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HARIDAS AYURVEDA SERIES

122

A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna

(Fundamental Dravyaguṇa)
As per Course Curriculum for Second Professional BAMS
(Prescribed by NCISM)
Volume 1

Dr. Vinayak Ashok Rao Almalkar

M.D. (Ayu)
Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna
SDMT'S Ayurvedic Medical College
Terdal, Bagalkot, Karnataka

Chaukhambha Vishvabharati
Varanasi (India)
 Contents

Foreword vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgement x
Scheme of Transliteration xi
Abbreviations xii
Syllabus xiii

1. Introduction to Dravyaguàa VijáÂna 1

2. Dravya 4
3. Guàa 50
4. Rasa 82
5. VipÂka 115
6. VÍrya 136
7. PrabhÂva 155
8. Combined Relationship between RasÂdi Guàas 166
9. Karma 171
10. Karmas of DaïemÂni Gaàa 211
11. Principals of General Pharmacology 251
12. MiïrakÂdi Varga 313
13. Nomenclature of Dravyas as per Nighaàòu, Vedic Taxonomy and Botany 322
14. Praïasta Bheîaja, Bheîaja Parikî and Drug Evaluation Methods with 329
Correlation as Per Pharmacognosy

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vi A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa): Volume 1

15. Dravyasangrahaàa and Drug Collection Methods as Per GFCP (Good Field 346
Collection Practices)
16. Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Knowledge about 358
Endangered Medicinal Plants and GCP (Good Cultivation practices)
17. Adulteration (Apamishrana) and Substitutes (Pratinidhi Dravya) 366
18. Classification and Techniques of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts 373
19. Adverse Drug Reaction and Pharmacovigilance 378
20. Important organizations 387
21. VçkîÂyurveda and Enthomedicine 395
22. Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics 402
MCQs 409
 Course curriculum for Second Professional BAMS
(PRESCRIBED BY NCISM)
Dravyaguna Vigyan (Subject Code : AyUG-DG)

Paper 1 Fundamental Dravyaguna

B3 D3 Page No.
Learning Objective (At the end of the session, the students should be able to) Must to know/
desirable to
know / Nice to
know
Topic 1 1.Dravyaguna Vigyana (Lecture :1 hours, Non lecture: 1 hours)
€ Define Dravyaguna Vigyana. MK
1-3
€ Explain the role of Dravyaguna Vigyana in clinical practice. MK
Topic 2 2.Dravya (Lecture :5 hours, Non lecture: 4 hours)
€ Classify Dravya based on Utpatti,Yonibheda, Prayogabheda & Prabhavbheda. MK
€ Classify Dravya based on Doshaghnabheda, Rasabheda, Karmbheda (Dashemani &
MK 4-29
Sushrutokta Gana)
€ Describe Panchabhoutikatwa of Dravya. MK
Topic 3 3. Guna (Lecture :4 hours, Non lecture: 2 hours)
€ Define Guna and describe its Panchabhoutikatva. MK
€ State characteristics of Gurvadi Guna. MK
€ Discuss Gurvadiguna in context to its Karma on Dosha, Dhatu and Mala with 50-65
MK
examples.
€ Enumarate & Summarize, clinical application of Gurvadi Guna with research
MK
updates.
€ Enlist Paradiguna with examples. MK
€ Interpret clinical applications of Paradiguna. MK 66-73
€ Discuss research updates of Paradiguna. MK
Topic 4 4. Rasa (Lecture :7 hours, Non lecture: 4 hours)
€ Define Rasa and interpret Meaning of “Rasa” in various contexts. MK 83
€ Classify and compare shadarasa in relative correlation with taste of chemical
MK 86
constituents.
€ State Rasa Utpatti and Panchabhoutika constitution of Shadrasa. MK 87-88
€ Discuss Rasopalabdhi. MK 90-91
€ Interpret pathway of taste perception & sites of taste receptors in the body MK 91-93
€ Describe Guna and Lakshana of each Rasa. MK
95-101
€ Explain karma of each rasa on Dosha, Dhatu and Mala with examples. MK
€ Discuss Atiyoga of each rasa. MK 101-104
€ Interpret Clinical application of each rasa. MK 107-108

xiii
xiv A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa): Volume 1

€ Discuss research updates of Shadrasa. MK 112-113

€ Define Anurasa. MK
89-90
€ Interpret relevance of Anurarasa in clinical practice. MK
€ Describe with justification Rasa sevanakrama as Aushadha. MK 110
Topic 5 5. Vipaka (Lecture :3 hours, Non lecture: 1 hours)
€ Define Vipaka. MK 115
€ State Vipaka lakshana. MK 115
€ Describe the action of Trividha Vipaka on Dosha, Dhatu and Mala with examples. MK 122-123
€ Interpret clinical application of Vipaka. MK 126
€ State Research updates of Vipaka. MK 133-134
€ Explain Vipakopalabdhi (Determination of Vipaka) and Taratamya (Degree of
MK 128
variation).
Topic 6 6. Virya (Lecture :2 hours, Non lecture: 2 hours)
€ Define the lakshanas of Virya. MK 136
€ Differentiate Guna and virya. MK 149
€ Discuss Karma of Virya on Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. MK
144-146
€ Explain clinical application of Virya. MK
€ Discuss research updates of Virya. MK 152
€ Discuss Viryaopalabdhi (Determination of Virya). MK 147
Topic 7 7. Prabhava (Lecture :2 hours, Non lecture: 1 hours)
€ Define and explain Prabhava with examples. MK 155
€ Describe Samanapratyayarabdha and Vichitrapratyayarabdha with examples. MK 160-161
€ Explain clinical application of Prabhava. MK 163
€ Discuss research updates of Prabhava. MK 164
Topic 8 8. Interrelation of Rasa-Guna-Virya-Vipaka-Prabhava (Lecture :1 hours, Non lecture: 2 hours)
€ Interpret the interrelation of Rasa-Guna-Virya-Vipaka-Prabhava with respect to
MK 166
their strength- Pharmacodynamics.
Topic 9 9. Karma (Lecture :9 hours, Non lecture: 5 hours)
€ Define Karma. MK 171
€ Discuss Karma lakshana. MK 172
€ Explain Deepan karma in relation with Appetizers. MK
€ Critically analyze Deepan dravyas with its gunas and application in various clinical
MK
conditions.
186-189
€ Explain Pachan karma in relation with Digestives. MK
€ Critically analyze Pachan dravyas with gunas and discuss its application in various
MK
clinical conditions.
€ Explain Samshodhan karma in relation with contemporary pharmacological action. MK
€ Discuss Samshohan karma and its clinical application. MK 189-190
€ Explain Samshamana karma in relation with contemporary pharmacological action. MK
CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Dravyaguàa VijáÂna

õJÙeeCeeb iegCekeâce&efCe ØeÙeesiee: efJeefJeOeemleLee~ meJe&Mees Ùe$e JeCÙe&vles MeeŒeb õJÙeiegCeb efn leled~~ (õ.ieg.efJe.)
Acharya P.V. Sharmaji illustrated Dravyaguàa ìastra is the science, which deals with
Guàa (Properties), Karma (Actions) and curative effects of many drugs.
In Genral Dravyaguàa VijáÂna means
Dravya - It is the curative substance or one can understand, It as herb or medicine.
Guàa - Qualities or properties of the herb or medicine.
VijáÂna - Science which deals with qualities of the substance useful in curative effects.
iegCe Meyosve Ûesn Oece&JeeefÛevee jmeJeerÙe&efJeheekeâØeYeeJee: meJe& SJe ie=¢evles~~ (Ûe›eâheeCeer Ûe.met.1.59-61)
According to cakrapÂàÍ dutta, the word guàa is understood as constituents of dravyas like
Rasa, Guàa VÍrya, VipÂka and PrabhÂva.
õJÙes jmeesiegCeesJeerÙe& efJeheekeâ: MeefòeâjsJe Ûe~heoeLee& heÃeefle°efvle mJeb mJeb kegâJee&efvle keâce& Ûe~~ (Ye.Øe.Øe.6.169)
According to BhÂvamiïra accepted five fundamental basic Principals Rasa, Guàa, VÍrya,
VipÂka & PrabhÂva. Acharya Yadavji Trikamji further added Dravya & Karma to the above
five fundamental basic principals and mentioned about sapta padarthas.
1. Dravya (Substance)
Ùe$eeefßelee: keâce&iegCee: keâejCeb meceJeeefÙe Ùeled leoddõJÙeb~ (Ûe.met.1.42)
Substance which resides Guàa (properties) and Karma (actions) with inherent relationship
is know as Dravya.
E.g. HarÍtakÍ, GöÅucÍ etc.

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2 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

2. Guàa (Property)
meceJeeÙeer leg efveMÙes°: keâjCeb iegCe:~ (Ûe.met.1.51)
Guna is a property which resides in a dravya and maintaining inherent relation. But it is
Niïcheîòa (Does not perform any actions and also maintains non-inherant relation with Karma.
E.g. Guru × Laghu, Snigdha × Rökîa etc.
3. Rasa (Taste)
jmeveeLeex jme: .....~ jmÙeles DeemJeeÅeles Fefle jme:~ (Ûe.met.26)
A property which is experienced through Rasana (Tongue) is know as Rasa.
There are six types of tastes expected in ayurveda.
1. Madhura 3. Lavaàa 5. Tikta
2. Àmla 4. Kaòu 6. KaîÂya
4. VipÂka (Metabolism)
peešjsCeeefivevee ÙeesceeÅeogosefle jmevlejced jmeeveeb hejerCeeÙeevles me efJeheekeâ Fefle mce=le:~ (De.ù.met.1)
The formation of special taste soon after the end of the digestion under the effect of
jataragni is know as VipÂka.
There are three types of VÍpÂka explained in ayurveda.
1. Madhura vipÂka, 2. Àmla vipÂka. 3. Kaòu vipÂka.
5. VÍrya (Potency)
JeerÙe& leg ef›eâÙeles Ùeves Ùee ef›eâÙee~ vee JeerÙe& kegâ®les efkeâefÛeled JeerÙe&ke=âlee: ef›eâÙee:~~ (Ûe.met.26.64)
The property which is responsible for a drug action. It is known by name power, potency
and strength of a dravya through which it will exhibits Karma (Pharmacological actions).
It is of two types 1. Uîàa vÍrya, 2. ìÍtavÍrya.
6. PrabhÂva (Special action)
jmeJeerÙe&efJeheekeâeveeceb meeceevÙeb Ùe$e ue#Ùeles~ efJeefMe°: keâce&Ceeb ÛewJe ØeYeeJemlemÙe me mce=le:~~ (Ûe.met.26.67)
A special action or peculiar action exhibit by the dravya, Which is independent of Rasa,
Guàa etc. factors of a dravya is known of PrabhÂva.
E.g. Hçidya action of Arjuna.
 Introduction to Dravyaguàa VijáÂna 3

7. Karma (Pharmacological actions)

mebmeesies Ûe efJeYeeies Ûe keâejCeeb õJÙeceeefßeleced~ keâle&JÙemÙe ef›eâÙee keâce&, keâce& veevÙeohes#eles~~ (Ûe.met.1)
The components of a dravya which are responsible for Samyoga (Association) and
VibhÂga (Dissociation) .
E.g. DÍpana, PÂcana Karma of Dravya.

ACTIVITY
1. Group activity: Assignments are to be given to the students to prepare 2-3 flash
cards on importance of Dravyaguna Vigyana in clinical Practice.
Flash cards of Chikitsa chatuspada , Ideal characters of drug (Dravya), etc.
Which signifies application of dravya in ideal treatment is mandatory so one
must have detail knowledge of dravya and its properties.
Flash card is a piece of thick paper typically standard size of 3×5 or 5×7 inches.
It is a piece of card with a question written on one side and the answer of another
side.
CHAPTER 2

Dravya

Learning objects
€ Dravya Nirukti € Dravya pradhānyata
€ Dravya Lakṣaṇa € Classification of Dravya
€ Pañcabhoutika of Dravaya € Activity
€ Dravya Auṣadhatva € Marks Distribution and
Important Questions

Dravya Nirukti
Dravya is the first among sapta padartha of dravyaguàa.
õg ieceves~
The term dravya is derived form ‘Dhru’ which means Gati, Gamana, Dravati, Gacchati
etc.
õJeefle ieÛÚefle mebÙeesieefJeYeeieefo iegCeefveefle õJÙeced~
It possess properties like Samyoga and VibhÂga.
õJeefle ieÛÚefle heefjCeececeYeer#Ceefceefle õJÙeced~
Dravya means which regularly undergoes change.
Dravya Lakîaàa
Ùe$eeefßelee: keâce& iegCee: keâejCeb meceJeeefÙeÙeled leoddõJÙeb ~ (Ûe. met. 1/42)
Ùe$eeefßelee: Ùe$e meceJeslee: ~ Jeâce& Ûe iegCee§e Jeâce& iegCee: ~ JeâejCeb meceJeeefÙe Ùeefoefle meceJeeefÙe JeâejCeb Ùeled, õJÙecesJe
efn õJÙeiegCeJeâce&Ceeb meceJeeefÙeJeâejCeced ~ meceJeeefÙeJeâejCeb Ûe Ùeod Ùeled mJemeceJesleb JeâeÙeË peveÙeefle; iegCeJeâce&Ceer leg ve
mJemeceJesleb JeâeÙeË peveÙele:, Delees ve les meceJeeefÙeJeâejCes ~ (Ûe›eâoòe - Ûe. met. 1/51)

4
 Dravya 5

Dravya is the medium which secures Guàa (Qualities) and Karma (Action) in an
inseparable relation is called Dravya. The properties Guàa and Karma cannot execute out any
actions without the help of dravya.
ef›eâÙeeiegCeJeled meceJeeefÙekeâejCeb õJÙeced~ (Jew.oe.1 De.15.54)
õJÙeue#eCeb leg ef›eâÙeeiegCeJeled meceJeeefÙekeâejCece Fefle~ (meg.met. 40.3)
ef›eâÙeeiegCeJeefoefle ef›eâÙeeiegCeJeöJÙeefcelÙeLe&: ef›eâÙee Jeâce&, iegCee GJeälee eEJeMeefle:~
meceJeeefÙe JeâejCeceefHe õJÙecesJe; ÙeLee Hešs levleJe:, Iešs ce=eqlHeC[ FlÙeeefo;
ve Ûe ef›eâÙeeÙeeb ef›eâÙee meceJeslee, ve iegCes<eg iegCee§e meceJeslee Fefle~
([unCe-meg.met. 40/3)
Acharya Suïruta and Vaiïeîika darîana have acknowledged comparative definition for
dravya.
õJÙeceeßeÙeue#eCeb heÃeveece~ (j.Jew.)
Acharaya NÂgarjuna defines dravya is the medium which constitutes Rasa, Guàa, VipÂka,
VÍrya and PrabhÂva.
õJÙes jmeesiegCeesJeerÙe& efJeheekeâ: MeefòeâjsJe Ûe~ heoeLee& heÃeefle°efvle mJeb mJeb kegâJee&efvle keâce& Ûe~~ (Ye.Øe.Øe.6.169)
According to BhÂvamiïra accepted five fundamental basic Principals Rasa, Guàa, VÍrya,
VipÂka & PrabhÂva. Acharya Yadavji Trikamji further added Dravya & Karma to the above
five fundamental basic principals and mentioned about sapta padarthas.
Dravya Paácabhautikatwa (Constituents of MahÂbhöta in dravya)
meJeË õJÙeb heeÃeYeeweflekeâceefmceVeLex~ (Ûe.met.26.10)
meJe&õJÙeefceefle keâeÙe&õJÙeced~ DeefmceVeLex Deefmceved ØekeâjCes~ (Ûe.met.26.10)
According to caraka all dravyas in this natural world are made up of PaácamahÂbötas.
Acharaya CakrapÂàÍ further quoted only KÂrya dravyas are Paácaboutika not the kÂraàa
dravyas.
heÃeYetleelcekesâ osns ¢eenej: heeÃeYeeweflekeâ:~ efJehekeäJe: heÃeOee mecÙeiiegCeeved mJeeveefYeJeOe&Ùesled~~ (meg.met.46.526)
Acharya Suïruta co-relate the concept of PaácamahÂböta with ÂharapÂka (Process of
digestion) both ÂhÂra and ïÂrira are composed of PaácamahÂbötas further ÂhÂra will undergoes
VipÂka and breaks into the specific paácamahÂböta element.
YetlesYÙees efn hejb ÙemceeVeefmle efÛevlee efÛeefkeâeflmeles~ (meg.Mee.1.49)
Acharya Suïruta claimed that, physician who has good know-ledge of PÂácamahÂbötas
doesn't need to concern to treat illness.
6 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

le$e he=efLeJÙehlespeesJeeÙJeekeâeMeeveeb mecegoeÙeeoddõJÙeeefYeefveJe=&efle:~

Glkeâ<e&mlJeefYeJÙeÀekeâes YeJeefle Fob heeefLe&JeefceoceehÙeefceob lewpemeefceob JeeÙeJÙeefceoceekeâeMeerÙeefceefle~ (meg.met.41.3)
Ayurveda explains that the dravyas consist of all the MahÂbötas based on its böta
predominance it will exhibit pharmacological actions. MahÂböta which is predominant
or in excess it will accommodate ½ portion of the dravya, the remaining MahÂböta will
accommodate 1/8th part each.

Sl. MahÂböta Predominant Remaining

No. Dravya MahÂböta MahÂbötas
1. ÀkÂïa MahÂböta dravya ½ ÀkÂïa / VÂyu, Agni, Aap and Prithivi
1 th
8

2. VÂyu MahÂböta ½ VÂyu MahÂböta / ÀkÂïa, Agni, Aap and Prithivi

1 th
8

3. Agni MahÂböta dravya ½ Agni MahÂböta / ÀkÂïa, VÂyu, Aap and Prithivi
1 th
8

4. Jala MahÂböta dravya ½ Jala MahÂböta / ÀkÂïa, VÂyu, Agni and Prithvi
1 th
8

5. Prithvi MahÂböta Dravya ½ Prithvi MahÂböta / ÀkÂïa, Vayu, Agni and Jala.
1 th
8

ceneYetleeefve mJeb JeeÙegjefivejehe: ef#eeflemleLee~ Meyo: mheMe&§e ¤heb Ûe jmees ievOe§e leûgCee~~ (Ûe.met.1.27)
DevÙeesÓvÙeevegØeefJe°eefve meJee&CÙesleeefve efveefo&Mesled~ mJes mJes õJÙes leg meJex<eeb JÙeòebâ ue#eCeefce<Ùeles~~ (met.Mee.1.21)
Each five mahÂbötas derived from PaácatanmÂtras.
Shubdha, Sparïa, Rupa, Rasa & Gandha.

Sl.No. PaácamahÂbötas Guàas

1. ÀkÂïa Sabdha alone
2. VÂya Sabdha, Sparïa
3. Teja Sabdha, Sparïa, Röpa
4. Jala Sabdha, Sparïa, Röpa, Rasa
5. Prithvi Sabdha, Sparïa, Röpa, Rasa, Gandha

le$e õJÙeeefCe ieg®Kejkeâef"vecevoefmLejefJeMeomeevõmLetueievOeiegCeyengueeefve heeefLe&Jeeefve, leevÙegheÛeÙeme‹eleieewjJemLewÙe&keâjeefCe;

õJeefmveiOeMeerlecevoce=ogefheefÛÚue-jmeiegCeyengueevÙeehÙeeefve, leevÙeghekeäuesomvesnyevOeefJe<Ùevoceeo&JeØe¥eokeâjeefCe;
G<Celeer # Ce-met # ceueIeg ¤ #eef J eMeo¤heieg C eyeng u eevÙeeives Ù eeef v e, leeef v e oenheekeâØeYeeØekeâeMeJeCe& k eâjeef C e;
ueIegMeerle¤#eKejefJeMeomet#cemheMe&iegCeyengueeefve JeeÙeJÙeeefve, leeefve jewue#Ùeiuee-efveefJeÛeKejJewMeÅeueeIeJekeâjeefCe; ce=og
ueIegmet#ceMue#ceCeMeyoiegCeyengueevÙeekeâeMeelce-keâeefve, leeefve ceeo&Jemeewef<eÙe&ueeIeJekeâjeefCe~~ (Ûe.met.26.11)
le$e mLetuemeevõcevoefmLejieg®keâef"veb ievOeyengueceer<elkeâ<eeÙeb ØeeÙeMees ceOegjefceefle heeefLe&Jeb; leled mLewÙe&yeueieewjJeme‹eleesheÛeÙekeâjb
efJeMes<ele§eeOeesieeflemJeYeeJeefceefle~~ (meg.met.41.3)
 Dravya 7

Meer l eef m leef c eleef m veiOecevoieg ®mejmeevõce= o g ef heef Û Úueb jmeyengueceer<elkeâ<eeÙeecueueJeCeb ceOegj jmeØeeÙeceehÙeb; leled
mvesnve¥eovekeäuesoveyevOeveefJe<Ùevovekeâjefceefle~~ (meg.met.41.3)
G<Celeer#Cemet#ce¤#eKejueIegefJeMeob ¤heyengueceer<eocueueJeCeb keâšgkeâjmeØeeÙeb efJeMes<ele§eesOJe&ieeflemJeYeeJeefceefle lewpemeb;
lennveheÛeveoejCeeleheveØekeâeMeveØeYeeJeCe&keâj-efceefle~~ (meg.met.41.3)
met#ce¤#eKejefMeefMejueIegefJeMeob mheMe&yengueceer<eefòekebâ efJeMes<ele: keâ<eeÙeefceefle JeemeJeerÙeb; leÉwMeÅeueeIeJeiueheveefJe¤#e-
efJeÛeejCekeâjefceefle:~~ (meg.met.41.3)
Mue#Cemet#cece=oJg ÙeJeeefÙeefJeMeoefJeefJeòeâceJÙeòeâjmeb MeyoyengueceekeâeMeerÙeb; levceeo&JeMeewe<f eÙe&ueeIeJekeâjefceefle~~ (meg.met.41.3)
le$e õJÙeb ieg®mLetueefmLejievOeiegCeesuyeCeced heeefLe&Je ieewjJemLewÙe&me‹eleesheÛeÙeeJenced~ õJeMeerleieg®efmveiOecevomeevõjmeesuyeCeced õJÙeb
mvesnveefJe<ÙevokeäuesoØe¥eoyevOeke=âled~ ¤#eleer#Cees<CeefJeMeomet#ce¤heieCeesuyeCeced~ DeeivesÙeb oenYeeJeCe&ØekeâeMeheÛeveelcekeâced~
JeeÙeJÙeb ¤#eefJeMeoueIegmheMe&iegCeesuJeCeced~ jew#ÙeueeIeJeJewMeÅeefJeÛeejiueeefvekeâejkeâced veeYemeb met#ceefJeMeoueIegMeyoiegCeesuyeCeced~
meewef<eÙe&ueeIeJekeâjced~ (De.ù.met.1.5)

Sl. No. MahÂbötas Qualities of MahÂbötas Properties of MahÂbötas Rasa

1. ÀkÂïa Sökîma(Minuteness) ìauîirya (Vaccum) Unmani-
Viïada (Distinctness) LÂghava (Lightness) fest taste
Laghu (Lightness) (Avayakta)
Mçudu (Softness)
VyavÂyÍ (Quickly
Circulating)
ìabdha (Hearing)
2. VÂyu Rökîa (Dryness) GlÂni (Fatigue) Tikta
Viïada (Distinctness) ChÂràkarmiti KaîÂya
Laghu (Lightness) (Promotes various
Sukîma (Minuteness) Movements)
Khara (Roughness)
ìiïira (Coldness)
Sparïa (Touch)
3. Agni Rökîa (Dryness) DÂhabhÂva (Produce burning Àmla
TÍkîàa (Penetrating) Sensation) Lavaàa
Uîàa (Hotness) Vçàya (Promotes Kaòu
Viîada (Distinctness) lusture)
Sukîma(Narrowness) PrakÂïa(Illumination)
Khara (Roughness) PÂcana (Digestive in action)
Laghu (Lightness) DhÂrana (Tearing)
Röpa (Appearaness) Tapana (Heating)
8 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Sl. No. MahÂbötas Qualities of MahÂbötas Properties of MahÂbötas Rasa

4. Jala Drava (Liquidity) Snehata (Produces Madhara
ìÍta (Coldness) Oilyness) Àmla
Guru (Hardness) Viîyanda (Flowing) Lavaàa
Snigdha (Oiliness) Kleda (Produces moisture) KaîÂya
Manda (Dullness) PrahlÂda (Produce Madhura
ìandra (Solidity) Pleasentness) Àmla
Mçudu (Softness) Bandhakçt (Promotes re- Lavaàa
Picchila (Stickiness) union of fractures) KaîÂya
Sara (Mobility)
Rasa (Taste)
5. Prithvi Guru (Heaviness) Gourava (Produce KaîÂya and
Sthula (Ponderous) Heavyness) Mad-
Stira (Firmness) Sthirya (Produces stability) hura
SÂndra (Solidity) Bala (Promotes strength)
Mandha (Dullness)
Katina (Hardness)
Gandha (Smell)
Dravya Auîadhatva (Therapeutic advantages of dravya)
iegCee Ùee Gòeâe õJÙes<eg Mejerjs<Jeefhe les leLee~ mLeeveJe=efæ#eÙeemlemceeod osefnveeb õJÙenslegkeâe:~~ (meg.met.44.2)
Properties present in material and the body are identical and such Vçddhi (Increases) and
Kîaya (Decreases) of doîas are under the influence of Dravya.
FlLeb Ûe veeveew<eOeerYetleb peieefle efkeâefÃeodõJÙecemleer efJeefJeOeeÙe&ØeÙeesieJeMeeled~ (De.meb.met.45.3)
All the material is this natural world possess medicinal properties.
õJÙejmeiegCeJeerÙe&efJeheekeâefveefceòesÛe#eÙeJe=æeroes<eeCeebmeecÙeÃe~ (meg.met.46.3)
Acharya Suïruta quoted that the factors like Rasa (Taste) Guàa (Qualities), VÍrya
(Polency), VipÂka (Digestion) are responsible for Vçiddhi (Increase), Kîaya (Decrease) SÂmya
(Equilibrium) of the doîas.
efYe<eiõJÙeeCÙeghemLeeleejesieerheeoÛeleg°Ùeced~ (meg.met.9.3)
The four extremities of treatment are Biîaka (Physician), Dravya (Drugs), Upastha
(Attendant) and Rogi (Patient) amongst dravya (drug) is set beside to Biîaka (Physcian) in
sequence.
yengleele$eÙeesiÙelJeceveskeâefJeOekeâuhevee~ mecheÛÛesefleÛeleg<keâesÓÙebõJÙeeCeeb iegCeGÛÙeles~~ (Ûeb.met.9.7)
 Dravya 9

Dravya (Drug) should possess the following four ideal characters before treatment.
1. Bahut (Regularly and extensively available)
2. Yogyatva (Utmost beneficial).
3. Anekavidi Kalpana (May be used in different forms).
4. Sampath (Necessarly possess supreme qualities).
jesiemleg oes<eJew<ecÙeb oes<emeecÙecejesielee~ (De.ù.met.1)
Disequilibrium of the doîas leads to disease, while equilibrium of the doîas, promotes
good health.
mJemLemÙeespe&mkeâjb efkeâefÃeled efkeâefÃeoele&mÙejesievegled~ (Ûe.met.De.1)
Based on the chikitsa is classified into two.
1. Swastha Urjaskara (Prophylactic feature).
2. Atura rogannt (Therepeutic feature).
meJe&oe meJe&YeeJeeveeb meeceevÙeJe=efækeâejCe~ ÜemenslegefJe&Mes<e§e~ (Ûe.met.1)
The identical qualities increases the corresponding qualities, while dissimilar qualities,
decreases or lessen.
Dravya PrÂdhÂnyata (Importance of Dravya)
Acharya Suïruta and Badhanta NÂgarjuna have mention following clarification or reasons
for the importance of dravya.
1. VyavasthitatvÂ
JÙeJeefmLelelJeeled, FnKeuegõJÙebJeefmLeleb ve jmeeoÙe: ÙeLeeDeecesHeâues Ùes jmeeoÙemles hekeäJes ve meefvle~ (meg.met.40.3, j.Jew.1.102)
JÙeJeefmLelelJeeefoefle DeJemLeeYesosve jmeeefoYesosÓefhe õJÙemÙe JÙeJeefmLelelJeeled~
ÙeLee- DeeceüHeâueb ØeLeceb keâ<eeÙeecueb, ceOÙesÓcueb lelees ceOegjced, SJeb jmeeJÙeJemLeevesÓefhe õJÙecee$e¤heleÙee JÙeJeefmLelelJeced~ (meg.met.40.3)
Vyavasthitatv means steady. Dravya is steady, even though the constituents of a dravya
may subjected to significant change.
E.g. Let us take Àmra is an example, in early stage it is kaîÂya rasa, changed to Àmla
and finally it become Madhura on ripe, this means the Guàa and Karma of Àmra undergoes
significant change but the original dravya Àmra remains the same.
2. Nityatwa
efvelÙelJeeÛÛe, efvelÙebefnõJÙeceefvelÙeeiegCee:, ÙeLeekeâukeâeefoØeefJeYeeie:, meSJe-mecheVejmeievOeesJÙeeheVejmeievOeesJee YeJeefle:~
(meg.met.40.3)
10 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

ef v elÙelJeeef l keâÙelkeâeueeJeef m LelelJeeef o lÙeLe& : ~ Deef v elÙeeieg C eeFef l eef J eveeef M eveFlÙeLe& : ~ keâukes â lÙeeef o Dee
efo«enCeelmJejmeMe=leMeerleHeâeCševeeceefhe«enCeced~ me SJekeâukeâeefo ØeefJeYeeieSJe~ mecheVe jmeievOeesJee YeJeleereflemebÙegòeâmÙe:
mebÙegòeâievOeesJeeYeJeleerlÙeLe&:~ SlesvewleogòebâYeJeefle–keâukeâeÅeJemLeemJeefheõJÙebleosJeveevÙelejoddõJÙeb, jmeievOeewlJevÙeew-
mebÙeòeâewYeJele Fefle iegCeeoefvelÙeelõJÙebefvelÙeced~ DevÙeskeâukeâeefomLeeves ‘keâeueeefoØeefJeYeeieeled’ Fefle he"efvle~ les<eebceles
Deeefo«enCeeppeue JeeleosMemeescemetÙee&ie=¢evles~ leÅeLee– ‘leeSJeew<eOeÙees«eer<cesefve: meeje¤#ee’ FlÙeeefo~ (meg.met.40.3)
efvelÙelJeeÛÛesefle efvelÙelJeb jmeeefoveeMesÓhÙeJeefmLelelJeefcen %esÙeb, JÙeJeefmLelelJeb leg jmeevÙeLeelJes leõtheleÙee JÙeJeefmLelelJeefceefle
Yeso:~ keâeueeoerlÙe$eeefoMeyosve peueJeeleeoÙees ie=¢evles~ (meg.met.40.3)
Dravya is Nitya (Eternal), where as constituents of a dravya Rasa, VÍrya undergoes
change frequently or get weakened due to the effect of air, water and time.
E.g. Freshy prepared Swarasa (Juice) or Kalka (Paste) does not have the same properties
after certain time, it may loose taste and potency, but still they will be named as Swarasa
(Juice) or Kalka (Paste).
3. SvajÂtyavasthÂntwa
mJepeelÙeJemLeeveeÛÛe, ÙeLee efn heeefLe&Jeb õJÙecevÙeYeeJeb ve ieÛÚlÙesJeb Mes<eeefCe~ (meg.met.40.3)
Dravya doesn't leave it's nature or natural property even if it is under the effect of KÂla
etc. Where as it is not so in case of Rasa, VÍrya etc constituents of a dravya.
E.g. Milk will turn into different form i.e. curd, the basic nature of the milk doesn't
disturb, continuous to remain same in the form of curd. Milk is prithvi mahÂböta pradana
continue to be same till the end, during this course only few characters will change.
4. Paácendriyagrahyatwa
heÃesefvõÙe«enCee§e, heÃeefYeefjvõÙewie=&¢elesõJÙebvejmeeoÙe:~ heÃeefYeefjefvõÙewõJÙeb ie=¢eles, õJÙes ie=nerles leoeßeÙee iegCee ie=nerlee
YeJeefvle; iegCee§e MeyomheMe&¤hejmeievOee:~ õJÙes MeyoesÓhÙeefmle; ÙeLee–heeefLe&JeõJÙes keâškeâMeyo:, DeehÙes KeueKeeueMeyo:,
lewpemes lešlešeMeyo FlÙeeefokeâ:~ JeeÙeJÙeõJÙeceekeâeMeõJÙeb Ûeevegceeve«ee¢ececetle&lJeeled~ ve jmeeoÙe Fefle jmeiegCeJeerÙe&eJf eheekeâemleg
ve heÃesefvõÙe«ee¢ee FlÙeLe&:~ (meg.met.40.3)
The constituents of a dravya Rasa, VÍrya etc. are perceivable though Rasanendriya,
NipÂta – Adivasa respectively, but dravya in one which can be perceived though all five
senses.
5. Àîryatva
DeeßeÙelJeeÛÛe, õJÙeceeefßeleejmeeoÙe:~ (meg.met.40.3)
DeeßeÙelJeeefolÙeeefo~ DeeßeÙe Fob õJÙeb jmeeoerveeced~ (meg.met.)
DeeßeÙelJeeÛÛeself e jmeeoerveeb õJÙeceeßeÙe:, lesveeefßelee jmeeoÙe: hejlev$elJeeo-ØeOeevee:, DeeßeÙemleg ØeOeeveefcelÙeLe&:~ (meg.met. Ûe›eâheeefCe)
54 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

meßegles leg iegCee: Øeesòeâe efJebMeeflemleeved yegÇJes ßegCeg~ (Yee.Øe.)

Acharya BhÂvamiïra expressed that he has followed the GurvÂdi guàas accepted by
Suïruta but he expected the following GurvÂdi guàas with little modification.
Pairs of GurvÂdi Guàas mentioned by different scholars
Sl.No. Scholars Gurvadi Guàas
1. Caraka Guru × Laghu, ìÍta × Uîàa, Snigha × Rökîa, Manda × TÍkîàa,
Picchila × Viïada, Sthula × Sukîma, Mçidu × Kaòhina, Salakîàa ×
Khara Sthira × Sara, SÂndra x Drava.
2. Vagbhaòa ,, do ,,
3. Nagarjuàa Guru × Laghu, ìÍta × Uîàa, Snigdha × Rökîa, MçÍdu × TÍkîàa,
Manda × Sara, Viïada × Picchila.
4. ìusruta Guru × Laghu, ìÍta × Uîàa, Snigdha × Rökîa, MçÍdu × TÍkîàa,
Manda × Sara, Viïada × Picchila, ìlakîàa × Karkaîa, Sthula ×
Sökîma, SÂndra × Drava, Sugandha × Durganda, VyavÂyi, VikÂsi,
ÀïukÂrÍ.
5. BhÂvamiïra Guru × Laghu, ìÍta × Uîàa, Snigdha × Rökîa, Tikîàa × Slakîàa,
Sitra × Sara,Viïada × Picchila, MçÍdu × Karkaîa, Sthula × Sökîma,
Drava ×
ìuîka, Àîhu × Manda.
Difference of opinion between Caraka, Suïruta and BhÂvamiïra about GurvÂdi
Guàas.
(a) Acharya Suïruta v/s Caraka
Suïruta's-MçÍdu × TÍkîàa → Caraka's-Manda × TÍkîàa
Replaced by

Suïruta's- Manda × Sara → Caraka's-Stira × Sara

Replaced by

Suïruta's-ìlakîàa × Karkaîa → Caraka's-ìlakîàa × Khara

Replaced by

Properties like Sughandha × Durgandha, VyavÂyi, VikÂsi, ÀïukÂrÍ not mentioned by

charaka.
 Guàa 55

(b) Acharya BhÂvamiïra v/s Caraka

BhÂvamiïra-MçÍdu × Karkaîa → Carak's-MçÍdu × Kaòhina
Replaced by

BhÂvamiïra - ìuîka × Drava → Caraka's-Sandra × Drava

Replaced by

BhÂvamiïra - Manda × Àïu → Caraka's-Manda × TÍkîàa

Replaced by

(c) Acharya BhÂvamiïra v/s Suïruta

Bhavamiïra-TÍkîàa × ìlakîàa → Suïruta's-MçÍdu × TÍkîàa
Replaced by

Bhavamiïra-ìuîkua × Drava → Suïruta's-Sandra × Drava

Replaced by

Properties like Sugandha × Durgandha, VyavÂyi VikÂsi, AïukÂri not told by BhÂvamiïra.
1. Guru Guàa (Heavyness)
(a) References ieg®lJeb peueYetcÙees: helevekeâejce~ (Øe.hee.Yee.)
ÙemÙe õJÙemÙe ye=bnCes keâce&efCe Meefòeâ: me ieg®:~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
ieewjJeb heefLe&JeceehÙeÃe~ (j.Jew.De.3 met.116)
meeoesheueshe yeueke=âled ieg¤mlehe&Ce ye=nCe:~(meg.met.46.427)
ieg¤Jee&leÂj: hegef°Muesceke=âle efÛejheekeâer Ùe~ (Yee.Øe.)
(b) Definition It is the quality which results in heaviness of the body.
(c) PÂácabhoutika Predominance of Prithivi and JalalmÂhÂböta. Composition
(d) Action on Doîas Increases Kapha doîa, Subsides VÂta doîa.
(e) Action of DhÂtus DhÂtuvardaka (Boost the tissues).
(f) Action on Malas Malavardaka (Increases quantity of Stools).
(g) Clinical Property which having important role in exhibiting Balya,
applications Bçmhara, Vçsya etc. Karmas.
(h) Examples Maîa, Möïali etc.
56 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

2. Laghu Guàa (Lightness)

(a) References ueIegmleefÉhejerlemÙeeuueesKevees jesheCemleLee~ (meg.met.46.420)
ueIeves ueIeg:~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
ueIegheLÙeb hejb Øeesòebâ keâHeâIveb MeerIeÇheeefkeâ Ûe~ (Yee.Øe.)
GuueeJeÙeJelJeb ueIeglJeb~ (Dee.o.De.3 Dee.met.6)
Deef«eJeeÙet efn ueIeg ueIeglJeÛJe leevÙeOJe&cegefòe°efvle~ (meg.met.41.9)
(b) Definition It is the property which is responsible for lightness of the body.
(c) PÂácabhoutika Predominance of Agni and Vaya MÂhaböta.
Composition
(d) Action on Doîas Subsides Kapha doîa, Increases Vata doîa.
(e) Action of DhÂtus DhÂtu Kîaya (Depletion of tissues).
(f) Action on Malas Mala Kîaya (Decreases quantity of Stools).
(g) Clinical Which having important role in exhibiting Vamana, Lekhana,
applications PÂcana Karmas and effective in the treatment of Kaphaja
disorders.
(h) Examples Mudga, Lajja etc.
3. ìÍta Guàa (Coldness)
(a) References mlecYevees efnce:~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
oenveeMekeâlJeb MeerlelJeced~ (Dee.o.De.2 met.10)
meefueueeefveueOejeueceesJe=efòe:~ (Dee.o.3 Dee.2 met.11)
õJe Meerlee jme iegCe yengueceewokeâced~ (De.meb.met.17)
Meerle-ceOegjjmeØeeÙeceehÙeced~ (meg.meg. 41.4-6)
Meerleœeg þeöve: mlecYeer cetÛÚe&le=od mJesoJeenvegle~ (Yee.Øe.)
(b) Definition It is the property which decreases the body temperate.
(c) PÂácabhoötika Predominance of Jala and VÂyu MÂhÂböta.
Composition
(d) Action on Doîas Increases Vata - Kapha doîa subsides Pitta.
 Guàa 57

(e) Action of DhÂtus DhÂtuvardaka (Boost the tissues)

(f) Action on Malas Mötrala, Swedaghna and Recaka.
(g) Clinical applications Useful in the treatment of DÂha (Burning sensation),
Tçîà (thirst), Mörcha (Giddiness) and important role in
exhibiting stambana, Hçlladana etc.
(h) Examples Uïira etc.
4. Uîàa Guàa (Hotness)
(a) Definition mJesoves G<Ce:~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
oenpevekeâlJeceg<CelJeced~ (Dee.o.De.3 met.24)
G<Ce leefÉhejerle: mÙeeled heeÛeve§e efJeMes<ele:~ (meg.met.46.415)
le$e ce=ogMeerlees<Cee: mheMe&«ee¢e:~ (me.met.46.426)
lexpemeceew<CÙeb lew#CÙeb Ûe~ (j.Jew.3 met.113)
(b) Definition It is the property which results in Increases in the body
temperature.
(c) PÂácabhoötika Predominance of Agni MÂhÂböta.
Composition
(d) Action on Doîas Increases Pitta doîa subsides VÂta and Kapha.
(e) Action of DhÂtus DhÂtu Kîaya (Depletion the tissues) causes negative effect
on tissues
(f) Action on Malas Decreases the quantity of stools and urine
(g) Clinical applications It having important role in exhibiting DÍpana, PÂcana,
Swedana, Langhana etc. Karma's.
(h) Examples Citraka etc.
5. Snigdha Guàa (Unctuousness)
(a) References ÙemÙe õJÙemÙe keäueesoves keâce&efCe Meefòeâ me efmveiOe~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
mvesnceeo&Jeke=âle efmveiOees yeueJeCe&keâjmleLee~ (meg.met.46.516)
efmveiOeb Jeelenjb Mues<cekeâeefj Je=<Ùeb yeueeJenced~ (Yee.Øe.6.205)
58 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

(b) Definition It is the property of a substance which results in oiliness.

(c) PÂácabhoötika Predominance of Jala and Prithivi mÂhÂböta.
Composition
(d) Action on Doîas Increases Kapha doîa, Subsides VÂta.
(e) Action of DhÂtus DhÂtu vardaka (Boost the tissues).
(f) Action on Malas Malavardaka (Increases quantity of stools).
(g) Clinical applications It having significant part in exhibiting karmas like.
Kledana, Varàya, Snehana, Vrîya and effective in Vata
vyadies.
(h) Examples EçaàÅa, Manjiîòa.
6. Rökîa Guàa (Dryness)
(a) References ÙemÙe Mees<eCes jefòeâ: me ¤#e~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
®#emleeæhejerle: mÙeeefÉMes<eeled mlecYeve: Kej:~ (meg.met.46.426)
®#e meceerjCekeâjb hejb keâHeânjb celeced~ (Yee.Øe.)
(b) Definition It is the property of substance, which result in dryness
(c) PÂácaboötika Predominance of VÂya and
Composition
(d) Action on Doîas Increases Vata, subsides kapha.
(e) Action on Dhatus Dhatu Kîaya (Depletion of tissues).
(f) Action on Malas Mala soîaka (Causes dryness of stools).
(g) Composition It having significant part in exhibiting Karmas like Soîana
Stambana. etc. E.g. Vidaàga.
7. Manda Guàa (Dullness)
(a) References ÙemÙe Meceves Meefòeâ: me cevo:~ (nsceeefõ - De.ù.met.1.18)
cevo: mekeâuekeâeÙe&s<eg efMeefLeueesÓuheerÓefhe peeÙeles~ (Yee. Øe.)
cevoÙee$ekeâj: mce=le:~ (meg.met.46.422)
Ùe$ekeâj: Fefle MejerjmLeefÙelJeeö&snmÙe Ùee$eeb Jele&veb keâjesefle~ ([unCe-Yee<Ùe)
92 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Bitter

Sour
Vallate papilae
Foliate papillae
Fungiform Salty
Filiform papillae
Sweet

Taste buds structure

Taste buds are oval or barrel shaped covered by stratified squamous epithelium cells. Each
taste bud measure about 50-70 µm diameter consist of 50-100 receptors cells. These taste
receptors extend above inside the taste opening, these extensions are called microvilli. The
microvilli come into touch with the chemical substance present in the food and drink we
consume.

Taste pore
Tate receptor cells

Basal cells

Afferent nerve

Mainly three nerves related with taste they are facial nerve, which is responsible for taste
in the anterior two- third of the tongue, the glossopharyngeal and Vagus nerve are responsible
for taste in the posterior one third of the tongue and into the pharynx. The cranial nerves carry
sense of flavor into the brain to a parts of the brain called solitary nucleus from the solitary
nucleus taste information reach the posterior ventral nucleus of the Thalamus and then to the
gustatory cortex of insula.
 Rasa 93

Gustatory cortex of insula

Posterior ventral nucleus
of the thalamus

Solitary nucleus
Vagus nerve
Glossopharyngeal nerve
Facial nerve

Tongue

Rasa röpÂntara (Transformation of Rasas)

DevÙeLeelJeieceveb mLeveelee~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.20)
mebÙeesefiele: ... ...~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.30)
Deives: heekeâelee~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.30)
Deeleheeled~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.31)
YeeJeveLee~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.32)
osMekeâeueeYÙeeced~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.32)
heefjefCecele:~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.33)
Ghemeie&le:~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.34)
efJeef›eâÙele:~ (j.Jew.met.De. 3.35)
Factors which may lead to change in Rasa (Taste) of a dravya is known as Rasa röpÂntara
Badanta Nagarjuàa highlight certain factors those are explained as follows:
Sl.No. Factors Description Examples
1. SthÂna (Type of A substance kept for some Cooked Rice it is Madhu-ra
vessel container) time which may lead to (Sweet) will become Amla if it is
change in Rasa store for fewdays.
 VipÂka 117

Sl.No. Avasth (Stage) StÂna (Place) Predominant Rasa Doîa

1. Prathama avast ÀmÂcaya Madhura Kapha
2. Madhyama avast PaácamÂnÂîaya Amla Pitta
3. Antima avast PakwÂïaya Kaòu VÂta
efJeheekeâmleg jmeceueefJeJeskeâmecekeâeuees efYeVekeâeue SJeeJemLeeheekewâ: meceefceefle ve efJejesOe:~ (Ûe.efÛe.15.9-11)
The process of NiîòÂpÂka commenses after the three stages of avasthapÂka, NiîòÂpÂka is
‘Rasa viïesa’, leads to form a special rasa (ÀahÂrasa). Which is evidently differentiating from
Rasa and Mala. Which circulates through out the body and dhÂtu röpa doîa will be formed
like Madhura vipÂka will form dhÂtu röpa Kapha doîa, Amla vipÂka will form dhÂtu röpa
Pitta and KaòuvipÂka will form dhÂtu röpa VÂta doîa.
Sl. No. VipÂka DhÂtu röpa doîa utpatti
1. Madhura Kapha
2. Amla Pitta
3. Kaòu VÂta
The concept of VipÂka which occurs insides the dhÂtu so it is assessed through Inference.
Flow chart for Avasta paka and Vipaka as per
Ayurveda

Food

First
Stomach
Avasta paka
Jataragni
Second Small
Avasta paka intestine
Kittabhaga
(Purisha,
Third Large Mutra)
Avasta paka intestine

Vipaka Aahara rasa

Bhutagni Dhatuagni
paka paka
118 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Difference between AvasthÂpÂka and NiîòÂpÂka

Sl. No. AvasthÂpÂka NiîòÂpÂka
1. Initial out come Final out come
2. Mala röpa doîa utpatti DhÂtu röpa doîa utpatti
3. Assessed through Pratyakîa (Knowledge Assessed through AnumÂn (Through
acquired from sense organs) Inference)
Concept of AvatapÂka and NiîòapÂka as per modern science
The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. Digestion starts here as soon as we take
the first bite of a meal. The food is propelled forward within the system, altered by enzymes
and hormones into proper particles and absorbed along the way.
Digestion is oral cavity : In mouth saliva is released by the salivary glands. Teeth
increases the surface area of the food by performing a cutting as well as grinding.
Which breaks the food into smaller particles that can be more easily attacked by the
enzymes in saliva know as salivary amylase which breaks down the starch.
Salivary amylase → Starch
Digestion in Stomach : (Amla avasthÂpÂka as per Ayurveda) When the food reaches
the stomach, there are vaçious gastric glands in the mucosa lining of the stomach secreted
enzymes Pepsinogen and HCl. Food in the stomach set mixed thoroughly with the gastric
juice through the churning movements of the stomach muscles, the semi digested mass of the
food is called Chyme.
Chemical reaction that take place in the Stomach abbreviated as follows :
HCl
Pepsinogen Pepin
Pepsin
Protein Peptons and Proteoses
HCl
Prorenin Renin
Renin
Milk protein Peptides
Digestion in Duodenum : (AmlavastÂpÂka as per ayurveda cont) : Chyme enters the
duodenum when it mixes with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile juice from the
liver and then passes through the small Intestine.
Digestion process that take place in the duodenum abbreviated as follows.
a. Inactive enzyme of Pancreatic Enzyme Trypsin and Chemotrypsin,
Juice (Trypsinogen and Entrokinase Converts Polypeptides, Tripeptides
Chymotrypsinogen) Dipeptides and Amino acids
 VipÂka 119

b. Pancreatic amylase Converts Sugar (Carbohydrades) into

polysaccharides to disacharides.
c. Pancreatic Lipase Converts Fats to fatty acids and Glycerol.

d. Bilesats which helps in emulsify of Lipids (larger masses of fat molecules are broken into
smaller masses).
Digestion in Intestine : (Kaòu avastÂpÂka as per Ayurveda) : Digestion process in
Inlestine in two distinct parts :
a. The Jejunum : Inside surface of the Jejunum are covered with projections called villi
these finger like structure are covered in small projections called microvilli, products
of digestion are absorbed into the capillaries within the villi of the jejunum.
b. Ileum : The third and final part of the small intestine. It's role is to absorb Vit. B12 and
Bile salts and to complete the absorption of the renaming nutrients not absorbed by the
Jejunum.
Enzymes Secreted from the small Intestine are Sucrose, Maltose, Lactase and Lipase.
Converts Converts
Sucrase, Maltase, Lactase disaccharides two molecules of
monosacharides.
Converts
Lipase acts an Triglycerides Fatty acids.
Digestion in Large Intestine : The main job of the large intestine is to remove water
from the undigested material, water is quickly removed from the material through villi and
returns to the blood stream.
VipÂka Sankhay (Number of VipÂka)
There is a difference of opinion regarding numbers of VipÂka, As per scholars following
classification are expected.
a) ëaÅvidha vipÂka vÂda (Theory of six VipÂkas).
b) Paácavidha vipÂka vÂda (Theory of five VipÂkas).
c) Trividha vipÂka vÂda (Theory of three VipÂkas).
d) Dvividha vipÂka vÂda (Theory of two VipÂkas).
ëhaÅvidha vipÂka vÂda again it is read in two sub headings.
Nitya vipÂka vÂda (YathÂrasa vipÂka vÂda)
le$eengjvÙes Øeefle jmeb heekeâ Fefle~ (meg.met. 40.10)
Øeeflejmeb heekeâ Fefle jmeb Øeefle heekeâ GlheOele FlÙeLex:~ ([unCe - meg.met.40.10)
120 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

ceOegjes ceOegjmÙeecueesÓcuemÙewJeb meJex<eeefceefle kesâefÛeoeng:, „evleb ÛeesheoefMeefvle–ÙeLee leeJeled #eerjcegKeeieleb ØeÛÙeceeveb

ceOegjcesJe mÙeeòeLee MeeefueÙeJecegõeoÙe: ØekeâerCee&: mJeYeeJecegòejkeâeuesÓefhe ve heefjlÙepeefvle leÉefoefle~ (meg.met. 40.12)
Øeefle jmeb heekeâ Fefle kesâefÛeled~ DeLeceeMeÙe:–ÙeLee mLeeueermLeb leeJeled #eerjb ceOegjcesJe mÙeeled ÙeLee Jee MeeefueÙeJe cegõeoÙe:
ØekeâerCee&: mJeYeeJeb ve heefjlÙepeefvle DeLee&led Meeefue-cegõeefo yeerpesYÙe: MeeefueÙeJecegõeIekegâje GlheÅevles leÉvceOegjeoÙeespe”-
jeefivehekeäJee: mJeb mJeb £heb ceOegjeefokebâ ve lÙepeefvle~ ceOegjes ceOegjcesJe heÛÙeles, DecueesÓcuecesJecevÙes Ûe lesve <eCCeeveeb
jmeeveeb <e[defJeheekeâe YeJeefvle~ (ÙeesiesvõveeLe mesve Yee<Ùe)
As per this theory each rasa undergoes Individual rasas like Madhura rasa undergoes
Madhura vipÂka Amla rasa undergoes Amla vipÂka etc.
E.g. Milk on boiling will not changes it's Madhura rasa Yogendranath Sen also have an
opinion that each rasa undergoes individual vipÂkas like form the seeds of ìali, Yava Mudga
leads to their respective plants not others. Similarly Madhura etc. rasa undergoes respective
vipÂka.
Reason for rejection : Many acharyas do not expect this theory because of following
reasons.
VrihÍ even though it is madhura rasa, it exhibit amla vipÂka. Similarly, PippalÍ is
madhura and the vipÂka becomes kaòu. ÀmalakÍ is Amla rasa become madhura vipÂka. Tikta
rasa of Paòola becomes madhura vipÂka. KasÂya rasa of Kullatha becomes Amla and KaîÂya
rasa of HarÍtakÍ exhibit madhura vÍpÂka.
Sl.No. Dravyas Rasas VipÂka
1. Rice (VrÍhi) Madhura Amla
2. PippalÍ Madhura Kaòu
3. ÀmalakÍ Amla Madhura
4. Paòola Tikta Madhura
5. Kullatha KaîÂya Amla
6. HarÍtakÍ KaîÂya Madhura.
Bhadhanta Nagarjuàa has opinion that both Rasa and VipÂka have independent identity
exhibit different lakîaàa hence, described separately. Rasa is experienced immediately
through Rasana (Tongue) while VipÂka is assessed soon after the digestion so it is
AnumÂnagamya.
Anitya vipÂka vÂda
kesâefÛeÉoefvle–DeyeueJevlees yeueJeleeb JeMeceeÙeevleerefle~ (meg.met. 40.10)
DevÙesyeueJevlees yeueJeleeb JeMeceevÙeeleerelf e celeeveeceefveÙelelJeced: lemceeoefmeæevle S<e Deveeiece S<e FlÙeLe&:~ (Yee<Ùe-meg. met. 40.10)
CHAPTER 10

Karmas of DaïemÂni Gaàa

The fourth chapter of Sutrasthāna of Caraka Saṁhita named as Śaḍvirecana Śatāshrītiyā-

dhāya gives comprehensive information about 50 Māhakaṣāya vargas which are very important
in clinical practice which are named on the basis of Karma (Actions) Each varga includes 10
drugs on the basis of Dik, totally there are 500 drugs.
1. Jīvanīya Mahā Kaṣāya
peerJekeâ<e&Yekeâew cesoe cenecesoe keâekeâesueer #eerjkeâekeâesueer cegûheCeacee<eheCÙeez peerJevleer ceOegkeâefceefle oMesceeefve peerJeveerÙeeefve
YeJeefvle~ (Ûe.met.4.9)
Sl.No Name Botanical name Habit Rasa Guṇa Vīrya Vipāka
1 JÍvaka Microstylis Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
wallichi Snigdha
2 Rîabhaka Microstylis Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
mucifera Snigdha
3 Mûda Polygonatum Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
cirrhafolium Snigdha
4 MahÂmedha Polygonatum Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
verticillatum Snigdha
5 KÂkolÍ Fritillaria roylei Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
Snigdha
6 KîÍrakÂkolÍ Lillium Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
polyphyllum Snigdha
7 MudgaparàÍ Phaseolus Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
trilobus snigdha
8 MÂîaparàÍ Teramnus labialis Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
snigdha
9 JÍvantÍ Leptadenia Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
reticulata snigdha
10 Madhuka Glycyrrhiza Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
glabra snigdha

211
212 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Clinical applications; Majority of drugs are herbs and possess Śīta Vīrya and Madhura
Vipāka. These herbs are acts as vitalizes, rejuvenators, strengthen the body organs and improves
the quality of life.
2. Bṛmhaṇīya Mahā Kaṣāya
#eerejf Ceerjepe#eJekeâeÕeievOeekeâekeâesueer#eerjkeâekeâesueerJeešdÙd eeÙeveerYeõewoveerYeej-ÉepeerheÙemÙe<Ùe&ievOee Fefle oMesceeefve ye=nb CeerÙeeefve
YeJeefvle~ (Ûe.met.4.9)
Sl. Name Botanical Habit Rasa Guṇa Vīrya Vipāka
No name
1 KîÍràÍ Euphorbia Tree Tikta Laghu Uṣṇa Kaṭu
hirta
2 RÂjakîavaka Euphorbia Herb Tikta Laghu Uṣṇa Kaṭu
microphylla
3 Aïwagandh Withania Shrub Tikta Laghu Uṣṇa Madhura
somniferi Kaṣāya Snigdha
4 KÂkolÍ Fritellaria Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
roylei Snigdha
5 KîirakÂkolÍ Lillium Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
polyphyllum Snigdha
6 VaòyÂyanÍ Sida Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
cordifolia Snigdha
7 BhadraudanÍ Sida Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
veronicaefoli Snigdha
8 BhÂradwajÍ Thespesia Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
lampas Snigdha
9 Payasya Peuraria Herb Madhura Guru, Śīta Madhura
tuberosa Snigdha
10 äîyagandha Argeria Herb Kaṭu Tikta Laghu, Uṣṇa Madhura
speciose Snigdha
Clinical applications; Majority of drugs are herbs and possess Śīta Vīrya and Madhura
Vipāka. These herbs are acts as Bṛmhaṇa (Bulk promoters) and effective in Kṛuṣa (Emaciated
patients).
3. Lekhanīya Mahā Kaṣāya
cegmlekegâ‰nefjõeoe®nefjõeJeÛeeefleefJe<eekeâšgjesefnCeerefÛe$ekeâefÛejefyeuJenwceJelÙe Fefle oMesceeefve uesKeveerÙeeefve YeJeefvle~
(Ûe.met.4.9)
244 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Sl.No Name Botanical Name Habit Rasa Guṇa Vīrya Vipāka

10. PippalÍ. Piper longum linn. Tree Kaṭu Tīkṣṇa Uṣṇa Madhura
Laghu

Clinical applications: Drugs mentioned in this class which relieves excessive coldness.
43. Udardha praśamana Mahā Kaṣāya
eflevokeâefØeÙeeueyeojKeefojkeâojmehleheCee&ÕekeâkeâCee&peg&veemeveeefjcesoe Fefle oMesceevÙeogoo&ØeMeceveeefve YeJeefvle~
(Ûe.met.4.17)
Sl.No Name Botanical Name Habit Rasa Guṇa Vīrya Vipāka
1 Tinduka Diospyos Tree Kaṣāya Rūkṣa Śīta Kaṭu
peregrine Gurke Laghu
2 PriyÂla Buchanania Tree Madhura Snigdhā Śīta Madhura
latifolia Guru
3 Badara Zizyphus jujuba Shrub Madhura Snigdhā Śīta Madhura
Kaṣāya Picchalā
Amlā Guru
4 Khadira Acacia catechu Tree Kaṣāya Rūkṣa Śīta Kaṭu
Tiktā Laghu
5 Kadara Acacia suma Tree Kaṣāya Rūkṣa Śīta Kaṭu
Tiktā Laghu
6 Saptaparàa Alstonia Tree Kaṣāya Laghu Uṣṇa Kaṭu
scholaris Tiktā Snigdha
7 Aïwakaràa Dipterocorpus Tree Kaṣāya Laghu Śīta Kaṭu
alatus Rūkṣa
8 Arjuna Terminalia Tree Kaṣāya Rūkṣa Śīta Kaṭu
Arjuna Laghu
9 Asana Pterocarpus Tree Kaṣāya Rūkṣa Uṣṇa Kaṭu
marsupium Laghu
10 Arimeda Acacia catechu Tree Kaṣāya Snigdha Uṣṇa Kaṭu
Laghu

Clinical Applications: Drugs mentioned in this varga are useful in managing skin
disorder and other allergic condition.
44.Aṅgamardhapraśamana
efJeoejerievOeehe=efMveheCeeaye=nleerkeâCškeâeefjkewâjC[keâekeâesueerÛevoveveesMeerjwueeceOegkeâeveerefle oMesceevÙe”ceo&ØeMeceveeefve YeJeefvle~
(Ûe.met.4.17)
 Karmas of DaïemÂni Gaàa 245

Sl. No Name Botanical Name Habit Rasa Guṇa Vīrya Vipāka

1 VidÂrigandha Desmodium Shrub Madhura Snigdha Uṣṇa Madhura
gangeticum Tikta Guru
2 PçïniparàÍ Uraria picta Herb Madhura Sāra Uṣṇa Madhura
Kaṭu Laghu
3 BçhatÍ Solanum Shrub Tikta Rūkṣa Uṣṇa Kaṭu
indicum Kaṭu Laghu
Tīkṣṇa
4 Kaàtakarik Solanum Herb Tikta Rūkṣa Rūkṣa Uṣṇa Kaṭu
xanthocarpum Laghu
5 EraàÅa Ricinus Shrub Madhura Snigdha Uṣṇa Madhura
communis Kaṭu Guru
Kaṣāya Tīkṣṇa
6 KÂkoli Lillium Herb Kaṣāya Snigdha Śīta Madhura
polyphyllum Tikta Laghu
7 Candana Santalum album Tree Madhura Rūkṣa Śīta Kaṭu
Tiktā Laghu
8 UïÍra Vertiveria Grass Tiktā Snigdha Śīta Madhura
zizanoides Madhura Laghu
9 Ela Elettaria Herb Kaṭu Rūkṣa Śīta Madhura
cardamomum Madhura Laghu
10 Madhuka. Madhuca Indica Tree Madhura Snigdha Sīta Madhura
Kaṣāya Guru

Clinical applications; Plants mentioned in class which treats Aches and pains effectively.
45. Śulapraṣmana Mahā Kaṣāya
efhehheueerefhehheueercetueÛevÙeefÛe$ekeâëe=”JesjceefjÛeepeceesoepeievOeepeepeerieC[erjeCeerefle oMesceeefve MetueØeMeceveeefve YeJeefvle~
(Ûe.met.4.17)
Sl.No. Name Botanical name Habit Rasa Guṇa Vīrya Vipāka
1. Pippali Piper longum Herb Kaṭu Tīkṣṇa Uṣṇa Madhura
Laghu
2. PippalÍmöla Roots of Piper Herb Kaṭu Tīkṣṇa Uṣṇa Uṣṇa
longum Laghu
3. Cavya Piper chaba Herb Kaṭu Laghu Uṣṇa Kaṭu
Rūkṣa
4. Citraka Plumbago Herb Kaṭu Tīkṣṇa Uṣṇa Kaṭu
zeylanica
CHAPTER 11

Principals of General Pharmacology

Learning objectives
€ Definition of Pharmacology
€ Historical milestone in the field of Pharmacology
€ Scope of pharmacology
€ Drug definition
€ Drug dosage forms
€ Routes of drug administration
€ Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Execration)
€ Pharmacodynamics
€ Principals of drug action, mechanism of drug actions
€ Bioavailability
€ Drugs acting on central nervous system
€ Drugs acting on peripheral nervous system
€ Autacoids and related drugs
€ Drugs for Respiratory
€ Cardiovascular drugs
€ Drugs Acting on Kidney
€ Drugs affecting Blood
€ Gastrointestinal drugs
€ Anti-bacterial drugs
€ Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, Anti-malarial, and Anti helminthics
€ Hormones and related drugs
€ Miscellaneous drugs
€ Activity
€ Marks Distribution and Important Questions

251
252 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Definition of pharmacology; Pharmacology is the branch of science deals with evaluation

of drugs, drug’s effects and body response for drug.
Historical milestone in the field of Pharmacology
There are so many milestones which make their impact in the field of pharmacology some
of them are as follows:
Paracelsus: He was the innovator of various aspects for advancement of medical knowledge.
He introduces minerals and other chemical agents in medicines.
Oswald schmiedeberg: He accepted pharmacology is an individualistic subject. He
analyzes the action of hypnotics, analeptics, nicotine, digitoxin and muscarinic.
John jacob abel: He was a biochemist and Pharmacologist of American origin. He isolated
histamine from posterior pituitary gland and composing pure crystallized insulin.
Paul enrich: He was a noble winning German scientist. He introduces Arsenicals for
treatment of Syphilis in 1909 considered to be very important discovery.
R. N. Chopra: Father of Indian Pharmacology. He conducts systemic study of indigenous
and traditional Indian drugs.
Scope of pharmacology
Scope of pharmacology means application of different pharmacological branches in daily
life. Different pharmacological branches are explained as follows.
Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacodynamics is the effect of drug on the body. Which brings
about physiological and biochemical effect of the drug and process of drug action at the level
of system, organs, subcellular or macromolecular levels.
Pharmacokinetics; Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to the drug. It includes
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion.
Pharmacy; Science which deals with identification, preparation of medical substance in
appropriate dosage form and dispensing is known as Pharmacy.
Pharmacotherapeutics; It deals with selection of most appropriate drug for prevention
and treatment of disease.
Clinical pharmacology; It is the basic science of pharmacology deals with evaluation of
the pharmacological actions of the drug in patients through preferred routes.
Chemotherapy; In case of systemic infection or malignancy, specific drug does not cause
any effects on patients, it causes toxic effects on organisms or neoplastic cells.
Toxicology; It is the science deals with study of poisons. Drug in adequate dose may
acts as poisons and causes adverse or fatal effects on the body. It also deals with diagnosis of
poisoning, prevention and their treatment aspects.
 Principals of General Pharmacology 253

Pharmacovigilance; It is the science and activity associated with observation, evaluation,

interpretation and avoidance of harmful effects or any medicine associated issues.
Psychopharmacology; It is the study of the usage of medicaments in the treatment of
mental illness.
Pharmacoepidemiology; It deals with analysis of the drug in large group of peoples.
Drug definition
Drug is a substance purposefully used in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment or relieve
symptoms of diseases.
Drug dosage forms
Drug dosage from are the ways by which drug molecules are carry out to sites of action
within the body.

Classification of drug dosage forms

Solid dose forms Liquid Semi solid Gaseous

Tablets Syrup Cream Aerosols

Capsules Elixir Paste Inhalants
Powders Suspension Gel
Granules Emulsions Ointments
Lozenges Mouth wash
Suppository

1. Solid dose forms

Tablets; Drugs in powder form is added with binding agent and excipients then it is
compressed or moulded into a solid. These are sub divided into following types
Coated; Absence of line of demarcation in the middle. Needs to ingest as a whole.
Uncoated; Presence of line of demarcation in the middle. It can be divided equally into
two halves.
Dispersible tablets; Which get easily dissolve in water and can be easily gulped.
Sublingually tablets; which cane placed beneath the tongue E.g. Isosorbitrate mono
nitrates.
254 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Enteric coated; These tablets doesn’t dissolve in acidic medium of stomach before
reaching the small intestines,
Sustained release tablets; Release of medicine or drug at programmed rate relying on
external environment.
Controlled release tablets; Release of drug or medicine at predetermined rate not relying
on external environment.
Capsule; These are the drugs which covered with gelatin may contain powder, gelatin or
liquid. These are classified into following two
a. Hard gelatin capsule; It contains powder drug cannot be compressed. E.g. Omeprazole
capsule.
b. Soft gelatin capsule; It contains liquid substance and thus it can be compressed. E.g.
Cod liver oil capsules.
Powders; Powder is a mixture of very finely divided chemical substances available in a
dry form which can be administered orally or applied externally.
E.g. ORS which can be administered orally are available in sachets.
Candid dusting powder which can be dusted externally easily available in plastics or
metallic cans.
Granules; These are the drug preparation consist of dry, solid aggregates of powder
particles which are properly tough built to resist handling. E.g. Methyl cellulose granules.
Lozenges; These are the drugs which are mixed with any sweetening or flavoring agents
so that on can able to retain or kept in the mouth. E.g. Strepsils.
Suppositories; These are drug available in conical bullet shape, it is placed on little finger
and inserted in the anal canal of patients it gets melt in the anal canal due to body temperature.
E.g. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Pessaries or vaginal suppositories; These are types of Suppositories oval in shape inserted
in vagina. E.g. Clotrimazole pessaries for fungal infections.
2. Liquid dose forms
Syrup; It is a drug which is available in the form of thick liquid composed of sugar solution.
Elixir; It is the form of sweet solution in which containing water and alcohol.
Suspensions; These are the preparations which composed of finely divided insoluble drug
particles which are suspended in a liquid media.
Emulsions; These are the immiscible liquids in which dispersed phase is made of small
droplets of liquid disperse across a vehicle.
Mouth wash; It is liquid solution used for cleaning and rinsing the mouth, commonly used
in dental hygiene.
 Principals of General Pharmacology 255

3. Semi solid form;

Cream; It is semi solid dosage form which consist of more than one drug substances which
dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base.
Pastes; Pastes are homogeneous semi solid dosage form which contain high percentage of
insoluble solid (usually 50%) these are less greasy and adhere to the skin.
Gels; Gels are semisolid drug preparations which composed tiny inorganic particles and
larger organic molecules. They are transparent or turbid in nature based on gelling agent
utilized.
Ointments; These are drug preparations for tropical use intended for application to the
skin to heal wounds, burns, rashes etc.
4. Gaseous dose from
Aerosols; these are the drugs available in artificial raised pressure in a container containing
therapeutic vital elements, which propelled a fine diffusion of solid or liquid particles in a
gaseous medium. It is of three types– Space spray aerosols, Surface coats and Foam.
Inhalants; These are the volatile substances which produce chemical vapors that are
inhaled to produce psychoactive or mind altering effects.
Routes of drug administration

Route of drug administration

Parental route Other routes Eternal route

Subcutaneous Tropical Oral route

Intramuscular Inhalations Buccal/sublingual
Intravenous Vaginal route Rectal route
Intradermal Ophthalmic
Intra tracheal Ear route
Intra articular
Intra arterial

DG-18
264 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Inhibitor means obstacles in producing biological activity is of two types

a. Competitive inhibitors; Compete for the same binding site on the enzyme is known as
competitive inhibitors.
b. Noncompetitive inhibitors; Which binds at an Allosteric site apart from the active site
of the substrate binding.
Substrate

Products
Enzyme Enzyme

Non Competitive
inhibitor
Competitive inhibitor
Substrate
Substrate can bind, but
binding is activity is
blocked blocked

2. Ion–channels
Ion channels are the protein present on the cell membrane of the cell. These are the
pathway by which any ion moves from extracellur to intracellular and from intracellular
to extracellular of the cell. They produce small opening in the membrane which allows
specific ion to pass across.

Opener

Blocker ions

Modulator

Channels
 Principals of General Pharmacology 265

Ions are of following types

a. Ligand gated ion channels
b. G-Protein gated ion channels
c. Voltage reaction ion channels
Ligand gated ion channels;
These are the trans membrane proteins that contains a pore which allows the flow of
selected ions across the plasma membrane such as Na+, K+, Ca+ etc.
G- Protein gated ion channels
These are the cell surface receptors interact with the G-proteins which are Guanine
nucleotide –binding protein.
Voltage gated ion reaction channels
The cell membrane has specific voltage gradient which is known as membrane potential
voltage across the membrane. Change in the membrane potential voltage or the charge
separation across the membrane is known as Voltage gated ion channels.
Transporters
Transporters are also known as carrier proteins or channel proteins. These are the agents
which carry the drugs or molecules from outside of the cell to the inside.

Substrate Inhibitor

Transporter

Receptors
Receptors are the important cellular structure made up of proteins which binds on the
surface or inside parts of cells which makes easier the function of the drug molecule. These are
the macro molecules which identifies and receives the signals and stimulate action
Drug + receptors Response
266 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Drug

Biological action

Receptor

Drug dose or drug calculation

Drug dosage calculation needed when the required quantity of drug ordered by physician
is different from what is available drug on hand.
Common equivalents
1 kg = 100 gm
1gm= 1000 mg
1mg= 1000 mcg
1kg= 2.2 lb
1l= 1000 ml
1 tsp= 5 ml
1tbsp= 3 tsp
1oz= 30 ml
Formula for drug calculation
Amount desired (D)
× Quantity (Q)= Y
Amount on Hand (H)
Amount desired (D)
Amount on Hand (H)
Dosage calculation; E.g. Drug 50 mg is ordered by physician drug is available as 100 mg
per tablets how many tablets would the support staff administered to a patient.
Required or desired (D) = 50mg
On hand (H) =100mg
Quantity (Q)= 1
 Principals of General Pharmacology 299

Drugs used for Trematodes

Antimony compounds Nitrethiazoles Thioxanthenones

Antimont tartarate Stibopen Niridazole Lucanthone Hycanthone

Harmones and related drugs

Hormones
Hormones are the chemical substances secreted from specialized cells and flows directly
into the blood, which transport them to viscera’s and tissues of the body to exhibits their effects.

CNS

Hypothalamus

Synthesis and release certain

Pituitary gland
chemical substance

Anterior Pituitary gland Posterior pituitary gland

Thyroid stimulating hormone. Vasopressin

Follicle stimulating hormone Oxytocin

Prolactin

Growth harmone

ACTH
CHAPTER 13
Nomenclature of Dravyas as per Nighaàòu, Vedic
Taxonomy and Botany
Learning objectives
€ Nomenclature as per Nighantu
€ Nomenclature as per Vedic taxonomy
€ Nomenclature according to modern science
€ Activity

Ayurvedic nomenclature is defined as naming of the plants. In ayurvedic science, there

are plentyfull of names for a single plant and a solitary name is utilized to identify plenty of
plants. Hence, it is utmost important to understand about ayurvedic nomenclature. A specific
plant will possess lot of synonyms every single name, describes unique feature of the plant.
It includes botanical description, natural territory, properties and actions etc. From Vedic
literature to SaØhit period and SaØhita period to Nighaàòu period sequential introduce
some new medicinal plants. But the classical texts like Caraka and Suïruta saØhit do not
had monographs of these medicinal plants. Nighaàòus particularly do an extraordinary job
in this regard. They introduce various medicinal plants which has not been told in saØhitÂs.
ve veece%e%evecee$esCe, ¤he%eevesve Jee hegve:~ Dees<eOeerveeb hejeb Øeehleb keâeÛÚÉsefolegn&efle~~
Deew<eOeb DeveefYe%eeleb veece¤heiegCeewefŒeefYe:~ (Ûe.met.2.229-224)
Acharya Caraka has mentioned following three factors to get knowledge of particular
plants composed of PaácamahÂbötas.
1. NÂmajáÂna : Naming of the plants.
2. RupajáÂna : Morphological Characters.
3. OuîadhijáÂna : Properties and actions.

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 Nomenclature of Dravyas as per Nighaàòu, Vedic Taxonomy and Botany 323

Dees<eOeervee&ce¤heeYÙeeb peeveles ¢epehee Jeves~~efJehee§ewJe ieeshee§e Ùes ÛeevÙes JeveJeeefmeve:~~

ve veece%eevecee$esCe ¤he%eevesve Jee hegve:~~Dees<eOeerveeb hejeb Øeeefhleb keâef§eÉsefolegcen&efle~~ (Ûe.met.1.120-121)
ieesheeueemleehemee JÙeeOee Ùes ÛeevÙes JeveÛeeefjCe:~ cetueeneje§e Ùes lesYÙees Yes<epeJÙeefòeâefj<Ùeles~~ (meg.met.37)
Acharya Caraka and Suïruta has an opinion that one can obtain information about the
dravyas from herds and huntsman, migrant groups etc.
The primary aim of ayurvedic nomenclature is to guide the scholars to establish the
identity of the plants for therapeutic purpose secondary is taxonomical identification of the
plant.
DeeYeerjieesheeuehegefuevoleehemee: heevLeemleLeeÓvÙesÓefhe Ûe JevÙeheejiee:~
hejer#Ùe lesYÙees efJeefJeOeew<eOeeefYeOee-jmeeefoue#ceeefCe lele: ØeÙeespeÙesled~~ (je.efve.1.11)
Narahari states that, one can get the knowledge about names of plants, properties and
actions, etc. from the cattlemen, cow protector, sages, traveller etc. group of peoples.
Nomenclature as per Nighaàòu
veeceeefve keäJeefÛeefon ¤ef{le: mJeYeeJeeled osMÙeesJelÙee keäJeÛeve Ûe uee_ÚveesheceeYÙeeced~~
JeerÙexCe keäJeefÛeefoleje£ÙeeefoosMeeled õJÙeeCeeb OeÇgJeefceefle mehleOeesefoleeefve~~ (je.efve.1.13)
According to RÂjnighaàòu, the plants are named on the basis of seven criteria they are
as followes.
1. RöÅhi 3.Deïokta 5. ópam 7. ItarÂhwaya.
2. SwabhÂva 4. LÂnchana 6. VÍrya
1. RöÅhi : Plants are named, which has no unique meaning they have been used since
many ages in certain territories.
Sl.No. ParyÂyanÂma MoolanÂma
1. Kuòanòa ìonayaka
2. Knòanòa Amlika
3. Kiàihi ApamÂrga
4. Pacampaca DÂruharidrÂ
5. Klitaka YaîòÍmadhu
2. PrabhÂva : The plants are named on the basis of specific action and natural properties.
324 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

Sl.No. ParyÂyanÂma MoolanÂma Defination

1. Streûpriy Aïoka It is useful in disorders of women (Female
disorders).
2. AtisÂragna Ativiîa It is useful in AtisÂra.
3. SwitraghnÍ BÂkucÍ It is very efficacious in diseases like ïwitra (vitiligo).
4. Hçdrogavairi Arjuna It is beneficial in cardiac diseases.
5. GaàÅÂrÍ KÂácanÂr Effective drug in GalagaàÅa and GaàÅamÂla.
6. Agnika BhallÂtaka It leads to burns and Increases temperature.
7. KeïarÂja BhçßgarÂja Effective hair tonic and prevent hair disorders.
8. JvaranÂïinÍ GuÅucÍ Very effective drug in Jvara.
9. VÂtari EraàÅa It is best drug in VÂta rogas.
10. MehaghnÍ Haridr Very potent drug in diabeties.
11. PhÍaghnÍ Rohitaka Potent drug in Splenomegaly.
12. Niïotha Tçvrit Efficacious drug is Oedema.
13. AïmarÍaghna Varuàa Which cures or alleviates AïmarÍ.
14. Kçmiaghna ViÅanga Which kills worms.
15. VçsyabÍja Kapikacchu Most plants drug used in Aphrodisiac action
16. Kuîtaghna Khadira It is useful in Kuîòha (Skin conditions)
17. Vraàya Kumkum Known for it's Vràya action.
Kesara
18. SaØgrÂhi Kuòaj It cures Diarrhoea.
19. Medhya Joytiîmati Improves Intellect.
20. ìothaghnÍ Punarnava Which alleviates oedema.
3. Deïokti : The plants are named on the basis of natural territory.
Sl.No. ParyÂyanÂma MoolanÂma Nirukti
1. Kampilla Kampilla Abundantly found in kampilla deïa.
2. KÂïmÍraja Kuîta It mainly grows at higher altitude in Kaïmir
3. KÂliága Kuòaja It belongs to KÂliága deïa.
4. Gaßgeyû Muîòa Commonly grows near water sources.
5. MÂgadhÍ PippalÍ Extensively grown in Magadha deïa.
6. PÂrvatÍya DhÂtaki It is abundantly grown in hilly region.
7. Dravid El It mainly grows in south Indian state.
 Nomenclature of Dravyas as per Nighaàòu, Vedic Taxonomy and Botany 325

Sl.No. ParyÂyanÂma MoolanÂma Nirukti

8. RÂmaòa Hiágu It is the main source of RÂmaòa deïa.
9. KirataÉ Kiratikta Abundantly available in north eastern region.
10. KaïmÍraja Kumkuma keïara It is found in kaïmira region.
11. GrÂmy Tulasi It is commonly available in villages.
4. LÂncana : The name are given on the basis of special Botanical characters of the plant.
Sl.No. ParyÂyanÂma MoolanÂma Nirukti
1. ìaïilekha BakucÍ Streaky seeds.
2. VÂòay Bala Stem posses strong fibres.
3. Kaáktika Atibala Fruits look like comb.
4. AgnimukhÍ Bhallataka Proximal portion of the fruits is attached with
orange colour fleshy cap.
5. MaàibÍja DÂÅima Seeds are resemble like quartz or ruby.
6. Tripuòa Ela Fruit is triangular shaped and possess three
surfaces.
7. Kaà PippalÍ It refers to berry like small fruits.
8. DaÅimapuîpaka Rohitaka Flowers of Rohitaka resemble like flowers of
DÂÅima.
9. Devadundubi TulasÍ Spikes of TulasÍ appeared like trumpet.
10. Chakralakîàik GuÅucÍ It is circular in transverse section.
11. KÂkatinduka KupÍlu Fruit appear like fruits of Tinduka
5. Upam : Name of the plants are given on the basis of ‘Simile’ especially animal parts
or plant parts or objects etc.
Sl.No. ParyÂyanÂma MoolanÂma Nirukti
1. MaßibÍja DÂdima DÂdima fruit seeds are looks like a ruby.
2. VatsanÂbha VatsanÂbha Tubers of drug looks like an Umbilicus of calf.
3. MÂkapithya Bilva Fruits are looks like a kapittha phala.
4. MahiîÂkîh Guggulu Resin appeared black in colour like eyes of buffalo.
5. AjaîçágÍ Karkaòïçási Look like horn of feet.
6. Markaòi Kapikacchu It has picky hairs resembles like monkey hairs.
CHAPTER 16
Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants
and Knowledge about Endangered Medicinal
Plants and GCP (Good Cultivation practices)
Learning objectives
€ Cultivation
€ Factors influencing cultivation of medicinal plants
€ Propagation and Methods of Propagation
€ Irrigation and method of irrigation
€ Conservation of medicinal plants
€ Endangered species
€ GCP (Good cultivation practices)

Cultivation
Comparatively normal plant to that of medicinal plant requires special care and manage-
ment to show its growth and produce quality product.
Factors influencing cultivation of medicinal plants
1. Altitude : Altitude means height above the sea level, some of the plants grows well in
higher altitude, some at the sea level. It brings change in the environment like Rain,
velocity, atmospheric pressure, light intensity etc., there will also effects the growth
and development of the plants.
E.g. : Tea, Eucalpytus 1000-2000m., Senna: Sea level.
2. Temperature : Temperature also a most important factor which effects the cultivation
of medicinal plants and also effects the plant growth-and metabolites of the plants.
E.g. : Coffee (55-70° F), Saffron-Cold temperature.
3. Humidity : Humidity means amount of water present in the atmosphere, excess
humidity leads to fungal growth, less humidity leads to transpiration, hence optimum
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 Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Knowledge 359

humidity requires for growth of the plants.

4. Rainfall and irrigation : For the proper growth and development of plants sufficient
amount of rainfall and proper irrigation is required. Expect xerophytic plants like aloe,
acacia, pineapple etc., most of the plants are required adequate water for their growth,
excess or least rainfall may effects the secondary metabolites.
5. Soil and fertility : Which provides mechanical anchorage and absorbs necessary water
and nutrients through soil. Before cultivation of medicinal plants one should consider
physical, chemical and microbiological properties of soil. ‘
Soil fertility is the nutritional element in the soil, which get decreased by leaching and
erosion. It get increased by adding manure, chemical and biofertilizers to soil.
6. Fertilizers : Different types of fertilizers used to increase the soil fertility, which
provides nutrient element to the plants like 1st nutrient: (Nitrogen, Prosperous,
Potassium) required in adequate quantity, 2nd nutrient (Magnesium, Calcium, Sulphur)
required in moderate proportion and 3rd nutrient (Copper, Mangnese, Iron) requires in
trace amount.
7. Pest and pest control : Unwanted animals which damages the growth and development
of the crops like fungi, viruses, weeds etc., these are controlled or killed by different
methods like mechanical, agriculture, biological and chemical methods.
Methods of propagation
Propagation is the process of creating or increasing number of plant species.
There are two methods of propagation :
1. Sexual method 2. Asexual method.
1. Sexual method : It is the method in which the plants are grown from seeds and such
plants are called as seedlings.
Advantages : They are long - lasting, comparably economical, more simple to grow
and keep away from transmission of certain diseases.
Disadvantages : It needs extra time to prop up as compared with grafted plants, the
value of collecting the crop, sprinkling of insecticide etc. is extra as compared to
grafted plants.
2. Asexual method : It is the method in which the plants vegetative parts like stem or root
exposed in such an environment that grows into a new plant.
Types of Asexual methods
a. Cutting : A part of plant is cut or removed, it may be in the form of stem, root or leaf.
b. Layering : It is the method in which a branch of plant enfold in the soil, which leaves
the tip part of plant exposed up above the ground.
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c. Grafting : When the stem of two dissimilar plants one with roots and other without
roots are unite with each other in such a manner that the joined stem grows as a solitary
plant having the features of both genuine plant.
Advantages
€ There is no difference between the separated vegetative part and produced newly
grown plant both possess uniform growth, and flowering and fruit yielding capacity.
€ It can be further easier and more quicker compare to sexual method of propagation.
€ It can rapidly yields large number of plants.
€ Some plants like grapes, sugarcane etc. do not yield such plants can be cultivated by
means of asexual method.
Disadvantages
€ In comparatively, plants cultivated or grown by sexual method to the plants which
is being cultivated by asexual method not have a tendency to show rapid growth and
also such plants do not survive for a over long period of time.
€ New types of plants cannot be produced by this method.
Methods of irrigation
Irrigation is the process or method of supply of water to land or crop to help the growth of
plants.
Following methods of irrigation are know habitually in India :
1. Hand water : It is the method of irrigation practice by hand, it is inexpensive and
simple to handle, which can keep the water lower to the ground and also keep the
vegetable dry.
2. Flood watering : It is easy to operate and most common method of irrigation, in which
whole area of open land is surrounded with water, while furrow irrigation distributed
water through furrows adjoining the crop beds.
3. Drip irrigation : It is the most economical and easy water and supplemental dispense
system, the goal is to put water precisely into the root area and reduce evaporation.
4. Sprinkler system : It is equipment used to administer water in a composed way similar
to rainfall. Commonly used in agriculture lands, gardens, landscapes etc,. It is also used
to cooling effect and control of air borne pollutants.
Conservation of medicinal plants
Conservation of medicinal plants is explained under broad, heading Biodiversity.
 Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Knowledge 361

Bio- diversity is defined as ‘Bio’ means life and ‘diversity’ means varieties. Biodiversity
means variety of living organisms present on the earth. Diversity may related to animals, plants,
micro-organisms etc.
Mainly we deal with Biodiversity related to conservation of plants.
Methods of conservation of plant biodiversity, it is explained in two heading in-situ
conservation and ex-situ conservation.
€ In-situ conservation is conservation of plant diversity in their natural habitat through
network of protected area.
€ Ex-situ conservation is conservation of plant biodiversity outside their natural habitat.
In-situ conservation of plants further explained under following heading
a. Sacred grooves : Sacred grooves where the plant diversity is conserved due to religious
sentiments. It is most undisturbed forest patches, tribals have construct place of worship
in such area and prohibited to cut the trees.
Ex situ conservation of plants is further explained in following three headings
a. Botanical gardens : Botanical gardens are dedicated for conservation of plant diversity
outside their natural habitat. It mainly contains endangered species, important herbs,
common flowers and fruits, luscious plants and exotic plants which gives artistry and
peace environment.
b. Seed bank : It is also important ex-situ method of conservation of plants the collected
seeds are thoroughly examined, well dried, cleaned and-split open. These are checked
in research labs to know the state of vegetation, lastly they are well packed and dried
under controlled low temperature and humidity. By this method seeds will persist
numerous years they are taken out every ten years and check for state of vegetation.
c. Cryopreservation : Cryopreservation is the method of conservation of living parts at
very low temperature in liquid nitrogen, in this temperature biological activities of cells
and tissues are suspended.
Endangered species
A species of plant or animal whose number is reduced to critical level and facing the
problem of extinction.
Causes
1. Habitat destruction : Destruction of natural territory leads to reduce in the number of
plant species.
2. Exotic species : These are the species which has been brought from another country
which doesn’t allow other natural species to grow. E.g. Parthenium grass.
CHAPTER 22

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics

Learning objectives
€ Introduction to Network Pharmacology
€ Procedure of Network Pharmacology
€ Model of Network pharmacology
€ Applications of Network pharmacology
€ References/ Research updates
€ Introduction to Bioinformatics
€ Data base in Bioinformatics
€ Classification of Bioinformatics database
€ Some important names of bioinformatics database
€ Application of Bioinformatics
€ Reference/ research updates
€ Activity

Introduction to Network Pharmacology

A new field of study called Network pharmacology has come into view with efforts to
understanding the actions of drug on human body associated with multiple targets. It uses tools
relatively to computers to thoroughly categorize the molecular linkage of a drug molecule in a
biological cell.
Procedure of Network Pharmacology
The procedure of network pharmacology explained in following steps:
€ Mapping the disease phenotype targets which gives a visual display of a natural
arrangement of various species of living organisms of an illness within a population
drug.
€ Target of drug together in bimolecular network.

402
 Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics 403

€ Initiate the process of interrelation between illness and drugs.

€ Examine the network to anatomize the process between network targets and the system
regulation.

Drug decoction formula

ADME screen

Active compounds

Targets fishing

Potential targets

Pathway analysis Diseases analysis

Network construction

Potential targets
Model of Network pharmacology
The model of network pharmacology is built on the basis of
a. Bioactive components
404 A Textbook of Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Fundamental Dravyaguṇa) Volume 1

b. Target genes
c. Disease gene in several available databases.
Many stalwarts have designed database related to Network pharmacology which shares
suitable ideas in the field of medicine and gives a foundation for research in Network
pharmacology.
These data base are systematically divided into many sections which includes herbal
components database, diseased database, generally used database for network research involves
TCMSP (Traditional Chinese medicinal system pharmacology).
Applications of Network pharmacology
€ Helpful in construction of Biological network.
€ It screens out key targets and related path way of drug compositions in the remedy of
diseases.
€ Network pharmacology is media which identifies factors that effects drug efficacy and
safety.
€ It is helpful in invention of biological signatures and drug targets.
€ Network pharmacology gives a chance that conveys the research plans of traditional
medicine prescriptions from debateable and evidence-based research.
References/ Research updates
Network pharmacology view point can serve as a precious tool for evidence-based
Ayurveda to know the medicines probable actions, indications, and mechanisms. This article
discusses Network pharmacology and its potentiality to inspect traditional medicine systems to
overwhelm the drug discovery impasse. Article on Network Pharmacology. Chandran Uma,
N Mehendale, Saniya Patil, Chaguturu Rathnam, Patwardhan Bhushan Innovative Approaches
in Drug Discovery. 2017.
The results found by PPI states that our network has significant interactions which include the
ESR-1, ESR-2, ESRRA, MET, VEGF, FGF, PI3K, PDK-1, MAPK, PLK-1, NEK-2, and GRK.
Compound-target network involves 4 active compound and 150 target genes which elucidate
the mechanisms of drug action in breast cancer treatment. A network pharmacology-based
approach to explore potential targets of Caesalpinia pulcherima: an updated prototype
in drug discovery. Nikhil S. Sakle, Shweta A. More & Santosh N. Mokale. Scientific Reports.
October 2020.
We hope it will serve as a significant pioneer for researchers working with medicinal
plants by employing network pharmacology approaches. Network Pharmacology Approach
for Medicinal Plants: Review and Assessment. Fatima Noor et al. Pharmaceuticals (Basel).
2022.May.
 MCQs

1. द्रवयाणां गणु कमवाखण प्रयोगाः खवखवधासतथा । सववाशो यत्र वरयवानतते शास्तं द्रवयगणु ं खह तत।् । is quoted by..................
a. Chakrapani Dutta b. Charaka
c. Priyavat Sharma d. Vagbhata
2. Who told guna is understood as constituents of dravya like Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and
Prabhava
a. Chakrapani dutta b. Vagbhata
c. Sushruta d. Narahari
3. Which possess Guna & Karma with inherent relation?
a. Rasa b. Vipaka
c. Dravya d. Prabhava
4. Who mentioned 5 constituents of dravya?
a. Bhavamishra b. Vagbhata
c. Sushruta d. Narhari
5. How many constituents of Dravyaguna are quoted by Yadavji Trikamji?
a. Seven b. Nine
c. Eight d. Ten
6. Which is one of the constituent of the Sapta-padartha?
a. Vayu b. Dravya
c. Jala d. Teja
7. Which padartha is perceived by Rasanendriya?
a. Dravya b. Rasa
c. Guna d. Karma
8. Who quoted Dravya is the medium which constitutes Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and
Prabhava?
a. Chakrapani Dutta b. Nagarjuna
c. Priyavat Sharma d. Acharya Charaka

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9. Pancha Bhoutika composition of Katu Rasa

a. Agni + Aakasha b. Agni + Prithivi
b. Agni + Jala d. Agni + Vayu
10. Lekhana is the property of
a. Visada guna b. Kathina guna
c Khara guna d. Sukshma guna
11. Srothorodha caused due to...............guna
a. Kathina b. Sthūla
c. Sthira d. Snigdha
12. Bhautika composition of Mrdu guna
a. Jala + Prithivi b. Aakasha + Jala
c. Aakasha+ Vayu d. Jala + Vayu
13. Types of dravya according to Prayoga bheda
a. 3 b. 2
c. 4 d. 5
14. Example of Vicitrapratyayarabdha dravya
a. Yava b. Amalaki
c. Trivṛt d. All
15. According to Yoni-bheda types of dravya
a. 5 b. 3
c. 2 d. All the above
16. Caraka has divided the dravya in 50 Kashaya varga, based on
a. Dravya b. Guna
c. Karma ans d. Virya
17. Jambu is an example for ............... dravya
a. Vanaspati b. Vanaspathya
c. Virudha d. Oushadhi
18. According to Prayoga bheda types of dravya
a. 2 b. 4
c. 3 d. 5