AYURVEDA VIEW ON PRATINIDHI DRAVYA AND THEIR APPLIED ASPECTS IN RASASHASTRA

Abstract

Rasashastra is an Ayurveda science which utilizes metals and minerals based formulations for therapeutic purpose. Precious gems, stones and marine drugs, etc. also processed with herbs for the preparation of Rasa dravyas. Some metals, mineral and gemstones, etc. are very rare and expensive. Thus in such condition there is requirement of drug substitution. The expensive and rarely available metal or mineral can be replaced with easily available and inexpensive substituent possessing similar properties. The substituent can offers desired property and therapeutic action thus in formulation non available or expensive ingredient can be substituted with drugs of similar properties. The uses of substitute provide desired effect without compromising the therapeutic efficacy of the product. Gold, chalcopyrite and silver, etc. are Rasa dravyas for which substitutes have been mentioned in literatures. The rarely available or expensive species is termed as Abhav dravya while drug used for replacement purpose is termed as Pratinidhi dravyas. Ayurveda Rasashastra also utilizes Pratinidhi dravyas in place of Abhav dravya in some specific conditions.

Keywords: Pratinidhi, Abhav, Substitute, Swarna, Rasashastra