Literature review on anukta dravya: understanding its bounds.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A literature review on anukta dravya and its paribhasa: strategy to understand the confines of anukta
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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Pushpa H*
Final year P.G. Scholar, Shri Jagadguru Gavisiddheshwara Ayurveda Medical College Hospital & P G Studies, Koppal, Karnataka
Gangadhar T Aralelimath
Associate professor, Shri Jagadguru Gavisiddheshwara Ayurveda Medical College Hospital & P G Studies, Koppal, Karnataka
S S Shirurmath
Associate professor, Shri Jagadguru Gavisiddheshwara Ayurveda Medical College Hospital & P G Studies, Koppal, Karnataka
S Gyanaranjan
Final year P.G. Scholar, Shri Jagadguru Gavisiddheshwara Ayurveda Medical College Hospital & P G Studies, Koppal, Karnataka
Venkamma D
Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Shri Jagadguru Gavisiddheshwara Ayurveda Medical College Hospital & P G Studies, Koppal, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A literature review on anukta dravya and its paribhasa: strategy to understand the confines of anukta
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda embodies a comprehensive system of traditional knowledge, which integrates conceptual understanding, scientific elaboration, and practical application, including the evaluation of medicinal plants and treatments. Among its diverse concepts is the notion of "Anukta Dravya," which refers to medicinal plants or substances that are not explicitly stated in classical Ayurvedic texts. These substances may hold vital therapeutic potential, and understanding them is essential for modern clinical practices. The term "Anukta" translates to "unsaid" or "unuttered," highlighting the challenge of identifying and validating these lesser-known remedies despite their existence in nature.
Importance of Anukta Dravya
The concept of Anukta Dravya is critical in Ayurvedic pharmacology as it addresses the importance of incorporating lesser-known medicinal plants into therapeutic practices. For instance, Acharya Charaka provides numerous guidelines in his texts for assessing the qualities and utilities of these undiscovered substances. The methodology for evaluating Anukta Dravya includes examining their "Rasa" (taste), "Guna" (properties), "Veerya" (potency), and "Vipaka" (post-digestive effect). These assessments allow practitioners to create a holistic understanding of the plants and their applications that might not be documented yet.
Methodology to Understand Anukta Dravya
The review outlines a multifaceted methodology for understanding Anukta Dravya, comprising various evaluations like "Rasa Pareeksha" (taste examination), "Veerya Pareeksha" (potency examination), and "Maatra" (dosage), among others. The methodology emphasizes the relevance of folkloric wisdom, wherein practitioners can derive knowledge from traditional healers and nature itself. The examination of "Anubhoota" (experiential use) and "Prayoga" (usage) highlights how local, often unrecorded, practices can inform contemporary Ayurvedic treatments, thus bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and current medicinal applications.
Conclusion
The study of Anukta Dravya signifies the necessity to safeguard and document the vast array of medicinal plants that remain unexplored within the Ayurvedic framework. As civilization progresses, many traditional plants face the threat of extinction, making it crucial to explore their properties and therapeutic potentials. Through this literary research, a structured approach to understanding Anukta Dravya is proposed, setting a foundation for future studies that aim to incorporate these insights into both scholarly research and clinical practice. This exploration will not only enrich Ayurvedic knowledge but could also lead to the discovery of new remedies capable of addressing contemporary health issues.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Anukta Dravya in Ayurveda?
Anukta Dravya refers to unexplored or unsaid medicinal substances not detailed in classical Ayurvedic texts. It represents folklore plants or other medicinal substances that exist but are not recognized or documented in the established Ayurvedic literature.
How is Anukta Dravya assessed in Ayurveda?
Assessing Anukta Dravya involves multiple parameters such as Rasa, Guna, Veerya, and Aushadha. Ayurveda utilizes various methodologies, including consultation with traditional practitioners and conducting scientific examinations to understand the properties and applications of these unknown substances.
Why is studying Anukta Dravya important?
Studying Anukta Dravya is crucial due to the growing scarcity of medicinal plant species. It helps in the documentation of folklore medicinal plants and enhances the understanding of potential treatments for new diseases through the integration of classical knowledge with modern practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Literature review on anukta dravya: understanding its bounds.”. 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) Dravya:
In Ayurveda, 'Dravya' refers to the substances or materials used for therapeutic purposes. It is composed of various attributes like 'Rasa' (taste), 'Guna' (qualities), 'Karma' (action), and 'Vipaka' (post-digestive effect) which together determine its medicinal properties.
2) Guna:
'Guna' represents the inherent qualities or properties of a 'Dravya' (substance) in Ayurveda. These qualities help determine the effects and the therapeutic potential of the substance.
3) Rasa (Rasha):
'Rasa' means taste in Ayurveda, and it is one of the primary properties of a 'Dravya'. Each taste has specific effects on the body's doshas, tissues, and functions, playing a crucial role in its medicinal use.
4) Karma (Karman):
'Karma' refers to the action or effect of a 'Dravya' on the body. It encompasses the therapeutic outcomes that arise from the administration of a substance.
5) Desha (Desa):
'Desha' denotes the geographic region or environment where a 'Dravya' grows. The characteristics of a 'Dravya' can vary significantly based on the 'Desha' or region of origin.
6) Samhita:
'Samhita' refers to classical Ayurvedic texts that document extensive knowledge about treatments, herbal formulations, and medical theories. Examples include the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita.
7) Vipaka:
'Vipaka' is the post-digestive effect of a 'Dravya'. It describes the transformation that the substance undergoes after digestion, influencing long-term bodily functions and health.
8) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
'Mahabhuta' are the five great elements in Ayurveda—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Each 'Dravya' is composed of these elements, determining its 'Guna', 'Rasa', and overall therapeutic efficacy.
9) Samyoga:
[see source text or glossary: Samyoga]
10) Drug:
'Drug' in the context of Ayurveda refers to 'Aushadi Dravya', encompassing natural substances used in treatments. This term overlaps with 'Dravya' and has therapeutic applications grounded in Ayurvedic principles.
11) Samshamana (Samsamana):
'Samshamana' involves measures and medications that pacify or balance disturbed doshas in Ayurveda. They are generally mild and do not cause drastic purgation or vomiting.
12) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
'Nighantu' are lexicons or compendiums of medicinal plants and substances in Ayurveda. They provide detailed information on the properties and uses of various 'Dravya's.
13) Vaidya:
'Vaidya' refers to a practitioner or physician of Ayurveda, knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating diseases using Ayurvedic principles and 'Dravya's.
14) Dosha (Dosa):
'Dosha' refers to the three fundamental bio-energetic forces in the body—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These regulate physiological processes and their imbalance leads to disease.
15) Guru:
[see source text or glossary: Guru]
16) Knowledge:
'Knowledge', especially in Ayurveda, constitutes the understanding of concepts related to 'Dravya', 'Guna', 'Karma', etc., derived from classical texts like 'Samhitas' and practical experience.
17) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is an ancient system of medicine from India encompassing the holistic treatment of health, using natural 'Dravya's for maintaining balance in 'Dosha's and overall well-being.
18) Prabhava:
'Prabhava' is the unique effect or specific action of a 'Dravya' that cannot be explained by its 'Rasa', 'Veerya', or 'Vipaka'. It is often considered its special potency.
19) Madhura:
In Ayurveda, 'Madhura' refers to the sweet taste, which is one of the six 'Rasas'. It generally has anabolic, nourishing, and cooling effects on the body.
20) Pushpa (Puspa):
[see source text or glossary: Pushpa]
21) Matra:
'Maatra' refers to the proper dosage of a 'Dravya' or medicine in Ayurvedic treatment, crucial for attaining the desired therapeutic effect without causing harm.
22) Kapha:
'Kapha' is one of the three 'Doshas' in Ayurveda, characterized by earth and water elements. It governs structure, lubrication, and biological strength in the body.
23) Taila (Thaila):
'Taila' means oil in Ayurveda, commonly used as a base for various medicinal formulations, especially in external therapies like massage and internal therapies.
24) Varga:
'Varga' denotes a group or classification in Ayurveda, often used to categorize 'Dravya's based on their common properties or therapeutic uses.
25) Katu:
In Ayurveda, 'Katu' is the pungent taste, one of the six 'Rasas'. This taste is often stimulating, digestive, and can aggravate 'Pitta' while balancing 'Kapha'.
26) Paribhasha (Paribhasa):
[see source text or glossary: Paribhasa]
27) Samskara:
'Samskara' refers to the process of detoxification, transformation, or preparation of a 'Dravya' to enhance its therapeutic effects and reduce its potential toxicity.
28) Phala:
'Phala' indicates the fruit of a plant used in Ayurveda, and it has its specific 'Rasa', 'Guna', and 'Karma' contributing to its medicinal properties.
29) Kriya:
'Kriya' in Ayurveda refers to therapeutic action or procedure, including activities aimed at restoring health and balance in the body using 'Dravya's.
30) Pitta:
'Pitta' is one of the three 'Doshas', consisting of fire and water elements. It regulates metabolism, heat, and transformation processes in the body.
31) Ahara:
'Ahara' signifies food and diet in Ayurveda. It plays a fundamental role in health and disease, with specific dietary recommendations to balance 'Dosha's and support wellness.
32) Nitya:
'Nitya' refers to substances that can be consumed regularly in Ayurveda due to their beneficial effects on maintaining health and balancing 'Dosha's.
33) Hetu:
'Hetu' represents the causative factors or reasons in Ayurveda, including dietary, lifestyle, or environmental factors that lead to the imbalance of 'Dosha' and hence disease.
34) Yoga:
'Yoga' signifies a combination or method in Ayurveda, often referring to medicinal formulations, combinations of 'Dravya's, or a regimen for health and disease management.
35) Amla:
'Amla' stands for the sour taste in Ayurveda, one of the six 'Rasas'. It stimulates digestion but can aggravate 'Pitta' when consumed in excess.
36) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
The 'Dhanvantari-nighantu' is an ancient Ayurvedic lexicon detailing the properties and therapeutic uses of various 'Dravya' and medicinal substances.
37) Perception:
'Perception' in the context of Ayurveda involves the understanding and interpretation of 'Dravya', their properties, and therapeutic actions based on classical texts and direct experience.
38) Science (Scientific):
'Scientific' refers to the methodical and evidence-based approach in Ayurveda, integrating traditional knowledge with observation, experimentation, and modern technology.
39) Medicine:
'Medicine' in Ayurveda includes 'Dravya' used for treating diseases, sourced from herbal, mineral, and animal origins, prepared according to classical texts like 'Samhitas' and 'Nighantus'.
40) Samgraha (Sangraha):
'Sangraha' means compilation or collection, often used for organizing and documenting useful knowledge or references within Ayurvedic texts.
41) Disease:
'Disease' in Ayurveda is the result of 'Dosha' imbalance and can be treated using tailored 'Dravya' and 'Kriya' specific to the individual's constitution and symptoms.
42) Vidhi:
'Vidhi' refers to method or procedure in Ayurveda, often detailing the specific processes for preparing or administering 'Dravya' and treatments for various conditions.
43) Ushna (Usna):
'Ushna' signifies heat, often used to describe the thermal property or 'Veerya' of a 'Dravya', influencing its therapeutic action and suitability for different 'Dosha' types.
44) India:
'India' is the birthplace of 'Ayurveda', offering a wealth of medicinal plants and 'Dravya' integral to its traditional healing practices.
45) Tila:
'Tila' is sesame, a plant and its oil ('Tila Taila') widely used in Ayurveda for various therapeutic purposes, known for its 'Madhura' 'Rasa' and nourishing properties.
46) Pittasamshamana (Pittasamsamana, Pitta-samshamana):
[see source text or glossary: Pittasamshamana]
47) Vatasamshamana (Vatasamsamana, Vata-samshamana):
[see source text or glossary: Vatasamshamana]
48) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
'Dhanvantari' is the god of Ayurveda and medicine in Hindu mythology, often invoked as the deity of healing and the source of Ayurvedic knowledge.
49) Bhallataka:
'Bhallataka' refers to the marking nut tree (Semecarpus anacardium) in Ayurveda, known for its potent medicinal properties but requiring careful processing due to its toxicity.
50) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
'Dravya-guna' is a branch of Ayurveda that studies the properties ('Guna') and actions ('Karma') of medicinal substances ('Dravya'), guiding their therapeutic use.
51) Vyavahara:
[see source text or glossary: Vyavahara]
52) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a state in India mentioned in the text as the location of an Ayurvedic medical college where research on 'Dravya' is conducted.
53) Substance:
'Substance' in Ayurveda refers to 'Dravya', which includes all materials used for therapeutic purposes, evaluated based on their 'Rasa', 'Guna', 'Karma', 'Vipaka', and 'Prabhava'.
54) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]
55) Annapana (Anna-pana):
'Annapana' refers to both food (Annas) and drinks (Panas) in Ayurveda, crucial for maintaining health and balanced 'Doshas' when chosen according to Ayurvedic principles.
56) Bheshaja (Bhesaja):
'Bheshaja' indicates medicine or medicinal substances in Ayurveda, derived from plants, minerals, and animal products, documented in texts like 'Nighantu' and 'Samhita'.
57) Shastra (Sastra):
'Shaastra' are the authoritative texts in Ayurveda that provide theoretical and practical knowledge of medicine, treatments, and the use of 'Dravya'.
58) Anumana:
[see source text or glossary: Anumana]
59) Kusumba:
In Ayurveda, 'Kusumba' refers to the plant Carthamus tinctorius (safflower), whose properties ('Gunas') are considered analogous to its oil ('Taila').
60) Gurutva:
'Gurutva' indicates heaviness, a 'Guna' in Ayurvedic pharmacology, contributing to the understanding of a 'Dravya's' impact on the body's doshas and functions.
61) Bhakshya (Bhaksya):
'Bhaksya' in Ayurveda refers to edible substances. Their properties and effects are determined by 'Rasa', 'Guna', and 'Karma' and appropriate use based on doshic balance.
62) Kashaya (Kasaya):
'Kashaya' is the astringent taste in Ayurveda, one of the six 'Rasas'. It generally constricts tissues, reduces 'Kapha', and can have digestive and drying effects.
63) Samana (Shamana):
'Shamana' refers to treatments and measures that pacify or stabilize the disturbed 'Dosha' without expelling them from the body, offering a balancing therapeutic approach.
64) Ghrita (Ghrta):
'Ghrita' means clarified butter or ghee in Ayurveda, extensively used as a therapeutic agent and carrier for herbs due to its 'Samskara' enhancing properties.
65) Vamana:
'Vamana' is an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure involving induced vomiting to expel accumulated doshas, particularly targeting excess 'Kapha', for detoxification and balance.
66) Lavana:
'Lavana' refers to the salty taste in Ayurveda, one of the six 'Rasas'. It is known to improve digestion, but it can aggravate 'Pitta' in excess.
67) Forest:
[see source text or glossary: Forest]
68) Anila:
'Anila' represents the air element in Ayurveda, often associated with 'Vata Dosha'. It signifies characteristics related to movement and variability.
69) Dadhi:
'Dadhi' refers to yogurt in Ayurveda, which has specific dietary roles and varying effects based on methods of preparation and individual dosha balance.
70) Laghu:
'Laghu' signifies lightness, a 'Guna' in Ayurvedic pharmacology, influencing the digestibility and metabolic effects of a 'Dravya'.
71) Mamsa (Mamsha):
'Mamsa' refers to meat in Ayurvedic dietetics and therapeutics, with specific qualities and effects on the body's tissues and doshas.
72) Tikta:
'Tikta' is the bitter taste in Ayurveda, one of the six 'Rasas'. It is often detoxifying, light, and drying, balancing 'Pitta' and 'Kapha'.
73) Majja:
'Majja' stands for marrow in Ayurveda, recognized as one of the seven bodily tissues (Dhatus), and its properties can be inferred from the fruit it originates from.
74) Bhumi:
'Bhumi' denotes the land or soil in Ayurveda, influencing the properties of 'Dravya' grown on it based on the inherent 'Guna' and 'Mahabhuta' composition.
75) Takra:
'Takra' is buttermilk in Ayurveda, known for its specific 'Guna' and therapeutic uses, such as being generally digestive and reducing excess 'Kapha'.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 154]
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