application of alum is used for the management of ulcers caused by recurrent usage of several medications like antibiotics, painkillers, etc.1
Can we use an alum after shaving?
Yes, alum can be used after shaving.3
Is alum good for bleeding gums?
Yes, alum is good for the management of bleeding gums and gum inflammation.3
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References:
- Vignesh K, Niresh SJ, Saravanasingh K, Uma AP. Padikaram (alum)–a unique drug and its utilization in Siddha medicine: a pharmacological review. Siddha Papers. 2019;14(2):1-2. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335690273_Padikaram_Alum-_A_Unique_drug_and_its_Utilization_in_Siddha_Medicine_A_Pharmacological_review
- Zeenat F, Ahmad W, Mustafa S, Naaz SA, Ahmad A. An Appraisal of Medicinal Properties of Shibb-e-Yamani (Alum): A Review. Unimed – Kulliyat 2018; X (2): 78-87. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330557019_An_Appraisal_of_Medicinal_Properties_of_Shibb-e-Yamani_Alum_A_Review
- Masuma Zaki, Lubna Fatima, Wajeeha Begum. Shibe Yamani (Alum) And Its Therapeutic Effects In Unani System of Medicine:A Review. Global J Res Analysis. 2020; 9 (2): 1-3. Available from: https://www.worldwidejournals.com/global-journal-for-research-analysis-GJRA/article/shibe-yamani-alum-and-its-therapeutic-effects-in-unani-system-of-medicine-a-review/MTQyNzI=/?is=1
- Wen Y, Shi Y. Alum: an old dog with new tricks. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2016; 5(1): 1-5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820675/
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