Discover the Secrets of Dravyaguna Vigyan in this PDF by K.Nishteswar
Dravyaguna Vigyan: An Introduction to Ayurvedic Pharmacology
Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, has a rich and diverse tradition of pharmacology, known as Dravyaguna Vigyan. This article will provide an overview of what Dravyaguna Vigyan is, how to study it, why it is important, and where to find more information about it.
dravyagunavigyanpvsharmapdfdownload
What is Dravyaguna Vigyan?
Dravyaguna Vigyan is the science of understanding the nature, properties, and actions of various substances used in Ayurvedic medicine. The term Dravyaguna Vigyan can be translated as "the knowledge of the qualities of substances".
Definition and scope of Dravyaguna Vigyan
According to the classical Ayurvedic texts, a substance (Dravya) is defined as anything that has a name, a form, and a function. A substance can be classified into six categories: Sthavara (plants), Jangama (animals), Rasaja (minerals), Kala (time), Dik (direction), and Atma (self). Each substance has its own unique qualities (Gunas), which determine its effects on the body and mind. The study of these qualities and effects is called Dravyaguna Vigyan.
The scope of Dravyaguna Vigyan is vast and comprehensive. It covers not only the pharmacological aspects of substances, but also their botanical, zoological, mineralogical, chemical, physical, metaphysical, ethical, spiritual, and environmental aspects. It also includes the methods of collection, preservation, processing, formulation, administration, dosage, compatibility, contraindications, toxicity, antidotes, and clinical applications of substances.
History and development of Dravyaguna Vigyan
The history of Dravyaguna Vigyan can be traced back to the Vedic period (around 1500 BCE), when the sages used various plants and minerals for healing purposes. The earliest references to Dravyaguna Vigyan can be found in the Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda, and Sama Veda. The Vedas mention hundreds of medicinal plants and minerals, along with their names, synonyms, descriptions, properties, actions, indications, and formulations.
The later Ayurvedic texts, such as Charaka Samhita (around 300 BCE), Sushruta Samhita (around 200 CE), Ashtanga Hridaya (around 600 CE), Sarangadhara Samhita (around 1300 CE), Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (around 1600 CE), etc., elaborated on the concepts and principles of Dravyaguna Vigyan. They also added more substances to the existing list and described their detailed characteristics and uses. These texts also introduced various methods of classification, identification, standardization, quality control, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacovigilance, and pharmacoeconomics of substances.
The modern era of Dravyaguna Vigyan began in the 19th century with the advent of Western medicine and scientific research. Many Ayurvedic scholars and practitioners started to explore the scientific basis and evidence for the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic substances. They also tried to integrate the modern knowledge of chemistry, pharmacology, botany, zoology, and biotechnology with the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda. Some of the prominent figures in this field are Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Dr. Gananath Sen, Dr. P.V. Sharma, Dr. K.Nishteswar, Dr. K.R.Srikantha Murthy, Dr. Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, Dr. P.K.Warrier, Dr. C.K.Katiyar, Dr. R.H.Singh, Dr. B.P.Pandey, Dr. S.N.Yoganarasimhan, Dr. K.C.Chunekar, Dr. P.M.Unnikrishnan, Dr. M.S.Baghel, Dr. A.K.S.Rawat, Dr. S.K.Mishra, Dr. R.N.Acharya, Dr. A.B.Ray, Dr. P.K.Devarajan, and many others.
Principles and methods of Dravyaguna Vigyan
The principles and methods of Dravyaguna Vigyan are based on the fundamental concepts of Ayurveda, such as Panchamahabhuta (five elements), Tridosha (three humors), Saptadhatu (seven tissues), Trimala (three wastes), Agni (digestive fire), Ojas (vital essence), Prakriti (constitution), Vikriti (disease), Roga-Rogini Pariksha (diagnosis), Chikitsa Sutra (treatment principles), and Aushadha Yoga (medicinal formulations).
The main principles of Dravyaguna Vigyan are:
Rasa: The taste or flavor of a substance.
Guna: The qualities or attributes of a substance.
Virya: The potency or energy level of a substance.
Vipaka: The post-digestive effect or metabolic transformation of a substance.
Prabhava: The specific or unique action or influence of a substance.
Karma: The action or function or indication or therapeutic effect of a substance.
The main methods of Dravyaguna Vigyan are:
Nighantu: A compendium or dictionary or lexicon or encyclopedia of substances.
Pariksha: The examination or identification or analysis or evaluation of substances.
Sodhana: The purification or detoxification or refinement of substances.
Bhavana: The trituration or levigation or impregnation of substances.
Kalpana: The preparation or formulation or compounding of substances.
Anupana: The vehicle or adjuvant or co-drink of substances.
Matra: The dose or quantity or measurement of substances.
Anuprasa: The repetition or frequency or interval of substances.
Pathya-Apathya: The dietetics or regimen or lifestyle of substances.
How to study Dravyaguna Vigyan?
To study Dravyaguna Vigyan effectively, one needs to have a sound knowledge of both Ayurveda and modern science. One also needs to have a keen interest and curiosity in exploring the nature and potential of various substances for health and wellness.
Sources and references of Dravyaguna Vigyan
The primary sources and references for studying Dravyaguna Vigyan are the classical Ayurvedic texts mentioned above. They provide authentic and comprehensive information about various aspects of substances used in Ayurvedic medicine. However, they may not be easily accessible or understandable for everyone. Therefore, one may also refer to some secondary sources such as commentaries, translations, explanations, summaries, reviews, and research papers on these texts by various scholars and experts in this field. Some examples are:
NameAuthorDescription
A Text Book Of Dravya Guna VijnanaK.NishteswarA comprehensive textbook on Dravyaguna based on classical texts and modern research
covering various aspects of substances
Dravyaguna SiddhantaA.B.RayA concise and practical guide on Dravyaguna principles and methods
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2P.K.MishraA systematic and scientific exposition of Dravyaguna based on classical texts and modern research
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2V.K.GothechaA comprehensive and updated textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2R.N.AcharyaA thorough and analytical study of Dravyaguna based on classical texts and modern research
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2P.K.DevarajanA lucid and illustrative textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2M.S.BaghelA comprehensive and authentic textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2A.K.S.RawatA modern and scientific textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2S.K.MishraA practical and user-friendly textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2K.C.ChunekarA classical and authoritative textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2S.N.YoganarasimhanA botanical and pharmacognostical textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Dravyaguna Vigyan - Volume 1 & 2B.P.PandeyA pharmacological and clinical textbook on Dravyaguna for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Note: These are some examples of secondary sources. There are many more books, journals, websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc. that provide useful information on Dravyaguna Vigyan.
Classification and identification of Dravyas (medicinal substances)
The classification and identification of Dravyas (medicinal substances) is an essential part of studying Dravyaguna Vigyan. It helps to understand the diversity, similarity, relationship, origin, morphology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, geography, cultivation, collection, preservation, adulteration, substitution, etc. of various substances used in Ayurvedic medicine.
The classical Ayurvedic texts have classified Dravyas into various categories based on different criteria such as origin, nature, form, function, action, indication, etc. Some of the common classifications are:
Sthavara-Jangama: Plants and animals.
Rasaja: Minerals.
Kala-Dik-Atma: Time, direction, and self.
Mahabhuta: Five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether).
Dosha: Three humors (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Rasa: Six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent).
Gana: Groups or classes or families of substances.
Varga: Subgroups or subclasses or subfamilies of substances.
Varga-Pravarga: Further subgroups or subdivisions or subcategories of substances.
Veda: Four Vedas (Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda, and Sama Veda).
Nakshatra: Twenty-seven constellations or lunar mansions.
Ritu: Six seasons (spring, summer, rainy, autumn, winter, and late winter).
Dhatu: Seven tissues (plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow, and reproductive fluid).
Mala: Three wastes (urine, feces, and sweat).
Srotas: Fourteen channels or systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, reproductive, nervous, lymphatic, etc.).
Indriya: Ten senses (five cognitive senses and five motor senses).
Karma: Various actions or functions or indications or therapeutic effects of substances.
Anukta: Unmentioned or unknown or new substances.
The identification of Dravyas is done by using various methods such as observation, inference, comparison, experimentation, analysis, synthesis, etc. The identification is based on various criteria such as name, synonym, description, characteristic features, morphology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, etc. The identification is also done by using various tools such as books, journals, websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, herbaria, museums, laboratories, instruments, devices, etc.
Properties and actions of Dravyas (medicinal substances)
The properties and actions of Dravyas (medicinal substances) are the core aspects of studying Dravyaguna Vigyan. They help to understand the nature, quality, potency, effect, mechanism, indication, contraindication, compatibility, incompatibility, etc. of various substances used in Ayurvedic medicine.
, place, season, climate, environment, constitution, disease, etc. The properties and actions of Dravyas are also modified by various factors such as processing, formulation, administration, dosage, vehicle, diet, lifestyle, etc.
The properties and actions of Dravyas are described by various terms such as Rasa (taste), Guna (quality), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), Prabhava (specific action), Karma (function), etc. These terms are explained below:
Rasa: The taste or flavor of a substance. It is perceived by the tongue and affects the Doshas (humors). There are six Rasas: Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent).
Guna: The quality or attribute of a substance. It is perceived by the mind and affects the Dhatus (tissues). There are twenty Gunas: Guru (heavy), Laghu (light), Manda (slow), Tikshna (sharp), Snigdha (unctuous), Ruksha (dry), Shita (cold), Ushna (hot), Slakshna (smooth), Khara (rough), Sandra (dense), Drava (liquid), Mridu (soft), Kathina (hard), Sthira (stable), Sara (mobile), Sukshma (subtle), Sthula (gross), Vishada (clear), and Picchila (sticky).
Virya: The potency or energy level of a substance. It is perceived by the body and affects the Agni (digestive fire). There are two Viryas: Shita (cold) and Ushna (hot).
Vipaka: The post-digestive effect or metabolic transformation of a substance. It is perceived by the intestine and affects the Malas (wastes). There are three Vipakas: Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour), and Katu (pungent).
Prabhava: The specific or unique action or influence of a substance. It is perceived by the consciousness and affects the Ojas (vital essence). There are various Prabhavas depending on the nature and function of the substance.
Karma: The action or function or indication or therapeutic effect of a substance. It is perceived by the disease and affects the health. There are various Karmas depending on the purpose and use of the substance.
Why is Dravyaguna Vigyan important?
Dravyaguna Vigyan is important for various reasons such as:
Benefits and applications of Dravyaguna Vigyan
Dravyaguna Vigyan provides various benefits and applications such as:
It helps to understand the nature, properties, and actions of various substances used in Ayurvedic medicine.
It helps to select the appropriate substances for different diseases and conditions according to their indications and contraindications.
It helps to prepare effective formulations by combining compatible substances according to their properties and actions.
It helps to administer suitable dosages by adjusting the quantity and frequency of substances according to their potency and effect.
It helps to enhance the efficacy and safety of substances by using proper vehicles and adjuvants according to their post-digestive effect and specific action.
It helps to prevent or minimize adverse effects and toxicity of substances by following proper diet and lifestyle according to their taste and quality.
(humors), nourish the Dhatus (tissues), strengthen the Agni (digestive fire), eliminate the Malas (wastes), and increase the Ojas (vital essence).
Challenges and limitations of Dravyaguna Vigyan
Dravyaguna Vigyan also faces some challenges and limitations such as:
It is difficult to access and understand the classical Ayurvedic texts due to their language, style, and complexity.
It is difficult to identify and authenticate the substances due to their diversity, similarity, variability, and adulteration.
It is difficult to standardize and quality control the substances due to their natural origin, seasonal variation, environmental influence, and processing methods.
It is difficult to validate and verify the properties and actions of substances due to their multifaceted nature, holistic approach, individualized effect, and lack of scientific evidence.
It is difficult to integrate and harmonize the traditional knowledge of Ayurveda with the modern knowledge of science due to their different paradigms, methodologies, terminologies, and perspectives.
Future prospects and research directions of Dravyaguna Vigyan
Dravyaguna Vigyan has a lot of potential and scope for future prospects and research directions such as:
It can explore and discover new substances from various sources such as plants, animals, minerals, time, direction, self, etc.
It can document and digitize the existing knowledge of Dravyaguna Vigyan from various texts, manuscripts, commentaries, translations, etc.
It can develop and apply various tools and techniques for identification, authentication, standardization, quality control, etc. of substances.
It can conduct and publish various studies and trials for validation, verification, evaluation, comparison, etc. of properties and actions of substances.
It can collaborate and communicate with various stakeholders such as scholars, practitioners, researchers, educators, students, policy makers, industry, media, public, etc. for dissemination, promotion, awareness, advocacy, etc. of Dravyaguna Vigyan.
Conclusion
Dravyaguna Vigyan is an important branch of Ayurveda that deals with the study of substances used in Ayurvedic medicine. It covers various aspects such as definition, scope, history, development, principles, methods, benefits, applications, challenges, limitations, future prospects, and research directions of substances. It helps to understand the nature, properties, and actions of substances and use them effectively and safely for health and wellness.
FAQs
What is Dravyaguna Vigyan?
Dravyaguna Vigyan is the science of understanding the nature, properties, and actions of various substances used in Ayurvedic medicine.
What are the main principles of Dravyaguna Vigyan?
The main principles of Dravyaguna Vigyan are Rasa (taste), Guna (quality), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), Prabhava (specific action), and Karma (function) of substances.
What are the main methods of Dravyaguna Vigyan?
The main methods of Dravyaguna Vigyan are Nighantu (compendium), Pariksha (examination), Sodhana (purification), Bhavana (trituration), Kalpana (preparation), Anupana (vehicle), Matra (dose), Anuprasa (repetition), Pathya-Apathya (dietetics) of substances.
What are the sources and references of Dravyaguna Vigyan?
, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, etc. and some secondary sources such as commentaries, translations, explanations, summaries, reviews, and research papers on these texts by various scholars and experts in this field.
Why is Dravyaguna Vigyan important?
Dravyaguna Vigyan is important because it helps to understand the nature, properties, and actions of various substances used in Ayurvedic medicine and use them effectively and safely for health and wellness.