A Review on the Probable Mode of Action of Agnikumara Rasa (B.R Jwaradhikara) - An Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation With Multifaceted Action

In Ayurveda, Agnimandya (reduced digestive power) is considered as a root cause for all diseases. Agnikumara rasa (B.R Jwaradhikara) is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation used by Ayurvedic practitioners that increases Agni (digestive fire) and is indicated in various diseases with specific Anupana (adjuvant). There are 6 constituents in this formulation and is indicated in the management of vitiation of Kapha and Vata humor. On analysing the properties of the ingredients, it was found that it is predominant of Katu rasa (pungent taste), Thikta rasa (bitter taste), Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp) properties, Ushna virya (hot potency), Katu vipaka (pungent taste after bio-transformation). These therapeutic properties are responsible for pharmacological actions of the formulation. This review paper is an attempt to analyse the mode of action of this formulation which gives a deep insight about the usage of the formulation with a better understanding, so that the physician can use the formulation according to his logic in conditions other than indicated.

Preparation and Physico-Chemical Analysis of Agnikumara Rasa (B.R Jwaradhikara) Prepared with Variation in Number of Bhavana (Levigation)

Rasasastra is a specialised branch of Ayurveda that deals with Rasa dravyas which include Visha dravyas used for the preparation of therapeutically potent medicines. Agnikumara rasa of Bhaishajya Ratnavali Jwara adhikara reference is one such herbal formulation that contains a major proportion of Shodhita Vatsanabha and other ingredients of Maricha, Vacha, Kushta, Mushta, and Ardraka. It is a Kharaliya yoga (a formulation prepared in mortar) prepared by Bhavana samskara (levigation). As the number of levigation is not mentioned, three samples were prepared by doubling the number of Bhavana (levigation) of the preceding sample and physico-chemical analysis of these samples was done and compared. In Charaka samhita Vimanasthana, Acharya has explained the relevance of Samskara for imparting new Gunas (properties) and thereby potentiating the drug. The present study was done to identify a better analytical profile among the samples. It was found that some of the analytical parameters like hardness, disintegration time were modified with Bhavana which may increase the bioavailability of the drug and thereby its therapeutic potency