Abstract

INVESTIGATING THE THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF SHOOLAPRASHMANA AND VEDANASHTHAPANA MAHAKASHAYA DRAVYAS: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Dr. Deepti Patil*, Dr. Ajay Kumar K. A. and Dr. Subrahmanya M.D.

.

Abstract

The therapeutic role of Shoolaprashamana and Vedanasthapana Mahakashaya Dravyas in pain management has been a topic of interest in Ayurvedic pharmacology. Acharya Charaka's classification of herbs into 50 Mahakashayas includes these two categories, both aimed at alleviating pain but with differing therapeutic focuses. Pain, a subjective sensory and emotional experience, is often linked to an imbalance in the Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In Ayurveda, pain is not merely a symptom to be suppressed but is considered a manifestation of deeper disharmony within the body and mind. The Shoolaprashamana Mahakashaya primarily targets pain caused by Vata Dosha imbalances, such as sharp, radiating, or spasmodic pain, while the Vedanasthapana Mahakashaya addresses pain linked to combined Dosha imbalances and systemic disorders.This critical review examines the pharmacodynamics, therapeutic actions, and chemical constituents of the herbs included in these Mahakashayas. The present review aims to bridge classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific understanding, shedding light on the analgesic potential of these herbs in treating acute, chronic, and neuropathic pain. The article includes a detailed comparison of the plants in both Mahakashayas, highlighting their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antiulcerogenic properties. Key ingredients such as Pippali (Piper longum), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), and Shala (Shorea robusta) are discussed for their significant roles in pain relief. By evaluating the pharmacological actions, therapeutic applications, and chemical properties of these herbs, this review provides insights into their effectiveness in modern pain management practices while maintaining the holistic approach of Ayurveda.

Keywords: Shoolaprashamana, Vedanasthapana, Mahakashayas, Ayurvedic pharmacology, Vata Dosha, Pharmacodynamics.