CHARKOKTA MAHAKSHAYA - A BOTANICAL REVIEW

www.wjpps.com Vol 9, Issue 7, 2020.

778

Gupta. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CHARKOKTA MAHAKSHAYA - A BOTANICAL REVIEW

*Dr. Rosy Gupta

Reader, Dravyaguna Department, Post Graduate Training and Research Institute, Govt.

Ayurvedic College, Patiala (Punjab) -147001 India.

ABSTRACT

Charak Samhita is the foremost important Ayurveda classic of

Kayasampardaya. The concepts laid here by different Acharyas

(Atreya, Agnivesh, Charak, Dridhbal) can only be understood by

putting our feet in their shoes. We need to generate the vision for

clearly understanding the concisely mentioned concepts. Among many

concepts the topic of Charkokta Mahakshaya has always been talked

about in the Ayurveda world, as different scholars have been putting

forward different logistics behind this simple looking classification.

Also called Panchashat Mahakshayas and Dashemani, these fifty

groups have been delineated in the fourth chapter of Charak Samhita

Sutra Sthana - Shadvirechanshataashrityaadhayaye. Framed on the

basis of common pharmacological actions, these Panchashat (fifty)

groups / Mahakshaya consist of ten drugs / Kshaya Dravyas each e.g. all nutrients have been

kept under the group - Jeevniya Mahakshaya. Similarly others like Bruhmneeya, Lekhaneeya,

Bhedaneeya etc. fifty groups have been formulated. Mostly of plant origin, kshaya dravyas

mentioned in these groups are of prime clinical importance and handy for general practice of

Ayurveda. Proper identification of these dravyas is still a challenge. Here an attempt has been

made to botanically identify them and some points have been raised for the intellectuals to

contemplate.

KEYWORDS: Mahakshaya, Charak Samhita, Panchashat, Botanical identification.

INTRODUCTION

Charak Samhita is one of the classic texts of Ayurveda written by Lord Atreya’s disciple -

Maharishi Agnivesh around 1000 B.C. It was reedited by Acharya Charak in 300 B.C. and

completed by Dridhbal in 4th

Century A.D.[1]

Though Panchashat Mahakshaya (fifty groups)

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

SJIF Impact Factor 7.632

Volume 9, Issue 7, 778-801 Review Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

*Corresponding Author

Dr. Rosy Gupta

Reader, Dravyaguna

Department, Post Graduate

Training and Research

Institute, Govt. Ayurvedic

College, Patiala (Punjab) -

147001 India.

Article Received on

26 April 2020,

Revised on 16 May 2020,

Accepted on 06 June 2020

DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20207-16493


779


with ten drugs each have 500 drugs or Kshayas in all, but as some of the drugs are repeated in

different groups so the total drugs mentioned in all is 274. For instance Madhuk appears in 11

groups, Pippali in 9, Abhaya and Giloe each in 8, Khas and Naagar each in 7 groups. Vacha,

Chandan, Kantkaari, Badar and Sariva 6 times each, Musta 5 times, KsheerKakoli, Katuki,

Marich, Vidang, Chavya, Chitrak, Bruhati, Ikshu, Aamra and Rakt Punarnava 4 times each,

Shwet Punarnava, Payasya, Dhatki, Haridra, Jambu, Daadim, Meda and Jeevak 3 times each

have been repeated. And one may find a number of examples of twice citation. Many more

such examples can be cited in these groups. This indicates multifunctionality, versatility

multidimentional nature of the single drugs. Each plant origin drug consists of multiple

secondary metabolites, which make sense of their actions and uses in varied diseases. These

may have appeared with different synonyms in different groups and different parts or forms

may have been used in different groups as per the context.

As these have to be used in any of the form of Panchvidh kshayakalpanas (decoctives) i.e.

Swaras, Kalka, Kwatha, Hima, Phanta and the drugs mentioned here contain Panch Kshaya

Rasas i.e. all five rasas (Madhur, Amla, Katu, Tikta, Kshaya) except Lavan rasa, these

groups are named as Mahakshayas and drugs as Kshayas.[2]

As per the commentator of

Charak Samhita - Chakrapani’s opinion, any Panchvidh kshayakalpana can’t be formed of

Lavan rasa, so it's being excluded here and the other five rasas are collectively known as

Kshaya rasas.

Not only the plant origin dravyas but of animal (e.g. Madhu, Kuling) and mineral origin ones

like Mritika, Bhrishtmrit, Mrutkapal, Gairik are also included in these Dashemanis.

Proper identification of the contents of these Mahakshayas has always been a major concern

for Ayurveda scholars. The names mentioned here should represent the same drugs the

Acharyas were intended to. From the past so many centuries with the varied foreign

intrusions in India many new drugs got intruded as well in Ayurveda literature with

similar/same names. Some of the names may be representing different drugs at present. Apart

from the pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological confirmation, botanical

identification of the contents of these decoctives is mandatory and the very basic for

standardisation. The idea behind the proper identification is based on -

1. The drugs should be those as stated by Lord Atreya and other Acharyas of this Samhita.

2. They should have been available in India at that time.

Means the drugs shouldn't had been lately introduced in our country.


780


Thus to make the groups contemporararily more useful, the Author has put strenuous efforts

of finding and excluding the many more options and tried to justify each and every drug

while adopting various tools of searching through authentic literature and data. Every care

has also been taken to mention the latest official botanical names and family names of the

dravyas.

Panchashat Mahakshaya detail[3]

1. Jeevaneeya Mahakshaya (Enlivening / Nutritives / Beneficial for life)

Dravya (Drug) Latin Name Family

1. Jeevak Malaxis acuminata[8]

Orchidaceae

2. Rishbhak Malaxis muscifera[8]

Orchidaceae

3. Meda Polygonatum verticillatum Orchidaceae

4. Mahameda Polygonatum cirrhifolium[8]

Orchidaceae

5. Kakoli Lilium polyphyllum[6]

Liliaceae

6. Ksheerkakoli Fritillaria roylei[8]

Liliaceae

7. Mudakparni Vigna trilobata[7]

Fabaceae

8. Mashparni Teramnus labialis Fabaceae

9. Jeevanti Leptadenia reticulata Asclepiadaceae

10. Madhuk Glycyrrhiza glabra Fabaceae

2. Bruhmneeya Mahakshaya (Anabolics/Weight promoting and Tissue nourishing)


1. Ksheerni[13]

Manilkara hexandra Sapotaceae

2. Rajkshavak Brassica nigra Brassicaceae

3. Ashvagandha Withania somnifera Solanaceae


Liliaceae


Liliaceae

6. Vaatayni (Shwet Bala) Sida cordifolia Malvaceae

7. Bhadrodni (Peetbala) Sida rhombifolia[10]

Malvaceae

8. Bhardwaji (Vankpaas) Thespesia lampas[10]

Malvaceae

9. Payasya (Ksheervidari) Ipomoea digitata[8]

Convolvulaceae

10. Rishayagandha (Vidhara) Argyreia speciosa Convolvulaceae


781


3. Lekhaneeya Mahakshaya (Tissue Scraping/Weight reducing /Hypolipidaemic drugs)


1. Mustak Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae

2. Kushth Saussurea lappa Asteraceae

3. Haridra Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae

4. Daruharidra Berberis aristata Berberidaceae

5. Vacha Acorus calamus Araceae

6. Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum Ranunculaceae

7. Katurohini Picrorhiza kurroa Scrophulariaceae

8. Chitrak Plumbago zeylanica Plumbaginaceae

9. Chirbilva Holoptelea integrifolia[11]

Ulmaceae

10. Haemvati(ShwetVacha) Iris germanica[10,11]

Iridaceae

4. Bhedaneeya Mahakshaya (Cathartics, Strong purgatives)


1. Suvaha Operculina turpethum[6]

Convolvulaceae

2. Arka Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae

3. Urubuk (Erand) Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae

4. Agnimukhi (Langli) Gloriosa superba Liliaceae

5. Chitra (Danti) Baliospermum montanum[9]

Euphorbiaceae

6. Chitrak Plumbago zeylanica[4]

Plumbaginaceae

7. Chirbilva Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae

8. Sankhini Canscora decussate[15]

Euphorbiaceae

9. Shakuladni (Katuki) Picrorhiza kurroa Scrophulariaceae

10. Swarnksheeri Argemone mexicana Papaveraceae

5. Sandhaneeya Mahakshaya (Tissue and Bone Repair promoters)



2. Madhuparni Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae

3. Prishnaparni Uraria picta Fabaceae

4. Ambasthaki (Patha) Cissampelos pareira[9]

Menispermaceae

5. Samanga (Lajjalu) Mimosa pudica[5]

Mimosaceae

6. Mochras Salmalia malabarica Bombacaceae


782


7. Dhatki Woodfordia fruticosa Lythraceae

8. Lodhra Symplocos racemosa[8]

Symplocaceae

9. Priyangu Callicarpa macrophylla Verbenaceae

10. Katphal Myrica esculenta Myrsinaceae

6. Deepaneeya Mahakshaya (Stomachics and Digestives)


1. Pippali Piper longum Piperaceae

2. Pippalimool Piper longum (Root) Piperaceae

3. Chavya Piper retrofractum[5]

Piperaceae


5. Shringver (Adrak) Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae

6. Amalvetas Garcinia pedunculata Clusiaceae

7. Marich Piper nigrum Piperaceae

8. Ajmod Apium leptophyllum[4]

Apiaceae

9. Bhallatakasthi Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae

10. Hinguniryas Ferula foetida[4]

Apiaceae

7. Balya Mahakshaya (Invigoratives / Tonics)


1. Aindri Bacopa monnieri[11]

Scrophulariaceae

2. Rishabhi (Kapikacchu) Mucuna pruriens Fabaceae

3. Atirasa (Shtavari) Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae

4. Rishyaprokta (Mashparni)[9]

Teramnus labialis[6]

Fabaceae

5. Payasya (Ksheervidari) Ipomoea digitata[8]

Convolvulaceae

6. Ashvagandha Withania somnifera Solanaceae

7. Sthira (Shalparni) Desmodium gangeticum[6]

Fabaceae

8. Rohini (Mashrohini) Soymida febrifuga[11]

Meliaceae

9. Bala Sida cordifolia Malvaceae

10. Atibala Abutilon indicum Malvaceae

8. Varnya Mahakshaya (Complexion promoters)


1. Chandan Santalum album Santalaceae

2. Tung (Punnag) Calophyllum inophyllum[8]

Clusiaceae


783


3. Padmak Prunus cerasoides[6]

Rosaceae

4. Usheer (Khas) Vetiveria zizanioides[6]

Poaceae


6. Manjishtha Rubia cordifolia Rubiaceae

7. Sariva Hemidesmus indicus Asclepiadaceae

8. Payasya (Ksheervidari) Ipomoea digitata Convolvulaceae

9. Sita (Shwet Doorva)[9]

Cynodon dactylon (White) Poaceae

10. Lata (Krishan Doorva)[9]

Cynodon dactylon (Black) Poaceae

9. Kanthaya Mahakshaya (Beneficial for Throat)



2. Ikshumool Saccharum officinarum Poaceae



5. Drakaha Vitis vinifera Vitaceae

6. Vidaari Pueraria tuberosa Fabaceae

7. Kaitrya Myrica esculenta Myricaceae

8. Hanspadi (Hansraj) Adiantum lunulatum[6]

Polypodiaceae

9. Bruhati Solanum indicum Solanaceae

10. Kantkaarika Solanum xanthocarpum Solanaceae

10. Hrudya Mahakshaya (Cardiac tonics)


1. Aamra Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae

2. Aamraatak Spondias pinnata Anacardiaceae

3. Likuch Artocarpus lakoocha Moraceae

4. Karmard Carissa carandus Apocynaceae

5. Vrukshamla Garcinia indica Clusiaceae


7. Kuval (Rajbadar) Ziziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae

8. Badar Ziziphus jujuba Rhamnaceae

9. Daadim Punica granatum Punicaceae

10. Maatulung (Vijaura) Citrus medica Rutaceae


784


11. Truptighan Mahakshaya (Pseudosatiety relievers)


1. Naagar Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae

2. Chavya Piper retrofractum Piperaceae


4. Vidang Embelia ribes Myrsinaceae

5. Moorva Marsdenia tenacissima[5]

Apocynaceae

6. Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae


8. Musta Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae


10. Patol Trichosanthes dioica Cucurbitaceae

12. Arshghan Mahakshaya (Anti - Hemorrhoidals)


1. Kutaj Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae

2. Bilva Aegle marmelos Rutaceae



5. Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum Ranunculaceae

6. Abhaya Terminalia chebula Combretaceae

7. Dhanvyaas Fagonia cretica Zygophyllaceae




13. Kushthghan Mahakshaya (Anti Dermatosis)


1. Khadir Acacia catechu Fabaceae


3. Aamlak Emblica officinalis Euphorbiaceae


5. Arushkar Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae

6. Saptparn Alstonia scholaris Apocynaceae


785


7. Aaragvadh Cassia fistula Fabaceae

8. Karveer Nerium indicum Apocynaceae


10. Jatipraval Jasminum officinale Oleaceae

14. Kandughan Mahakshaya (Antipruritics)



2. Nalad Vetiveria zizanioides Poaceae

3. Krutmaal Cassia fistula Fabaceae

4. Naktmaal Pongamia pinnata Fabaceae

5. Nimb Azadirachta indica Meliaceae

6. Kutaj Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae

7. Sarshap Brassica campestris Brassicaceae




15. Krimighan Mahakshaya (Anthelmintics and Vermicides)


1. Aksheev Moringa oleifera Moringaceae


3. Gandeer Coleus forskohlii[8]

Lamiaceae

4. Kebuk Costus speciosus[8]

Zingiberaceae

5. Vidang Embelia ribes[8]

Myrsinaceae

6. Nirgundi Vitex negundo Verbenaceae

7. Kinihi Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae

8. Shvadamstra Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

9. Vrishparnika(Mushikparnibhed)[9]

Ipomea reniformis Var. Convolvulaceae

10. Akhuparnika (Mushikparni)[9]

Ipomea reniformis Convolvulaceae

16. Vishghan Mahakshaya (Detoxifying agents)





786


3. Suvha Operculina turpethum Convolvulaceae

4. Suksham Ela Elettaria cardamomum Zingiberaceae

5. Palindi (Shyamlata)[9]

Ichnocarpus frutescens Apocynaceae


7. Katak Strychnos potatorum Loganiaceae

8. Sirish Albizia lebbeck Fabaceae

9. Sindhuvar Vitex negundo Verbenaceae

10. Shleshmatak Cordia dichotoma Boraginaceae

17. Stanyajanan Mahakshaya (Galactagogue)


1. Veeran Vetiveria zizanioides[6]

Poaceae

2. Shaali Oryza sativa Poaceae

3. Shashtik Oryza sativa Var. Poaceae

4. Ikshuvaalika Saccharum arundinaceum[12]

Poaceae

5. Darbh Imperata cylindrica[8]

Poaceae

6. Kush Desmostachya bipinnata Poaceae

7. Kash Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae

8. Gundra Typha australis[8]

Typhaceae

9. Itkat (Shar) Sesbania bispinosa[8]

Fabaceae

10. Katrunmool Cymbopogon citratus[8]

Poaceae

18. Stanyashodhan Mahakshaya (Lacto purifiers)


1. Patha Cissampelos pareira Menispermaceae

2. Mahoshadh Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae

3. Surdaru Cedrus deodara Pinaceae


5. Moorva Marsdenia tenacissima Apocynaceae


7. Vatsakphal Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae

8. Kiraattikat Swertia chirata Gentianaceae

9. Katurohini Picrorhiza kurroa Scrophulariaceae



787


19. Shukrajanan Mahakshaya (Semen production enhancer drugs)


1. Jeevak Malaxis acuminate[8]

Orchidaceae

2. Rishbhak Malaxis muscifera[8]

Orchidaceae


Liliaceae


Liliaceae

5. Mudakparni Vigna trilobata[7]

Fabaceae

6. Mashparni Teramnus labialis Fabaceae


8. Vridhdaru (Shatavari)[9]

Asparagus racemosus Convolvulaceae

9. Jatila Nardostachys jatamansi Valerianaceae

10. Kulinga House sparrow[10]

20. Shukrashodhan Mahakshaya (Semen Purifiers)


1. Kushth Saussurea lappa Scrophulariaceae

2. Elvaluk Prunus avium[8]

Rosaceae

3. Katphal Myrica esculenta[6]

Myricaceae

4. Samudraphen Sepia officinalis Sepiidae

5. Kadambniryaas Anthocephalus indicus Rubiaceae

6. Ikshu Saccharum officinarum[12]

Poaceae

7. Kandekshu (Kashbhed) Saccharum spontaneum Var.[12]

Poaceae

8. Ikshurak Asteracantha longifolia Acanthaceae

9. Vasuk Osmanthus fragrans[11]

Oleaceae

10. Usheer Vetiveria zizanioides[6]

Poaceae

21. Snehopaga Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Oleation therapy)


1. Mridvika Vitis vinifera Vitaceae


3. Madhuparni Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae


5. Vidari Pueraria tuberosa Fabaceae


Liliaceae


788



Liliaceae

8. Jeevak Malaxis acuminate[8]

Orchidaceae

9. Jivanti Leptadenia reticulata Asclepiadaceae

10. Shalparni Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae

22. Swedopaga Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Sudation therapy)


1. Shobhanjan Moringa oleifera Moringaceae

2. Erand Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae

3. Ark Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae

4. Vrishchir (Shwet Punarnava)6 Boerhavia verticillata Nyctaginaceae

5. Punarnava(Rakt) Boerhavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae

6. Yav Hordeum vulgare Poaceae

7. Til Sesamum indicum Pedaliaceae

8. Kulatha Dolichos biflorus Fabaceae

9. Maash Phaseolus mungo Fabaceae


23. Vamanopaga Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Emetic therapy)


1. Madhu Honey


3. Kovidaar (Rakt) Bauhinia purpurea Fabaceae

4. Karbudaar (Shwet) Bauhinia variegata Fabaceae

5. Neep (Kadamb) Anthocephalus indicus Rubiaceae

6. Vidul(Hijjal) Barringtonia acutangula Lecythidaceae

7. Bimbi Coccinia indica Cucurbitaceae

8. Shanpushpi Crotalaria verrucosa Fabaceae

9. Sadapushpi Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae

10. Pratyakpushpa Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae

24. Virechnopaga Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Purgative therapy)


1. Draksha Vitis vinifera Vitaceae

2. Kashmarya Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae


789


3. Parooshak Grewia asiatica Tiliaceae



6. Bibhitak Terminalia bellerica Combretaceae

7. Kuval (Rajbadar) Ziziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae

8. Badar (Ber) Ziziphus jujuba Rhamnaceae

9. Karkandhu (Amalbadar) Ziziphus nummularia[14]

Rhamnaceae

10. Pilu Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae

25. Aasthapnopaga Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Decoction Enema therapy)


1. Truvrita Operculina turpethum Convolvulaceae



4. Kushth Saussurea lappa Asteraceae

5. Sarshap Brassica campestris Brassicaceae


7. Vatsakphal Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae

8. Shatpushpa Anethum sowa Apiaceae


10. Madanphal Randia spinosa Rubiaceae

26. Anuvaasanopaga Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Oily Enema therapy)


1. Rasna Pluchea lanceolata Asteraceae

2. Surdaru Cedrus deodara Pinaceae


4. Madan Randia spinosa Rubiaceae

5. Shatpushpa Anethum sowa Apiaceae

6. Vrishchir Boerhavia verticillata[9]

Nyctaginaceae

7. Punarnava Boerhavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae

8. Shvadamshtra Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

9. Agnimanth Premna mucronata Verbenaceae

10. Shyonak Oroxylum indicum Bignoniaceae


790


27. Shirivirechan Mahakshaya (Adjuvants in Errhines)


1. Jyotishmati Celastrus paniculatus Celastraceae

2. Kshavak Centipeda minima Asteraceae




6. Shigru Moringa oleifera Moringaceae

7. Sharshap Brassica campestris Brassicaceae

8. Apamargtandul Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae

9. Shweta (Aprajita) Clitoria ternatea Fabaceae

10. Mahashweta Clitoria ternatea Var. Fabaceae

28. Chardinigrahan Mahakshaya (Antiemetics)


1. Jambu Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae

2. Aamrapallava Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae

3. Maatulung (Vijaura) Citrus medica Rutaceae

4. Amalbadar Ziziphus nummularia[14]

Rhamnaceae



7. Shashtik Oryza sativa Poaceae

8. Usheer Vetiveria zizanioides Poaceae

9. Mritika (Mitti) Soil

10. Laaja Oryza sativa Poaceae

29. Trushnanigrahan Mahakshaya (Thirst relievers)



2. Dhanvyasak Fagonia cretica Fabaceae

3. Mustak Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae

4. Parpat Fumaria vaillantii Fumariaceae


6. Kiraattikat Swertia chirata Gentianaceae


791



8. Hriver Pavonia odorata Malvaceae

9. Dhanyak Coriandrum sativum Umbelliferae

10. Patol Trichosanthes dioica Cucurbitaceae

30. Hikkanigrahan Mahakshaya (Anti - hiccup)


1. Shati Hedychium spicatum Zingiberaceae

2. Pushkarmool Inula racemosa Asteraceae

3. Badarbeej Ziziphus jujuba Rhamnaceae



6. Vriksharooh Dendrophthoe falcata Loranthaceae



9. Duraalabha Fagonia cretica Zygophyllaceae

10. Kuleershringi Pistacia integerrima Anacardiaceae

31. Purishsamgrahneeya Mahakshaya (Anti - diarrheals)



2. Ananta Hemidesmus indicus Asclepiadaceae

3. Aamraasthi Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae

4. Katvang Ailanthus excelsa Simaroubaceae

5. Lodhra Symplocos racemosa Symplocaceae


7. Samanga Mimosa pudica Fabaceae

8. Dhatkipushpa Woodfordia fruticosa Lythraceae

9. Padma (Brahmanyashtika)6 Clerodendrum serratum Verbenaceae

10. Padamkesar Nelumbo nucifera (Filaments) Nymphaea

32. Purishveerajaneeya Mahakshaya (Fecal colour normalizer)



2. Shallakitwak Boswellia serrata Burseraceae


792


3. Kacchura Mucuna pruriens Fabaceae

4. Madhook Madhuca indica Sapotaceae

5. Shalmali Salmalia malabarica Bombacaceae

6. Shriveshtak Pinus roxburghii Pinaceae

7. Bhrishtmritt Roasted soil

8. Payasya (Ksheervidari) Ipomea digitata Convolvulaceae

9. Utpal Nymphaea stellate[4]

Nymphaea

10. Tilkanna Sesamum indicum Pedaliaceae

33. Mutrasamgrahneeya Mahakshaya (Anti - diuretics)



2. Aamra Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae

3. Plaksh Ficus lacor Moraceae

4. Vat Ficus benghalensis Moraceae

5. Kapitan (Paareesh) Thespesia populnea Malvaceae

6. Udumbar Ficus glomerata Moraceae

7. Ashwath Ficus religiosa Moraceae

8. Bhallatak Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae

9. Ashmantak Ficus rumphii Moraceae

10. Somvalk Acacia suma 8 Fabaceae

34. Mutraveerajneeya Mahakshaya (Urinary pigment normalisers)


1. Padm (Ishat shwet Kamal) Nelumbo nucifera Var. Nymphaea

2. Utpal (Ishat neel Kumud) Nymphaea stellata[4]

Nymphaea

3. Nalin (Ishat rakt Kamal) Nelumbo nucifera Var. Nymphaea

4. Kumud Nymphaea alba Nymphaea

5. Soganghik (Rakt Kumud) Nymphaea rubra Var. Nymphaea

6. Pundreek (Shwet Kamal) Nelumbo nucifera Var. Nymphaea

7. Shatpatra Nelumbo nucifera Var. Nymphaea



10. Dhatkipushpa Woodfordia fruticosa Lythraceae


793


35. Mutraveerechneeye Mahakshaya (Diuretics)


1. Vrikshadani Dendrophthoe falcata Loranthaceae

2. Shvadamshtra Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

3. Vasuk (Brihat Bakul) Osmanthus fragrans Oleaceae

4. Vashir (Deekamali) Gynandropsis gynandra Capparidaceae

5. Pashanbhed Bergenia ligulata Saxifragaceae

6. Darbh Imperata cylindrica Poaceae

7. Kush Desmostachya bipinnata Poaceae

8. Kash Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae

9. Gundra Typha australis Typhaceae

10. Itkatmool (Sharmool) Sesbania bispinosa Fabaceae

36. Kaas har Mahakshaya (Antitussives / Bronchial Sedatives)






5. Duralabha Fagonia cretica Fabaceae

6. Shringi Pistacia integerrima Anacardiaceae


8. Vrishchir Boerhavia verticillata Nyctaginaceae


10. Tamalki Phyllanthus fraternus Euphorbiaceae

37. Shwas har Mahakshaya (Bronchial antispasmodics)


1. Shati Hedychium spicatum Zingiberaceae

2. Pushkarmool Inula racemosa Asteraceae


4. Ela Elettaria cardamomum Zingiberaceae

5. Hingu Ferula foetida Apiaceae

6. Agaru Aquilaria agallocha Thymelaeaceae


794


7. Sursa Ocimum sanctum Lamiaceae

8. Taamlaki Phyllanthus fraternus Euphorbiaceae


10. Chanda (Chorpushpi) Angelica archangelica[8,11]

Apiaceae

38. Shwathu har Mahakshaya (Anti edematous)


1. Paatla Stereospermum suaveolens Bignoniaceae


3. Shyonaak Oroxylum indicum Bignoniaceae


5. Kaasmarya Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae



8. Shalparni Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae

9. Prishanparni Uraria picta Fabaceae

10. Gokshur Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

39. Jwarhar Mahakshaya (Anti - pyritics)



2. Sharkara Themeda arundinacea Poaceae

3. Patha Cissampelos pareira Menispermaceae



6. Pilu Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae

7. Parushak Grewia asiatica Tiliaceae



10. Bibhitak Terminalia bellerica Combretaceae

40. Shramhar Mahakshaya (Tiredness relievers)



2. Kharjoor Phoenix sylvestris Palmae


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3. Priyaal Buchanania lanzan Anacardiaceae



6. Falgu Ficus carica Moraceae

7. Parushak Grewia asiatica Tiliaceae

8. Ikshu Saccharum officinarum Poaceae


10. Shashtik Oryza sativa Poaceae

41. Daahprashman Mahakshaya (Heat alleviating)




3. Kashmaryaphal Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae

4. Madhook Madhuca indica Sapotaceae


6. Neelutpal Nymphaea stellata[4]

Nymphae




10. Hriber Pavonia odorata Malvaceae

42. Sheetprashaman Mahakshaya (Calefacients)


1. Tagar Valeriana wallichii Valerianaceae

2. Agaru Aquilaria agallocha Thymelaeaceae

3. Dhanyak Coriandrum sativum Apiaceae

4. Shringver Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae

5. Bhooteek Trachyspermum ammi Apiaceae


7. Kantkaari Solanum xanthocarpum Solanaceae


9. Shyonak Oroxylum indicum Bignoniaceae



796


43. Udardprashman Mahakshaya (Anti - urticarial)


1. Tinduk (Gaab) Diospyros peregrina Ebenaceae

2. Priyaal Buchanania lanzan Anacardiaceae


4. Khadir Acacia catechu Fabaceae

5. Kadar (Shwetkhadir) Acacia suma[8]

Fabaceae

6. Sapyparn Alstonia scholaris Apocynaceae

7. Ashavkarn Dipterocarpus turbinatus Dipterocarpaceae

8. Arjun Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae

9. Asan Terminalia alata Combretaceae

10. Arimed Acacia farnesiana[11]

Fabaceae

44. Angmardprashman Mahakshaya (Fibromyalgia relievers)


1. Vidarigandha Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae

2. Prishanparni Uraria picta Fabaceae



5. Erand Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae

6. Kakoli Lilium polyphyllum Liliaceae



9. Ela Elettaria cardamomum Zingiberaceae


45. Shoolprashman Mahakshaya (Anti - colics)



2. Pippalimool Piper longum (Root) Piperaceae



5. Shringver Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae



797


7. Ajmod Apium leptophyllum Apiaceae

8. Ajgandha Gynandropis gynandra Capparidaceae

9. Ajaji Cuminum cyminum Apiaceae

10. Gandeer Coleus forskohlii[8]

Lamiaceae

46. Shonitsthapan Mahakshaya (Haemostatics)


1. Madhu Honey


3. Rudhir (Kumkum) Crocus sativus Iridaceae


5. Mrutkapal Earthen pot pieces

6. Lodhra Symplocos racemosa Symplocaceae

7. Gairik Ferrum hematite




47. Vednasthapan Mahakshaya (Analgesics)


1. Shaal Shorea robusta Dipterocarpaceae

2. Katphal Myrica esculenta Myricaceae

3. Kadamb Anthocephalus indicus Rubiaceae

4. Padmak Prunus cerasoides Rosaceae

5. Tumb Zanthoxylum armatum[7]

Rutaceae


7. Shirish Albizia lebbeck Fabaceae

8. Vanjul Salix tetrasperma[11]

Salicaceae

9. Elvaluk Prunus avium Rosaceae

10. Ashok Saraca asoka Fabaceae

48. Sangyasthapan Mahakshaya (Resuscitatives)


1. Hingu Ferula foetida Apiaceae

2. Kaitrya Myrica esculenta[6]

Myricaceae


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3. Arimed Acacia farnesiana[11]

Fabaceae


5. Chorak Angelica glauca[8]

Apiaceae

6. Vayastha[9]

Centella asiatica[11]

Apiaceae

7. Golomy Selinum vaginatum Apiaceae

8. Jatila Nardostachys jatamansi Valerianaceae

9. Palankasha Commiphora mukul Burseraceae

10. Ashokrohini Picrorhiza kurroa Scrophulariaceae

49. Prajasthapan Mahakshaya (Procreants)


1. Aindri Bacopa monnieri[11]

Scrophulariaceae

2. Brahmi Centella asiatica[11]

Apiaceae

3. Shatveerya Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae

4. Sahasraveerya Asparagus sarmentosus Liliaceae

5. Amogha (Lakshmana) Cynoglossum lanceolatum Boraginaceae

6. Avyatha Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae

7. Shiva Terminalia chebula Combretaceae

8. Arishta (Naagbala) Grewia hirsuta Tiliaceae

9. Vatyapushpi Sida cordifolia Malvaceae

10. Visvaksenkaanta Callicarpa macrophylla Verbenaceae

50. Vayasthapan Mahakshaya (Anti-ageing)


1. Amrita Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae


3. Dhatri Emblica officinalis Euphorbiaceae

4. Mukta Pluchea lanceolata Asteraceae

5. Shweta Clitoria ternatea Fabaceae


7. Atirasaa Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae

8. Mandukparni Centella asiatica Apiaceae

9. Sthira Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae



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ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Acharya has delineated that the grouping of drugs and the benefits of each group can be

explained very elaboratively, but as per the context, these have been explained, in neither too

short nor too elaborate manner, so as to make both the average and the intellectual could

understand the concepts. An intelligent scholar would understand the hidden concepts with

his intelligence, observation, assumptions and experience.

Following are some important points to ponder about the above

Abhaya (in 8 Mahakshayas) - Virechnopaga, Jwarhar, Kushthghan, Kaas har,

Vayasthapan, Arshoghan, Prajasthapan, Hikkanigrahan.

Aamlaki (in 5 Mahakshayas) - Virechnopaga, Jwarhar, Kushthghan, Kaas har,

Vayasthapan

Bibhitak (in 2 Mahakshayas) - Virechnopaga, Jwarhar

All three components of Trifla are present in 2 Mahakshayas - Virechnopaga and

Jwarhar.

Following pairs of Mahakshaya have 5 or more than 5 common drugs :-

Jeevaneeya and Shukrajanan Mahakshaya have 7 common dravyas

Deepaneeya and Shoolprashman Mahakshaya also have in common 7 dravyas

Jwarhar and Virechnopaga Mahakshaya have 6 common dravyas

Stanyajanan and Mutravirechaneeya Mahakshaya have 5 common drugs.

Inference: Each group has more than one common action similar to Sushrut's classification.

This also implies that some actions go hand in hand e.g. Dravyas having Jeevaneeya property

are also dhatu promoting or anabolic and thus having Shukrajanan action. Similarly dravyas

having Deepaneeya action are carminatives also and thus act as Shoolprashman also.

Likewise many common drugs promote lactation (Stanyajanan) and urination

(mutraveerechaneeya).

Fruits are the useful parts in Hrudya and Virechnopog Mahakshayas. Means fibrous fruits

are healthful for heart and bowel movements.

Stanyajanan Mahakshaya is majorly having grasses belonging to F. Poaceae / Graminae.

Arjun is placed in Udardprashman Mahakshaya in Charak Samhita and not in Hrudya

Mahakshaya.


800


Similarly Aaragvadh is not mentioned for improving gut motility but for Kushthghan and

Kandughan actions. For these purposes its leaves are used as mentioned in Ch. Su 3

Aaragvadhiyam Adhayay.

Bhallatak is placed in Kushthghan and Mutrasamgrahneeya Mahakshayas.

Various varieties of Lotuses and Water Lillies are included in Mutaveerajaneeya

Mahakshaya.

Deep analysis of Mahakshayas unfolds many such interesting and noteworthy points for

further research. That's the reason Dashemani has always been the hot topic of discussion

amongst Ayurvedists.

Significance of Mahakshaya

These are the ready reckoners for the Ayurveda practice aspirants. The groups have been

stated for instance and the dravyas therein as examples. One gets an overview of the options

of dravyas for a diseased condition and dravyas may be choosen as per doshik type of the

ailment, need of the patient and availability of the drug to formulate a preparation. Though

the groups are framed on the basis of one common pharmacological action but different drugs

can be choosen for different pathologies/ types of same disease. All dravyas of a group need

not to be combined all the time. E.g. different dravyas from Krimighan Mahakshaya can be

chosen for different types of krimi. In contrast to the classic Mishrak Gana these Dashemani

offer flexibility e.g. to combat inflammation and oedema dravyas can be choosen from

Shwathuhar Mahakshaya. Though drugs are same as that of classic Dashmool, but when

Dashmool is indicated then all ten drugs need to be included.

CONCLUSION

Panchashat Mahakshayas as told by Lord Atreya have very wide range of applications for

various ailments. Drugs of all tastes except salt can be made into five fold water based

decoctions (kshayam) for external and internal use. Acharya further opens space for the

intellectuals by saying that many such decoctives can be framed as per the need. More drugs

can be added or replaced to existing groups by the intellectual persons. Too much of brevity

wouldn’t be conducive to the understanding of all. These disease oriented ready reckoners

were framed by the great Acharyas with a view to guide the disciples of low intelligence and

also stimulate the imaginative power of the wise.


801


REFERENCES

1. Shashtry K, Pandey G, Charak Samhita, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, Part I,

Edition reprint: 2007, Prak kathan.

2. Tripathi Brahmananda, Charak Samhita, Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan Varanasi,

Part I, 2006, Shadvirechanshatasritiya Adhyaya 4, shloka no. 6,7.

3. Tripathi Brahmananda, Charak Samhita, Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan Varanasi,

Part I, 2006, Shadvirechanshatasritiya Adhyaya 4, shloka no. 3 (1-50)

4. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part 1 Volume 1 Government of India. Ministry

of Health and Family Welfare. Department of Ayush. New Delhi.









9. Chakrapani commentary - Ayurved Deepika, Charak Samhita, Chaukhamba Krishandas

Academy, Varanasi, Edition 2007.

10. Dwivedi Pt.Vishavnath Shastri, Bhavprakash Nighantu, Motilal Bnarasidas, Varanasi,

1974, Mamsavarga Shloka no. 61.

11. P.V.Sharma; Dravyaguna Vijnanan Vol 2, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi,

Edition reprint: 2007.

12. P.V.Sharma; Dravyaguna Vijnanan Vol 3, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, Part

I, Edition reprint: 2005.

13. Ojha Dr. Jharkhande, Mishra Dr. Umapati Dhanwantri Nighantu Chaukhamba Surbharti

Prakashan. Edition 2002.

14. Kushwaha Ashwini Kumar and Joshi Vinod Kumar; Identification of the Plants

Described in Mahakashaya of Charaka Samhita found in Rajeev Gandhi South Campus,

Barkaccha, Mirzapur; ijapc vol 10 issue 1, 2019 e ISSN-2350-0204.

15. Krishnamurthy Dr MS, Charak Samhita, Sutrasthana 4-Shad Virechana Shatasriteeya

Adhyaya, https// www. Easyayurveda.com

CHARKOKTA MAHAKSHAYA - A BOTANICAL REVIEW

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