Meda, key astavarga member, faces identification and standardization issues.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Meda- an important member of astavarga is suffering from identification and standardization
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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Vij Divya
PG Scholar, PG Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, India.
Mishra Rajesh Kumar
Assistant Professor, PG Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Meda- an important member of astavarga is suffering from identification and standardization
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7i4.577
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Meda, scientifically known as Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All., is a significant plant included in the Ayurvedic group known as Astavarga. Utilized in various traditional Ayurvedic formulations, including Cyavanprasa, the dried rhizomes of this herb are noted for their purported health benefits such as rejuvenation, immune system enhancement, and treatment of conditions like fever, diabetes, and seminal weakness. However, due to escalating demand and the plant's decreasing availability in the wild, there are critical issues surrounding its identification, standardization, and rampant adulteration with inferior or spurious substitutes, which pose a threat to the integrity of Ayurvedic medicines and consumer health.
Identification and Standardization Challenges
One major challenge faced by the Ayurvedic community is the accurate identification and standardization of Meda. Various synonyms for the herb exist in Ayurvedic and Sanskrit literature, leading to confusion about its authentic botanical source. Scholars have provided a multitude of interpretations regarding Meda’s identity, contributing to inconsistency in its classification. Many practitioners, driven by demand, may resort to utilizing different species under the incorrect assumption that they are Meda, further complicating the issue. As the lack of cultivation practices persists, the usage of adulterated or substandard forms of Meda in Ayurvedic formulations has become increasingly prevalent, undermining both the efficacy and safety of these products.
Conservation and Adulteration Concerns
The scarcity of Meda in its natural habitat necessitates immediate conservation efforts to prevent its extinction. The rhizomes are often harvested from the wild, leading to rapid depletion of its populations. This situation has been exacerbated by the rise of professional plant collectors who prioritize profit over authenticity. In their quest to meet market demand, these collectors may adulterate Meda with other plants or inferior herbal substances. This process not only raises ethical concerns but also jeopardizes consumer trust and can result in adverse health events stemming from unforeseen interactions caused by unintentional herb consumption. Consequently, advocating for sustainable and ethical harvest practices is crucial in preserving this valuable medicinal herb.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Meda holds a valuable place within Ayurvedic treatment paradigms, but the challenges associated with its identification, standardization, and conservation cannot be overlooked. The widespread issues of adulteration and misinformation regarding its botanical identity call for an urgent response from medicinal plant stakeholders to ensure the plant's sustainability and the integrity of Ayurvedic formulations. By emphasizing proper identification, ethical harvesting practices, and raising awareness among practitioners and consumers, it is possible to protect Meda and maintain its rightful place in traditional medicinal practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Meda and its significance in Ayurveda?
Meda, known as whorled solomon's seal, is a valuable Ayurvedic herb. Its rhizomes are used in various formulations like Cyavanprasa, and are claimed to have rejuvenating, immune-boosting, and health-promoting properties.
What challenges does Meda face regarding identification and standardization?
Meda is facing issues such as adulteration and confusion over its botanical identity. Due to a scarcity in wild populations and lack of cultivation practices, several inferior substitutes are used instead of the authentic Meda, Polygonatum verticillatum.
Where is Meda found and what are its morphological characteristics?
Meda typically grows in the southeastern Himalayas. Morphologically, it is a rhizomatous plant with whitish rhizomes, erect stems, whorled leaves, and produces white or pinkish flowers in terminal clusters.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Meda, key astavarga member, faces identification and standardization issues.”. 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) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda is a significant plant in Ayurveda, particularly known for its inclusion in Astavarga. It is used in a range of Ayurvedic preparations, including Cyavanprasa, for its therapeutic properties.
2) Ashtavarga (Astavarga, Ashtan-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtavarga]
3) Drug:
In Ayurveda, the term drug refers to natural substances used for medicinal purposes. Meda, part of the Astavarga, is one such drug credited with various health benefits.
4) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
The Himalaya mountains are a specific habitat where Meda grows, particularly in the southeastern part as described in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
5) Family:
Meda belongs to the family Asparagaceae, which consists of perennial herbs with thick underground organs and small, star-like flowers.
6) Kumar:
Kumar refers to Rajesh Kumar, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan who contributed to the research on Meda.
7) Genu:
[see source text or glossary: Genu]
8) Divya:
Divya is Vij Divya, a PG Scholar who co-authored the research on Meda and its identification and standardization in Ayurveda.
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine in India, utilizing plants like Meda from the Astavarga group for their therapeutic properties.
10) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra refers to Rajesh Kumar Mishra, the Assistant Professor who participated in the research on Meda.
11) India:
India is the country where institutions like the Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan in Haridwar conduct research on Ayurvedic plants, including Meda.
12) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush denotes the Indian governmental department focused on traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, which lists Meda as an important herb.
13) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, also known as Shatavari, is sometimes substituted for Meda in Ayurvedic formulations due to the scarcity of the authentic plant.
14) Substance:
In the context of herbal medicine, substance refers to any material used in making drugs. Adulteration occurs when inferior substances are used in place of genuine Meda.
15) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda consists of preparations made from herbs. Meda is utilized in various forms like syrups and tonics for its health benefits.
16) Madhura:
Madhura refers to the sweet taste of Meda, which is one of its key Ayurvedic properties, affecting its therapeutic effects on the body.
17) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma refers to Priyavrat Sharma, who authored 'Dravyaguṇa-Vijnana,' a key text in the modern description of the Astavarga plants.
18) Indian:
Indian refers to the origin country of Ayurveda. Meda is a plant extensively studied within this traditional system in India.
19) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical analysis is essential for identifying the constituent compounds of Meda, impacting its medicinal properties.
20) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
'Dravyaguṇa-Vijnana,' authored by Priyavrat Sharma, is a principal text in modern descriptions of Astavarga plants, including Meda.
21) Patanjali:
Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan is the research institution where the study on Meda was undertaken.
22) Language:
[see source text or glossary: Language]
23) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language in which much of the original Ayurvedic literature is written, including texts describing Meda and its synonyms.
24) Snigdha:
Snigdha is one of the Ayurvedic properties of Meda, meaning oily or unctuous, which helps in nourishing and lubricating bodily tissues.
25) Habitat:
The specific habitat for Meda, as per Ayurveda, is the southeastern Himalaya region, where the plant naturally thrives.
26) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
[see source text or glossary: Pande]
27) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda refers to taste and essence. Meda is described to have Madhura Rasa, contributing to its medicinal properties.
28) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. Meda is used to balance Vata, thereby helping in treating related ailments.
29) Burning sensation:
[see source text or glossary: Burning sensation]
30) Mahapurushadantika (Mahapurusadantika, Mahapurusha-dantika):
[see source text or glossary: Mahapurusadantika]
31) Purushadantika (Purusadantika):
[see source text or glossary: Purusadantika]
32) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Madhura-rasa]
33) Pharmacology:
The pharmacology of Meda includes its rejuvenating, immune-strengthening, and anti-oxidant properties, as detailed in the study.
34) Inflammation:
Meda is used to treat inflammation in Ayurveda, aiding in conditions related to pain and swelling.
35) Shukrajanana (Shukra-janana, Sukrajanana):
[see source text or glossary: Sukrajanana]
36) Vasucchidra (Vasu-chidra):
[see source text or glossary: Vasucchidra]
37) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
[see source text or glossary: Raktapitta]
38) Rajayakshma (Rajan-yakshma, Rajayaksma):
[see source text or glossary: Rajayaksma]
39) Science (Scientific):
Scientific research on Meda focuses on its identification, standardization, and phytochemical properties to prevent adulteration.
40) Snehopaga (Sneha-upaga):
[see source text or glossary: Snehopaga]
41) Snehavati (Sneha-vati):
[see source text or glossary: Snehavatī]
42) Medodrava (Medas-drava):
[see source text or glossary: Medodrava]
43) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
44) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
'Nighaṇṭu' is a Sanskrit term for a lexicon, such as the Bhawaprakasha Nighaṇṭu, which describes the Ayurvedic properties of Meda.
45) Mahameda (Maha-meda):
[see source text or glossary: Mahameda]
46) Kayastha (Kaya-stha):
[see source text or glossary: Kayastha]
47) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda aims at rejuvenation and longevity. Meda, as part of Astavarga, holds a significant place in Rasayana formulations.
48) Gujarati:
[see source text or glossary: Gujarati]
49) Devamani (Deva-mani):
[see source text or glossary: Devamaṇi]
50) Jivaniya:
[see source text or glossary: Jīvanīya]
51) Medasara:
[see source text or glossary: Medasara]
52) Swelling:
Swelling is one of the conditions that Meda treats due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
53) Adhikarin (Adhikari):
[see source text or glossary: Adhikari]
54) Vijnana:
In 'Dravyaguṇa-Vijnana,' Vijnana means science or knowledge, particularly of the medicinal properties and uses of plants like Meda.
55) Vijaya:
[see source text or glossary: Vijaya]
56) Jivani:
[see source text or glossary: Jīvanī]
57) Shukla (Sukla):
[see source text or glossary: Shukla]
58) Anjali (Amjali):
[see source text or glossary: Anjali]
59) Vipaka:
Vipaka in Ayurveda refers to the post-digestive taste. Meda has Madhura Vipaka, which influences its long-term effects on the body.
60) Shakya (Sakya):
[see source text or glossary: Shakya]
61) Nepali:
In the Nepali language, Meda is referred to by various names, highlighting its regional importance and diversity in nomenclature.
62) Forest:
[see source text or glossary: Forest]
63) Thirst:
[see source text or glossary: Thirst]
64) Pitta:
Pitta is another Ayurveda dosha, and Meda helps balance Pitta, addressing issues like inflammation and metabolic disturbances.
65) Dhara:
[see source text or glossary: Dhara]
66) Dhira:
[see source text or glossary: Dhīra]
67) Jvara:
[see source text or glossary: Jvara]
68) Shalya (Salya):
[see source text or glossary: Salya]
69) Priya:
[see source text or glossary: Priya]
70) Shyama (Syama):
[see source text or glossary: Syama]
71) Kshaya (Ksaya):
[see source text or glossary: Ksaya]
72) Sagar (Sagár):
[see source text or glossary: Sagar]
73) Hindi (Himdi):
In Hindi, Meda is known by the same name, showing its widespread recognition across various Indian languages.
74) Fever:
[see source text or glossary: Fever]
75) Tamil:
[see source text or glossary: Tamil]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 87]
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