Concept of Gudavarti w.s.r. to Rectal Suppositories

Abstract

Suppositories are solid dosage preparations prepared by moulding or compression intended for its insertion into body orifices like the rectum, vagina and the urethra. Suppositories melts and exhibits local or systemic effects. Rectal route of drug administration encorporates absorption of the drug through rectal blood vessels to exhibit desired therapeutic action. Rectal suppositories can be the best choice for drugs that are either too irritative to the gut or more effective when partly metabolized by the liver. Varti Kalpana is a variant of Vati Kalpana with similar method of preparation. Varti are solid and are wick shaped with tapering ends intended for easy insertion into body orifices. Based on the site of insertion, Ayurveda explains Guda Varti, Yoni Varti and Sishna Varti. Different types of Varti have been explained based on its size, site of application, composition and action. Various methods of its preparation has been explained both in the classical literature and in contemporary science. Rectal suppositories offer patients an option that is less invasive and less discomforting and which proves to be a convenient drug delivery option especially in patients with rectal complaints. It can be appreciated that Varti Kalpana was used in practice since ancient times and that recent advancement of suppositories is just its slight modification. A detailed study of both the Varti and the suppositories help us draw many similarities between the two.