Review Article
Year: 2023 |Volume: 4 | Issue: 10 |Pages: 17-21
“REVIEW ARTICLE-ROLE OF MILLETS IN ANORECTAL DISEASES.”
About Author
Correspondence Address:
Corresponding Author: Dr. Farheenkauser Abdul Rahman (PhD sch) RMO Cantonment Hospital Kamptee, Email-farheenkausers@gmail.com
Date of Acceptance: 2023-10-20
Date of Publication:2023-11-13
Article-ID:IJIM_270_11_23 http://ijim.co.in
Source of Support: Nill
Conflict of Interest: None declared
How To Cite This Article: Rahman F., DamkeJ., Shinde J. Review Article-Role of Millets in Anorectal Diseases. Int J Ind Med 2023;4(10):17-21 DOI: http://doi.org/10.55552/IJIM.2023.41004
Abstract
Anoroectal conditions are among the common diseases causing significant patient discomfort and affecting their quality of life. Their prevalence is higher than that seen in clinical practice as people seem to avoid seeking medical attention. Common anorectal symptoms include anal pain with bleeding per rectum, difficulty in passing stools, mass per anum and pruritis. Common predisposing factors include mixed/nonvegetarian diet, low fiber diet, constipation, poor anal hygiene, pregnancy and lack of physical activity/exercise. This is reviewing article focusing on review literature of millets from Various Ayurveda texts, published review articles, research papers, the internet and compiling millets which are useful in anorectal diseases. Millets or shridhanya are oldest as well as primitive indigenous food grains to be used as staple food. In Ayurveda millets are mentioned by the name as shridhanya, Kudhanya, shudradhanya and TrinDhanya, They Increase Vata, balance Kapha and Pitta, Ruksha, and Grahi and are light to digest. According to Bhavprakash Kshudradhanya is Ushna has Kashaya and Madhura Ras, Laghu, Lekhan, Vipaka is Katu, Ruksha, Vat karaka and Grahi and also decrease pitta and Kapha. Millets are significantly rich in starch, soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and antionxidants. These are a good source of essential amino acids, micronutrients, phytochemicals, antioxdants, and minerals. The presence of all required nutrients in millets makes them potential dietary supplements. Foods high in dietary fiber enhance the function of the large bowel and slow down digestion and absorption, lowering the risk of ano rectal diseases.
Keywords: Millets, shridhanya, ano rectal disease.
Introduction
Anorectal conditions are are among the common diseases causing significant patient discomfort and affecting their quality of life. Their prevalence is higher than that seen in clinical practices, as people seem to avoid seeking medical attention. Common predisposing factors include mixed/nonvegetarian diet, low fiber diet, constipation, poor anal hygiene, pregnancy and lak of physical activity/exercise. A group of small seeded cereals used as food item known as Kshudradhanya or millets. The word “Millet”derived from the latin word “Milium” means small seed. Millets or Kshudradhanya are oldest as well as primitive indigenous food grains to be used as staple food. Millets are a specific group of plant of Poacesae family containing smaller seed than major cereals. Ayurveda has explained in detail about Kshudradhanya with their specific qualities’ effects, their indications and contraindications. Thus analysis is useful in understanding the righ usage of Kshudradhanya to avail their complete health benefits.Thus in recent dietary practices have explained and increased the use of millets in our diet and their nutritional richness and health benefits. There are different varieties of millets available that are being used in different conditions. Use of millets should be according to prakruti, disease and other factors in diet. In India millets are used as supplementary food grains in tribal and lesser developed parts of the country. Properties- millets are widely used in therapeutics in Ayurveda classics. The increase Vata, balance Kapha and Pitta, Ruksha, and Grahi, and are light to digest.[1] In Bhavprakash Nighantu millets are also mentioned in Dhanyanvarga like Kshudradhanya (Kanguni, Cheenak, Shayamak) Kodo, Gavedhuka, Yavanala. According to Bhavprakash Kshudradhanya is Ushna, has Kashaya and Madhura Ras Laghu, Lekhan, Vipaka is Katu, Ruksha, Vatakaraka and Grahi and also decrease Pitta and Kapha.[2] No pesticide is required for storage situations for pulses like green gram, millets like foxtail millet.[3] Mostly used millets in diet are Sama (Echinochloa frumentace Linn.), Kodo (Kodo) (Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn.), Ragi (Eleusine coracana Linn.), Neewar (hygroryza aristata Retz.), Kanguni (Setaria italica Linn. Beauv.), Gavedhuk (Coix Lacryma jobi Linn), Jowar (Sorghum vulgare Pers.), Cheena (Panicum miliaecum Linn.) Bajra (Pennisetum typhoides Burm.f.Stapf .& Habbard ).
OBJECTIVES:
- Study the literature review about Shridhanya.
- Study the role of shridhanya in ano rectal diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHOD:
Various Ayurveda texts, published review articles, research papers, and from the internet have been reviewed for this article.
Millets:
1. Kangu/Priyangu – (Setaria italica – Foxtail millet). Kangu is Guru i.e heavy for digestion Sangrahi in nature that absorbs excessive fluids and helps for normal formation of faeces and enhances digestion. Kangu has brihana property that nourishes the body tissues, shoshana properties dries up excessive moisture. Bhagnasandhanakar which heals fracture. It is Vrishya means aphrodisiac. This millet can be useful in nutrition in arsha patient if he has developed weakness due to per rectal bleeding. It is Sangrahi which absorbs excessive fluids and helps for normal formation of faeces and enhances digestion that can be indicated in Diarrhea (Atisara), Grahani (Irritable lBowel Syndrome). It has both Brihana and Shoshana (dries up excessing moisture) properties thus it can be helpful for Dhatu Shoshana (reduction of body tissues) of over nourished Dhatus like Meda (Adipose tissue) and Mamsa (muscle tissue) meanwhile it can also provide nourishment by supplying micronutrients. Thus, kangu can be used conditions like Sthoulya (Obesity) and Prameha (Diabetes).
2. Shyamaka– (Echinochloa frumentacea - Barnyard millet) It is Sangrahi that helps for normal formation of faeces and enhances digestion. Dhatu shoshaka dries up the body tissues. In patient of Bhagandara this millet can help in reducing the excessive secretion. Shyamaka can be used in Atisara (Diarrhea), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome) as it is Sangrahi, Santarpana JanyaVyadhi like Sthoulya (Obesity), Medoroga (Diseases due to excessive lipids), Prameha as it is Shoshanna (Dries up excessive moisture), Baddha Mutrakara (Promotes normal formation of urine), Ruksha, Lekhaniya (Scraping), other Kapha-Pitta Pradhana Rogas (Diseases due to vitiated Kapha and Pitta) like Twak Vikara, Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) are also indicated.
3. Koradusha/ Kodrava- (Paspalum scrobiculatum - Kodo millet) It is Madhura-Tikta rasa i.e sweet-bitter in taste, Guru which is heavy for digestion, Param Graahi that absorbs excessive fluids and helps for normal formation of faeces and enhances digestion. Vishahara which acts as ant poisonous.Avrishya which is Anti aphrodisiac hence Pathya in Vrana. It is indicated in Grahani due to Param Grahi (absorbs excessive fluids and helps for normal formation of faeces and enhances digestion), Vrana, BaddaVitkara and Santarpana JanyaVyadhi (Diseases due to over nourishment of body tissues) like Sthoulya (Obesity), Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus), Medoroga, due to Kleda Shoshana properties it dries up excessive moisture, Ruksha, Lekhana (scraping), Vatakara (Increases Vata), due to Pitta-Rakta Shamaka which pacifies vitiated Pitta and Blood, thus helpful arsha, Vishartha (Affected due to poison) as it is Vishahara (Pacifies effects of poison) and other Kapha-Pitta Pradhana Roga (Diseases due to vitiated Kapha and Pitta).
4. Cheenaka- (Panicum miliaceum - Proso millet) It is Guru in nature which is heavy for digestion. Durjara, Brihana properties nourishes the body tissues, Bhagnasandhanakara helps in fracture healing, it is indicated in Santarpana JanyaVyadhi like Sthoulya (Obesity), Prameha, Medoroga, Kaphahara (Pacifies Kapha), Brihana, Asthibhagna (Fracture) and Kapha Pradhana Roga.
5. Nartaki- (Eleusine coracana – Finger millet) It has Tikta (bitter)-Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya Rasa (astringent) in taste. It is Sheeta in potency – anabolic. It is Snigdha unctuousness, which helps in lubricating the anal region in patient which passes hard stools. It is Balya in nature which promotes strength. It is Vrishya aphrodisiac. It can be used in Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders), Amlapitta, Twak Roga, as it is Tikta-Madhura (Bitter-Sweet), Kashaya Rasa (Astringent taste), Sheeta (cold in potency – anabolic in action) Snigdha Guna yukta (Property of Unctuousness), Durbala (weakness) due to Balya Karma (helps to improve energy), Sthoulya and Prameha as it is Tikta-Kashaya (Bitter and Astringent in taste) & Balya.
6. Gavedhuka- (Coix lachryma jobi - Adlay millet) Gavedhuka has Katu-Madhura Rasa (pungent-sweet in taste), Karshyakaari (emaciating) thus acts Kaphahara (pacifies Kapha Dosha). It is also Sangrahi in nature. Gaveduka is indicated in Sthoulya and Sthula Pramehi and other Kapha Pradhana Vyadhi as it is Karshyakaari, Kapha Hara.
7. Yavanaala- (Sorghum vulgare - Sorghum) Ruchya it enhances taste perception. Trishghna property which pacifies excessive thirst of body.Kledaghna property pacifies excessive moisture content of the body. Yavanaala (sorghum) is best advised in Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders), Amlapitta (Gastric disturbances), Twak Roga as it is Pittaghna (Pacifies vitiated Pitta), RaktaShamaka (Pacifies vitiated Pitta), Trishna (Thirst), Sthoulya (Obesity), Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus) as it is Tikta-Kashaya in Rasa (Bitter and Astringent in taste), Trishnaghna (Pacifies thirst), Kaphahara (Pacifies Kapha).
Discussion
Kangu, shyamak and gavedhuk are Sangrahi in nature, Kodrava is Param Graahi, that absorbs excessive fluids and helps for normal formation of faeces and enhances digestion, Shyamaka is dhatushoshaka which dries up the body tissues so helpful in patient of Bhagandara in reducing the excessive secretion.Kodrava and Cheenaka are Guru in nature which is heavy for digestion.
Nartaki is Snigdha unctuousness, which helps in lubricating the anal region in patient which passes hard stools. Gavedhuka is Karshyakaari, Kapha Hara.Yavanaala is Kledaghna, Kaphahara.
Conclusion
The general qualities and effects of millets can help in treatment of Kaphaja Roga (diseases due to Kapha), Pittaja Roga (diseases due to Pitta) and Raktadushti (vitiation of blood). Foods high in dietary fiber enhance the function of the large bowel and slow down digestion and absorption, lowering the risk of chronic diseases. [4,5] It is always necessary to avoid the use of millets in VatajaRoga (diseases due to Vata) as it aggravates the condition. Thus according to basic consideration millets can be used in Arsha, parikartika, Bhagandara,Sthoulya (obesity), Kushta (skin diseases), Prameha (Diabetes), Agnimandya (low apetite), Medoroga (Diseases due to excessive lipids), Atisaara (Diarrhea), Vrana (wounds and ulcers) and other Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (diseases due to over nourishment of single or multiple tissues) which are usually lifestyle disorders.
Anti-carcinogenic properties of sorghum have been well documented.[6] In Vivo and In Vitro studies have shown consumption of sorghum has shown positive health impacts on cancer. Use of individual’s Agni Bala (Digestive capacity) is also very important as they are guru (Heavy) and Ruksha (dry) which makes them difficult (Durjara) for easy digestion due to more amount of dietary fibre, protein and less quantity of carbohydrates compared to other cereals, these properties make them helpful to relieve constipation and thus useful in anorectal diseases.
References
1. Achrya Charaka. Sutrasthana, Annapanavidhi Adhyaya. In Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya (ed.) Charaka Samhitha. Delhi: Chaukhamba Prakashan, 2011;154
2. Bhavamishra. Dhanyavarga.Dr K.C. Chunekar (cm). Dr G.S. pandey (ed.) Bhavaprakasha Nighantu Varanasi: Chowkhamaba Bharti Academy, 2002; 656-661.
3. Stanley Josph and A. Shangmugam. A study on Millets based cultivation and consumption in India. International Journal of Marketing, Financial Services & Management Research, April 2013;2(4): 3662.
4. Ali, R., Staub, J., Leveler, G. A. and Boyle, P.C. Dietary fiber and obesity. In: Vahouny, G. V. and Kritchevsky, D. (ed) Dietary Fiber in Health and Disease Plenum Press, New York, 1982; 192-194.
5. Schneeman, B. O. and Tietyen, J. Dietary fiber. In: Shills, M. E., Olson, J. A. and Shike, M. (eds) Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, PA.1994; 89-100.
6. Grimmer HR Parbhoo V and McGrath RM Antimutagenicity of polyphenol –rich fraction from Sorghum bicolor grain. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 1992;59: 251-256.
