Pharmacology of Ayurveda Medhya dravya

Presenter : Praerna H. Bhargav Chair Person : Dr. Kishore R K Research Associate Assistant Professor of Ayurveda DST – SATYAM Project, NIMHANS Dept. Of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS

1

Pharmacology or Dravyaguna

Pharmacology meaning science dealing with

drug and its composition, properties,

interactions, toxicology, therapy, and medical

applications and antipathogenic capabilities.

Dravyaguna : the science dealing with

properties and actions of drugs.

It comprises of two words – ‘Dravya’ & ‘Guna’

Basics of Ayurvedic Pharmacology

Dravya (substance)

Rasa (taste)

Guna (Property)

Virya (Potency/Power)

Vipak (Biotransformation)

Prabhav (Specific potency/Power)

Karma (Action)

Rasa Panchaka

Panchabhautic concept

samaNym! v&iÏkar[m! ùashetuivRze;í

(Ca.Su.1/44)

Similar dravya-guna-karma increases similar dravya-guna-karma and dosha-dhatu-mala. Whereas dissimilar dravya-guna-karma bring about decrease.

Saamaanya Vishesha concept

• Dravya (Aushadhi/Drug) : the substratum of

properties and actions

yÇaiïta> kmRgu[a> kar[< smvaiy yt! tÎ+Vy<

(Ca.Su.1/51)

Two types :

1. Chetana

2. Achetana

Two broad propositions • There is no substance which can not be used as

drug. • All drugs are composed of five bhutas.

Dravya

S.no Mahabhuta dominance

Properties Actions

1. Earth Heavy, Rough, Hard, Dull, Stable, Clear, Dense, Bulky, Smell dominant

Nourishment, Compactness, Heaviness, Stability

2. Water Liquid, Unctuous, Cold, Dull, Soft, Slimy, Taste dominant

Slimyness, Unctuousness, Compactness, Moistness, Softness, Happiness

3. Fire Hot, Sharp, Fine, Light, Rough, Clear, Visual dominant

Burning, Digestion, Increases lustre, Light complexion

4. Air Light, Cold, Dry, Rough, Clear, Fine, Touch dominant

Dryness, Lightness, Movement, Clarity

5. Space Soft, Light, Fine, Smooth, Sound dominant

Softness, Porosity, Lightness

Properties and actions of dravya based on Panchamahabhuta concept

rSyte AaSva*te rsnay> rseiNÔyen #it rs

One residing in the substance that can be tasted through tongue or rasendriya is called rasa. It is of six types: 1. Sweet (Madhura) 2. Sour (Amla) 3. Salty (Lavana) 4. Pungent (Katu) 5. Bitter (Tikta) 6. Astringent (Kashaaya)

Rasa

Rasa Types

Rasa Effect on dosha

Dosha Rasa

Good Better Best

↑ Kapha ↓ Vata

Lavana Amla Madhura

↑ Vata ↓ Kapha

Katu Tikta Kashaaya

↑ Pitta Katu Lavana Amla

↓ Pitta

Tikta Madhura Kashaaya

Rasa Qualities Actions Harm if consumed in excess

Madhura Heavy, Cold, Unctuous

Nourishes tissues and body, Promotes Immunity, Connecting property, Brings stability and happiness, Increases weight

Obesity, Laziness, Hypersomnia, Heaviness, Weak digestive fire, Constipation, Kapha related disorders

Amla Light, Hot, Unctuous

Stimulates digestive fire, Produces energy and strength, Increases peristaltic movement, Regulates heart function

Vitiates pitta and kapha dosha and rakta dhatu, Excessive thirst, Looseness of body, Inflammation

Lavana Heavy, Unctuous, Hot

Stimulate appetite, Promote digestive power, Moistens the body, Open blockages, Stimulate glands and promote blood circulation.

Vitiates pitta and kapha dosha and increases rakta dhatu, Excessive thirst, Depletion of muscle tissue, Harmful for teeth, skin, hair, senses

Rasa

Rasa Qualities Actions Harm if consumed in excess

Katu Light, Dry, Hot

Stimulate the sense organs, promote appetite, purifies the blood, Increases nasal and lacrimal secretion, Opens blockages

Infertility, Vertigo, Loss of strength, Thirst, Vertigo, Burning sensation, Tremors, pain, Vata and pitta related disorders

Tikta Dry, Cold, Light

Promotes appetite and digestion, Weight, mucus secretions and perspiration decreases, Counteract toxins, Kill worms, purify milk, Strengthens skin muscles.

Destroys all the tissues, Loss of strength, Emaciation, Loss of happiness, Vertigo, Dryness of the face, Vata related disorders

Kashaaya Dry, Cold, Heavy

Promote healing of injuries, Suppresses stool and urine, Constrict the capillaries, Dries up the excess mucus

Dryness of mouth, Heaviness over heart, Obstruction of channels, Difficulty in speech, Infertility, Emaciation, Thirst, Stiffness and Spasms, Vata related disorders

Rasa

• Guna (quality or property) : that which is inherently

existent in substance and is non-inherent cause of its

effect.

sMvayI tu iníeò> kar[ gu[> (Ca.Su.1/51)

Forty one in number and are classified into three groups -

vaisheshika, saamaanya, atma.

1. Vaisheshika/Physical – 5

2. Saamaanya – two types

1. Gurvaadi/Somatic – 20

2. Paraadi/Applicative - 10

3. Atma/Psychic – 6

Guna

S.no

Physical gunas

Pychic gunas

Applicative gunas

1. Shabda (sound) Ichcha (desire) Paratva : Wholesomeness

2. Sparsha (touch) Dvesha (aversion) Aparatva : Unwholesomeness

3. Rupa (vision) Sukha (pleasure) Yukti :rational and effective combination of multiple factors

4. Rasa (taste) Duhkha (pain) Sankhya : accurate marking

5. Gandha (smell) Prayatna (will) Samyoga : non-eternal combination of two or more factors

6. Buddhi (determinative intellect)

Vibhaga :viyoga (disjunction), vibhakti (excision) and bhagasho graham (division)

7. Prithaktva : separateness or difference in terms of place, time, class and individuals

8. Parimana : estimation in terms of measurement

9. Samskara :processing for refinement

10. Abhyasa : practice

S.no Property Pairs of opposites

1. Weight Guru (Heavy) Laghu (Light)

2. Temperature Sheeta (Cold) Ushna (Hot)

3. Intensity Manda (Dull) Teekshna (Sharp)

4. Emmoliency Snigdha (Oily) Ruksha (Dry)

5. Texture Slakshana (Smooth) Khara (Rough)

6. Viscosity Drava (Liquid) Saandra (Dense)

7. Rigidity Kathina (Hard) Mridu (Soft)

8. Fluidity Sthira (Static) Sara (Mobile)

9. Action Sthula (Gross) Sukshma (Minute)

10. Adhesion Pichila (Slimy) Vishada (Non-slimy)

Somatic Gunas

Virya

Nature: Shakti (power or potency) Purpose: Instrument of action Represented by: active fraction of drug which is the concentrated essence of the five bhutas (comprising) the substance. Virya is power which is in the form of the concentrated essence of five bhutas which is instrumental in the action caused by dravya. Two types:

1. Ushna (Hot) 2. Sheeta (Cold)

Virya

Virya Mahabhuta

Effect on dosha

General effect

Sheeta Earth, Water Pitta ↓ Vata ↑

Kapha ↑

Pleasurable, Stabilizing, Cleansing,

Heavy

Ushna Fire

Kapha ↓ Vata ↓ Pitta ↑

Burning, Fainting, Sweating, Digestion,

Emesis, Purgation

Vipaaka is final transformed state of drugs after digestion. According to taste and effect on doshas, it is of three types: 1. Madhura 2. Amla 3. Katu

According to properties, it is of two types: 1. Guru ≈ Madhura 2. Laghu ≈ Katu, Amla

Vipaaka is inferred from actions, so knowledge of action is essential to know vipaaka of the substance

Vipaaka

How to infer Vipaaka?

Vipaaka Madhura

Amla

Katu

Effect on dosha

↑ Kapha ↑ Pitta ↑ Vata

Excretion ↑

↑

↓

Effect on semen

↑

↓

↓

rs vIyR ivpakana< samaNy< yÇ lúyte

ivze;> kmR[am! cEv àÉavStSy s Sm&t> (Ca.Su.26/67)

The specific action in spite of similarity in rasa, guna, virya, vipaaka is caused by prabhava. So, this is unique to that substance. E.g. Chitraka and Danti Rasa – Katu Vipaaka – Katu Virya – Ushna But Danti is purgative and not Chitraka

Prabhaava

Karma is that which is the cause of conjunction and disjunction, is located in dravya and does not require any other factor as its cause.

s<yaege c ivÉage c kar[< ÔVymaiïtm!

ktRVySy i³ya kmR kmR naNydpe]te (Ca.Su.1/52)

Location: Dravya Characteristic : Activity/movement Purpose: cause of conjunction and disjunction

Karma

When rasa, guna, virya, vipaaka are of equal strength rasa is subdued by vipaka, both by virya and all by

prabhava

Principles affecting drug action

Rasa Virya

Vipaaka

Madhura Shita Madhura

Amla Ushna Amla

Lavana Ushna Madhura

Katu Ushna Katu

Tikta Shita Katu

Kashaaya Shita Katu

Some examples

Action due to Rasa

Action due to Vipaaka

Action due to Prabhaava

Milk – Madhura rasa & Vipaka, Sheeta Virya

↓

↑Kapha ↓Vata Pitta

Honey – Madhura rasa, Sheeta Virya, Katu

Vipaaka, Ruksha Guna ↓

↑Vata ↓Kapha

Milk & ghee – both having Madhura rasa & Vipaaka, Sheeta Virya

Ghee is appetizer whereas milk is not

Alcohol – Amla rasa, Ushna Virya

↓

↑Kapha Pitta ↓Vata

Oil – Ushna Virya, Katu Vipaaka

↓ Obstruction of Excretion

Danti & Chitraka – both having Katu rasa &

Vipaaka, Ushna Virya Danti is purgative

whereas Chitraka is not

Chilli – Katu rasa & Vipaka, Ushna Virya

↓

↑Vata Pitta ↓Kapha

Gems, Madanphala (Emetic nut) having

emetic effect

Medhya Rasayana

‘Medha’ means intellect and/or retention ‘Rasayana‟ means therapeutic procedure or preparation that on regular practice will boost nourishment, health, memory, intellect, immunity and hence longevity. Medhya Rasayanas are group of medicinal plants with multi-fold benefits, specifically to improve memory and intellect by Prabhava (specific action). They improve all the three faculties of mind: a) Dhi (Intellect/Acquisition power) b) Dhriti (Retention power) c) Smriti (Memory/Recalling power)

Medhya Rasayana

Medhya Rasayana is a group of 4 medicinal plants that can be used singly or in combinations. (Ca.Chi.1/3:30-31)

1. Mandukaparni – Centella asiatica – Indian pennywort 2. Yasthimadhu – Glycirrhiza glabra - Liquorice 3. Guduchi – Tinospora cordifolia - Guduchi 4. Shankhpushpi – Convolvulur pleuricaulis – Morning

glory Other medhya dravya mentioned in classical texts are: • Brahmi – Bacopa monniera • Jyotishmati – Celastrus penniculata • Kushmaanda – Benincasa hispida • Vachaa – Acorus calamus • Jataamaansi – Nardostachys jatamansi • Ashwagandhaa – Withania somnifera

Medhya Rasayana

1. Shita Virya and Madhura Vipaka- promotes kapha and enhances “Dharana Karma” (i.e., retention of cognition) e.g., Yastimadhu, Bramhi, Sankhpushpi etc.

2. Ushna Virya and Tikta Rasa- it promotes pitta and enhances Grahana and Smarana (i.e., grasping power and Memory) e.g., Guduchi, Vacha, Jyotishmati etc.

Medhya drugs act at different levels - a) at level of Rasa b) by stimulating and improving the function of Agni c) By improving circulation of Rasa by opening and

cleaning the micro channel and thus improving Medhya function. (Singh AK, et.al. 2014)

Formulation & Action

S. no

Drug Action

Reference

1. Mandukaparni

act on behaviour besides being neuroprotective, brain growth promoter, inhibits the memory impairment

induced by scopolamine through the inhibition of AChE.

6-8

2. Guduchi possess learning and memory enhancing, antioxidant, and anti-stress action, enhances the cognition in normal and cognition deficits animals in behavioural test. It is useful for treatment of bhrama (Vertigo), in improving behavior

disorders, mental deficit and IQ levels

3. Yashtimadhu

increases the circulation into the CNS system, improves learning and memory on scopolamine induced dementia.

3. Shankhapushpi

Anxiolytic and memory enhancing, mood elevating, retard brain aging

4. Brahmi Memory enhancement, cognitive function, Reduce amyloid levels in PSAPP mice, effect on cholinergic

system, prevent aluminium neurotoxicity i.e., protect brain from oxidative damage resulting from aluminium

toxicity.

9-11

Research evidence

Title of study & Journal, Year

Authors n Intervention Result Conclusion

Effects of Medhya Rasayana and Yogic practices in improvement of short-term memory among school-going children Ayu; 2013

Atul Shankar Sarokte, Mangalagowri V. Rao

90 (10 – 16 years)

Group A – Control Group B – Medhya Rasayana (4) – 2 g twice daily Group C – Yogic practices

Group B showed most effective results for short-term memory test pictures and (2) serial recall effects test using memory scope. Group C showed significant improvement with respect to subjective and objective parameters in mini mental status scale

Group B showed to be the most efficient among the three groups. Medhya Rasayanas are quick in action and bring about improvement in memory faster when compared with Yogic practices.

Research evidence

Title of study & Journal, Year

Authors n Intervention

Result Conclusion

Clinical efficacy of Guduchyadi Medhya Rasayana on Senile Memory Impairment Ayu; 2012

R. D. H. Kulatunga, Alankruta R. Dave, and Madhav Singh Baghel

138 55-75yrs

Group A – Guduchyadi Medhya Rasayana 5g thrice /day Group B – Sharkaradi granules 3 months

The trial drug showed memory enhancement, anti-stress, anti-depressant and anxiolytic properties.

The trial group showed better results as compared to the control group.

Clinical evaluation of Kushmanda Ghrita in the management of depressive illness Ayu; 2011

Rajni Chandre, B. N. Upadhyay, K. H. H. V. S. S. Narasimha Murthy

35 10 ml of Kushmanda Ghrita - twice: morning and evening with 40 ml of lukewarm water for 1 month

Found statistically significant improvement in depression rating scale, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, immediate memory span direct and indirect test along with clinical symptoms.

Kusmanda Ghrita improved depressive illness patients probably because of its medhya prabhava and can be considered to possess antidepressant effect.

Research evidence

Title of study & Journal, Year

Authors n Intervention

Result Conclusion

Clinical study of the Immunoglobululin Enhancing Effect of “Bala compound” on Infants Ancient Science of Life; 2009

Dr. Appaji Rao. R, Dr. Sharma. R.D, Dr. Katiyar G. P, Dr. Sai Prasad A.J.V.

24 neonates

Group A – 5 drops of Bala compound twice orally Group B – 5 drops of conventional vitamin drops twice orally 6months

There was significant increase of mean serum levels of Immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and IgA in both Groups after three months and six months though the increase was more in Group A.

There is significant increase of immunoglobulins observed after six months administration of 'Bala compoumd'

Clinical evaluation of medhya rasayana compound in cases of non-depressive anxiety neurosis. Ancient Science of Life; 1982

A.K.Koushik and R.H. Singh

28 50 gm in two divided doses 6 weeks

Significant relief in clinical symptoms of anxiety & depression with increased feeling of well being and tendency to gain weight with correction in pulse rate and blood pressure.

Combined Medhya rasayana therapy is safe and moderately effective remedy for the care of a wide range of minor and moderate mental health problems.

1. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha (with „Ayurveda Dipika‟ commentary by Cakrapanidatta), Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2000. 2. Acharya J.T. & Acharya N.R. Sushuruta Samhita of Sushruta (with) „Nibandhasangraha‟ commentary by Dalhana), Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2003. 3. Sharma S.P. Ashtanga Samgraha of Vrddha Vagbhata, (with Sasilekha‟ commentary by Indu), Chowkhanmba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, 2006. 4. Paradakar H.S., Astanga hrdayam of Vagbhats, (with commentaries „Sarvangasundard‟ of Arunadatta & „Ayurvedarasayana‟ of Hemadri), Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2005. 5. Singh AK, Gupta AK, Manish Singh PK (2014) Rasayana therapy: A magic contribution of Ayurveda for healthy long life. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm 5: 41-47. 6. Kulkarni R, Girish KJ, Kumar A (2012) Nootropic herbs (Medhya Rasayana) in Ayurveda: An update. Pharmacogn Rev 6: 147-153. 7. Upadhyay AK, Kumar K, Kumar A, Mishra HS (2010) Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. and Thoms. (Guduchi)–validation of the Ayurvedic pharmacology through experimental and clinical studies. International Journal of Ayurveda Research 1: 112-121. 8. Suman Ray, Asim Ray. Medhya Rasayanas in brain function and disease. Med Chem. 2015;5:12.

References

9. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, et al. (2001) The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 156: 481-484. 10. Holcomb LA, Dhanasekaran M, Hitt AR, Young KA, Riggs M, et al. (2006) Bacopa monniera extract reduces amyloid levels in PSAPP mice. J Alzheimers Dis 9: 243-251. 11. Saraf MK, Prabhakar S, Khanduja KL, Anand A (2011) Bacopa monniera Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory in Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011. 12. Atul Shankar Sarokte, Mangalagowri V. Rao. Effects of Medhya Rasayana and Yogic practices in improvement of short-term memory among school-going children. Ayu; 2013;34:383-389. 13. R. D. H. Kulatunga, Alankruta R. Dave, and Madhav Singh Baghel. Clinical efficacy of Guduchyadi Medhya Rasayana on Senile Memory Impairment. Ayu; 2012. 14. Rajni Chandre, B. N. Upadhyay, K. H. H. V. S. S. Narasimha Murthy. Clinical evaluation of Kushmanda Ghrita in the management of depressive illness. Ayu; 2011 15. Dr. Appaji Rao. R, Dr. Sharma. R.D, Dr. Katiyar G. P, Dr. Sai Prasad A.J.V. Clinical study of the Immunoglobululin Enhancing Effect of “Bala compound” on Infants. Ancient Science of Life; 2009. 16. A.K.Koushik and R.H. Singh. Clinical evaluation of medhya rasayana compound in cases of non-depressive anxiety neurosis. Ancient Science of Life; 1982;2:11-16