Abstract

A AYURVEDIC CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON ANJANA IN SHALAKYATANTRA

Dr. Deepali Zodpe* and Dr. Suvarna Golecha

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Abstract

Shalakya Tantra is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda that addresses ailments occurring above the collarbone, particularly those associated with the sensory organs. The eyes possess a unique significance among the sensory organs, as optimal vision is essential for the social and intellectual advancement of humans. Consequently, authentic classics delineated many preventive and therapeutic strategies for the management of ocular problems. Topical treatments, known as “Netra Kriyakalpa,” are distinctive and effective in managing ocular illnesses. Netra Kriyakalpa has rapid effect on the target tissues of the eye. Anjana is a therapeutic formulation administered to the lower palpebral conjunctiva or the cul-de-sac. The active principles can penetrate the interior of the eye based on their hydrophilicity and lipophilicity, mostly via the conjunctiva and cornea through paracellular and transcellular pathways, respectively. Local treatment approaches in Shalakyatantra pertain to Kriyakalpa, wherein 'kriya' signifies a distinctive therapeutic approach and 'kalpa' denotes pharmaceutical formulations such as Swaras, Kwatha, and Kalka utilized in treatment. Anjana is a pharmaceutical formulation administered to the lower palpebral conjunctiva using a specialized applicator called Shalaka for a designated duration as specified in the samhitas. Various varieties of anjan exist based on formulation or medicinal form, with thorough explanations of indications, contraindications, drug selection according to dosha, primary procedures, and paschatkarma found in the samhitas. They are adjusted to accommodate the structural peculiarities and various illness circumstances.

Keywords: Kriyakalpa, paschatkarma, Swaras, Kwatha, Kalka, Anjana, Shalaka.