E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Vedanasthapaka Gana

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Vedanasthapaka Gana - A Critical Review

Ramya R1*, Shilpa PN2

1* Ramya R, Ms, Shalya Tantra, Aamc, Umkur, Karnataka, India.

2 PN Shilpa, Professor, Dept of PG and PhD Studies in Shalya Tantra, Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that can be associated with actual or potential tissue damage.[1] In Ayurveda, Pain is explained with the word Vedana. While understanding the concept of Vedana and its treatment modality in Ayurveda, we come across many formulations which can be used efficiently in its management. One such formulation is found in Charaka Samhita, where Acharya Charaka mentions Vedanasthapaka Mahakashaya Gana, which comprises 10 drugs for direct usage in the management of pain. In this paper, the drugs of Vedanasthapaka Mahakashaya have been reviewed in detail through literature and published research work to understand their action and probable mode of action.

Keywords: Pain, Vedana, Vedanasthapaka Mahakashaya Gana, Shalya Tantra

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ramya R, Ms, Shalya Tantra, Aamc, Umkur, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Ramya R, Shilpa PN, Vedanasthapaka Gana - A Critical Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(6):241-249.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3317

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-04-15 2024-04-25 2024-05-06 2024-05-15 2024-05-27
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 13.13 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2024by Ramya R, Shilpa PNand 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

The drug used to remove the pain (Vedana) of a particular part of the body or which restores the normal tactile sensations and functions is known as Vedanasthapana. In Charaka Samhita, Acharya Charaka mentions Vedanasthapaka Mahakashaya Gana, which comprises 10 drugs for direct usage in the management of pain.[2]

Constituent Herbs of Vedanasthapaka Mahakashaya

शालकफलकदम्बपद्मकतुम्बमोचरसशिरीषवञ्जुलैलवालुकाशोका इति दशेमानि वेदनास्थापनानि भवन्ति ||[2]

Shala, Katphala, Kadamba, Padmaka, Tumba, Mocharasa, Shirisha, Vanjula, Elavaluka, Ashoka.




Table 1: Showing the properties of Vedanasthapaka Gana

SNDrugsBotanical nameFamilyPart usedDose
1.ShalaShorea robustaDipterocarpeaceaNiryasa (resin), Bark, sapwood, oil, seeds & seed oilDecoction of bark 50-100ml, Powder of resin 1-3 grams.
2.KatphalaMyrica nagiMyricaceaeStem bark, oil, fruitpowder 3-5 grams
3.KadambaAnthocephalus indicusRubiaceaeStem bark, Fruit. Decoction 50-100ml, Powder 3-5 grams
4.PadmakaPrunus cerasoidesRosaceaeStem bark, seedsPowder 1-3 grams.
5.TumbaZanthoxylum aramatumRutaceaeStem bark, Seeds Decoction 50-100ml, Seed powder 1-2 grams.
6.Mocha RasaSalmalia malabaricaBombacaceaeGum 1-3 grams
7.ShirishaAlbizzia lebbackLeguminoseaeStem bark, Seeds, flower, leaves Powder 3-6 grams, Decoction 50-100ml, Fresh juice 10-20ml.
8.Vetasa/ VanjulaSalix tetraspermaSalicaceaeTwak, PushpaArka 5-10 tola, twak - 1- 3 grams
9.ElavalukaPrunus aviumRosaceaeSeed, FruitDecoction 50-100ml, Seed powder 1-2 gms.
10.AshokaSarraca AshokaLeguminoseaeStem bark, Seeds Decoction 50-100ml, Seed powder 3-6gms.

Table 2: Showing the properties of Vedanasthapaka Gana

SNDrugsSynonymsVernacular namesGana
1.ShalaAgni Vallabha, Ashwakarna, Kalyana, Marichapatraka, Yakshadhoopa, Raala, Sarjarasa.Kannada: Bili Bhogimara English: Common sal, Indian dammer Hindi: Sakher, Sakhu Telugu: Jalarichettu, Guggilamu Marati: Raala, Sajara Charaka Samhita : Vedanasthapana, Kashayaskanda Sushrutha Samhita : Salasaradi Gana, Rodhradi Gana. Astanga Sangraha : Asanadi, Rodhradi, Vedanasthapana Astanga Hridaya : Asanadi, Rodhradi. Dhanwantari Nigantu : Chandanadi Gana/Varga. Kaiyadev Nigantu : Oshadhi Varga Bhavaprakasha Nigantu - Vatadi Varga Raja Nigantu - Chandanadi Varga
2.KatphalaKaidarya, Mahaphala, MahavalkalaKannada: Kirishivani  English: Box Myrtl Hindi: Kaiphal Telugu: Gummadi Teku, KaidaryaCharaka Samhita: Vedanasthapana, Shukra Shodhana, Sandhaneeya
Sushrutha Samhita: Lodhradi, Surasadi
Astanga Hridaya: Surasadi
3.KadambaHali Priya, Nipa, Vritta Pushpa, Priyaka. Hindi: Kadamba 
Telugu: Kadimi Chettu		Charaka Samhita : Vedanasthapana, Vamanopaga, Shukra Shodana
Sushrutha Samhita: Nyagrodhadi, Rodhradi
Astanga Hridaya : Nyagrodhadi
4.PadmakaPadma GandhiEnglish: Bird Cherry
Hindi: Padmakh      Telugu: Padma Kastam		Charaka Samhita: Vedanasthapana, Kashaya Skandha, Varnya.
Sushrutha Samhita: Sarivadi, Chandanadi, Padmakadi.
Astanga Hridaya: Sarivadi, Chandanadi.
5.TumbaTumburu, Vanaja, SourabhaHindi: Tejabala
Bengali: Nepali Dhane		Charaka Samhita: Sirovirechana 
Sushrutha Samhita: Not Mentioned
Astanga Hridaya: Not Mentioned
6.Mocha RasaMoca, Kantakandya, Picchila, RaktapushpaEnglish: Silk Cotton Tree
Hindi: Semal
Telugu: Burugu Chettu 		Charaka Samhita:
Vedanasthapana, Shonithasthapana, Kashayaskandha, Purisha Virajaniya.
Sushrutha Samhita: Priyangvadi
Astanga Hridaya: Not Mentioned

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7.ShirishaKapitanch,
Mrudupushpa, Bhandi, Shukataru,
Suka Priya,
Sukapushpa, Bhandirah.		Kannada: Bhagemara
Hindi: Sirish
Telugu: Dirisena Chettu 
Marathi: Siras		Charaka Samhita: Vedanasthapana, Visaghna, Sirovirechana, Kashayaskanda
Sushrutha Samhita: Salasaradi
Astanga Hridaya: Asanadi
8.Vetasa/
Vanjula		Vetasa, Vidula, Vaarnara  Kannada: BhedramushkaCharaka Samhita: Swasahara
Sushrutha Samhita: Nyagrodhadi
Astanga Hridaya: Not Mentioned
9.ElavalukaElalu, Elaiyem, Sugandhi,Harivaluka,Kapittha Twacha, MeeritaHindi: Aluvalu,
English: Dwarf Cherry.
Urdu: Alubalu
Punjabi: Gilas		Charaka Samhita: Not Mentioned
Sushrutha Samhita: Not Mentioned
Astanga Hridaya: Not Mentioned
10.AshokaKankeli, Madhupushpa,Raktha Pallava, Hema Pushpa, Gatasoka.Hindi: Ashoka
Telugu: Ashoka Chettu 
Marathi: Ashoka		Charaka Samhita: Vedanasthapana, Kashayaskandha   
Sushrutha Samhita: Rodhradi
Astaga Hridaya: Rodhradi 

Table 3: Showing the properties of Vedanasthapaka Gana

SNDrugsRasaGunaViryaVipakaDosha Karma
1.ShalaKashaya (Twak), Kashaya, Madhura (Rala)Ruksha, UshnaSheetaKatuVata-Pitta, Kapha Shamaka
2.KatphalaKashaya, Tikta, KatuLaghu, TikshnaUshnaKatuKapha Vata Shamaka
3.KadambaTikta, KashayaRuksha GuruSheetaKatuTridosha Shamaka
4.PadmakaKashaya, TiktaLaghu, SnigdhaSheetaKatuKapha Pitta Shamaka
5.TumbaKatu, TiktaLaghu, Ruksha, TikshnaUshnaKatuKapha Vata Shamaka
6.Mocha RasaKashayaLaghu SnigdhaSheetaMadhura Pitta Kapha Shamaka
7.ShirishaKashaya, Tikta, MadhuraLaghu, Ruksha, TikshnaEshad UshnaKatuTridosha Shamaka
8.VetasaKashaya, Tikta, MadhuraLaghuSheetaKatuKapha Pitta Shamaka
9.ElavalukaKashayaKatuSheetaKatuPitta Kapha Shamaka
10.AshokaKashaya, TiktaLaghu, RukshaSheetaKatuPitta Shamaka

Table 4: Showing the chemical constituents and pharmacological study of Vedanasthapaka Gana.

SNDrugsChemical ConstituentsPharmacological study
1.ShalaSal bark along with leaves & twigs is a promising tanning material. The spray-dried aqueous extract of bark consists of 39.6% of tannins & oleanolic acid, Benzofuranshoreaphenal.   Sal resin on dry distillation yields essentialoil. Epi taraxastanonal, B Sitosterol, hydroxyanone, dammarenediol II, dipterocarpol, dammarenolic acid, asiatic acid & alfa-Amyrin are isolated from resin (Ind.drugs, 1986,26,146) ursolic acid, ursaldehydere from resin(Phytochem.1993). Bergenin & Hemicellulose are isolated from the plant.  Fat from nuts contained cis9-10 epoxystearic acid, coralgin, ellagic, chebulic & gallic acids are isolated from seeds. A new phenolic acid- Shorbic acid is found in the seeds (fitpterapia 1979), a new flavones glycoside is reported from the seeds.The non-phenolic portion of the Chua oil- is reported to have a depressing effect on the CNS while the Phenolic portion is less effective [kar & Menon, east, pharm, 12(13a).p.53,1969]
An herbal cream (herbionol) consisting of S. robusta is reported to be bactericidal as well as bacteriostatic (pandey K.K. et al; 1989)
2.KatphalaMyriconol, Proanthocyandin, B-Sitosterol, Myricadiol, Myricetin, Myricanone etc.The dried water extract of stem bark in a dose of 250mg/kg i.p showed analgesic action in rats by tail flickering method and was less active than novalgin, the standard drug used (Gupta.et.al.1982)
Ethanolic extract (50%) of stem bark showed anti protozoal activity against Ent.hystolytica. The extract had a hypotensive effect in dog\ cat. It showed antispasmodic activity on the isolated guinea pig ileum (Dhar et.el., 1968).
3.KadambaCadambine, pentosan benzoic acid, n-nonacosane chyrin, gossypetin, Umbelliferone adicardin.Antifungal activity. antifilarial, antimalarial activity, anti bacterial, antidiabetic, anti tumour, analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti diarrheal, hypolpidemic, antihepatotoxic, diuretic and laxative activities

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4.PadmakaPuddumin A, genistein, prunetin, genkwanin, cerasinone, two chalcones-cerasidin & cerasin.Antimicrobial, diuretic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and BPH protective properties.
5.TumbaBerberin, Dictamnine, XanthoplanineAntibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities.
6.Mocha RasaBark exudates (Simul gum) contains Gallic & Tannic acids, D-galactopyranose.Possesses anti-ulcerogenic, antisecretory, and cytoprotective potential and can be used as a supplement for the treatment of gastric ulcers in a dose dependent manner.
7.ShirishaMajor chemical constituents- Albigenin, Albiziagenin, albigenic acid, saponins, lebbekanina.
Bark: condensed tannin, D-catechin, lebbcacidin (-), melacacidin, friedelin, B- Sitosterol.
Heart wood: Lebbecacidin, leucopelargonidin, melacacidin, melanoxitin, okanin (+)pintol.
Seeds: Protiens, aminoacids
Flowers: Benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, p-nitrobenzoate etc.
Leaves: Caffeic acid, kaemferol, Myricitrin, Reynoutrin etc.		The Alcoholic extract of the roots was found to possess anti- cancer activity against sarcoma 180 in mice. The stem bark of the plant had hypoglycemic activity in albino rats. The pods possessed anti protozoal activity against Entamoeba hystolytica. It also showed hypoglycemic activity in albino rats and anti- cancer activity in human epidermal carcinoma of the naso pharynx in tissue culture (Dhar et al; 1968)
Saponin showed B- haemolysis against buffalo and sheep blood and alfahaemolysis against human blood. Purified saponin showed antifungal activity against Macrophomina phascolina, stemphilum species and Fusarium solani (Pakistan Vet.J.1990)
Saponin fraction and seed extact of plant significantly reduced the number of ruptured mast cells, in both mesenteric bots and peritoneal fluid obtained from sensitized rats and this effect was identical in both types of systemic anaphylaxis (active & passive)-Ind. J.Physiol.Pharmacol,1985)
8.VetasaHydrocyanic acid, Volatile oil, Salicylic acidAnalgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activities
9.ElavalukaHaematoxylin, TanninAntidiabetic, anti cancer, antioxident, gastroprotective, anti inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and Diuretic activity
10.AshokaBark: Alkanes (C20- C35), Esters(C34-C60) & Primary alcohols (C22-C30), n-Octacosanol, Tannin, Catachin, (+)Catechol, (-) Epicatechin.
Flowers: Fatty acids, gallic acid, Sitosterol, quercetin.		Two crude glycosides isolated from bark exhibited uterine spasmodic activity; both showed significant stimulant action on isolated uteri of rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, and human; pure phenolic glycoside p2 was highly potent and showed consistent oxytocic activity (I.J.M.R., 1970)
Ashoka stimulates the uterus making the contraction more frequent and prolonged without producing tonic contractions like ergot or pituitary. It should be therefore prove useful in all cases of uterine haemorrhage, where ergot is indicated viz, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, post partum haemorrhage etc. (B.N.Ghosh, PMMT)

Table 5: Previous works done

SNAuthorTitle of the studyJournalVolumeYear of Publication
1.Karishma Kaushik
Champak Medhi
Pankaj Kumar Barman		A review article on Vedanasthapan Mahakashaya, a Potent Ayurvedic AnalgesicJournal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS)Vol. 8 No. 8 (2023): August2023
2.Shyama K V, Miharjan K, Lekshmi REffect of Vedanasthapana Gana Arka and Lepa in Inflammatory Joint Pain - A Case StudyInternational Journal of Ayush Case Reports (IJA-CARE)October- December -2021; 5(4)2021
3.Prem Kumar, O. P. Dave, Bharat PaliwalA Randomized Controlled Double Blind clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Vedanasthapana Mahakashaya as an anxiolytic and analgesic poly herbal drug in perioperative anorectal casesJournal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine2022; 8(3): 178-1822022
4.Dr.Swapnil Vitthal rao More, Prof. Dr. Shubhada R. Lonikar“To study efficacy of drugs of Vedanasthapana Gana (ghan vati) in post operative pain management”Ayurlog: National Journal of Research in Ayurved ScienceVol. 3 Special issue - 16th Feb. 20152015
5.Rinky Thakur , Gopal C Nanda , Anuruddh Gupta , B. K. BharaliPain Management in Ayurveda with special reference to Angamarda Prashamana and Vedana Sthapana Mahakashaya of Charaka: A Reviewwww.ijrap.ne11&(2),&20202020

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6.Dr. Priyanka Suresh KandikattiwarConseptual Study of Vedanasthapan Gana in Pain MangementAyurline: International Journal of Research in Indian MedicineVol. 3 No. 04 (2019): Ayurline: IJ-RIM | September- 20192019
7.Dr.Kamayani mishra
Dr.Vijeta barange		“A Review article on pain management through Vedanasthapana drugs after ayurvedic surgery”International Journal of Scientific & Engineering ResearchVolume 9, Issue 6, June2018
8.Aslam Khan, Mahesh Dixit, Hari Mohan Meena and Namo Narayan MeenaA Review on Vedanasthapan Mahakashaya w.s.r. to Pain Management through Vedana Sthapana DrugsWorld Journal of Pharmaceutical ResearchVolume 11, Issue 7, 1154-11662022
9.Vyshnavi N. Kini and Swapna BhatA Critical Review on Vedana Sthapana Mahakashaya of CharakaWorld Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesVolume 13, Issue 1, 870-8742023
10.Nabanita Basak, Vishnu Dutt SharmaA Clinical Study to Evaluate the efficacy of Vedana Sthapana Mahakashaya Ghana Vati and Yashtimadhu Ghrita Varti in Postoperative Pain Management of ArshaInternational Ayurvedic Medical JournalIAMJ January 20242024

Discussion

Vedanasthapana Gana helps in removing the pain (Vedana) of particular part and restores the normal tactile sensations and functions of the body.

Probable mode of action of Vedanasthapaka GanaGeneralized action
When drugs are taken orally, the action of drugs are based on Vipaka of the drugs. Vedanasthapana Gana may work on mechanism, such as balancing Vata Dosha, reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing and directly relieving pain, to alleviate painful stimuli in the human body effectively. Drugs like Shala, Shirisha and Vetasa have a Madura Rasa, which aids in balancing Vata Dosha. Drugs like Katphala, Kadamba, Padmaka, Ashoka contain chemical compounds such as Tannins, Myrictin, Myricetin, Pentosin - these compounds have demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to their ability to relieve pain.

Localized action
When drugs are assessed for local action then Virya of the drug plays important role as the drug doesn't come into contact with Agni Samskarana. In Vedanasthapaka Gana group of drugs few are having Sheeta Virya which helps in reducing pain which is caused by Pitta & Rakta and few drugs have Ushna Virya helps in relieving pain caused by Vata.

Utility of Vedanasthapaka Gana in Shalya Tantra
Acharya Sushruta considers Rakta as 4th Dosha.[3] We can understand concept of Vedana felt by patient in two ways.

1. In any surgery done there would be blood loss which directly causes Vata Prakopa and leads to

2. Post operatively body responds to injury caused during surgery by increasing blood supply to the surgical site, which in turn increases Pitta.

Thus, drugs having Vata and Pittahara property are helpful in successful management of pain in Shalya Tantra and these qualities are present in Vedanasthapaka Gana group of drugs. This can be understood in following manner-

  • Drugs - Mocharasa, Katphala, Tumba, Shala and Kadamba are having Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha and Tridoshahara All these drugs are capable of Vatashamana and acts as Vedanasthapana.
  • Drugs like Katphala and Tumba are having Ushna Virya which pacifies Vata Dosha and enhance Vedanasthapana.
  • Guna like Ushna, Guru and Snigdha of Shala, Kadamba
  • and Padmaka respectively alleviates vitiated Vata and helps in Vedanasthapana.
  • Shala, Shirisha and Vetasa are having Madura Rasa helps in Vedanasthapana which helps in Vatashamana.

Conclusion

Vedanasthapana Gana group of drugs not only acts as Analgesics or Anti Inflammatory they are also responsible for establishment of well being feeling in the body.

Phyto constituents like Tannin, Alkaloids, Flavonoid, Saponnins, Quercetin are responsible for analgesic and anti- inflammatory effects.


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References

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2. Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhitha, with Charaka Chandrika Hindi Commentary by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi, Reprint 2008, Chaukhamba Subharati Prakashan, Varanasi, Volume-1, Sutra sthana, Chapter -4, Shloka-18, page -96.

3. Ambikadatta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita, Part I, Sutra sthana, 21/3,16,5,6, 8,ed 2012, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Samsthan, Varanasi, 112,117,113,114.


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