Drugs used for Virechana (therapeutic purgation) from Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana- A narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i10.2307Keywords:
Polypharmacology, Purgation, Review, Triphala, VirechanaAbstract
Background: Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is one of the Shodhana procedures with multiple alternatives for carrying out Virechana, which leads to ambiguity in selection of disease-specific medicine, and hence, limited use of medicines. Aim: The present review thus, aims to analyze the drug-disease specificity, with primary reference to the Chikitsa Sthana of Charaka Samhita, a principal text in the domain of therapeutics. Methods and materials- The Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana is screened manually. Virechana drugs are considered for review, on the basis of disease use, form of medication for Virechana and other purposes. The rationale behind drug selection and the form of drug, its pharmacological, pharmaceutical aspects, is scrutinized based on the proven studies by following a search strategy, from PubMed, Google Scholar, PubMed Central. Results: Total references for Virechana in Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana are 91, where specific condition is mentioned in 43 references. Drugs used for Virechana are 22. 17 different forms of Virechana medicines are mentioned in Chikitsa Sthana. The total articles studied were 51 in number. Triphala is the commonest (119 times) drug mentioned. It is also proven as safe drug, due to its peristaltic-soothing qualities, along with purgation. Other drug used for Virechana extensively, is Haritaki(55 times). Foremost action proven by Virechana drugs is anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Though anti-inflammatory activity is proven of 11 drugs, the specificity of Draksha to Kaasa, i.e. respiratory system inflammations, Haritaki to Arsha, Trayamana to inflammations related to fever is evident. Neelini and Trivrut act better on renal system related inflammations, alongwith ascites; while Indravaruni is indicated in immunocompromised or autoimmune skin conditions, and Dravanti in microbe-induced skin problems. Conclusion: This review, therefore, provides a systematic appraisal of suitability, diversity, modality of disease-specific Virechana drugs; inducing a suitable decision during clinical practice.
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