PHARMACODYNAMICS OF AYURVEDIC DRUGS - A PERSPECTIVE VIEW

Ayurveda

Introduction: Medical science is a branch of science which is refined according to the current scenario of health condition and characteristics of disease prevailing in the society. Attaining and preserving of good health is the prime objective of any health science. Ayurvedic science is the traditional medical science of India which not only deals with the diagnosing a disease and its treatment but also provide a guideline to lead an appropriate life style and to remain healthy. Considering the aim of curing the disease and long term perseverance of good health, the practitioner is given all privileges to adopt suitable treatment methodology .The principles of Ayurvedic science is strictly based on Vaisheshika or Sankhya philosophy. The fundamental theory of Ayurveda is based on principles of Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha. Drug based Ayurvedic clinical practice is therefore based on these fundamental units. Materials and Methods: The present work is an appraisal on the therapeutic behavior of Ayurvedic drugs which may be administered alone or in formulations. The pharmacological action of Ayurvedic drugs or formulation may be explained based on theories of Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha. Result and Discussion: The action of drug in body thus depends on any one or whole of Rasadi Panchaka, namely Rasa, Guna Virya, Vipaka Prabhava. The initial four general factors together with Prabhava may influence the Sareera in the view of Dosha Prasamana, Dathu Pradooshana and Swasthahitha. These four factors are configured based on Pancha mahabuhuta theory and therefore their action may be inferred without bias. The first four factors are in turn counted to number, but based on the Tara-Tama (Superiority or inferiority) theory, their strength may vary. Based on this comparative superiority and inferiority the factor for therapeutic action is selected and exhibited. On the other hand, Prabhava is more or less a single word hypothesis where an unexplainable pharmacological action is justified. In fact Prabhava is the innate action of a particular drug, which is irrespective of other four logical factor. Conclusion: Pharmacology of Ayurvedic drugs could be well explained through the principles of Panchamahabhuta and Rasaadi Panchaka, after superimposing with Samanya (general) and Vishesha (Specific) Karma. Accepting Rasaadi Panchaka as the pharmacological tools our acharyas has very well postulated the treatment principles .This is tools are applicable for all treatment modalities. A wise Vaidhya should accurately apprehend these tools to explain the action of individual drugs or formulations.

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