Abstract

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON MAHABHAUTIKA EVALUATION IN PUGAPHALA AND UDUMBARA TWAK THROUGH PHARMACOGNOSTICAL ANALYSIS

Kamla Moond* and Harisha C. R.

Abstract

Background: In Ayurveda Pugaphala (Areca catechu Linn) and Udumbara Twak (Ficus glomerata Roxb) both are used in many compound formulations since long and are traditionally popular for their medicinal properties. Both the drugs are used internally as well as externally in various dosage forms as a Diuretic, Digestive, Anthelmintic, Astringent, cardiotonic, anti-oxidant activity etc. because of their Kashaya Rasa, Sheeta, Ruksha and Vishtambhi Guna due to Prithvi Mahabhuta. Objectives: Assessment of Mahabhautika dominance in Pugaphala and Udumbara Twak by pharmacognostical (Macroscopic and Microscopic) study with the help of classics. Method: In present study Pugaphala and Udumbara Twak were selected as Prithvi Mahabhuta dominant drugs according to their Rasa Panchaka, and then pharmacognostical study was carried out based on morphological features, organoleptic characters and powder microscopy of these drugs under Corl Zeiss Trinoculor microscope. Result: The results shows that both the drugs possess Prithvi dominant characters like crystal fibers, stone cells, cystolith, rhomboidal crystals etc. among them Udumbara sample is found to be more Parthiva in Mahabhautika dominancy by possessing more hard and dense contents. Conclusion: Macroscopic and Microscopic evaluation of Pugaphala and Udumbara Twak showed the specific characters which are dense in nature and compactly arranged thus validate the Prithvi dominancy in both the drugs along with Udumbara Twak possess more Parthiva characters.

Keywords: Udumbara; Puga; Prithvi mahabhuta; Pharmacognosy.