Arkapushpa Taila - Pharmaceutical review w.s.r. to Artavakshaya

Abstract

Women undergo rhythmic and periodic changes in the body that reflect and maintain fertility. These changes are externally visible as menstrual cycle. Menstruation is affected by a multitude of factors. There are issues related to menstruation that affect other systems and vice versa. It could also lead to sub fertility and infertility. Artavakshaya is one among those, where the menstruation is affected. Even though it is not mentioned separately as a disease but it appears as a symptom in many of the gynaecological disorders like oligomenorrhea / hypomenorrhea. In Ayurveda we have plenty of Dravyas and Yogas which help to treat the same. Even though we have plenty of options there are many formulations which are not yet explored, Arka (Calotropis procera) is one among them. We get reference of Arkapushpa Taila from Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakara for Rudhirasrava. This basic concept is taken and an effort is made to understand the utility of this Taila in Artavakshaya. Even though the drug Arka is widely available, the unavailability of Arkapushpa Taila in the market made to prepare the Arkapushpa Taila and see the efficacy, difficulty and clinical utility of it.