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AYURVEDIC
PHARMACOLOGY
Dr. K. NISHTESWAR
M.D. (Ayu.), Ph.D.,
D.A.F.E.,
Professor & HOD,
Dept. of Dravyaguna,
Dr. N.R.S. Govt. Ayurvedic College,
Vijayawada – 520 002.
2007
My beloved father
Dr. K. S. Sharma (Peruru Sharma)
In the current modern therapeutics the majority of the drugs that are
used belong to synthetic in nature.
Biopharmaceutics:
The study of the influence of formulation on the therapeutic activity
of drugs is known as “Biopharmaceutics” and Ayurveda dealt the subject
under Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana i.e., Swasa (fresh juice), Kalka
(pounded fresh drug), Kashaya (decoction), Phanta (hot infusion – processed
in boiling water) and Hima (cold infusion). The juice of the drug
administered having Guruguna (Heaviness) may absorb slowly when
compared to the decoction or hot infusion. A faulty formulation process can
render a useful drug totally useless therapeutically. A drug having volatile oil
/ substances processed by Kwatha Kalpana (process of decoction) may loose
its major portion of volatile active principles resulting in poor therapeutic
response. The drugs that are absorbed in lipid media are suggested to be
processed in oil or ghee medium (Eg. Aswagandha). The active principles
Biological lag:
The time between the administration of a drug and the development
of response is known as the biological lag. Rasoushadhis (mercurial
preparation) show a quicker response with less biological lag when
compared to herbal formulations.
Bioavailability of drugs:
Bio-availability of a drug (availability of biologically active drug) is
defined as the amount or percentage of drug that is absorbed from a given
dosage form and reaches the systemic circulation following non-vascular
administration. When the drug is given I.V., the bio-availability is 100%.
This may not be so after oral administration. Acharyas of Ayurveda preached
and practiced the oral route of administration for majority of drugs.
‘Anupana’ (substance administered either with the drug or after its
administration) facilitates for better absorption of the drug and helps in
achieving higher percentage of bio-availability of the drug.
Drugs that act only at the site of application are said to have local or
topical action (through Nipata by Rasa & virya) while those that act after
Date: 22-5-2007
K. NISHTESWAR
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
ACTION
4. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The herbs and other things were in use as medicine to a limited extent
from the very Vedic period. Over and above these medicinal plants, metals
like gold, lead, tin, copper etc. were known to the Vedic Rishis, but there is
no evidence to show that they were put to any medicinal use in those days.
Their medicinal use receives more attention during the Samhita period. Due
to great influence of Atharvan more importance was attributed to divine
The above table clearly indicates that Dravya exercises its action
through Gunas only and the individual Rasas of Dravyas help to infer the
inherent Gunas of respective Dravyas.
Virya-Vipaka:
Next to the concept of Rasa, Acharyas have the concepts of Virya and
Vipaka which are directly related to Bio-Physical and Bio-Chemical events
of food substances and drugs. Ahara or food and Oushadha or medicinal
substances are subjected to physiochemical reactions or Pakas at Gastro-
intestinal and tissue levels.
Charaka defined that Virya as the power that performs work. All
actions takes place only because of Virya and there is no action which is not
due to Virya. According to this definition the principles like Rasa, Gurvadi
Guna, Vipaka and Prabhava which could be causative factor for the action is
generally identified as Virya. But, Sushruta, Vagbhata and their followers did
not agree with the views of Charaka and applied the term Virya to the eight
primary qualities of elementary substances viz., Mridu-Teekshana, Guru
Laghu, Snigdha-Ruksha, Ushna-Sita. Commenting on the concept of
Viryas of Rasas:
Rasa Virya
Katu, Amla, Lavana Ushna
Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura Sita
Guru - Brimhana
Laghu - Langhana
Sita - Sthambhana
Ushna - Swedana
Snigdha - Kledana
Vipaka:
The Rasas of substances ingested being acted upon by Jatharagni are
changed to different other tastes after attaining Pakva. It is this
transformation of Rasas that is spoken of as Vipaka. A substance which is
Madhura (sweet) in taste and Vipaka, is Sita Virya, that which is Amla Rasa
and Vipaka, is Ushna in Virya. Similarly, that which is Katu in Rasa and
Vipaka is Ushna in Virya. Various Vipakas represent highly specialized
reaction to synthesise ultimate metabolic products.
In order to test the medicinal value of any drug, three methods i.e. (i)
Clinical, (ii) Pharmacological and (iii Experimental are in practice
from a time immemorial. In those days the experimental trial was in
rudimentary stage and the clinical evaluation was very common. Now a days,
though more stress is being given on animal experimentation. But this does
Classification of Dravya:
Akasa etc., (Prithvi, Ap, Tejas, Vayu and Akasa), soul, mind, time
and space constitute matter. Matter having sense organs is sentient while the
one devoid of them is insentient.
The use of the term “Dosha” and “Dhatu” in the first and second
category of classification is quite significant. “Doshas” include “Dhatus”
and Vice-Versa. So the drugs that are designated as alleviators of the Doshas
also alleviate Dhatus. Similarly, the drugs that have been designated as
vitiators of the Dhatus do as well vitiate Doshas. The drugs under the third
category are those which have potentialities to maintain the positive health.
Apparently it also means that the drugs have got potentialities to prevent the
diseases.
Gold, five Lohas (copper, silver, tin, lead, and iron) along with their
byeproducts (different types of bitumen), calcites along with silica, red
arsenic, yellow arsenic, gems, salt, red chalk, collyrium – are in brief the
metals and minerals used in medicine.
DRUG ACTION
It is not that the various drugs and diets act only by virtue of their
qualities. In fact they act by virtue of their own nature or qualities or both on
a proper occasion, in a given location, in appropriate condition and
situations; the effect so produced is considered to be their action (Karma);
the factor responsible for the manifestation of the effect is known as Virya;
where they act is the Adhisthana (location); when they act is the time, how
they act is the Upaya or mode of action; what they accomplish is the
achievement or therapeutic effect. (Charaka Smhita)
Chkrapani Dutta further explains that some drugs act by virtue of
their own nature; e.g. Danti (Baliospermum montanum Muell-Arg.) is
purgative and precious stones are antitoxic. Some other drugs act by virtue
of their qualities; e.g. fever is cured by drugs having bitter taste and coldness
by the heat of the fire. Some other drugs act by virtue of their own nature as
well as their qualities; e.g. cow milk boiled with a gold ring is considered to
be aphrodisiac – Rcf. Chikitsa2:3:11, by virtue of the very nature of gold as
well as its circularity.
When errhines are administered they eliminate Doshas from the head
– that is their action. The factor like heat which is responsible for this action
is Virya (potency) relating either to the drug or its quality. The site where
the elimination takes place i.e.is the Adhikarana (location); errhines do not
act when administered elsewhere. The spring season or the time when the
Enzymes
The enzymes play an important part in the body activity and many
drugs probably act through the enzymes. These are known as pitta
modalities which take part in the drug metabolism.
The Gunas are of three types – (i) those constituting the distinctive
features of the five elements, (ii) those common to five elements and (iii)
those relating to the soul.
The Gunas of the first category are sound (Sabda), touch (Sparsa),
vision (Rupa), taste (Rasa) and smell (Gandha) constituting the distinctive
features of Akasa, Vayu, Agni, Ap, and Prithvi respectively.
The one which is a substratum of the qualities and actions and which
is a concomitant cause is the matter.
KARMA (ACTION)
Karma (action) present in the matter is the cause of combination and
separation. Karma is the action relating to something to be achieved. It does
not require any other factor for its action.
Karman does not require any other subsequent help in the process of
causing separation from the previous position as well as combination with
As a mater of fact, all the five Mahabhutas are there in al the six
Rasas but the manifestation of the various Rasas depends on the
predominance or otherwise of the qualities of one or more of the Mahabhuta,
for example, Jala Mahabhuta is the root cause of all the six Rasas but it
predominates in sweet taste and as such it constitutes a distinctive causative
factor thereof. According to Susruta, saline taste is dominated by the
qualities of Prithvi and Agni. This apparently goes against the observation
made above. But as a matter of fact there is no contradiction so far as the
manifestation of saline taste is concerned. One might ask: if the saline taste is
caused by the predominance of Agni and Jala which are hot and cold
respectively the resultant substance having saline taste should also have both
hot and cold qualities; but how is it that salt is said to be of hot quality? The
reply is, it is not that the involved in the composition of substance always
Madhura Rasa:
Amla Rasa:
Lavana Rasa:
Katu Rasa:
Tikta Rasa:
Promote deliciousness
Antitoxic and germicidal
Cure fainting, burning sensation, itching, skin diseases including
leprosy, thirst and fever
Promote firmness of skin and muscles
Promote carmination and digestion
Purify milk
Cause dry and help in depletion of moisture, fat, muscle fat, bone
marrow, lymph, pus, sweat, urine, stool, Pitta and Kapha
They are ununctuous, cold and light.
Kashaya Rasa:
Drugs having sweet, sour and saline taste alleviate Vata; those having
astringent, sweet and bitter (tastes) alleviate Pitta and those having
astringent, pungent and bitter (tastes) alleviate Kapha.
Only such of the drugs and diets which are sweet in taste as well as
Vipaka are of Sitavirya. One cannot determine Sitavirya (or potential
coldness) of drugs and diets only on the basis of sweet taste. The same
principals is applicable to the drugs and diets of Ushna type as well.
The properties of such of the drugs and diets as possess Virya and
Vipaka in conformity with Rasa are explained here only in terms of Rasas
concerned. Thus the physician may explain the properties of milk, ghee,
Cavya (Piper Chaba Hunter) and Chitraka (Plumbazo Zeylanic Linn.) on the
basis of their tastes.
Drugs and diets having sweet taste and sweet Vipaka are generally of
Sitavirya (potentially cold). Similarly those of sour and pungent taste and
pungent Vipaka are Ushna Virya (potentially hot). In the case of such of the
drugs and diets where Virya and Vipaka are in conformity with Rasa, their
properties are explained in terms of Rasa only. As for example the
Some drugs having sour taste are costive, e.g. Kapittha (Feronia
limonia Swingle); some are laxative, e.g. Amalaka (Emblica officinalis
Gaertn). Even though drugs having pungent taste are generally non-
aphrodisiac, still Pippali (Piper longum Linn.) and Sunthi (Zingiber
officinale Rosc) having pungent taste are generally non-aphrodisiac, still
Pippali (paper Longum Linn.) and Sunthi (Zingiber Offcinale Rosc.) having
such taste are aphrodisiac. Similarly drugs having astringent taste are
generally of Sitavirya and costive but Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Linn.) is
an exception to – it is Ushnavirya and laxative. Thus it is not possible to
explain the properties of all the drugs and diets simply in terms of Rasa
because individual drugs having identical tastes vary in relation to their
properties.
****
Some commentators are of the view that every Rasa has its own
Vipaka. Accordingly, there are six Vipakas corresponding to the Rasas.
Some others say that if there are more than one Rasa, only the strongest of
them predominates. So the Vipaka cannot be correctly predicted. Susruta on
other hand does not agree with any of the two views enunciated above about
the unpredictability of Vipaka. In his opinion there are two Vipakas viz,
Saline taste results in sweet Vipaka, and bitter and astringent tastes in
pungent Vipaka. But how is it that drugs and diets having saline taste cause
aggravation of Pitta and Rakta, and those with bitter and astringent taste
alleviate Pitta? Even if the saline taste results in sweet Vipaka, its not
potency is responsible for the aggravation of Pitta and Rakta. Normally,
sweet Vipaka is responsible for the aggravation both Pitta and Rakta but
being over powered by the hot potency it is ineffective. Sweet Vipaka of
such drugs and diets however manifests ineffective. Sweet Vipaka of such
drugs and diets however manifests itself in the form of the proper elimination
of stool and urine etc. Thus sweet Vipaka may not be effective in so far as
the aggravation of Pitta and Vata is concerned but it is effective with regard
to the therapeutic aspects. Similarly, the pungent Vipaka of drugs and diets
having bitter and astringent tastes cannot be explained.
One thing is however clear. Where the original taste and Vipaka are
identical, the properties of drugs and diets are more effective. They are not
so in the cases where there is variation between the original taste and Vipaka.
Actions of Vipaka
Susruta quotes - Guru Vipaka alleviates Vata and Pitta while Laghu
Vipaka is Kapha-alleviating; amongst them, soft, cold and hot are perceived
by touch; slimy and non-slimy by vision and touch; unctuous and non-
unctuous by vision and sharp by producing pain in mouth. Guru Vipaka by
eliminating faeces and urine and aggravation of Kapha while Laghu Vipaka
by retaining faeces and urine and aggravation of Vata.
According to Charaka
Katu (Pungent) Vipaka aggravates Vata, reduces semen and
obstructs the passage of stool and urine.
Madhura (Sweet) Vipaka aggravates Kapha, promotes semen and
helps in proper elimination of stool and urine.
Similarly Amla (Sour) Vipaka aggravates Pitta, reduces semen
and helps in proper elimination of stool and urine.
Madhura Vipaka is heavy; Katu and Amla Vipaka are light.
Shusruta has denoted the Virya as the generator of any drug action.
Acharya Sushruta put forth the Ashtavidha Viryavada taking eight Gunas out
of twenty Gunas which are having Utkrishtata. But Visada, Pichchila were
mentioned in the place of Guru and Laghu. The eight Gunas are – Snigdha,
Ruksha, Sheeta, Ushna, Mrudu, Tikshna, Visada and Pichchila. He has also
stated the Dwividha Virya Vada known as Ushna-Sheeta. Dalhana
commenting on Sushruta’s Verse stated Achintya and Chintya Viryas. The
former was denoted as Prabhava. Vagbhata followed the Charka’s school of
thought and also Sushruta’s observations. But regarding Ashtavidha Viryas
Guru-Laghu were mentioned instead of Visada-Pichchila.
Hemadri has made a reference to the view that “Viryas are many”
and observed that “though Virya has been described of two types, it can still
be as many as there are actions to be performed. In this view, all actions
It is explicitly stated that drugs act not only by virtue of their qualities
but in fact they act by virtue of their own nature or qualities or by both.
Drug action was described in terms of Rasapanchak. Certain drugs manifest
their action by virtue of their Rasa (taste). Some by virtue of their Virya
(potency) or other qualities, some by Vipaka and others by their Prabhava
It will be seen from the above that substances to which the eight
Gunas refer represent an intermediate stage between the twenty Gunas on the
one hand and the two described as Viryas, on the other. To restate the eight
intermediate Gunas pertain, obviously, to intermediate metabolites-the
Malakhya and Prasadakhya Dhatus-in transit.
The scientific implications of these clarification are that there are two
kinds of substances viz., those that evoke taste-perception and other that do
not. Substances that belong to the former group, described after their Rasas
or tastes, are six in number. Of them some are organic viz., sugars, facts
(oils, ghee, marrow etc.,) and proteins and some that are inorganic viz., salts,
acids, bases etc. substances that do not evoke taste perception are insipids.
This grong is to be understood and characterized from the point of view of
their of their Gunas such as Guru, Sandra, Vishada, Drava etc. The
metabolites that occur in the course of Kayagnipaka are to be characterised
in terms of terms of their resultant tastes or Rasas viz., Madhura (sweet)
Amla (sour), and Katu (acrid, pungent) and not from the point of view of
The citations above are a few, among many such, found scattered in
authoritative commentaries on the three major Ayurvedic classics, belong to
periods anterior to A.D. 1200. These are sufficient to focus attention on
some of the important physico-chemical or, better still, bio-chemical
concepts basic, particularly, to the study of the metabolism of nutritional and
medicinal substances described in Ayurveda. The following principles
emerge from these citations:-
ii. Dravya and Virya are indestructible; they can neither be created nor
destroyed. Matter/energy in the universe represent a quantitative,
iii. Like Agni and Shoma or Prana and Anna of the universe, Ushna and
Shita Viryas represent, at the microcosmic levels, specially at the bio-
chemical levels-kinetic and potential energies.
vi. The twelve Guna’s comprising six each of the opposites, are
considered to be susceptible to changes in the course of digestive
processes. These changes are held to reflect Pari Pasu changes in the
Panchabhautic structure of the related Anus or elemental units, also
known as Arambhakaparamaus. It is held that, similar is not be the
case with the remaining eight Gunas which, by implication, are not
affected by digestive processes.
x. What really counts in all bio-chemical sequences are the twenty, eight
and two Gunas-the latter two being treated as Viryas. The twenty
Gunas, including the eight refer generally to a mixture or loose
combination of different heterogeneous chemical compounds that
occur in such mixtures in nature.
PRABHAVA
Vagbhata also quotes when the Rasa and others Gunas area of equal
strength, that action is said to be arisen from Prabhava (for example); though
The eight Gunas, designated as Virya, also reside in Dravya and not
in Rasa as Gunas are said as devoid of Gunas (Guna can not reside in another
Guna).
Inside the body, Dravyas are digested and not six Rasas and as such
Dravya is above all while other entities depend thereon.
Dravya is dominant :
Some scholars say - Dravya is the chief factor. Because of their fixed
nature, Dravya is fixed and not Rasas, such as Rasas etc. which are present in
unripe fruit do not continue in the ripe one; also due to constancy, Dravya is
constant while Gunas are not such as preparations paste etc. of the drug
undergo change in taste and smell, good or bad, (while the drug remains the
same); also due to staying in own elemental group such as Dravya
predominant in Prithvi does not shift to another group and so on; also
because of being perceived by (all the) five sense organs; Dravya is
perceived with a single sense organ like sound by ears and so on); also
because of being substratum; Rasa etc. reside in Dravya; also due to
Virya is dominant:
Virya (potency) is the chief, among the principles of drug action
because the actions of drug depend on it. Drug action such as of emetic,
purgative, both emetic and purgative, cleansing, pacifying, astringent,
appetizer, pressing, decreasing body-weight, increasing body-weight,
Rasayana, aphrodisiac, causing oedema, dissolving odema, burning, tearing,
intoxicating, causing death, counteracting poison etc. take place due to
supreme importance of Virya. Virya is of two types – cold and hot as
universe is composed of Agni (fire) and soma (water); some take it of eight
DESHA (LAND/LOCALITY)
The drugs become capable of producing maximum therapeutic effects
when their potency augmented by Desha-Sampat (collecting the plants from
the appropriate habitat), Kala-Sampat (collecting these plants in the
appropriate season), Guna-Sampat (collecting plants when these are enriched
with excellent attributes) and Bhajana-Sampat (strong these plants in
appropriate containers).
Habits (Desha) are of three types, viz., Jangala (dry land), Anupa
(marshy land) and Sadharana (normal land.)
Fresh branches and tender leaves should be culled in the rainy season
and spring. The roots should be collected in summer or late winter (Sisira)
COLLECTION OF DRUGS:
The ideal drug should have grown in commendable place, have been
taken out on auspicious day, be in proper dose, agreeable; with desired smell,
colour and taste; able to alleviate the disorder, non-toxic, harmless on faculty
use, administered after proper examination and in time.
Saumya season - Rainy season, early winter and late winter; Agneya-
autumn (Sarat), spring (Vasanta) and summer (Grishma). In emergency,
forenoon may represent spring and so on, Agneya plants grown in Agneya
land and collected in Agneya seasons are extremely pungent, rough and hot.
Sahayoga (Adjuvants):
Different adjuvants are required to be used along with these drugs in
accordance with the Doshas involved in the causation of the disease. These
drugs should be impregnated and mixed with Sura, Sauviraka, Tusodaka,
Maireyaka, Medaka, Dhanyamla, Phalamla (juice of sour fruits like
pomegranate), Dadhyamla (sour yoghurt), etc., for the treatment of diseases
caused by Vayu. For the treatment of diseases caused by Pitta, these drugs
are to be used by adding Mridvika, Amalaka, Madhu (honey), Madhuka,
Parusaka, Phanita, milk, etc. For the treatment of diseases caused by Kapha,
Principal drugs like Danti, etc., have strong action, and meat-soup,
etc., added to the recipes of Danti are mild in action. Ela, etc., which are
cardiac may reduce the emetic effect. Combination of these drugs having
opposite potency, however, does not affect the effects of the principal
ingredient. On the other hand, not with standing their opposite potency, they
actually help emetic and purgative effects of the principal ingredient.
All drugs and diets which dislodge the various Doshas but do not
expel them out of the body are to be regarded as unwholesome.
Whatever be the truth the fact remains that the super structure of the
drug action is constructed on the infrastructure of the arrangement of these
five proto elements in a drug. The perception of taste relates to the chemical
stimulation of the tongue and since the taste arises out of the specific
combination of the two predominant protoelements in a drug, one can safely
and conveniently call it the chemical structure of the drug. Ultimately the
components of the drugs in relation to its chemical reaction in and outside
the body is understood in terms of chemical structure. The ancient Acharyas
were fully justified in attaching prime importance to the six Rasas in relation
to their structure paripasu their therapeutic action.
The latest knowledge of drug chemistry has revealed one fact beyond
doubt that there is structure –function relationship and the function, in a
majority of cases, should be in accordance with the structure of the drug. To
explain this point the ancient Acharyas ascribed three Gunas to each Rasa.
The basic idea behind explaining the actions of Rasa on the basis of their
Gunas is to indicate a structure – function relationship, structure –Rasa
There is no doubt about the fact that in the ultimate analysis the
stimulation or depression corresponding to Vriddhi and Kshaya of the
Dhatus are the two main resultant states after the drug administration. In fact
in a general summary the actions have been divided in to Vriddhi and
Kshaya only. The comprehensive and critical analysis of the stages of
pathogenesis and the events envolved in them very clearly indicate that the
Doshas are generally brought down to normal while the Dhatus are generally
pulled up to normal. This is because of the fact that on a very general
observation it has been proved that the Dosha Vrinddhi and Dhatu Kshaya
are the resultant states of the disease –causing conditions. In view of this
Ayurvedic medicine, generally speaking, depresses the Doshas and
stimulates the Dhatus only in abnormal conditions. The Vriddhi and Kshaya
can better be appreciated qualitatively rather than quantitatively. Let us
postulate a view here that the structure – function relationship, in ayurvedic
paralance, indicate the inheritance of the permanent qualities of the
components. In view of this there should have been only two qualities
ascribed to each Rasa, for only two predominant proto elements constitute
one Rasa. But the texts have ascribed three qualities to one Rasa. The idea
behind it is that the specific combination of the two proto elements
originating a specific Rasa carry with them individual qualities as well as
engender a specific quality also. This specific quality is of biological
significance as the biotransformation in relation to the stimulation and
depression of the body element relates to the third quality engendered by the
combination of the two specific elements in Rasa. Obviously the Madhura
Vipaka is said to be Guru while Amla and Katu Vipaka are said to be Laghu
and their actions at Dhatu level are explainable on the basis of these two
Let us now come to the dhatus which play which play a prominent
role in Dosha-Dushya Samoorchana by biophysical and biochemical
interactions and thereby causing the symptoms of disease through one of the
Srotodushti Lakshanas. A detailed study of patients suffering from different
diseases revealed one fact beyond doubt that there is a local increase but
general decrease of the Dhatus in disease conditions (Ayu 1968 –Rogavastha
me Dhatu ki Sthiti). Accordingly the therapeutic measures to rectify the
discordance at the tissue level is either to elevate or bring down the
qualitative amount of the Dhatus as the case may be. Ultimately the mass of
the human body is composed of the Dhatus and their decrease or increase can
be qualitatively termed as Guru and Laghu, and the substances affecting
these qualities are accepted as Guru and Laghu Viryas by the Ashtavidha
Drug acts in the body by virtue of certain qualities in them which are
similar or dissimilar to the qualities present in different constituents in the
body. In a very generalized form the effects of drugs have been summed up
to be excitation (Vriddhi) and depression (Ksahya). These two general
effects are brought about on the basis of the principles of similar (Samanya)
and dissimilar (Vishesha). But then the defect or the deformity involves the
systemic chain of pathogenic events leading on to the localization and
manifestation of disease. Obviously, therefore, the pathogenic events should
be dismantled at a particular site so as to break the chain and cure the
disease. Different sites obviously include different Dushyas and Srotamsi
along with their Adhisthan or Adhikaran. The ancient Rishis, therefore,
thought of different prominent qualities in a drug by which it may act at
particular site or at a particular pathogenic state. Since the pathogenic events
do not simply imply the transport of pathogenic Dosha from Koshta to the
TABLE –I.
Rasas and their Gunas
Rasa Guna
Madhura Snigdha, Sheeta, Guru
Amla Snigdha, Ushna,Laghu
Lavana Snigdha, Ushna, Guru
Katu Rusha, Ushna, Laghu
Tikta Ruksha, Sheeta, Laghu
Kashaya Ruksha, Sheeta, Guru
TABLE-II.
First Second Third
Vata Lavana Amla Madhura
(Ushna, Guru) (Snigdha, Ushna) (Guru, Pichila, Snigdha)
Pitta Tikta Madura Kashaya
(Seetha, Laghu) (Seetha,Guru, Snigdhu) (Ruksha, Visada)
Kapha Katu Tikta Kashaya
(Visada, Laghu) (Seetha, Laghu) (Ruksha)
TABLE-III
Vipaka Guna Dosha Sukrala Mala
Madhura Guru Snigdha Kaphakara Sukrala Srishtavit-mutratwam
Amla Laghu Pittakara Sukranasaka Srishtavit-mutratwam
Snigdha
Katu Ruksha, Vatakara Sukranasanam Baddavitmutratwam
Laghu
If two drugs having similar Rasa, Vipaka and Virya differ in their
action, then the causative principle for such distinctive effect should be
explained as Prabhava. Charaka notes that Danti and Chitraka though
similar in Rasa, Vipaka and Virya the former acts as a purgative while the
latter does not does not have such action. But Charaka included Chitraka in
Bhedaneeya Dasaimani appears to be self-contradictory. Some scholars
expressed that two different types of Chitraka are intended in two different
contexts. But Chitraka Dwaya was not identified at the time of Charaka and
both sweta and Rakta Chitraka are possessing similar activity. The Lakshana
of Prabhava as explained by Charaka and Vagbhata appears to be imprecise
since the similarity of Rasa, Vipaka, Virya does not imply in the case of
Manidharana, Vasikaranam, Vishahartwan due to agada darshana etc.
TABLE-V
Gunas Perception
Mrudu-Sheeta-Ushna Sparsha.
Visada Pichila Sparsha & Chakshusha.
Snigdha-Ruksha-Tikshana Mukhadukhotpadana.
From above description it appears that the assessment/identification
of Guna is made by Organo-leptic methods. Sushruta also quoted certain
Karmas for Viryas and are as follows :
Apparatus:
Needle, Forceps, Scissors, Syringes (Hyprodermic), perfusion
apparatus with Sym’s cannula, Starlings heart lever etc.
Frog was Pithed and heart was exposed by removing skin and
the sternum. The pericardium was removed and the liver was separated from
the inferior vena cava as far as the hepatic veins. The right aorta was tied
and loose ligature was placed under the inferior vena cava. The heart was
held in the forward position by a swab of moist cotton wool. The perfusion
fluid was kept ready and a cut was given in the vena cava at the level of
hepatic veins and Sym’s cannula was inserted and tied in that position. Mean
while the left aorta was given a cut for drainage of the perfusion fluid from
the heart. The heart was isolated by separating the surrounding tissues very
gently. Perfusion was kept at a constant level in the cannula and constant
temperature of perfusion fluid was also maintained. Normal tracing of heart
rate was recorded on the smoked drum for 5 minutes and the aqueous
extracts in different doses were administered and the effect on the heart was
recorded on the smoked paper itself.
Result
The effect of Ushna and Sheeta Virya drugs in different doses was
2. Parijata- Negative inotropic activity was observed in 0.2 ml, and 0.4
ml and 0.6 ml doses. The effect was almost same in all the dose. No
chronotropic activity was observed at the dose levels. No
chronotropic activity was observed with 0.6 ml and 0.8ml doses.
7. Chitrak – Positive inotropic activity was seen at the dose level of 0.2
ml, 0.4 ml, and 0.6 ml and the effect was observed to be similar in all
doses. Positive chronotropic activity was observed at the dose of 0.2
ml only.
10. Manjishta – No inotropic activity was noticed with 0.2 ml, 0.4 ml and
0.6 ml doses. Positive chronotropic activity was observed with 0.2
ml dose and negative chronotropic activity with 0.4 ml.
12. Apamarge – Negative inotropic activity was seen with doses of 0.2
ml and 0.4ml and the effect was in ascending order of dose levels.
Negative chronotropic activity in ascending order of dose level was
observed with 0.2 ml and 0.4 ml doses.
13. Haridra – Negative inotropic activity was observed with 0.2 ml, 0.4
ml and 0.6 ml dose levels and the effect was found to be in ascending
14. Jatiphala – Negative inotropic activity was observed with 0.2 ml and
0.4 ml doses and the effect was in ascending order of dose levels. No
chronotropic activity was observed at both these dose levels.
15. Vidanga – Negative inotropic activity was observed with 0.2 ml and
0.4 ml doses and the effect was in the ascending order of dose levels.
Negative chronotropic activity was seen with 0.2 ml dose only.
16. Ativisha – Negative inotropic activity was noticed with 0.2 ml, 0.4 ml
and 0.6 ml doses and the effect was found to be similar at all dose
levels. Positive chronotropic activity was observed with 0.2 ml, 0.4
ml and 0.6 ml doses and similar effect was obtained.
Sheeta Virya Drugs
1. Vasa – Negative inotropic activity was seen at the dose level of 0.2
ml, 0.4 ml and 0.6 ml and the effect was similar. Positive
chronotropic activity was observed with the dose of 0.2 ml and
negative chronotropic activity was noted with the dose of 0.4 ml. But
slight positive chronotropic activity was observed with 0.6 ml dose.
6. Gokshura – Complete heart block occurred with the dose of 0.2 ml,
0.6 ml and 0.8ml. The effect was in ascending order of dose levels.
Negative chronotropic activity was observed with 0.2 ml, 0.6 ml and
0.8 ml doses.
6. Stavari – Positive inotropic activity was observed with 0.2 ml and 0.4
ml dose and no chronotropic activity was seen with these doses.
10. Brahmi – Negative chronotropic activity was observed at 0.2 ml, 0.6
ml and 0.8 ml dose levels but no inotropic activity was seen with
these doses. No change was observed with 0.4 ml dose either in
amplitude or heart rate.
15. Musta – Negative chronotropic activity was observed with the doses
of 0.2 ml, 0.4 ml and 0.6 ml and the response was not corresponding
to different dose levels. Negative inotropic activity was seen at 0.4 ml
dose only.
V Po C Ne C
irya sitive hro gative hro
0.2 0.4 ml 0.2 0
ml ml .4 ml
S 4 1 7 1
heeta 0
U 3 2 8 7
shna
£=significant.
It is evident from table 7 and 8 that both Sheeta and Ushna drugs
have exhibited positive as well as negative inotropic and chronotropic
activities. However, large number of drugs have shown positive
chronotropic activity from Sheeta Virya group at 0.2 ml dose as compared to
Ushna Virya drugs exhibited negative inotropic activity at the dose level of
0.2 ml and 0.4 ml as compared to Sheeta Virya drugs have decreased the
heart rate (Negative chronotropic activity) at the doses level of 0.2 ml and
0.4 ml than those in Ushna Virya group. Since it was not possible to screen
all the drugs at different dose levels the statistical analysis was given to the
doses of 0.2 ml and 0.4 ml at which all the experimental drugs were
screened. It has been shown in the table that both Sheeta and Ushna Virya
drugs have exhibited depressant action on the amplitude (Negative
Inotropic). Sheeta Virya group has shown significant decrease of amplitude
Table19:
Ushna Virya Drugs Sheeta Virya Drugs
Daruharidra 5.23 Mahabala 6.63
Kantakari 5.4 Katuki 4.81
Saptaparni 5.31 Babbula 5.73
Procedure:
A frog was pithed and laid on its back pinned to cork board. The skin
over the abdomen was cut and rectus muscle of one side was dissected from
the pelvic gridle to its insertion in the cartilage of the pelvic gridle. The
muscle was then pinned to the cork by four pins to keep its normal length
while thread was sewn through each end. It was then fixed in 10 ml tissue
bath. Ringer solution (Page No. 4.5) was filled to the mark and bath was
continuously oxygenated. Acetyl choline chloride (Ach) was administered in
different dilutions (1γ,2 γ,3 γ,) and the normal readings of contractions were
Results:
The effect of Ushna and Sheeta Virya drugs have been
assessed with percentage of inhibition or potentiation.
Ushna Virya Drugs:
1. Parijata – Inhibited Ach contractions. The percentage of inhibited is
70.2
2. Varahikanda – Inhibited Ach contractions by 16.1 p.c
3. Pippalimoola – Potentiated Ach contractions by 34.4. p.c
4. Manjishta – Inhibited Ach contractions by 5.8 p.c
5. Ativisha – Completely blocked the Ach induced contractions.
6. Saptaparni – Inhibited the Ach contraction by 20 p.c
7. Gambhari – Inhibited the Ach contraction by 9 p.c
8. Daruharidra – Inhibited the Ach contraction by 4.2 p.c
9. Pushkaramoola – Potentiated the Ach contraction by 70.5 p.c
10. Chitraka – Potentiated the Ach induced contractions by 53.8 p.c
11. Kantakari – Potentiated the Ach induced contractions by 5 p.c
Table 10:
Showing the number of Drugs Potentiated and Inhibited from Ushna
and Sheeta Virya group
Effect Ushna Sheeta
Virya Virya
Inhibition 7 5
Potentiation 5 7
Table 11:
Name of the Virya Mean SD SE “t” “p”
Diff.
Ushna Virya - ± ± 0 Insignificant
0.75 13.53 3.9 .19
Sheeta Virya - ± ± 0 -do-
0.5 11.13 3.18 .15
Table 12
Showing the Mean Values of Responses (Ach) before and
after injecting the Drug.
Ushna Virya Sheeta Virya
Mean SD SE Mean SD SE
Before 23.1 ±7.3 ±2 23.2 ±4.7 ±1.3
After 22.5 ±13.5 ±3.8 22.1 ±8.4 ±2.4
Discussion:
The aqueous extracts of 12 Ushna and 12 Sheeta Virya drugs
have been screened for their inhibition or potentiation of acetyl choline
induced contractions. The drugs Kutaja and Ativisha have shown complete
block (100 p.c inhibition of Ach contraction). Jatiphala and Pushkaramoola
from Ushna Virya group have shown maximum potentiation (73.3 p.c &
70.5pc) while Ushira and Mahabala from Sheeta Virya group markedly
potentiated the Ach contractions (56.25 p.c & 45 p.c). It was Shown in the
table that large number of drugs from Ushna Virya group inhibited Ach
contractions while maximum number of drugs from Sheeta Virya group
potentiated them which could be interpreted in terms of contractile and
relaxation property of respective Viryas.
Basal Metabolism:
The metabolism of the body at rest is called “Basal
Metabolism”. More exactly, basal metabolism is defined as the heat
production of the body when in a state of complete mental and physical rest
and in the post absorptive state. Since food, exercise, sleep and external
temperature modify heat production, it is essential that these factors be
excluded. Therefore the subject is required to take the test after twelve hours
of fast, i.e in the post absorptive state. He is made warm and comfortable in
a room which is quite and which has subdued lighting. The heat production
in the basal state may be determined directly by an Atwater Rosa Bendict
calorimeter and indirectly by two systems known as “open circuit system”
and “closed circuit system”. In the open circuit system both the oxygen
consumption and carbon dioxide output are measured. In closed circuit
system only the oxygen consumption is estimated. For the present study
B.M.R was recorded by closed circuit system.
TABLE-13
Age No.of Sex Percentage
Volunteers
Male Female
24 6 5 1 25
25 13 13 - 52.5
26 4 4 - 16.6
27 1 1 - 4.1
Each drug was administered for six healthy Volunteers for one day
and B. M.R was recorded before and after drug administration and results
Results:
Among Sheeta Virya group of drugs which are possessing
Guruguna Yasti has increased B.M.R significantly (P 0.05) where as Satavari
has shown an insignificant effect. With Ushna Virya drugs possessing
laghuguna, B.M.R was significantly decreased by both Chitraka and
Jatiphala (P < 0.05).
TABLE-14
The statistical analysis of the effect of Ushna & Sheeta Virya
drugs on the B.M.R by paired “t” test.
Table 15
The Comparrison of the effects of Ushna & Sheeta Virya
Drugs on the B.M.R by unpaired “t” test.
Discussion:
Santarpaka and Apatarpaka Karma always result with Guru
and Laghu Gunas. In the diseases associated Dhatuvriddhi Laghu Ahara as
well as Laghu Guna Dravyas were advocated by Acharyas while the use of
Guru Guna drugs have been suggested for Dhatukshaya. Obviously,
therefore, there is a definite effect of Guru and Laghu Gunas on the vitiated
Dhatus. In this study B.M.R was significantly decreased with Laghu Guna
group of drugs where as Significant increase in B.M.R was observed with
one Guru Guna drug. So the sphere of activity of Guru and Laghu Gunas
which were conferred the Virya status by Ashtavidha Virya Vadis may be
assessed at Dhatu level with the B.M.R as a parameter. The authors of
Nighantus have religiously followed the Dwividha Virya Vada postulated by
ancient seers. The Virya implications of each and every drug was explained
It is obvious from Table 1 & 2 that all the screened drugs shown
acidic reaction.
From Ushna Virya Group drugs like Sirisha, Sunthi, Talisapatra,
Syonaka and Guduchi have shown weak acidic reaction. While Usira and
Raktachandana have shown weak acidic reaction from Sheeta Virya Group.
Many phenomena may lead to one effect and many effects can be
caused by one single phenomenon. These processes or phenomena, again,
envolve certain body humors in different body tissue and, thereby, causing
certain local and systemic actions all culminating into the main action of the
* * * *
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