E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Panchtikta

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 1 Jan-Feb
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Pharmacotherapeutic activity of Ancient Indian Medicinal Plant with special reference to Mishraka Gana (Panchtikta) in relation to Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees.)

Sawant B.1, Prajapati A.2*, Mishra D.3, Alwe J.4
DOI:

1 Balaji Sawant, Professor and H.O.D., Department of Dravya Guna, Smt. K.G.Mittal P. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

2* Ashok Prajapati, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravya Guna, Smt. K.G.Mittal P. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

3 Darshana Mishra, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravya Guna, Smt. K.G.Mittal P. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

4 Jahanvi Alwe, Assistant Professor, Department of Dravya Guna, Smt. K.G.Mittal P. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Panchtikta are the synergistic blend of five ayurvedic Dravyas. Pancha refers to five and Tikta refer bitter. In Ayurved classic Panchatikta i.e., Five Dravyas with Tikta (bitter) Rasa viz. Azadirachta indica (Neem), Trichosanthes dioica (gourd), Solanum xanthocarpum (branched shrub), Tinofpora cordifolia (Guduchi) and Adhatoda vasica (Adulsa). Panchatikta is one of the ideal combinations for a vast range of therapeutics focused in Ayurveda. In present study an attempt has been made to compile the therapeutic application of Panchatikta Dravyas.

Keywords: Panchtikta, Tikta Rasa, Adhatoda vasica, Therapeutic uses

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ashok Prajapati, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravya Guna, Smt. K.G.Mittal P. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Balaji Sawant, Ashok Prajapati, Darshana Mishra, Jahanvi Alwe, Pharmacotherapeutic activity of Ancient Indian Medicinal Plant with special reference to Mishraka Gana (Panchtikta) in relation to Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees.). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(1):178-183.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1687

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-01-22 2022-01-24 2022-01-31 2022-02-07 2022-02-13
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 17%

© 2022by Balaji Sawant, Ashok Prajapati, Darshana Mishra, Jahanvi Alweand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

In the Sushruta Samhita where thirty-seven groups of drugs are defined according to their effect and therapeutic uses. Pancha means five, Tikta means bitter in taste.

Tikta Rasapradhan Dravyas are collectively called as Panchatikta Dravyas. The five Dravyas are Azadirachta indica (Neem), Trichosanthes dioica (Patola), Solanum xanthocarpum (Kantakari), Tinofpora cordifolia (Guduchi) and Adhatoda vasica (Adulsa).

Instant mixture can be made by Ayurvedic practitioner in their Clinical practice.

Concept of Tikta Rasa

The character which spreads all over the tongue with in no time.

Sequence of Tikta Rasa from different references

Acharya Charaka mentioned six Rasas, among them first Madhur followed by Amla, Lavana, Katu, Tikta and Kashaya.

According to Sushruta, Madhur, Amla, Lavana, Katu, Tikta and Kashaya are six Rasas.

Vriddha Vagbhatt has described Svadu (Madhur) as the first followed by Amla, Lavana, Tikta, Ushana (Katu) and Kashaya, as six Rasas.

Astanga Hridaya Vagbhatt has described Svadu (Madhur), Amla, Lavana, Tikta, Ushana (Katu) and Kashaya are six Rasas. The earlier ones give more strength to the body, than their successive ones.

Relation of Ritu and Tikta Rasa

In a year, there are six Ritus and accordingly six Rasas are generated. There are some relevance between these two numbers and their genesis. Indukara, a commentator of Astanga Samgraha, has highlighted the relation between seasons, Panchabhoota composition of Rasas and  evaluation of Rasas.

Where Tikta Rasa is generated in Shishira Ritu when Vayu and Aakasha Mahabhootas are predominant.

Actions of Tikta Rasa

Actions of Tikta Rasa may be studied on the level of Doshas, Dhatus, Malas, Agni and Srotas.

Doshas

It increases Vata Dosha by its Ruksha, Laghu, Vishad, Sheeta and Mrudu Guna and it is said to decrease or drying up Kapha, Pitta Dosha.

Dhatus

It has absorbing effect, particularly depletes Medas, Vasaa, Majja, and Lasika which are pathogenic factors in Prameha and causes semen deficiency in case of Shukra dhatu.

Malas

It is Baddhavinmutrakara which means constipative, anti-diuretic and cause obstruction in passing of flatus.

Agni

Tikta Rasa though belonging to Saumya group stimulates Agni by promoting Samana Vata and by absorbing the Kapha which is responsible for Mandagni.

Srotas

Katu, Tikta and Lavana are Srotahsodhana (channel cleaning).

Tikta Rasa absorbs the fluid and slimy material due to Vata Dosha and thus vacating space on account of Aakasha. Due to Sukshma Guna it permeates even to the minutest channels.

Panchtikta Dravyas[1]

SN Dravya Latin Name Family Part used
1. Nimba Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Patra
2. Kantakari  Solanum Xanthocrpum. Solanaceae Panchanga
3. Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia Menispermiaceae Kanda, Patra
4. Patola Trichosanthes dioica Cucurbitaceae Patra, Phala
5. Vasa Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae Patra, Moola

Rasa Panchak of Panchtikta Dravyas[1]

SN Dravya Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka Doshaghnata
1. Nimba Tikta, Kashaya Laghu, Ruksha Sheet Katu Kapha Pittahara
2. Kantakari Tikta Laghu, Ruksha, Sukshma Ushna Katu Kapha Vatahara
3. Guduchi Tikta, Katu Guru, Snigdha Ushna Madhura Tridoshshamak
4. Patola Tikta Laghu, Ruksha Ushna Katu Kapha Pittashamak
5. Vasa Tikta, Kashaya Laghu, Ruksha Sheet Katu Vatakara, Kaphapittahara

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Therapeutic application

Panchtikta Mishraka Gana is first time mentioned in Sushruta Samhita. Combination of these five drugs can be used externally as well as internally as a Lepa, Dhupan, Snana, Churna, Kwath, Hima, Ghrita etc. respectively.

Bahya Prayoga (external uses)


  1. Shoulya (Obesity) as Udhagarshana (dry powder massage)
  2. Dusta Vrana (Infected Wound) as dusking powder
  3. Kita Nashak (Mosquito repellent) in the spray form
  4. Kaphaj Kandu (Wet Eczema) as dusking powder

Amayika Prayoga  (Internal uses)


  1. Madhumeha (Diabetes) - given with Vasanta Kusumakara Rasa, Devdarvyadiarishta and Chandraprabha Vati.
  2. Sthoulya (Obesity) - given with Navaka Guggulu or Amritadi Guggulu and Tryushanadi Louha.
  3. Kushtha (Skin diseases) - given with Panchanimbadi Choorna, Bhunimbadi Churna, Arogyavardhini Rasa and Khadirarishtha.
  4. Aruchi (Anorexia) - given with Lashunadi Vati, Sitopaladi Churna and Lavana Bhaskara Choorna.
  5. Jwara (Fever) - given with Jayamagal Rasa, Mahamrityunjaya Rasa or Tribhuvana Kirti Rasa.
  6. Kasa (Cough) - given with Yavanishadava, Sitopaladi Choorna or Talisadi Choorna.
  7. Shwasa (Bronchial asthma) - given with Shwasa Kuthara Rasa, Shwasakasachintamani Rasa, Talisadi Choorna and Kanakasava.
  8. Krimi (Worms) - given with Krumimudhgara, Vidangarishta, Krimikuthara Rasa.
  9. Ajeerna (Indigestion) - given with Lashunadi Vati and Kupiluhingwadi Vati.
  10. Urakshat (Chronic bronchitis) - given with Vrinapahari Rasa, Mrityunjaya Rasa and Talisadi Choorna.
  11. Parshvashool (Pneumonia) - given with Sheetamshu Rasa, Talisadi Choorna and Tribhuvana Kirthi Rasa.
  1. Bronchial asthma - given with Somasava, Mrityunjaya Rasa and Talisadi Choorna.
  2. Shishu Koshta Gata Krimi (Worm infestation in children) - given with Krimikuthara Rasa, Araghvadha Kapila Vati and Vidangarishta.
  3. Vicharchika (Scabies) - given with Gandhaka Rasayana, Gandhak Druti and Gandhaka Malahara externally.
  4. Kandu (Eczyma) - given with Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya, Arogyavardhini Vati, Rasamanikya, Mahamarichyadi Taila, Somaraji Taila external application.
  5. Furunculosis - given with Arogyavardhini Vati and Mahatiktaka Kashaya.
  6. Sheetapitta (Urticaria) - given with Laghu Sootha Shekhara Vati and Sarivadyasava.
  7. Paronychia - given with Gandhaka Rasayana and Karpooradi Malahara externally.
  8. Dadru (Ring worm) - given with Gandhaka Rasayana and Mahatiktaka Kashaya internally and Nayapamaradi Taila externally.
  9. Pratishyaya (Allergic rhinitis) - given with Naradiya Laxmivilasa Rasa.
  10. Peenasa (Sinusitis) - given with Mrityunjaya Rasa, Haridra Khanda, and Mahalaxmi Vilasa Rasa.
  11. Kshavathu (sneezing) - given with Tribhuvana Kirthi Rasa.
  12. Peripheral vascular disease - given with Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya and Shiva Gutika.
  13. Siragata Granthi (Deep vein thrombosis) - given with Trunapanchmool, Paravatashakruta and Shilajatwadi Lowha.
  14. Pithajshotha (Cellulitis) - given with Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya and Laghu Sootha Shekhara Vati.
  15. Dusta Vrana (Chronic non healing ulcer) - given with Chandraprabha Vati, Asanadi Kashaya and Pravala Panchamrita Rasa.
  16. Sheetapitta (Urticaria) - given with Laghu Sootha Shekhara Vati and Haridra Khanda.
  17. Kitibha (Psoriasis) - given with Strikutaja Taila for external application and Dinamallika Taila to application as well as internally etc.


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Classification and categorisation of Vasa.

SN Granth / Nighantu Gana / Varga / Skandha
1. Charak Samhita Tikta Skandha[2]
2. Shushruta Samhita Saka Varga[3], Panchtikta
3. Astanga Hradaya Saka Varga[4], Tikta Skandha[5], Durvadi Varga
4. Amarkosa Vanaushadhi Varga[6]
5. Astanga Nighantu Shyamadigana[7], Virtarvadi Gana
6. Bhavprakasha Nighantu Guduchiyadi Varga[8]
7. Dhanvantari Nighantu Guduchiyadi Varga[9]
8. Raja Nighantu Satavhadi Varga[10]
9. Madanpala Nighantu Haritkiyadi Varga[11]
10. Kaiyyadev Nighantu Aushadi Varga[12]
11. Shaligram Nighantu Guduchiyadi Varga[13]
12. Nighantu Adarsa Vasadi Varga[14]
13. Hridayadipaka Nighantu Kapha Pithagna Varga[15]
14. Rajavallabh Nighantu Pushpshaak Varga[16]
15. Shodhal Nighantu Guduchiyadi Varga[17]
16. Priya Nighantu Shatpushpadi Varga[18]
17. Abhidhanaratnamala Nighantu Tiktadravya Skandha[19]

Vasa Karma as per different references.


SN Karma D.N Sho.N RajV.N M.P R.N K.N B.N
1. Mehahara       +   + +
2. Raktapittahara + + + + + + +
3. Swasahara       + +   +
4. Kasahara +   + + +   +
5. Kshayahara +   + +   + +
6. Hridya           + +
7. Swasrya       +   + +
8. Vaiswarya     +        
9. Kamalahara         +    
10. Trishnahara +         + +
11. Artihara             +
12. Mutraroghara   +          
13. Jwarahara +       + + +
14. Chardihara +         + +
15. Kushta +         + +
16. Aruchihara           +  
17. Vatakara       +   + +

Showing Rogaghnata according to different texts.

SN Rogaghnata C.S S.S A.H
1. Arsa + - +
2. Grahaniroga - - +
3. Gulma + - +
4. Jirnajwara + + +
5. Kasa + - +
6. Kushta + + -
7. Marmabheda + - -
8. Mukharoga - - +
9. Mutrakruchra + - -
10. Netraroga + + +
11. Pandu - - +
12. Prameha + + -
13. Rajayakshma + - -
14. Raktapitta + + +
15. Swasa + + -
16. Swayathu + - -
17. Swarbheda + - -
18. Shosha - + -
19. Vatasonita + + -
20. Vatavyadhi + + -
21. Visha + - -
22. Yonivyapada + - -

Formulation

Panchtikta

  1. Panchtikta Ghrita
  2. Panchtikta Ghrita Guggula
  3. Panchtikta Kashaya
  4. Panchtikta Ksheer Basti
  5. Panchtikta Guggula etc.

Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)

  1. Vasarishta
  2. Vasakantakari Leha
  3. Vasavaleha
  4. Vasakasava
  5. Adulsa Kshara
  6. Vasachandanadi Tail
  7. Vasaharitkyavaleha etc

Discussion

Panchtikta Mishraka Gana is cost effective, easily and abundantly available all over India. Hence,


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very less chance of adulteration and substitution. All Panchtikta Dravyas belong to five different family. All Dravyas are Kapha Pitta Shamak except Guduchi as it is Tri Dosha Shamak. All Dravyas are Katu Vipaki except Guduchi Madhura Vipaki as Guduchi is Tridosh Hara. All Dravyas are Ushna Virya except Nimba and Vasa are Sheeta Virya. Different Kalpana (formulation) of Panchtikta are used in different Vyadhi (diseases) i.e., Kashaya (decoction), Ksheerpaak, Guggula, Ghrita etc. Tikta Rasa mainly do Shoshan of Kleda, Meda, Vasa, Majja from the body. Tikta Rasa is indicated as Medhya due to its Pittashamak property because Pitta Prakruti belong to Satvika Guna. In Asthigata Samprapti, Tikta Ksheer Basti were used as a Asthi Poshak. But excess uses of plain Tikta Rasa lead to Dhatu Kshaya and Sandhishool So Kalpana, Vyadhi Awastha and mode of administration are very important in day today clinical practice. Tikta Rasa Atisevan leads to Shukra Kshaya hence this combination should not be used by patient without supervision of Ayurveda Physician.

Advantages

  1. Combination can be made instantly in clinic by Ayurveda Vaidyas, no need to prescribe.
  2. All 5 Dravyas are easily available.
  3. Abundantly available in market.
  4. Adulteration free
  5. No need of substitution
  6. Due to low price Dravyas are cost effective for Vaidya (Ayurveda physician) as well as Rugna (patient).
  7. Combination of Panchtikta Dravya fulfil criteria of Prashashta Bheshaj etc.

Conclusion

Panchtikta Dravya is made up of 5 bitters drug, and are given mainly in Kapha Pittaj disease and Rasa Vaha Strotas. Kleda Pradhana diseases like Prameha (diabetes), Krimi (worms), Kushta (skin disease), Sthoulya (Obesity), Sleepada (Filariasis), Ajeerna (Indigestion) etc. Vasa is Tikta Pradhana Kashaya Rasatmak Dravya used mainly in Pranavaha Strotasa (Respiratory system) i.e., Swasa, Kasa, Kshaya, Raktapitta and also used in Yonivyapada Prameha, Kushta, Kamala, Pandu, Vatarakta, Shosha, Visha, Gulma, Vatavyadhi, Swarabheda, Arsha. Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees.)

also scientifically proven as mosquito repellent in various research paper. In Vishwavallabha Vruksha Ayurveda[20]  (Chakrapani under guidance of Maharana Pratap) Author Shreekrisha Jugunu edition 2005, various fertilizer are made from Vasa for more yield and as insecticidal.

Reference

  1. Nighantu Adarsa by Bapalala G.Vaidya Chaukhamba Bharati Academy edition 2005 Neem Vol 1 page no 271, Kantakari Vol 2 Page no 127, Guduchi Vol 1 Page no 34, Patola Vol 1 Page no 620,Vasa Vol 2 Page no 204.
  2. Acharya Priyavrat Sharma, Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla; Charak Samhita of Agnivesha; Elaborated by Charak and Redacted by Drudhbala Vol.1, Edited by: "Vaidya Manorama", Vimansthan Adhayaya 8/ 143; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi. Reprinted-2011. Page no 664.
  3. Anantaram Sharma, Acharya Priyvat sharma; Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana; Sutrasthan Annapaan Vidhi Adhyaya 46/262-263; Chaukhamba Surbharat Prakashan, Varanasi 2015. Page no 418.
  4. Kavirajaa Atrideva Gupta, Ashtang Hridayam of Shrimad Vagbhata, Sutrasthan; Anaswaroopa vidhyanan Adhyay 6/76; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi. 2014, Page no 76.
  5. Kavirajaa Atrideva Gupta, Ashtang Hridayam of Shrimad Vagbhata, Sutrasthan; Rasa Bhediya Adhyay 10/29; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi. 2014, Page no 112.
  6. Pt Hargovinda Shastri, Amaokosha of Amarsimha. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi.2008, page no 190-191.
  7. Astanga Nighantu, Edited by P.V.Sharma, 1st Edition, Kuppuswamy Shastri Research Institute, Madras, , 1973, page no. 28-29,14-15.
  8. Dr G.S. Pandey, Chunekar KC, Bhavmishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, 6th edition, Chaukhambha Bharat Academy, Varanasi. 1982 Page no 306-308.
  9. Amrit Pal Singh, Dhanwantari Nighantu, Satavahadi Varga, Pune, 1925.Page no 167-168.

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  1. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu, Acharya Vishwanath Durvedi, Aamradi Varga, Pub. Krishna Das Academy Varanasi 1982, Page no 70-71.
  2. Nripamadanapala, Pt. Harihar Prashad Tripathi, Madanapala Nighantu, Vatadi Varga, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2009, page no 8-9.
  3. Kaiyadeva, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Edited by P.V.Sharma and Guruprasad Sharma, Aushadhi Varga, Chaukambha Orientatia, Varanasi, 1st Edition, 1979, Page no 6-7.
  4. Shaligrama Nighantu Author Lala Shaligrama Vaisya, Purwardha, 1st edition page no 56-57.
  5. Bapalala Vaidya, Adarsha Nighantu, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi. volume II Reprint 2005 Vasadi Varga page no 204.
  6. Bopadeva, edited by Sharma P.V, Hridayadipaka Nighantu with Siddhamantraprakasa, Kaphavataghna Varga, Chaukambha Amarabhārati, Varanasi, 1st Edition, 1977 Page no 8-9.
  7. Khemraj Shreekrishna Das, Rajvallabh Nighantu, Khetwadi Bombay edition 1967, Page 23-24.
  8. Sodhala, Sodhala Nighantu; Edited by Priya Vrit Sharma, Aamradi Varga, Oriental Institute, Baroda, 1st Edition 1978, Page no 6,27.
  9. Sharma PV, Priya Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Chaukambha Surabharati Prakashana, Varanasi, 2004, page no 101-102.
  10. Sharma PV, Abhidhanratnamala (ShadrasaNighantu), Chaukhamba Orientalia Delhi, First Edition 1977, Page no 17.
  11. Vishwavallabha Vruksha Ayurveda by Shreekrishana Jugunu, New Bharatiya Book Corporation Edition 2005.

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