Conceptual Review on Pharmaceutics in Sushrutha Samhitha

Pooja B; Vinay R Kadibagil; Govinda Sharma K

Authors

Pooja B PG Scholar, Dept of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan
Vinay R Kadibagil Head of the Department and Dept of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan
Govinda Sharma K Professor, Dept of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan

Keywords:

Sushrutha samhitha, Bhaishajya kalpana, Aushadha nirmana, Pharmaceutics

Abstract

Introduction: Bhaishajya kalpana is the branch of science which deals with the conversion of raw material into therapeutically suitable form. In ancient time, physicians themselves used to prepare medicine for administering to their patients. Sushrutha samhitha belongs to Dhanvantari sampradaya, which mainly deals with shalya and shalakya tantra. Though the text is shalya pradhana, details of pharmaceutics are available in all the divisions, in a scattered manner. An attempt has been made here to compile the important concepts of bhaishajya kalpana explained in sushrutha samhitha.

Methods: Literary search was done in sushrutha samhitha, and concepts pertaining to the same were searched in peer reviewed journals.

Observation: The different concepts found are adharabhutha siddhanta, dravya Sangrahana and samrakshana, maana, viruddha, shadvidha kashaya kalpana, Details of kshara kalpana, sneha kalpana and other kalpana like lavana, ayaskruthi, pathya kalpana, masi kalpana.

Conclusion: Sushrutha samhitha belonged to ancient period. The details concerning to aushadha nirmana are available in all the divisions, in scattered manner. Details regarding collection of drug, different dosage form and their method of preparation are explained.

A separate branch for medicine preparation did not exist in samhitha period. From this it can be inferred that knowledge of bhaishajya kalpana was inevitable, and every vaidya had to know it.