PHARMACOLOGICAL & PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POTASH ALUM: A COMPEHENSIVE REVIEW

Potash alum (KAl(SO₄)₂.12H₂O), a naturally occurring inorganic chemical with important uses in both traditional and modern medicine, is thoroughly examined in this paper. Alum’s extensive commercial applications, such as in food processing and cosmetics, are highlighted, along with its historical use in Siddha medicine, where it has been used to treat a variety of infections, control bleeding, and act as an antiseptic. Using techniques including solubility and pH evaluations, flame tests for identifying constituent ions (potassium, sodium, ammonium, and aluminum), and thin layer chromatography for compound separation, the review describes the chemical and pharmacological characterization of alum. Additionally, it summarizes research results that show the wide range of medicinal benefits of alum, such as its anti-hemorrhagic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-obesity, antineoplastic, mosquito larvicidal, hemostatic, contraceptive, and deodorant activities. Alum is positioned as a prospective contender for future development in both healthcare and industrial applications due to its pharmacological properties, low cost, safety profile, and simplicity of availability. All things considered, the review highlights the diverse potential of alum and urges more study to maximize its application in focused treatments and increase its relevance in contemporary practice.