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Introduction

Agni is the consistent agent in the process of Paka (digestion). Agni is classified into thirteen varieties; i.e. Jatharagni, five Bhutagnis, seven Dhatwagnis.[1] Therefore, Ayurvedic therapeutics always focuses on restoring normal status of Agni. There are numerous Ayurvedic drugs explained to be useful in such a diseased condition; termed as Deepaniya (Stomachic) and Pachaniya (Digestants). Agni converts food in the form of energy, which is responsible for all the vital functions of our body. [2] According to Ayurveda root cause of all diseases is diminished Jatharagni (Mandagni). [3] The drugs of this Deepaniya groups can be categorized them into three group viz; Deepaniya (stomachic), Pachaniya (Digestants), and Deepaniya-Pachaniya (Stomachic and Digestants) on the basis of main therapeutic activity of herbs included in the group. According to Sharangdhar Samhita, Deepan karma is that, which stimulates Jatharagni (Agni Sandhukshan). [4] In the same way Deepan Dravya can generate hunger by stimulating Jatharagni, in such way that mind will motivate person to eat food, but this stimulation is insufficient for the digestion of that food. Pachaniya Dravya digest Aama (undigested food) but is unable to perform Agnideepana. Action of Pachan Dravya can be understood on the basis of Panchabhautik constitution of six types Rasa (Taste). Mahasrotas as ‘Mahachhidram Mahasaranam’. This clearly means the whole alimentary canal starting from mouth up to anus. ‘Mahasrotas’ is place of Jatharagni, process of Awasthapaka (& hence place for Udirana of Dosha) & Pachana. Mahasrotas is also considered as ‘Abhyantar Roga Marga’ among three of roga marga. The analysis of Chitrakadi Vati drugs[5] incorporated in the list of Agraushadhis (best category of drugs) by Charaka; it appears that he prefers to categorize into following two groups-Deepana and Pachana. The research studies regarding ingredients of Chitrakadi Vati also show results on gastrointestinal tract.

Aim of study:  To review drug contents action in Chitrakadi Vati as a Agnideepan in Mahasrotas.

Materials & methods: Review was done from various Ayurved textbooks like Dravyagunvidnyan, API textbook of CCRAS and published journals, online search.

Chitrakadi Vati: [6]

Chitrakadi Vati is an Ayurvedic medicine which is available in the tablet or vati form in the market. It is very beneficial to improve the digestion power(Agni) of body, it was observed that it has potential effects in treating anorexia and indigestion. This Ayurvedic medicine has the digestive and detoxifying properties and removes the accumulated toxins in the body.

Preparation: The fine powder of above-mentioned ingredient is triturated with lemon juice or pomegranate juice and a paste is prepared. Further it is rolled into tablet form, dried and preserved. It can be given in the 500mg dose thrice a day , maximum upto 2 gms.

Anupana: Warm water, butter milk

Important Therapeutic Uses: Agnimandya (Digestive impairment), Amdosha (Products of impaired digestion and metabolism / consequences of Ama), Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome).

Rasapanchaka of Content of Chitrakadi Vati [7}

it contain 17 drugs

Table no. 1 Rasapanchaka of Content of Chitrakadi Vati [7}

Discussion

Charaka while explaining gruels differentiated both the Deepana and Pachana separately. The gruel prepared with Pippali, Pippalimoola, Chavya, Chitraka and Sunthi stimulates appetite and relives (colic) pain. The gruel prepared with Kappittha, Bilwa, Changeri, Takra and Dadima is digestive and astringent. Similarly, the management of Grahani- a major Agnivikara (hypo-function of digestive fire) Charaka formulated “Chitrakadigutika” (Chitrakadivati) with eight out of ten drugs enumerated under Deepaniya Dashemani except Bhallataka and Amlavetasa. Rest of the drugs are incorporated along with two Ksharas (alkali) and five Lavanas (salts). Pachana of Ama and Agnideepana are the two activities attributed to this herbo-mineral formulation. Malfunction of Agni i.e. Mandagni causes improper digestion which leads to Grahani Dosha. [8] Grahani is Mahasrotas Vyadhi. The word Grahani is derived from Dhatu ‘Graha’ which means, to catch, to hold or to get. According to Ayurveda Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are susceptible to imbalance and vitiation. In turn, they vitiate other structural and functional elements of the body. Samana Vayu, Pachaka Pitta and Kledaka Kapha are the main Doshas confined to the organ Grahan. Chitrakadi Vati also show results on gastrointestinal tract. So the yoga is to be prescribed in case of Grahani Dosha/Roga or Ama arise diseases by observing Prakruti.

Probable Mode of Action of Chitrakadi Vati in Mahasrotas:

Acharya Charaka states that, Chitrakadi Vati, because of its Laghu, Tikshna, Ruksha Gunas and Katu, Tikta - Rasa (dominant with Agni, Vayu and Akasha Mahabhuta) it subsides the aggravated Kapha. While, by Usna Virya and Tikshna, Snigdha Guna it counteracts Vata. Due to Madhura rasa (Snigdha guna, Anushnasita virya, Madura vipaka it balance the Pitta overall it help in increasing Agni in Grahani,Agnimandya disease. Deepana, Pachana and Grahi property and also by the virtue of Ruksha Guna decreases Srotogata Ama and Pichhilata and relieves Ati Pravritti. By virtue of its Deepana, Pachana, Rochana property, Katu, Lavana, Tikta, Amla Rasa, Laghu, Tikshna, Ruksha guna, Usna virya it stimulates Jatharagni which turn by turn stimulates all other Agnis. [9]

Conclusion

The ingredients of Chitrakadi Vati can be administered in Grahani Roga or Ama arise diseases by observing Prakruti, Desha, Kala, Vaya, and Avastha of the patient and Roga Bala. Chitrakadi Vati is found beneficial to improve the digestion power(Agni) of body, also it effective in the treatment of Grahani. it was observed that in many clinical trials, it has potential effects in treating anorexia and indigestion or any other disorders of Mahasrotas vyadhi.