E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Balya action of Vidarikanda in tribal zone

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 8 August
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A review of Balya action of Vidarikanda in tribal zone as mentioned in Ayurveda

Shivhare L1*
DOI: DOI:10.21760/jaims.8.8.30

1* Lucky Shivhare, Post Graduate Scholar, Dravyaguna, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Auto Ayurveda College And Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Background: Acharya Sushruta has explained 37 Gana and each Gana has multiple indications. The nomenclature of Gana is given by the first drug in that particular Gana in Vidarigandhadi Gana. Vidarigandha is the first drug mentioned in this Gana. Each Gana is followed by its potential action on Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and clinical indication. Bala refers to the physical strength generally and any medicine that increases it is known as Balya. Folk medicine comprises of traditional healing believes and medicines used in past and contemporary cultures mostly by people who are not license medical practitioner. Folk medicine is a system based on traditional modes. Aim and Objectives: This paper trying to elaborate, evaluate and discuss the medicinal property, Balya effect of Vidarikanda. Material and Methods: The text book of Ayurveda, its commentaries and text book of modern medicine along with various clinical studies published in index journal have been review thoroughly. Discussion: Vidarikanda is very important drug, which is described from ancient time. Acharyas already know the importance of Vidarikanda in the therapeutic (Balya) management. It is indicated in Shosha, Gulma, Angamarda, Kasa, Shwasa and having Vata-Pittanashak property. Conclusion: Vidarikanda has Madhur Rasa, Shita Veerya and Guru, Snigdh Guna and it pacify Vata, Pitta and Rakta dosha and having Brihmani, Vrashya, Jivaniya, Rasayan, Stanya, Shukral, Balya property mentioned in Ayurvedic text.

Keywords: Vidarikanda, Balya, Folk medicine

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Lucky Shivhare, Post Graduate Scholar, Dravyaguna, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Auto Ayurveda College And Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Shivhare L, A review of Balya action of Vidarikanda in tribal zone as mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(8):196-200.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2705

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-06-12 2023-06-19 2023-06-26 2023-07-10 2023-07-24
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 22.85

© 2023by Shivhare Land 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].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(8)196
Shivhare L et al., A review of Balya Vidarikanda in tribal zone

Introduction

Ayurveda have huge source of medicine for various diseases. They mention the various properties of Mineral, Herbal and Herbo-mineral drugs which can be used in different-different disease by making many combinations and formulation. Ayurveda is an ancient science, which gives basic philosophy of diagnosis, prevention, and management of any disease. Ayurveda also suppose that there is no need to nomenclature of diseases for treatment, but the diseases can be cure by knowing the Nidan, Dosha, Prakriti and Adhisthan. Thus, Ayurveda is able to manage any new challenges in health. As there are various new emerging challenges along with old diseases in the medical practice today, the world is looking towards in Ayurveda hopefully. Ayurvedic drugs are based on mineral, herbal and herbo-mineral. The herbals medication is more accepted today on national and international level, as those having less or negligible adverse effect on human health. Vidarikand is the one of the most important drugs which has broadly described in detail in all the textbook of Ayurveda including Brihattrayi, Laghuttrayi, and Nighantus. This article highlighted on efficacy of Vidarikand as Balya Rasayan to prevent malnutrition disorders in tribal areas.

Materials and Methods

The text book of Ayurveda along with its respective commentaries has been review thoroughly. The text book of modern medicine, various clinical studies published in index journal which is collected from Ayush research portal, journal on web, PubMed along with various website of journals has been also referred to review the topic.

Review of Literature

Description of Vidarikand

Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa DC.) is commonly known as Indian Kudzu. Bhavaprakash mention the Vidarikand in its Guduchyadi Varga they mention the synonyms of Vidarikand as Swdukanda, Krostri, Sita, Ikshugandha, Kshirvalli, Kshirshukla, Payasvani. It is a perennial climber with woody tuberculated stem. It is a climbing, coiling and trailing vine with large tuberous roots, distributed nearly throughout the India except in very humid or very arid regions and ascending up to 1200m.

Vidarikand and its properties

In Ayurveda the basic property of any drug is known by its Rasa Panchak which includes Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka and Prabhav. Different Nighantus mentioned Vidarikand in different Varga or Gana but the property mentioned are same and there is no variation seen in Rasa, Guna, and Veerya:

Physical properties of Vidarikand as per various Nighantu

SNNighantuGanaRasaGuna Veerya
1.Bhav Prakash Nighantu Guduchyadi Varga MadhuraGuru, Snigdh Shita
2.Madan pal Nighantu Abhayadi Varga MadhuraGuru, Snigdh -
3.Raj NighantuMulakadi Varga MadhuraGuru, Snigdh Shita
4.Kaiyadeva NighantuhAushadhi Gana MadhuraGuru, Snigdh Shita
5.Dhanvantari NighantuGuduchyadi Varga MadhuraGuru, Snigdh Shita
6.Priya NighantuPipalyadi Varga MadhuraSnigdh Shita
7.Nighantu Adarsh Palashadi Varga MadhuraGuru, Snigdh Shita

Therapeutic Ayurvedic formulations of Vidarikand as per Acharya Charak, Sushruta, Vagbhatta

Acharya Charak mentions the Vidarikand in Madhur Skandh and Kanthya, Snehopaga Mahakashaya. It is also mentioned as a Shaka Varga (vegetable) which have the property of Jeevniya (improving age), Vriahniya (Nourishing), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), Kanthya (improve voice), Rasayan (rejuvenation), Balya (strengthen), diuretic, sweat and cold.

In Sushruta Samhita Vidarikand is mentioned in Vidarigandhadi Gana, Valli Panchamoola, Pitta Sanshaman and Madhura Varga. Whereas Valli panchamoola is indicated in Raktapitta, Shoth, Prameha, Shukra Dosha and Vidaryaadi Gana pacify Vata-Pitta, indicated in Shosh, Gulma, Angamarda, Urdhva-Swash and Kasa.

Acharya Vagbhatta mentioned the Vidarikand in Shaka Varga and Madhur Gana same as Acharya Charak. They mentioned Vidarikand in Vidaryadi Gana which have Hridya, Vrihana property and pacify Vata-Pitta, indicated in Shosh, Gulma, Swash and Kasa.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(8)197
Shivhare L et al., A review of Balya Vidarikanda in tribal zone

Review of Vidarikanda action as Balya Rasayan

Balya is an action which is probably considered as one of the primary one as per Charaka and due to this reason that there is a mention of a group containing 10 drugs dedicated to this action namely Aindri, Rishabhya, Atirasa, Rishyaprokta, Payasyaa, Ashwagandha, Sthira, Rohini, Bala and Atibala here Payasya mentioned by Charak is Vidarikanda. In general any action that increases ‘Bala’ of the individual is considered as ‘Balya’. In other words that which is favorable and lead to the increase of ‘Bala’ is considered as ‘Balya’. Hence it is quite necessary to understand the concept of Bala as per Ayurveda. According to Sushruta, ‘Bala’ is defined as “the factor due to which one obtains the nourishment and stability of Mamsa Dhatu, ability to perform various tasks efficiently, clearness and pleasantness of voice along with colour and efficient working of all the organs either external like Jnyaanendriya or Karmendriya and internal like Manas, Aatma, etc. The Ayurveda text Bhava Prakaasha, explains the medicinal properties of Vidaarikanda or Pueraria tuberosa as;

विदारी मधुरा स्निग्धा बृंहणी स्तन्यशुक्रदा ॥

शीता स्वर्या मूत्रला च जीवनी बलवर्णदा ।

गुरुः पित्तास्त्रपवनदाहान् हन्ति रसायनी ॥ (भा. प्र.)

Acharya Bhava Prakash mentioned Brahniya and Rasayan property of Vidarikanda. The intake of these drugs can help malnourished children to improve their Bala and Varnya which indicates an increase in body weight; immunity and overall total health of that person.

The mechanism of drug action or pharmacodynamics of drug in Ayurveda is based on the five-dimensional properties of the drug or ‘Panchalakshna of Dravya’ that include Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka and Prabhava. It is the influence of these properties that results in an interaction leading to decrease and increase of the body constituents including the Dosha. This holds good for any drug action including Balya. The general type of Balya action refers to the generalized effect of the substance leading to an increase in the energy of all the body parts. The drugs which exhibit this variety of action usually results in Dhatu and Oja Vriddhi leading to an overall increase in strength. The specific type of Balya

action refers to the specific effect of the drug to one part of the body or a system in the body. It may also be considered as a subtype.

Vidarikand benefits for adults

Ayurveda Acharyas eulogize benefits of Vidarikand in males. This wonder herb is a very good Rasayana or a plant with rejuvenating properties. It nourishes the whole body and increases Rasa Dhatu. When Rasa Dhatu is nourished the successive Dhatus also get nourished. Ayurveda Vaidyas also laud this herb as Vrushya or aphrodisiac. It is eulogized as Shukrada owing to its, sweet, cool, and sticky properties, this herb helps to increase Shukra Dhatu and the quality and quantity of semen. This leads to an increase in sperm count and motility. This herb helps in oligospermia. Vidarikand is used in Ayurveda Vajikarana Therapy preparations.

Benefits of Vidarikanda as Balya remedy

To improve body Strength

Acharyas praise this herb as Brimhani. It helps in weight gain in persons who have lost weight due to diseases or malnourishment. This herb increases healthy body weight (Brumhana). This herb rejuvenates the whole body and increases muscle bulk (Mamsa Dhatu). This is very helpful for people who are underweight and willing to increase their body bulk. Vidari also strengthens the immune system and boosts immunity

Boosts Immunity

It has various quarries of antioxidants and bioactive components; Vidarikand confers several traditional remedies for improving the immune system, fighting microbes, and shielding the body against various infections. It also portrays the presence of strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties, which is essential in preventing infections like fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory anomalies.

Mode of action of Vidarikanda

Vidarikanda Choorna is one of the most important Vajikara Dravya explained in our classics. This action of the drug is due to its properties like Guru, Snigdha Guna, Madhura Rasa, Madhura Vipaka, and Sheeta Veerya. All the qualities are similar to that of Balya Rasayana and Oja and thereby cause its increase. Vidarikanda improves digestion by increasing levels of amylase and lipase. Therefore,


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(8)198
Shivhare L et al., A review of Balya Vidarikanda in tribal zone

by proper digestion Rasa Dhatu of excellent quality is produced which nourishes Uttorottara Dhatus. The drug Vidarikanda acts as Balya and Brahniya because it has properties like Guru, Snigdha Guna Sheeta Veerya, and Madhura Vipaka. The principle of Ayurveda is that a particular substance increases by supplementing substances of similar quality. Some of the qualities of Shuddha Shukra like Singdha, Pichila Madhura, Guru etc., are similar to that of Vidarikanda. Herbal drugs act by their Rasas. Therefore, Madhura Rasa probably corrects the pathology of Dhatuchaya which is further intensified by Madhura Vipaka and Sheeta Veerya. Vidarikanda also has Balya, Brihmana and Rasayana properties. A drug usually possessing these properties also acts as Vajeekara. Vidarikanda acts as Vata and Pitta Hara.

Vidarikanda is said to be Vrishya i.e., a best vitalizer, probably it acts on ductless glands like the pituitary and gonads (Sarvadaihika Shukra).

Discussion

Forty-two percent of children under five are malnourished in Madhya Pradesh. Having not received proper nutrition, they are either stunted or short for their age and deep in tribal areas the numbers only get worse. Research shows that 44% of tribal children under-5 in India are stunted, 45% underweight and 27% wasted. Severe stunting in tribal children is 9 points higher than in non-tribal children (29% vs 20%). Health and healthcare services in tribal areas have long been neglected, and in order to bridge the gap acknowledgment of the problem is required as well as build a roadmap for the future

The Sahariyas have the highest population of 4,50,217 among the PVTGs, while the Sentinelese have the smallest population at 39 respectively. Most of the Sahariyas are spread across the southern borders of Rajasthan alongside Madhya Pradesh.

At the state level, Madhya Pradesh has 19.7% under-nourished children. Overall, MP’s 16 districts fall under the under-nourished category. Malnutrition is one of the most serious and large-scale health problems facing the MP state today.

MP's tribal districts are the worst hit in the country because of their cultural, geographical, and economic isolation, with up to 100% malnutrition in some villages

In the tribal areas of Satpura zone gonda and bheel janjati are using Vidarikanda for undergrowth children diseases such as kwashiorkor and marasmus are prevalent in some backward areas. The people of such areas mainly depend upon Vaidyas present there for their health issues. These Vaidyas are using Vidarikanda to treat such children’s to Increase weight; muscle build up and immunity of children’s. The tuber part is also given by Vaidyas to underweight and anaemic female and they are getting good results as drug significantly increase the haemoglobin count of patients. In the Dindori Mandla Anuppur district also the Bega tribe Vaidyas is using Vidarikanda as Balya agent for same purpose to fight malnutrition present in children and females of that area.

Conclusion

Primary health care in tribal areas of MP is highly compromised. Malnutrition and diseases related to it is a serious health issue there till now. Medicinal plants are a natural source of medicine, now the world is moving towards plant-based medicine or phytomedicines that strengthen body systems (especially the immune system or Oja, which can then properly fight foreign bodies) and help to destroy pathogens without toxic side effects. We need to know those drugs which increase strength and vitality or act as a tonic. The present literature supports the Balya potential of Vidarikand which is extensively used in Ayurveda. Its pharmacological properties and Rasa Panchaka will help in increasing strength. The drugs Vidarikand enhance Oja thereby increasing vitality and strength. Because of this beneficial effect, those drugs can be used to fulfill the purpose and objective of Ayurveda to the preservation of health in healthy individuals. Thus, proper use of this drug would help to live a healthy life and to combat the challenges posed by frightening diseases of the present and future. In view of the nature of this plant, more researches have to be conducted on its Balya action.

References

1. Vaidya Bapalal G. Nigantu Aadarsh. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy Varanasi. reprint 2007.

2. Charak Samhita Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy, Varanasi.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(8)199
Shivhare L et al., A review of Balya Vidarikanda in tribal zone

3. Sushrut Samhita Hindi commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. reprint 2000.

4. Priyavrata Sharma and Dr. Guru Prasada Sharma, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Aushadhi varga /1579- 1584, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. reprint 2009, p.638.

5. Kailash Pati Pandey and Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh, Gunaratnamala, Guduchyadi varga, 1st edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Bhawan, Varanasi. 2006, p. 258-259

6. Jharkhande Oujha and Dr. Umapati Mishra, Dhanvantari Nighantu, Guduchyadi varga /147-148, Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi. 2004, p. 53

7. Vamshidhar Sharma; Aushadha Gunadharma Vivechan; Published by Krishnagopal Mudranalay, Kaleda, Ajmer. 3rd Edition 1987; Pp 309

8. Vishwanath Dwivedi; Aushadhi Vignyana Shastra; Published by Shri Baidyanath Ayurved Bhavan Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur. 3rd Edition 1986; Pp 839.

9. Krishnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi varga/180-182, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi. reprint 2004, p.387.

10. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part- I Volume – II and V, Government of India Ministry of Health And Family Welfare. p-173 and 224

11. Gyanendra Pandey, Madana pal Nighantu, Abhyadi Varga, 1st edition Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. 2012, p.140-141.

12. Indradeva Tripathi, Raj Nighantu, Mulakadi varga /99-103, Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi. 2010, p. 206-207.

13. Priyavrata Sharma and Dr. Guru Prasada Sharma, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Aushadhi varga /1579- 1584, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. reprint 2009, p.638.

14. Kailash Pati Pandey and Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh, Gunaratnamala, Guduchyadi varga, 1st edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit bhawan, Varanasi. 2006, p. 258-25.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(8)200