Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient health care systems. Backed by time tested pharmacological wisdom and added with sophisticated research, Ayurveda stands as one of the chief components in global market of traditional therapies. Visha-Upavisha Dravya when used properly would prove to be highly beneficial otherwise they are considered to be fatal. The emergence of Rasa Shastra and the advancement of various purification methods helped much in making their use safer and more frequent in therapeutics. Even an acute poison can become an excellent drug if it is properly administered. On the other hand even a drug if not properly administered becomes an acute poison.^[1] Saptasama Vati is one such formulation mentioned in Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakara.^[2]

Sapta means seven and all the seven ingredients mentioned in the formulation are taken in equal quantity and Vati are prepared. Hence it is named as Saptasama Vati. It contains Shuddha Bhallataka, Triphala, Trikatu, Tila, Mishri, Ghrita and Madhu. Saptasama Vati acts as Rasayana, Vajikarana and Kushta Nashaka.

To study Saptasama Vati with special reference to Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakara.

Table 1: Showing the Patha Bheda of Saptasama Vati

Ingredients in detail

Action of a compound is decided by the action of the major ingredient or by synergistic action of all the ingredients. Bhallataka, one of the ingredients of Saptasama Vati is classified under Upavisha^[30] and has synonym Sopha Hetu, Spota Hetu, Agnika based on its blister causing nature.^[31] The oil in the fruit is responsible for the irritation. Ayurveda classics have mentioned different methods of Bhallataka Shodhana like Gharshana with Ishtika Churna, Dolayantra Swedana with Narikela Jala, Nimmarjana in Gomutra and Godugdha. Shodhana helps in detoxification of the drug. Several procedures are adopted for Shodhana depending on the nature of the drug. Different media are advocated for the Shodhana of drugs. The media Gomutra is reported for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antihelmintic, anticancerous, immunostimulant activities.^[32] Godugdha is recommended as one of the antidote for Bhallataka poisoining.^[33] Brick powder is having adsorbent property by which it absorbs irritant oil in the fruit. Shodhana decreases the phenolic and flavonoid content and converts toxic urushiol into nontoxic anacardol derivative thereby reducing toxicity.^[34] Shodhana decreases cytotoxicity without affecting anticancer activity significantly.^[35] All the ingredients of Saptasama Vati helps in balancing Tridosha. The specific anti-oxidant property of the drugs reduces oxidative damage caused by the free radicals and act as Rasayana. The Snigdha Guna of Sunti, Pippali, Tila, Mishri, Ghrita and predominant Madhura Vipaka of Saptasama Vati act as Vrishya and can be used as Vajikarana. The drugs Pippali, Maricha, Madhu, Ghrita have Yogavahi property.