ROLE OF ASHWAGANDHA GHRITA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KARSHYA ROGA: AN AYURVEDIC CONCEPTUAL AND DRUG REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/prl.ijayush.v15i07.2250Keywords:
Ashwagandha; Ghrita; Karshya; Brimhana; Balya; RasayanaAbstract
Background: Karshya Roga is a nutritional disorder characterized by reduced body weight, diminished muscle mass, weakness, poor appetite and decreased physical capacity. According to Ayurveda, its development is mainly associated with inadequate dietary intake, impaired Agni, improper Dhatu Poshana and aggravation of Vata Dosha. Ashwagandha Ghrita, containing Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal) and Go-Ghrita, possesses Brimhana, Balya, Rasayana, Mamsavardhaka and Vata-Shamaka properties that may be beneficial in managing Karshya. Materials and Methods: Information was collected from classical Ayurvedic texts, the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, standard pharmacognosy books and relevant scientific publications. The collected literature was critically reviewed and interpreted in relation to the pathogenesis and management of Karshya Roga. Results & Discussion: The Ushna Virya of Ashwagandha may support Agni, while its Guru and Snigdha Guna counteract the Laghu and Ruksha qualities associated with aggravated Vata. Its Brimhana and Mamsavardhaka actions, supported by the nourishing properties of Ghrita, may improve appetite, nutrient assimilation, muscle development, physical strength, sleep and resistance to stress. Conclusion: Ashwagandha Ghrita is a rational Ayurvedic formulation for the management of Karshya Roga. Its combined digestive, nourishing, strength-promoting and adaptogenic actions may help restore body weight, muscle mass and functional capacity. However, standardized clinical studies are required to establish its efficacy and safety.
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