A literature based study on Jātipatrādi Gandūsha for Mukhapāka

Abstract

Gandūsha is a procedure of holding the medicinal decoction, or liquid or oil in the buccal cavity for certain period without movements and an effective method of treating the diseases of oral mucosa, gums, tongue and teeth. Jātipatrādi Gandūsha is a specially prepared medicated mouthwash recommended in the management of Mukhapāka as mentioned in Cakradatta. As the name indicates this formula is derived from Jātipatra (leaves of Jasminum grandiforum Linn.) and comprised of other seven ingredients viz; Jātipatra, Guduchi, Drākshā, yavāsa, Dāruharidrā, Triphalā in decoction form mixed with Madhu. The aim of this study was to analyze the literature related to Jātipatrādi Gandūsha available in Ayurvedic texts and traditional texts and to demonstrate the differences between them and to analyze the pharmacological properties of the formula according to Ayurvedic principles. The primary sources used for this study included Carakasamhitā, Ashtānga Hrdaya Samhithā, Cakradatta, Shārangadhara Samhitā, Bhāvaprakāsha, Sanskrit Yogarathnākara and Bhaishajya Rathnāvali. As secondary sources, Sri Lankan traditional medical texts were used to verify the indigenous version of the formula and Nighantus were used to analyze the pharmacological properties of the ingredients. According to the pharmacodynamics study Tikta (89%), Kashāyarasa (67%), Ushna Veerya (78%), and Madhura Vipāka (67%) are most dominant in the formula. Jātipatrādi Gandūsha can be used as Rōpana types of Gandūsha according to the pharmacological properties of the ingredients. The ingredients used in this compound formula are commonly found in recipes of medicinal preparations prescribed in oral diseases and claimed to have Vēdanāsthāpana, Vranarōpana, Vranashōdhana activities. In texts of Sri Lankan indigenous medicine, the same formula is mentioned where Yavāsa (Alhagi camelorum) and Dāruharidrā (Berberis aristata) are substituted with Welkahambiliyā (Tragia involucrata) and Venivelgeta (Coscinium fenestratum) respectively. According to Ayurveda and indigenous texts, Jātipatrādi Gandūsha was a common formula used in the management of Mukhapāka and two different formulas were identied from the study.