Abstract

“KRIYAKALPA”- A BROAD WAY TO TREAT EYE DISEASES

Rajendra Kumar Soni*, Garima Srivastava, K.S. Dhiman

ABSTRACT

Among the many contributions of Ayurveda in drug delivery system –“kriyakalpa,” has a very superior position as it is tissue targeted, fast acting, simple but innovative method of drug administration to various parts of eyes including the posterior segment ,the optic centre, visual pathway also. Today current methods of drug delivery exhibit specific problems that scientists are attempting to address. For example, many drugs‟ potencies and therapeutic effects are limited or otherwise reduced because of the partial degradation that occurs before they reach a desired target in the body. If orally administered time-release medications deliver treatment continuously, rather than providing relief of symptoms and protection from adverse events solely when necessary. Present conventional system of medicine has topical and systemic administration of drugs to the eye which are highly inefficient and there is a need for controlled, sustained release, particularly for conditions that affect the posterior segment. Various non implantable and implantable drug delivery devices have been developed which are far from satisfactory and result in more adverse effects which is driving scientists to research more and more into safe, effective drug delivery methods for all parts of the eyes. Ancient seers have designed many unique routes of drug administration and also varied formulations to suit the anatomy, physiology and pathological status of all parts of the body and more importance is given to design eye medicaments. The eye being a very vital and sensitive part was of main focus while designing kriyakalpas – which include –seka and aschyotana (continuous pouring or instilling drops) application of super refined nano particle sized paste on eye lid or eye lid margin so on speak volumes about the ingenuity of this system of medicine. Tarpana, putapaka are usually lipid based medicaments to enable easy, faster and far penetrating effect into the posterior segment of eyes. These kriyakalpas are not sophisticated drug delivery systems, but are deployed in novel methods to keep medications intact to specifically targeted parts of the eye through a medium that can control the therapy‟s administration and achieve marvel us results. Different types of Kriyakalpa, their indications and probable mode of action will be discussed in present review article.

Keywords: Kriyakalpa, Ocular pharmacology, drug administration, eyes.