Abstract

ANTI-OXIDANT HERBAL DRUGS IN CHARAKA SAMHITHA

*Nadeesha Sewwandi Abegunasekara

ABSTRACT

Majority of the diseases occur due to decreased level of the endogenous antioxidants like SOD (Super oxide dismutase), GPX (Glutathione per oxidase) and CAT (catalyse). Therefore, exogenous anti-oxidants like vitamin C and E, zinc, beta carotene etc. need to be incorporated. These anti-oxidants protect the cell from damage caused by free radicals and increase cell longevity. In Ayurveda perspective such type of function may be recognized as Madhurarasa. Acharya Charaka mentioned a group (Skandha) of drugs basing on their rasa (taste). Also he stated that these drugs do possess not only Madhurarasa, but also Madhuravipaka and Madhuraprabhava. Scientifically one of its Rasayana properties can be evaluated by anti-oxidant activity. The present review of Madhuraskandha drugs showed that majority of drugs do possess antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Anti-oxidant activity, Madhuraskandha.