Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF RASA PANCHAKA (5 AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES OF DRUG ACTION) OF A FOLK DRUG-HUMBOLDTIA VAHLIANA WIGHT. IN ANIMAL MODEL

Athira Soman*, Chandrakanth Bhat, Hariprasad Shetty and Sudhakar Bhat

ABSTRACT

Systematic documentation and comprehensive research of folklore medicinal practices has introduced many new medicinal plants to the Ayurvedic system. A thorough study of Rasa panchaka (5 Ayurvedic principles of drug action) of a drug is mandatory for its therapeutic use and documentation. Humboldtia vahliana Wight. belonging to Fabaceae family is an ethno medicinal plant. Powder or bark decoction is given to cure biliousness, impure blood, leprosy, ulcers, wounds and epilepsy. This study aims to determine Rasa panchaka of Humboldtia vahliana Wight.Detailed review of the trial drug was carried out. Rasa (taste) was determined by using direct perception method on 40 healthy volunteers. Veerya (potency) was determined by assessing its exothermic reaction in water. Vipaka (taste after digestion), Guna (properties), and Prabhava (specific action) were assessed by experimental study of the drug on 12 Wistar Albino rats. After the study, Rasa panchaka of the test drug was assessed as Kashaya Rasa (astringent taste), Guru Guna (heavy property), Sheetha Veerya (cold potency), and Madhura Vipaka (sweet taste after digestion).

Keywords: Folklore, Humboldtia vahliana Wight, Rasa Panchaka, Experimental Study.