Review of Pramehahara Dravyas in Bhavaprakash for diabetes management.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Critical review of pramehahara dravyas in bhavaprakash nighantu in management of diabetes mellitus
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Keshari Puneshwar
P.G. Scholar 2nd Year, Department of Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka
Pradeep Dr
Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Critical review of pramehahara dravyas in bhavaprakash nighantu in management of diabetes mellitus
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, with a significant rise in prevalence over the past two decades. The study addresses the alarming trend of increasing cases of type II diabetes, particularly in India, which has been dubbed the "diabetes capital of the world." In the context of Ayurvedic medicine, DM can be related to the condition known as "Madhumeha," particularly the type classified as "Vataj Prameha." This study seeks to identify and critically analyze the various herbs described in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu, an authoritative Ayurvedic text, that are traditionally considered beneficial for managing diabetes.
Pharmacological Properties of Pramehahara Dravyas
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists 47 herbs classified as "Pramehahara" (antidiabetic) among a total of 426 herbal ingredients. These herbs are noted for their efficacy in managing diabetes, supported by both experimental studies and some clinical trials. The herbs are rich in beneficial active compounds such as glycosides, alkaloids, and saponins, which contribute to their hypoglycemic effects. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting detailed pharmacological screenings of these herbs, such as using various extraction methods to validate their effectiveness in reducing blood sugar levels across multiple models of diabetes, particularly in animal studies.
Potential Against Hyperglycemia
Notably, among the herbs discussed, some have shown significant antidiabetic effects. For instance, Aamalaki (Emblica officinalis) is recognized for its potential to lower blood glucose levels and has been confirmed through several studies on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic models. Other herbs, like Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), have also demonstrated promising antidiabetic properties, showcasing a rich history of validation through both traditional knowledge and modern research. This highlights how Ayurvedic treatments could be systematic, integrating scientific evidence with established ancient medicinal practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the herbs classified as "Pramehahara" in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu are not explicitly designated for their antidiabetic effects but have been validated through various research studies for managing diabetes. The findings suggest a therapeutic potential akin to modern anti-diabetic treatments, indicating their relevance in contemporary diabetes management strategies. Further research should focus on clinical validation to establish these herbal remedies' efficacy and develop comprehensive treatment protocols that merge traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern medical standards.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Diabetes Mellitus and its global prevalence?
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Its global prevalence has dramatically increased over two decades, with estimates suggesting over 360 million individuals may have DM by 2030, mainly driven by rising obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
How are Ayurvedic texts related to Diabetes Mellitus management?
Ayurveda correlates Diabetes Mellitus with 'Madhumeha.' Various Ayurvedic classics describe herbal medicines that can potentially manage DM, emphasizing the significance of ancient texts like Bhavaprakash Nighantu, which lists numerous herbs with anti-diabetic properties.
What are Pramehahara Dravyas in Bhavaprakash Nighantu?
Pramehahara Dravyas are herbs described in Bhavaprakash Nighantu that reportedly help manage diabetes. Among 426 herbs listed, 47 are identified as having anti-diabetic properties, with several supported by scientific studies demonstrating their efficacy in treating DM.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of Pramehahara Dravyas in Bhavaprakash for diabetes management.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Varga:
In the context of Ayurveda, 'Varga' refers to a classification or group. For example, the Bhavaprakash Nighantu is divided into 23 Vargas, each containing various herbs grouped by certain characteristics or uses.
2) Drug:
A substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. In Bhavaprakash Nighantu, various drugs are described for treating Prameha (diabetes), emphasizing their medicinal properties.
3) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
An ancient Ayurvedic text or lexicon specifically cataloging medicinal substances and their uses. Bhavaprakash Nighantu is a well-known Ayurvedic Nighantu that lists herbs useful for managing Diabetes Mellitus.
4) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
5) Dravya:
In Ayurveda, 'Dravya' means a substance or material, particularly one used for medicinal purposes. Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes various Dravyas that have Pramehahara (anti-diabetic) properties.
6) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
An ancient system of medicine from India that uses natural herbs, diet, and lifestyle modifications for treating diseases. Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha) is managed using various Ayurvedic herbs mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
7) Triphala (Tri-phala):
A traditional Ayurvedic formulation comprising three fruits: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, and Emblica officinalis, known for its potential health benefits, including anti-diabetic effects.
8) Trikatu (Tri-katu):
An Ayurvedic formulation consisting of Piper longum (Pippali), Piper nigrum (Maricha), and Zingiber officinale (Shunthi). It is mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu as having Pramehahara (anti-diabetic) properties.
9) Kapha:
One of the three doshas (humors) in Ayurveda. It is associated with qualities like cold, heavy, and fluid. Various Pramehahara Dravyas in Bhavaprakash Nighantu are aimed at balancing Kapha.
10) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
11) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
An Ayurvedic term used to describe substances or treatments that alleviate Pitta dosha. Several herbs listed in Bhavaprakash Nighantu have Pittahara properties and are used in managing diabetes.
12) Prameha:
An Ayurvedic term for a group of urinary disorders, including diabetes mellitus (Madhumeha). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists numerous herbs effective in the treatment of Prameha.
13) Shaka (Saka):
[see source text or glossary: Shaka]
14) India:
A country in South Asia where Ayurveda originated and is still widely practiced. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, an important Ayurvedic text, was authored in India.
15) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Refers to substances that balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in Ayurveda. Certain herbs in Bhavaprakash Nighantu are mentioned as Tridoshahara and useful for diabetes management.
16) Shakavarga (Sakavarga, Shaka-varga):
A classification group in Bhavaprakash Nighantu that includes leafy vegetables. Some of these are noted for their Pramehahara properties and usefulness in managing diabetes.
17) Pippali (Pippalin):
The Ayurvedic name for Piper longum, a spice known for its medicinal properties, including its mention in Bhavaprakash Nighantu as a Pramehahara Dravya for managing diabetes.
18) Keshari (Kesari, Kesha-ari):
The name of one of the authors, Dr. Keshari Puneshwar, who conducted the analysis of Pramehahara Dravyas in Bhavaprakash Nighantu for managing Diabetes Mellitus.
19) Karanja (Karamja):
A term in Bhavaprakash Nighantu referring to Pongamia glabra or Pongamia pinnata, noted for its potential antidiabetic properties.
20) Animal:
Animal models, such as streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, are commonly used in studies to evaluate the antidiabetic efficacy of various herbs mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
21) Mangifera indica:
The botanical name for Mango. Various parts of this plant, like the inflorescence (Aamra Pushpa), have been described in Bhavaprakash Nighantu for their medicinal properties.
22) Piper longum:
The botanical name for Pippali, known for its potential anti-diabetic effects and mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu as a Pramehahara Dravya.
23) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicine refers to any substance or treatment used to maintain health or treat disease. Bhavaprakash Nighantu provides insights into numerous herbal medicines useful in managing diabetes.
24) Tinduka (Timduka):
[see source text or glossary: Tinduka]
25) Shunthi (Sunthi, Sumthi, Shumthi):
[see source text or glossary: Sunthi]
26) Nimba:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem. It has been shown to possess hypoglycemic properties and is mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu as a Pramehahara Dravya.
27) Zingiber officinale:
The botanical name for ginger, known as Shunthi in its dried form. It is mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu as part of the Trikatu formulation for managing diabetes.
28) Rubia cordifolia:
Known as Manjistha in Ayurveda, used for skin diseases and known for its anti-diabetic properties, as mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
29) Ashtavarga (Astavarga, Ashtan-varga):
A group of eight medicinal plants traditionally used in Ayurveda. The exact botanical sources are not confirmed, and their anti-diabetic properties are yet to be studied in detail.
30) Arjuna:
[see source text or glossary: Arjuna]
31) Family:
In botanical terms, it refers to a group of related plants. For instance, plants like Mangifera indica (Mango) belong to the Anacardiaceae family.
32) Phala:
Means 'fruit' in Sanskrit. In Bhavaprakash Nighantu, various fruits like those from Mangifera indica (Mango) are described for their medicinal properties.
33) Pitta:
One of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by qualities like heat and intensity. Pitta imbalance often requires Pittahara treatments, many of which are listed in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
34) Karma (Karman):
[see source text or glossary: Karma]
35) Mamsa (Mamsha):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]
36) Sugar:
[see source text or glossary: Sugar]
37) Tinospora cordifolia:
An herb known as Guduchi, widely valued in Ayurveda for its broad range of uses including its antidiabetic properties, as referenced in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
38) Emblica officinalis:
Commonly known as Aamalaki or Indian Gooseberry, rich in Vitamin C and known for its antidiabetic effects as mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
39) Dioscorea bulbifera:
A plant known as Varahikanda in Ayurveda, noted for its potential in treating diabetes as evidenced by studies mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
40) Terminalia chebula:
Known as Haritaki, a well-studied herb in Ayurveda with proven antidiabetic properties, mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
41) Acacia catechu:
Known as Khadira in Ayurveda, used in various treatments including antidiabetic applications as noted in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
42) Momordica charantia:
Known as Karvellam or bitter melon, a widely recognized plant for managing diabetes in Ayurveda and mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
43) Tribulus terrestris:
An herb known as Gokshura, traditionally used for urinary disorders and also noted for its antidiabetic properties in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
44) Kampillaka:
Known as Phalaraja, from Mallotus philippinensis, used traditionally in Ayurveda and noted for its antidiabetic properties as mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
45) Mahanimba (Maha-nimba):
Melia azedarach is referred to as Mahanimba in Ayurveda, used for various treatments including diabetes management as cited in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
46) Karpuradi:
[see source text or glossary: Karpuradi]
47) Flavonoid:
A class of plant metabolites widely recognized for their antioxidant properties, contributing to the antidiabetic effects of several herbs listed in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
48) Haritaki:
An herb known for its wide range of therapeutic uses, including its antidiabetic properties, as mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
49) Gokshura (Goksura, Go-kshura):
[see source text or glossary: Gokshura]
50) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Substances or treatments that alleviate Vata dosha in Ayurveda. Many herbs mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu for diabetes management possess Vatahara properties.
51) Guggulu:
Known as Commiphora mukul, an Ayurvedic herb widely used for its antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, as mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
52) Tinisha (Tinisa):
[see source text or glossary: Tinisha]
53) Kakubha:
[see source text or glossary: Kakubha]
54) Atibala:
An herb known as Abuliton indicum, used for its vata-shamaka (Vata balancing) properties and noted for its antidiabetic effects in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
55) Khadira:
[see source text or glossary: Khadira]
56) Haridra:
[see source text or glossary: Haridra]
57) Kadali:
[see source text or glossary: Kadali]
58) Brahmi:
[see source text or glossary: Brahmi]
59) Katuki:
[see source text or glossary: Katuki]
60) Dhava:
[see source text or glossary: Dhava]
61) Mango:
[see source text or glossary: Mango]
62) Vasa (Vasha):
[see source text or glossary: Vasa]
63) Vata:
[see source text or glossary: Vata]
64) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]
65) Anogeissus latifolia:
[see source text or glossary: Anogeissus latifolia]
66) Butea monosperma:
[see source text or glossary: Butea monosperma]
67) Curcuma longa:
[see source text or glossary: Curcuma longa]
68) Commiphora mukul:
[see source text or glossary: Commiphora mukul]
69) Pharmacological:
[see source text or glossary: Pharmacological]
70) Meshashringi (Mesasrngi, Mesha-shringi, Meshashrimgi):
[see source text or glossary: Meshashringi]
71) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
[see source text or glossary: Dravya-guna]
72) Arkapushpi (Arkapuspi, Arka-pushpi):
[see source text or glossary: Arkapuspi]
73) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
74) Karnataka:
A state in India where SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital is located, where the study on Pramehahara Dravyas in Bhavaprakash Nighantu was conducted.
75) Vibhitaki:
[see source text or glossary: Vibhitaki]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 164]