Abstract

PREPARATION AND STANDARDIZATION OF DADRUNASHAK ARKA AND ITS ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

Sachin Sheth*, Shardul Chavan, Pranjan Pradeep Ahire and Tejal Panchal

Abstract

The skin is considered one of the primary sensory organs in Ayurveda. Skin diseases have been primarily classified in Ayurvedic literature under the category of Kushta, which means "that which causes disfiguration" in literature. There are many different etiological causes for dermatological disorders that are described in the Ayurvedic medical system i.e Physical, physiological, genetic, psychological, psychosocial, and Papakarma variables (bad deeds/psycho-social stress. In Ayurveda, skin conditions are categorized into two main types: Mahakushtha and Kshudrakushtha. Kshudrakushtha includes a specific type known as Dadrukushtha, which is often observed in clinical practice. The symptoms of Dadrukushtha closely resemble those of Tinea corporis, a condition recognized in modern science. In ancient Ayurvedic studies, our acharyas presented numerous Kalpanas to identify the major constituents of plant materials and herbs, which were then formulated into dosage forms, few of them are identified as basic types of Kalpana for e.g.: - kwatha, hima, phanta, sandhana. Arka Kalpana has its roots in Hima and Phanta Kalpana. One of them is Arka Kalpana (The distillation method) is used to extract the active ingredients from plant material or herbs. Dadrunashak Arka is a kalpa which is highly effective in Tinea Infection and is found in Ravankrut Arka Prakash (5/101), where its pharmaceutical preparation is easy in process as described in this book. Dadrunashak Arka when prepared authentically and with appropriate precautions it shows remarkable results as an Antifungal drug against Microsporum Canis.

Keywords: Dadru, Tinea corporis, kushtha, Fungal infection, Dadrunashak Arka.