Background: Suāl Ratab (Productive Cough) is a clinical entity characterised by excessive mucus production, cough, chest tightness, and sore throat, aligning with Unani concepts of Balgham (phlegmatic) predominance. Sharbat Zūfā Murakkab (SZM) is a classical compound formulation of hyssop and accessory drugs documented in Unani pharmacopoeia, purported to possess expectorant (Munaffis-e-Balgham), bronchospasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Sharbat Zūfā Murakkab in patients presenting with Suāl Ratab at a tertiary-level Unani institution.
Methods: A single-arm, open-label observational clinical trial was conducted at RRIUM Mumbai under the CCRUM protocol. One hundred and nine (109) consenting patients were enrolled; 92 completed the study. Standardised symptom scores (cough frequency, intensity, quantity of expectoration, sore throat, hoarseness, chest tightness) were recorded at baseline, 1st follow-up (approx. day 15), and 2nd follow-up/end of treatment (approx. day 30). Haematological parameters (Hb, TLC, ESR) and biochemical safety markers were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Outcome was categorised as Cured (CR), Relieved (RL), Partially Relieved (PRL), and Not Relieved (NRL). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for within-group comparisons.
Results: Mean age was 41.3 ± 12.3 years (range 18–64); males predominated (87.9%). Balghami temperament (Mizaj) was present in 79.8% of cases. Among 92 evaluable patients, 41 (44.6%) were Cured, 29 (31.5%) Relieved, 15 (16.3%) Partially Relieved, and 7 (7.6%) Not Relieved — giving a combined positive response rate of 76.1% (CR+RL). All symptom scores showed statistically significant reduction from baseline to both follow-up visits (p < 0.0001). Mean cough frequency score fell from 2.37 to 0.74 (68.8% improvement). TLC declined significantly (p = 0.002) and ESR showed significant reduction (p = 0.014). No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: Sharbat Zūfā Murakkab demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefit in Suāl Ratab, with a favourable safety profile. These findings support its validation as a pharmacopoeial Unani formulation for productive cough.