Abstract

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF BRUHATI (SOLANUM INDICUM LINN.) IN GARBHASTHAPANA

Dr. Mohammed Faisal* and Dr. Greeshma K. V.

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Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is an important phase of women’s life. Health of the pregnant woman has a major role in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. In Ayurveda, the science of life gives great importance to women’s health, as she is the root cause for the progeny. The care of pregnant and new born are well explained in various Samhitas. Regimen to be followed during antenatal period helps to reduce the risk of still births and pregnancy complications. Ksheerapakas of various drugs for antenatal period are exclusively told in Sahasrayoga an ayurvedic textbook from Kerala. The intake of Ksheera Kashayas helps in meeting the nutritional demands of the pregnant lady along with making the drug more palatable. Bruhati is the drug mentioned for third month as per Sahasrayoga which is botanically identified as Solanum indicum Linn. under the family Solanaceae. Objective: To review the efficacy of Bruhati in Garbhasthapana. Result and Discussion: Bruhati is used for preparing Ksheerapaka during third month as per Sahasrayoga. It has got Katu Tiktha Rasa, Laghu Rooksha Guna, Ushna Veerya and Katu Vipaka. The drug is best in Vata Kapha, Shotha and Vami conditions. It is also used in gastric and abdominal problems. Leaves and roots contains the alkaloids solanine, solanidine and solasodinde which may aid in reducing the gastric discomfort and emesis gravidarum prevailing in the third month of pregnancy when administrated in decoction form. Conclusion: Hence Bruhati can be considered effective in managing the symptoms in the third month of pregnancy.

Keywords: Antenatal, Bruhati, Garbhasthapana. Ksheerapaka, Pregnancy.