Review of Pharmacological Action of the Materials Used in Virechana Karma

Abstract

Ayurveda emphasizes preventive & curative therapies along with various methods of purifi cation (P anchakarma). Virechana therapy is useful for vitiated Pitta & Kapha. Virechana Karma is medicated induction of purgation by ingestion of herbal medicine. In this method vitiated doshas are expelled out of the body by mean of increase peristaltic movements of intestine. For maximum benefit, it must be practiced only after poorva karma has been administered. In this study the common Virechana drugs in Vruddhatraya were selected and their chemical constituents and pharmacological actions were reviewed, also the mechanism of action related to Virechana Karma has proposed. Stimulating /irritant laxatives are more indicated for flaccid or atonic constipation that is characterized by a loss of bowel tone and thus an infrequency of bowel movements. Examples are: Operculina turpethum Linn, Baliospermum montanum Muell, Euphorbia nerifolio Linn, Cassia fistula Linn, Ricinus communis. It could be build a hypothesis that Snehana as a purva karma, helps to presence of fatty foods in duodenum and stimulates Cholesystokinin hormone which leads to gall bladder contraction to Pith nrechana. Croton tiglium acts on gall bladder and liver, and it could be in severe constipation and jaundice and skin diseases in occasions of Pith firechana. But should be confirmed about bowel obstructions.