Analysis of the properties of Tamalakyadi Kvatha: a critique.

Abstract

Tamalakyadi Kvatha is one of the popular decoctions among Ayurveda physicians. It is commonly used for ailments such as Peenasa, Arsha, Shwasa, Kasa and Agnimandya. This comprehensive overview is a step towards analysing Ayurveda pharmacodynamic properties, phytochemical content and bioactivities of the ingredients of Tamalakyadi Kvatha and its utility in the selected diseases. Data were collected from authentic Ayurveda texts and electronic sources. It covers the entire plants of Phyllanthus amarus and Solanum xanthocarpum, pericarp of Terminalia chebula, roots of Solanum trilobatum, Solanum melongina, Adhatoda vasica, Piper chaba and Clerodendrum serrutum, fruits of Piper longum, rhizome of Zingiber officinale, stem of Tinospora cordifolia, and seeds of Piper nigrum. With the predominance of Tikta Rasa (67%), Katu Rasa (67%), Laghu Guna (92%), Ruksha Guna (75%) and Katu Vipaka (50%), Tamalakyadi Kvatha pacies vitiated Kapha Dosha. Due to its Ushna Veerya (75%) it pacies both vitiated Kapha and Vata Dosha. Madhura Vipaka (50%) is capable of pacifying vitiated Pitta Dosha. It also has Deepana (83%), Pachana (83%), Shwasahara (58%), Vatanulomana (58%), Kasahara (50%), Kaphaghna (50%), Jvaraghna (33%) and Sirovirechana (32%) properties. The ingredients are rich with valuable phytochemicals viz; alkaloids, avonoids, glycosides, tannin and volatile oils. These phytochemicals are scientically proven to possess anti-inammatory, anti-cholinergic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, diuretic and hypoglycaemic activities. Therefore, it can be justied that due to its pharmacodynamic properties and bioactivities Tamalakyadi Kvatha can be specically used in the management of Vata Kapha Janya diseases. The administration of this Kvatha is useful in Agnimandya and Arsha since it possesses the properties of Agnivardhaka.