E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Murdha Taila

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 09 Number 06 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Anatomical view of administration route of Murdha Taila

Vijaya Gavali1*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.6.33

1* Vijaya Gavali, Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Shareera, SBG Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.

The basic concept of Ayurveda is to maintain people's health through disease prevention and treatment. Ancient Ayurvedic scholars have given due importance to various forms and routes of administration of medicine through the nearest route as per convience to get the speedy results. Murdha Tailam in Panchakarma treatment is one of the most effective methods to deal with the different types of disease related to Urdwajatru. Murdha Tailam includes Shiro Pichu, Shiroabhyanga, Shiro Lepa and Shirovasti.. According to modern science anatomical peculiarities of scalp play a key role in facilitating the absorption of the drug administered through scalp. This route is also important as it is the nearest route for the diseases of head and neck. The different procedures adopted via scalp also help to stimulate the CNS, activate the functions of thalamus, used in trichological, dermatological disorders and diseases of head and neck, psychosomatic diseases. According to Ayurveda in poisoned conditions also scalp route is used as one of the drug adminisration route. This article deals with a review on anatomical veiw of admistration route of Murdha Taila i.e., scalp as a route of drug absorption.

Keywords: Murdha Taila, Shiropichu, Shirobasti, Scalp, Transcranium

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Vijaya Gavali, Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Shareera, SBG Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Vijaya Gavali, Anatomical view of administration route of Murdha Taila. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;09(06):215-221.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3493

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-04-14 2024-04-24 2024-05-04 2024-05-14 2024-05-23
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. 13.15 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2024by Vijaya Gavaliand 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

Among the various modes of administration of medicines, Ayurveda has adopted scalp as a route of administration of medicines in the form of modalities like Shiroabhyanga (massaging the head with oil), Shirodhara (pouring medicated oil from a distance), Shiropichu (keeping an oil soaked cloth), Shirobasti (oil is held on the head), Shirolepanam (application of medicated paste), Shiroupanaha (bandaging), Shirovyadhan (venipuncture) etc.

Murdha Tailam in Panchakarma treatment is one ofthe most effective methods to deal with the different types of disease related to Urdwajatru. Murdha Tailam includes Shiro Pichu, Shiroabhyanga, Shiro Lepa and Shirovasti. Shiras is considered as the governing center of the body as it controls all activities. In a healthy living organism, Ayurveda postulates the unique principle of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala harmony.[1]

The administration of the drug through scalp are indicated in trichological abnormalities like premature falling and graying of hair, they are also applicable in Vata Vyadhi as well as diseases of head, neck, nose, eyes etc. and even the Manasika Vyadhi. It is also indicated in life threatening conditions due to poisoning. This probably indicates that the action of these modalities is not limited to localized entities but it acts on systemic diseases also.

As Murdhataila is effective in Trichological abnormalities, Urdvajathrugata Vikara, Vatavyadi and Manasika Vyadi, need to be studied scientifically to investigate its mode of action. The platform being the scalp which has some peculiarities, these peculiarities may help in better absorption and action.

Head is considered as the governing center of the body where prana (life) with sensory organs resides.[2] It is also considered one among the Trimarma (three vital spots).[3] Out of 107 Marma 37 Marma are located in Shiras. Shiras is also considered as the Adhishtana (seat) of Mana[4] (mind), Buddhi (intelligence). Charaka considers Shiras as the abode of the Indriyas and Indriya Pranavaha Srotas.[5] So among all organs of the body Shirahs (head) is given prime importance and called as Uthamanga.[6]

Different Mode of administration of medicine through the Scalp (Shiras)

1. Murdha Taila
Administration of Sneha (oil) in pure or medicated form through the scalp for fixed time duration is called Murdhataila. It is a type of Bahyasneha (external oleation therapy). This Bahyasneha is of four types. These are Shiroabhyanga, Shiroseka, Shiropichu, and Shirobasti.[7]

Abhyanga refers to massaging the head with oil. It provides a cooling effect on the head. It is indicated in the dryness of the scalp, itching and to remove dirt from the scalp.[8]

Shiroseka is the procedure of pouring oil on the head from a particular height with specific pressure and duration. It is indicated in diseases like Arunshika (multiple eruptions on the scalp), severe headache, burning sensation, suppuration as well as any wound on the scalp.[9]

Pichu is keeping an oil-soaked cloth in Shiropradesha for some duration. It is indicated for hair loss, and dryness of scalp and Netrastambha (steadiness of eyes).[10] In Shirobasti, oil is held on the head till secretion appears in the mouth and nose.[10]

Shirobasti is useful in loss of sensation, Bell’s Palsy, sleeplessness, dryness of nose and mouth, Blindness, and severe Shirorogas.[11] For a healthy person to maintain his health, Shirobasti is indicated up to 1000 Matra (approximately 5-6 minutes) while 10000, 8000 and 6000 Matra Kala are for Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja diseases respectively.[12]

Among these four types, the former is more effective than the previous.[13] It means that more the time the oil remains in contact with the scalp, its efficacy to pacify the vitiated Doshas increases.

Depending on the conditions, Takra (buttermilk) or Ksheera (milk) are also used instead of oil. Charaka has recommended Shirodhara and Shirolepa with the help of Sheeta drugs in Pittaja Shirorogas.

He also asks to make paste using milk and use it in the form of Pradeha (thick application) or decoction made out of all drugs that can be used for Shirodhara.[14] In the case of Kaphaja Shiroroga along with other modalities, he has asked to use Pralep with Kaphahara drugs.[15]


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Charaka and Sushruta suggests to do Parisheka and Lepa in deadly Shankhaka Roga (one type of headache).[16] Similarly in case of Ardhavbhedak (one type of headache), Shirobasti.[17]and in the case concerning Suryavartaka Shirodhara (one type of headache)[18] also it is indicated. Bhavmishra directs to utilize Shirobasti in the case of Shirograha (stiffness of head).[19] The practice of Murdhataila also prevents headache, baldness, cracking of the skin of the scalp, falling, and primitive graying of hair. It may perk up the glow and complexion of the face and provides calmness of mind. and clarity to sense organs. It also gives strength to the voice, lower jaw, and head.[20] It is advised in disorders like insomnia, anxiety, depression, etc., as it induces good sleep, promotes relaxation, relieves fatigue, and recreates the body and mind.

2. Kakapada Chikitsa
In the case of last Visha Vega (different stages of poisoning) which is life-threatening and hence to save the life Acharyas have asked to take multiple incisions on the scalp as if a crow footprint and to keep blood died flesh and other medicines on it.[21] Acharya Charaka says if the Kapha Marga gets obstructed due to any kind of toxin then one needs to make incisions on head of the person in the form of crow footprint and apply Bilwa and Charmakasha Lepa (paste) on that and to place the flesh of ewe/cow/buffalo/roaster, anyone among these to absorb the toxins from the blood. The piece of the flesh has to be repeatedly replaced with a new one. Similarly Lepa also has to be changed.[22]

3. Rasa Chikitsa
In Rasa Chikitsa there are references which directs the administration of Suchimukhi Rasa through the Brahmarandhra on the scalp in Gunja Pramana (of the size of a rosary pea) with the help of a needle. This medicine is indicated in the case of Tetany, cold extremities, and unconscious status.[23]

Methodology

The information related to the Murdha Taila, Shiras, Twak, Anatomy and Physiology of Scalp and Scalp appendages were compiled from the various texts of Ayurveda - Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Sangraha, Modern text books of Anatomy and Physiology and various recent Research articles and dissertation were reviewed.

Discussion and conclusion was made on the above collected data.

Discussion

Modern concept
The soft tissue covering the cranium is considered the scalp. They are skin, superficial fascia, epicranial aponeurosis, loose areolar tissue, and the pericranium.[24] Skin is a complex tissue made up of stratified epithelium. It also has many appendages like hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine glands. Skin serves many important functions in our body. It helps in temperature regulation, water regulation, and electrolyte balancing. Skin has mainly 2 layers, the Epidermis and the Dermis. The epidermis again consists of multiple layers like Stratum corneum, Stratum lucidum, Stratum granulosum, Stratum spinosum, and Stratum basale. The dermis has lymphatics, sensory and motor nerve ending.[25]

The drug which is administered through the scalp needs to penetrate into different layers of the scalp for better absorption and action. The structure of the scalp has some peculiarities. This peculiarity may help in better absorption and action of the drug.

The dermis has rich blood supply. The blood supply to dermis is again influenced by neural and hormonal factors. The rate of absorption can be influenced by vasoactive drugs and environmental temperature by altering blood flow to the capillaries.[26] The transdermal administration advances over the oral route by keeping away from the degradation of drugs, hepatic first-pass metabolism, and adverse effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

In the intracellular mechanism of transdermal transportation, the molecules directly penetrate into the corneocytes. The rate of absorption is inversely proportional to the size of corneocytes. Studies show that the superficial corneocytes were smaller on the scalp than that of the volar aspect of forearm.[27]

Mainly fat-soluble substances are administered through Murdha Taila. Stratum corneum cannot prevent the penetration of non-polar molecules but only slow down it. Their lipophilic nature and small molecular size also help them to get absorbed into the skin easily.


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Thereby these molecules can enter the bloodstream if administered through topical applications in quantifiable ways. The stratum basale layer of the epidermis is responsible for the cutaneous biotransformation. Here phase 1 and phase 2 metabolism take place. Phase I reactions include intramolecular modification, involves oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. Phase II reactions involves, conjugation of the drug with an endogenous substrate by process of acetylation, glucuronidation, sulfation (also called sulfonation), and methylation. Usually, 2 - 6% of metabolism as that of the liver takes place through the epidermal layer. But sometimes the biotransformation may be several times as active as that of the liver.[28]

Biotransformation may depend upon the nature of drugs used. This may be utilized in the transdermal delivery system of drugs as metabolism can influence the rate of absorption. Another important mode of absorption is through the shunting route. In shunting route molecules will be absorbed through sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles.[29]

Compared to other areas of the body scalp skin is rich in sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. Abundance of these structures in the scalp allows for a significantly greater relative dermal absorption of molecules compared to other areas of the body. Presence of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and the sweat glands also help in increasing the absorption by increasing the surface area.[30]

Shunt route is important because it helps to bypass the stratum corneum which is the main resistance for absorption through skin. Further absorption takes place through the dermis as it is highly vascular. The loops of capillaries located at the epidermis-dermis junction enhance the absorption.

The molecules absorbed through by intercellular/ intracellular or through skin appendages utilize the highly vascular property of dermis for further transport. In a study conducted on fresh cadaver reveals that there are abundant drops of blood created by massaging the scalp.[31]

So the rate of absorption can be further accelerated by increasing the vascularity of the skin. The vascularity depends on various factors like temperature, pressure, etc. and absorption can be increased by maintaining these factors.

Here in Murdhataila also the exposure time with the medicine, the temperature and pressure maintained also help in increasing the rate of absorption. The rate of absorption is enhanced by massaging (in Abhyanga), local application (in Picchu, Lepa and Upanaha) of medicine, and pouring the medicated oil from a particular height (in Parisheka). This increases vascularity and metabolic activities in the dermal blood vessels. It also helps in opening the skin pores to permit the transfer of molecules to the general circulation there by towards the target site. The scalp has a rich blood

supply. The arterial supply of the scalp is from both internal and external carotid arteries.[32] Medicine absorbed through the scalp skin will reach the circulation through different veins draining the scalp. Especially through emissary veins, from there it drains into dural venous sinuses. Thus, the drugs ultimately reach the blood circulation and from there to the site of action.

The absorption can be through diffusion also. Vascular Haversian canals criss-cross the bones imparting porosity to the bone so that, drug molecules can diffuse across the flat cranial bones. Diffusion is also possible through the cranial bone sutures. On reaching the intracranial sinuses the drug molecules can diffuse into the nerve tissue of the brain. This is made possible by the sluggish blood flow in the sinuses, which provide enough time for the diffusion of the drug molecule into the brain tissue.[30] Lipophilicity, smaller molecular size, luminal surface of brain capillary, composition of CSF, change on molecular and ionic surfaces, specific binding of transporter proteins, ionic concentration are the key factors deciding the blood brain barrier.

Axoplasmic flow is a cellular process. Here movement of mitochondria, lipids, synaptic vesicles, proteins, and other organelles to and from a neuron cell body, takes place through the cytoplasm of its cell body. In the spread of certain diseases also Axoplasmic flow has a role. Rabies virus uses the reverse axoplasmic flow from the site of the bite to reach CNS.[33] Tetanus bacteria travel from the site of infection to the brain along the endoneurium of nerve fibers through binding the nidogen proteins.[35] Poliovirus is also transmitted from GIT through a reverse axoplasmic flow. Neurotropic viruses, such the herpes viruses, travel inside axons using cellular transport machinery.[34,35]


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Axoplasmic transport of tracer substances introduced experimentally helps to trace neuronal connections. So, it’s a question whether this axoplasmic route may help in the intracellular movement of medicated oils. Murdhataila, especially Sirodhara helps to produce a sedative and soothing effect. Shirodhara also activates the functions of the thalamus and the basal forebrain by increasing the blood supply to these structures.[36] The person feels sleepy and relaxed after doing Shirodhara. This may be due to the rise of neurotransmitter serotonin and chatecholamine.[37] The secretion of serotonin is by the stimulation of thalamus and basal ganglia. During Shirodhara there will be constant vibes and pressure exerted over the paranasal sinuses especially frontal sinus. Through the fluid medium of CSF it may stimulate the thalamus and basal ganglia. This principle may be adopted in the treatment of conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia, stroke, obesity, hypertension, nausea, migraine, vascular disorders, depression, OCD etc. Murdhataila is mainly indicated in Shiroroga as the scalp is the nearest route to reach the Shira. Above all when the drug is administered through the scalp, the first-pass metabolism can be avoided as it allows the drug to be absorbed directly into the systemic circulation.

Ayurvedic concept

Skin is largest sense organ that covers or resides in other Indriya (sense organs) also.[38] Charakacharya directs to use Lepa and Pariseka (pouring medicated liquid).[39] This may be because Bhrajaka Pitta apart from contributing the color to skin, it also digests applied medications to skin with modalities of Abhyanga. Lepa, Pariseka, Dhara, Pichu, Upanaha, etc.[40]

This processed part is taken away through pores of Romakupa by numerous Thiryakdhamani (blood vessels). These four Thiryakdhamani divide and redivide to become innumerable. Their terminal part opens into Romakupa (hair root)[41] and nourishes the Utharothara Dhathu (tissues). The Dhatwagni also plays a role in reaching medication up to the level of different Dhathus. The actions may also depend on the property and potency of drugs used. The sufficient time duration of medicines in contact with skin and temperature maintained in the treatment modality also aids in increasing the rate of absorption.

This highlights the importance of the duration of contact of drugs and time duration taken to reach Utharothara Dhatu. These may be the reason for more effectiveness of selection of this route than rest in many conditions. The action of different modalities of drug administration through scalp is not limited to localized entities but it acts on systemic diseases also.

According to Ayurveda the absorption and action of Murdha Taila is being done by the Guna (properties) of the Taila and other drugs used in the procedure. By the Theekshna, Sukshma and Ushna Guna, the medicines penetrate the Srothas and by Vyavayi property it speedily spreads. Further absorption and movement are done by Drava & Sara Guna. There by it reaches the target site. Other properties like Snigdha Guna helps in Snehana and Kledana, Guru Guna helps in nourishment, Sheeta Guna increase pleasure and enthusiasm, Mrudu Guna reduces the stiffness and the Pichila Guna gives strength. Manda Guna helps the drugs to remain in contact with Dosha, Dhatu and Mala for longer time. It is found to be effective in various diseases like GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorders)[42] insomnia,[43] stress,[44] Pakshaghata (hemiplegia) and various trichological conditions.[45] There are many advancements in the topical application in modern medicine.

Conclusion

Pachana (metabolism) of the drugs administered through the scalp in the form of Murdha Taila is done by Bhrajaka Pitta and gets absorbed into Thiryak Dhamani through the abundant hair roots (Roma Kupa) from there it reaches the Utharothara Dhatus with the help of specific Dhatwagni in stipulated time. Panchadnyaendriya (sense organs) which takes seat in Shiras is being connected by Manas.

So, the Murdha Taila administered may even maintain the physical and mental well being. Axoplasmic transport also serves as the intracellular movement of medications used through the scalp. The scalp skin is the best route for the administration of Murdha Taila in Shirogata Roga due to these factors that, Scalp has comparatively thinner epidermal layer, Rich in blood supply, due to the abundance of sebaceous and sweat glands, presence of emissary veins.


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