Ayurveda is the ancient medical wisdom, indigenous to India. The literature available, are in Sanskrit that is an oldest language, which makes the basis for various other languages.

The principles of Ayurveda are even to day adaptable and standardized in their own approach. With the advent of the modern sciences and technologies such as the influence of modern chemistry, the majority of our understanding/knowledge became provable using modern methods and measures. Similarly even Ayurveda knowledge was also questioned for its scientific basis. As a result, there came into existence much new research, especially in the area of medicinal plants.

Reviewing decades of Ayurvedic research shows that there was not much progress in understanding the unique principles of Ayurveda - especially Dravyaguna (pharmacology of medicinal plants).

This is because the methodology of the Ayurvedic studies carried out are mainly a sort of mimicking modern drug study methods. Though this type of study helps in understanding/ reproving the pharmacological activity a drug may have, will not contribute in total understanding of the drug.

As far as the identification of the plant products is concerned there are  better methods developed for identification of plant material through marker compounds/finger printing technology. As it is well known, the composition of plants is so complex that not a single plant has been totally evaluated for its chemical compounds. This appears to be a Herculean task, nearer to impossible.

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, the pharmacological activities of the plant are based on some of its perceivable properties and some by inference. That is why it is said that ?prathyaksham alpam aprathyaksham analpam? means the knowledge obtained from direct perception is minimal while the knowledge obtained by inference is unlimited.

The seers in India had a greater skill and understanding, because of which there is enormous amount of information available in the literature in spite of the non-availability of full form of the text. Though there are hundreds of practitioners practicing Ayurveda and thousands of native /traditional also catering the medical services, it accounts for about 50% of available information in the texts. Still there is greater affluence to be explored in the plethora of the science Ayurveda.

In the pharmacopoeia of Ayurveda, it is a common observation that a single drug is attributed with multiple pharmacological activities. Having identified these, the physicians of ancient India had discovered the method of medicinal administration with reference to the form, root, vehicle, and the time of administration of medicine.

Added to this, there appears to have the sound knowledge of plant processing under the name samskara. These procedures are for transforming plant material for safe use and optimized benefit by humans. 

These validate the affirmative knowledge possessed by the experts in field. Though the seers did not explain in the modern scientific terminology and the modern scientists have not thought in the language of Ayurveda, both shall meet at some position. Thus, a construal acceptable globally can be achieved.  

I. Shata pushpa as praja sthapana- Anathem sova is the drug proven an abortificent, which is revealed from the experimental studies. Ayurveda has grouped this drug under the head prajasthapana meaning promotion/assisting for conception. This appears to be contradicting at the outset. However, the proper understanding of the principles of Ayurveda will reveal both are correct. Administration of this drug is used for yoni shodhana/garbhashaya shodhana cleansing the reproductive system in total).

Further the herb Shata pushpa has rajapravarthana (initiating menstruation/ovulation) as well as srothoshodhana (Cleansing the channels). Added to this the drug is said to possess the lekhana activity referring to reducing obesity which is often a cause for infertility. Acharya Kashyapa in Kashyapa Samhita refers to this drug to be one of the best fertility drugs.

II Effect of Kanaka lepa in Amavata- This product is in use as a choice of topical application, for the past 5-6 decades in the Govt. Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore-9 hospital, for the management of Amavata, sprains, and local inflammatory swelling/ama shotha. The leaves of Kanaka- Dattura metal is processed in jaggary and water, an unctuous semi liquid is prepared. As and when required the preparation is heated little and the melted lepa is applied over the affected area - covered with cotton gauze, retained for 2-3 hrs, and then washed.

This preparation was compared with a group, which received only the kalka/paste of the Dattura leaves in a clinical study carried out in the department of PG Studies during 2000-2001.

The study revealed that the patients accepted Kanaka lepa without any untoward effect while in the group that received the pathrakalaka for topical application all the cases exhibited sever kandu/itching sensation. This forced to withdraw the application of kalka (paste) directly.

This confirms that though the drug has been proved for its anti-inflammatory activity the combination and the processing is very essential to prevent the unpleasant effect of the drug.

III. Plaksha as anti-inflammatory-  plaksha (Ficus verens) is one of the panchavalkalas.  Barks of five trees are grouped together and named Panchavalkala. This combination is generally used in local, topical application. Plaksha? Ficus lacor was studied experimentally for its anti-inflammatory activity in caraginin-induced paw edema. This showed a good result. However, in the classics it used or external application alone. Only two formulations have reference for this drug to be one of the ingredients. Keeping this in mind another study was carried out though topical application of Plaksha kashaya in ear edema in rats induced by croton seed oil. The method of application of this was 5 minutes parisheka (pouring in thin a stream of kashaya) in 1 hour and repetition of the same in every hour for four hours. This was sufficient to produce significant anti-inflammatory effect. This study proved the drug to be having highly significant effect both as internal and topical application.

IV. Madhu pippali in Amlapitta- Ayurveda has identified the drugs, which balance the internal environment and just not either increase or decrease a principle in the body. Pippali, which is well known for its deepana activity thorough enhancing the agni (the digestive fire), is also indicated in amlapitta (gastritis) as to be given in the form of Madhu pippali yoga. Amlapitta a condition where vidhagdhata is increased and the clinical features exhibited are burning sensation in the gastrium and heartburn, regurgitation, nausea and occasional vomiting etc. Here in this study the drug pippali did not increase the agni instead it is balanced and there by the Pitta lakshanas were pacified.

Discussion
In the first incidence with reference to Shata pushpa utilization of the drug after selection of the condition and a drug which is proven for its abortifacient activity being used for management of infertility. It is amazing to note that our acharyas were capable of utilizing the drug very tactfully and obtain its optimum effect.

 With reference to Kanak lepa and kalka the processes appears to be minimizing the adverse drug reaction of Kanaka. In the study of plaksha, the root of administration is so well standardized that a drug can be much effective as topical or local applicant rather than as internal medicament. Further, the knowledge about a drug was so perfect that whether a drug aggravates, pacify or balance. Pippali is a best example in amlapitta, which balances the secretion of agni in any form through improving the quality of agni.

Similar to this the samhitas/texts have excellent remedies that are easy to prepare, administer, and are cost effective. Instead of proving the drug effect repeatedly, exploratory works, if carried out, will certainly contribute to the science in catering to the needy who can afford and a better service can be catered to the community.

References :

1. Relevant references from Charak  Samhita, Sushrut  Samhita.
2. Dr. Nagamani, Dr. K. S. Jayashree, Comparative phytochemical screening of vatashungs, shathavari, and shathapushpa claimed for prajasthapana activity. 2002-2003.
3. Dr. Seema, Dr. K. S. Jayashree, Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Plash (Ficus vireos) an experimental study, 2002-2003.
4. Dr. Rajashekhar, S. Ganiger, Dr. K. S. Jayashree, Efficacy of Madhupippali in Amlapitta ?a clinical trail, 1999-2000.
5. Dr. Swarnalatha, Dr. K.S, Jayashree

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe, or heal any condition.