Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON UNVEILING THE POTENTIAL OF PRATINIDHI DRAVYA IN RASASHASTRA

Anwar Niyaz O.*, Sahana V. M. Vats and Sunil Kumar

.

Abstract

Rasashastra, an ancient branch of Ayurveda involves the meticulous preparation of metallic and herbo-mineral-based formulations aimed at healing and rejuvenation. However, challenges such as unavailability, scarcity, and high cost of certain drugs have prompted the need to reevaluate materials used in these formulations. Pratinidhi Dravya, or substitutes, offers a solution to maintain efficacy and accessibility while addressing sustainability concerns. Drawing from classical Ayurvedic texts, contemporary research, and practical applications, this review provides insights into alternative ingredients aligning with original drugs. It explores criteria for substitution, emphasizing similarity in pharmacodynamic properties like Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, and Prabhava. Examples from texts like Bhavaprakasha and Yogaratnakara illustrate how substitutions preserve therapeutic principles while addressing challenges such as scarcity and costliness of original ingredients. The review underscores the importance of further research to identify and evaluate substitutes rigorously, ensuring their efficacy and safety in Rasashastra formulations. Overall, it highlights the potential of substitutes to enrich and evolve the practice of Rasashastra while addressing contemporary challenges in traditional medicine.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Pratinidhi Dravya, Substitution, Ayurveda.