REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya based

on their Rasapanchaka in relation to Nighantus
Akshata1, Harini A2
1
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and
Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and
Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

ABSTRACT
Respiratory disorders are one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. A detailed literature survey
of the Bhava Prakasha Nighantu, Dhanvantari Nighantu, and Kaiyadeva Nighantu has been conducted
to explore the probable mode of action based on Rasa Panchaka i.e., Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and
Karma of drugs of Swasahara Mahakashaya. Most of the drugs in the Swasahara Mahakashasya are
Kashaya Tikta Rasa, Ushna, Laghu Guna and has Kapa-Vata Hara property and Swasa- Kasahara Karma
also which will hamper the pathology of Swasaroga. Along with this, functions of the drugs mentioned
in these classics in the light of modern perspectives are also discussed critically.

Key words: Swasahara Karma, Rasapanchaka, Bhavpraksha Nighantu, Dhanvantari Nighantu,

Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Respiratory Disorders.

INTRODUCTION According to Ayurveda, Swasa is a disorder primarily

Respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and affecting Pranavaha Srotas while other Srotases are
disability in the world. Although respiratory also vitiated. In this condition Vayu gets vitiated from
impairment causes disability and death in all regions of its normalcy due to obstruction made by Kapha. This
the world and in all social classes, poverty, crowding, vitiation leads to severe episodes of breathlessness.
environmental exposures and generally poor living MATERIALS AND METHODS
conditions increase vulnerability to this large group of
disorders.[1] Once disease occurs, the goal is to lessen This study endeavors critical review on Swasahara
its effects and cure it if possible. Reducing its effects is Mahakashaya as mentioned in Charaka Samhita in
best accomplished by detection, prompt diagnosis and relation to Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Dhanwantari
early effective treatment. Nighantu, and Kaiyadeva Nighantu based on their
Rasapanchaka i.e. Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, Karma;
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Akshata along with their phytochemical composition and
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, Sri pharmacological properties. Properties of Swashara
Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and
mahakashaya dravya has been discussed and analyzed
Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: drakshatanaveen2330@gmail.com from Ayurvedic and modern pharmacological
Submission Date: 25/02/2022 Accepted Date: 29/03/2022 perspectives using Ayurvedic treatises as well as
Access this article online
various journals and monographs. Books and other
Quick Response Code
online materials were also considered.
Website: www.jaims.in
METHODOLOGY
Published by Maharshi Charaka
The study was done by in depth literature survey
Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur,
Karnataka (Regd) under the license through various Nighantus like Bhavapraksha
CC-by-NC-SA Nighantu, Dhavantari Nighantu, Kaiyadev Nighantu

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 68
 Akshata et al. A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

and various journals, articles. Review mainly focused

on the pharmacological properties of each drug in
Ayurveda and modern as well.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
List of Swasahara Mahakashaya[3]

SN Name Botanical Name English Name

1. Shati Hedychium spicatum Spiked ginger lily

2. Pushkaramula Inula racemosa Elicampane

3. Amlavetasa Garcinia pedunculata Common sorel

4. Ela Elettaria cardamomum Cardamom

5. Hingu Ferula narthex Asafoetida, Devil’s dung

6. Agaru Aquillaria agallocha Eagle wood

7. Surasa Ocimum sanctum Holy basil

8. Tamalaki Phyllanthus amarus Stone breaker

9. Jivanti Leptadenia reticulata Leptadenia

10. Canda Angelica glauca Angelica

Properties of Swasahara Mahakashaya as per Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

SN Name Varga Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka Karma

1. Shati[4] Karpuradi Kashaya, Laghu, Tikshna Anushna Katu Grahi, Kasahara,

Tikta Swsahara

2. Pushkaramula Katu, Tikta Ushna Katu Vata Kaphahara,

Swasahara,
Kasaharashotha
Hara, Parsvashula
Hara

3. Amlavetasa Amradi Phala Amla Guru, Ushna, - - Vatahara, Kapha

Varga Ruksha Pittakara, Agni
Deepaka

4. Ela Karpuradi Katu Laghu, Shita - - Vatahara, Kasahara,

Swasahara,
Mutrakruchrahara

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 69
 Akshata et al. A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

5. Hingu Haritakyadi Ushna - - Vatahara, Pittakara,

Shulahara, Krumigna

6. Agaru Karpuradi Katu, Tikta, Ushna - - Vatahara,

Laghu Kaphahara, Pittakara

7. Surasa Pushpa Varga Katu, Tikta Ushna - - Vatahara,

Kaphahara, Pittakara,
Agni Deepena

8. Tamalaki Guduchyadi Tikta, - Shita - Kasahara,

Varga Kashaya, Swasahara,
Madhura Mutarjanana,
Kandughna,
Sramsana,
Dahaprashamana,
Shothahara,
Vranaropana

9. Jivanti Guduchyadi Madhura Laghu, Shita, Shita Tridoshashamaka,

Snigdha Rasayana

10. Canda Karpuradi Tikta, Katu, Laghu, Tikshna Shita Katu Vatahara, Kaphahara
Madhura

Properties of Swasahara Mahakashaya as per Dhanwantari Nighantu

SN Name Varga Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka Karma

1. Shati[5] Guduchyadi Tikta Tikshna, Ushna - Kasahara, Kaphahara, Vaktrashodhana,

Ushna Sannipatajajwara

2. Pushkaramula Guduchyadi Tikta, Ushna Ushna - Kaphavatahara, Swasa, Kasahara, Hikka

Katu Shopha, Adhmana

3. Amlavetasa[7] Satapuspadi Kashaya, Ruksha, Ushna Katu Kaphavatahara, Arshas, Gulma

Katu Ushna

4. Ela Satapuspadi Madhura - Shita - Swasahara, Kasahara, Hrudya, Rochana

5. Hingu Satpushpadi Katu Ushna - - Vatakapahahara, Krimihara, Gulmahara,

Shulahara, Bandhahara

6. Agaru[8] Candanadi Katu, - Ushna - Vatakaphahara

Tikta

7. Surasa[9] Karaviradi Tikta, Laghu, - - Kaphahara

Katu Ushna,
Ruksha

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 70
 Akshata et al. A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

8. Tamalaki Chandanadi Madhura, - Shita - Pithahara, Kaphahara, Dahahara

Tikta

9. Jivanti Guduchyadi Madhura, - Shita - Tridoshahara

Shita

10. Canda Candanadi Tikta - Ati - Kushtahara, Kanduhara, Vranaropana,

Shita Kshatahara

Properties of Swasahara Mahakashaya as per Kaiyadeva Nighantu

SN Name Varga Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka Karma

1. Shati[10] Oshadhi Tikta, Katu, Tikshna, Eshat - - Tridoshahara,

Kashaya Ushna Kasahara, Swasahara
Shulahara, Jwarahara,
Hidhmahara

2. Pushkaramula Oshadhi Katu, Tikta - Ushna - Kaphavatashamaka,

Kasahara, Swahahara,
Hikkahar, Aruchihara,
Jwarahara,
Parshwapidahara

3. Amlavetasa Oshadi Amla, Lavana Tikshna, Snigdha Ushna - Vatakaphahara,

Agnideepaka,
Shulahara,
Vishtambahara,
Shulahara, Anahahara

4. Ela Oshadi Madhura Guru Ushna Madhura Vatashamaka,

5. Hingu Oshasi Katu, Tikta Laghu Ushna Katuvipaka Vatakaphara,

Kasahara, Swasahara,
Dipana,Pachana,
Anahahara, Shulahara,
Agnimadhyahra,
Hrudrogahara,
Krimihara, Gulmahara

6. Agaru Oshdhi Katu, Tikta Tikshna Ushna - Vatakaphahara,

Pittavardhaka

7. Surasa Oshadhi Katu, Kashya, Tikshna, Ruksha Ushna Katu Kasahar, Swasahara,
Tikta Vatakaphahara,
Krimihara,
Daurgandhyahara,
Parshvapidahara,
Kushtahara, Vishhara,

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 71
 Akshata et al. A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

Mutrakruchrahara,
Ashmarihra

8. Tamalaki Oshadhi Tikta, Laghu Shita - Kasahara,Swsahara,

Kashaya, Dahahar, Kushtahara,
Madhura Vishahara, Pittahara,
Raktavikarahara,
Khatahar, Kshayahara

9. Jivanti Oshadhi Madhura Susnigha, Laghu Shita - Tridoshahara,

Balakaraak,
Grahiayurvardhaka,
Rasayana

10. Canda Oshadhi Madhura, Laghu, Tikshna Shita Katu Kushtahara,

Tikta, Katu Kanduhara, Hrudya

Phytochemical composition and Pharmacological properties of Swasahara Mahakashaya

SN Name Phytochemical Composition Pharmacological Properties

1. Shati Volatile oil, starch Anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, anti- bacterial, anti-

fungal, antimicrobial.

2. Pushkaramula[11] D-mannitol, alpha-ionine, beta-ionine, Antihistaminic, Antiasthamatic, Antiinflammatory,

Inulin and telekin Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antiasthmatic, Antifungal.

3. Amlavetasa Garcinol, cambogin, Peduncalol, Citric acid,

Mallic acid and Xanthones.

4. Ela Volatile oil contains cineole, Terpinyl Antioxidant activity, enhaces fibrinolysis (blood
acetae, Terpineol, Borneoal, Terpinene, presuure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and
camphene, P- cymene, Geraneol. Seeds antioxidant activities of Cardamom) Stimulant,
contain fixed oil, starch and proteins. Diuretic

5. Hingu[12] Resin, gum and volatile oil. Resin contains Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antibacterial.
asaresinotanol. Oil contains butyl propanyl
disulphide, disulphides, trisulphides, pipene
and terpenes.

6. Agaru[13] Heart wood contains Liriodenine, Agarol, Antimicrobial, Anti- oxidant Anticancerous
Agarospirol, Alpha and Beta agarofuran,
Agarospirol

7. Surasa Leaves contain Cardinene, Camphere, Antiasthamatic, Anti- inflammatory,

Carvacrol, Caryophyllene, Cineole, immunostimulant, antioxidant, Antibacterial,
Decyladehyde, Eugenaol, humelene, Antiviral, antipyretic, Antifungal.
Limonene, methychavicol, Alpha and Beta –
Carotene, Apigenin, Oreantin and Ursolic
acid.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 72
 Akshata et al. A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

8. Tamalaki[14] Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, niphyllin, Antiviral, Antifungal, Anticancer, hepatoprotective.

phyllinirium, phyllantheol and phylleteralin

9. Jivanti Hentriacontanol, Alpha- amyrin, Vasodilator, antimicrobial, antibacterial, respiratory

Stigmasterol, Beta- Sisterol, Flavanoid, stimulant and depressant.
Diosmetin and Luteolin.

10. Canda Volatile oil, valeric acid, angelic acid, Antimicrobial

lactones, sesquiterpenes, cadinene,
umbelliprenin. Terpene alcohol and
angelisine resin.

DISCUSSION 3. Shastry kashinath, Pandey Gangasahaya. Charak

Samhita, Vol I, (Sutra SthanaCh4/15). Varanasi:
According to Ayurveda, Swasa Roga is primarily Chaukamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2004.p.62
affecting the Pranavahasrotas. Kapha and Vata are
4. Chunekar K.C., Bhava praksha Nighantu (10th ed., vol.1).
mainly vitiated. In the management of Swasa, Acharya
(1995) Chaukambha Bharati Academy, pp.257, pp.84
mentioned that the main aim is to remove the pp.599,
obstruction made by Kapha and normalize the function
of Vayu. Most of the drugs in Swasahara Mahakashaya 5. Chunekar K.C., Bhava praksha Nighantu (10th ed., vol.1).
(1995) Chaukambha Bharati Academy, pp.257,222,
are having dominance of Katu, Tikta and Kashaya Rasa,
pp.40, pp.506, pp.254
Laghu, Ruksha and Tikshna Guna, Ushna Virya, Katu
Vipaka and Kapha-Vatahara properties. Katu Rasa, 6. Sharma PV, Dhanwantari Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
Laghu, Ruksha Guna, Ushna Virya, Katu Vipaka Varanasi Chaukamba Orientalia;2002. p.23
properties of these drugs will remove the obstruction 7. Sharma PV, Dhanwantari Nighantu (Shatpushpadi
in Pranavaha Srotas made by vitiated Kapha, leading to varga). Varanasi, Chaukamba Orientalia;2002. p.76
Samprapti Vighatana. Owing to Swasa-Kasahara
8. Sharma PV, Dhanwantari Nighantu (Chandanadi varga).
actions of the drugs will effectively works on the Swasa Varanasi, Chaukamba Orientalia;2002. p.112
Samprapthi Vighatana.
9. Sharma PV, Dhanwantari Nighantu (Karaviradi varga).
CONCLUSION Varanasi, Chaukamba Orientalia;2002. p.142

After analyzing the properties of each Dravya of 10. Sharma PV, Sharma GP, Kaiyadeva Nighantu (Oshadi
Swasahara Mahakashaya, it can be concluded that the varga). Varanasi; Chaukamba Orientalia; pp.258,
most of the Swasahara Mahakashya Dravyas are pp.244, pp.61, pp.91, pp.224, pp.235, pp.633, pp.49,
pp.22, pp.257
having Tikta Katu Rasa, Tikshna Ushna Guna, Ushna
Virya and all them are indicated in Swasa- Kasa. Hence 11. Gupta A K, Sharma M. Reviews on Indian medicinal
Swasahara Mahakashaya Dravyas help in Samprapti plants.1st edition. New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical
Vighatan in Swasa Roga. Research; 2008: p. 682

12. Gupta A K, Sharma M. Reviews on Indian medicinal

REFERENCES
plants.1st edition. New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical
1. Forum of International Respiratory Socities. The global Research; 2008: p.1, p827
Impact of Respiratory Disease- Second Edition. Sheffiels,
13. Gupta A K, Sharma M. Reviews on Indian medicinal
European Respiratory Society, 2017.
plants.1st edition. New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical
2. Chunekar K.C., Bhava praksha Nighantu (10th ed., vol.1). Research; 2008, p.93, p.281
(1995) Chaukambha Bharati Academy, pp 217

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 73
 Akshata et al. A critical review on Swasahra Mahakashaya

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE April 2022

How to cite this article: Akshata, Harini A. A critical

review on Swasahra Mahakashaya based on their
Rasapanchaka in relation to Nighantus. J Ayurveda
Integr Med Sci 2022;3:68-74.

Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None

declared.

*******************************

Copyright © 2022 The Author(s); Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur (Regd). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and perform the
work and make derivative works based on it only for non-commercial purposes, provided the original work is properly cited.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | April 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 3 74