Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE OF THE THROMBOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF CERTAIN KATU RASA SUBSTANCES

Dr. Ritu Rani and Dr. Sandeep Singh Tiwari*

ABSTRACT

Rasa (Taste) of a substance is defined as the total subjective experience arising out of an effective contact between the tongue and the substance. This knowledge is perceived through Rasanendriya to explore, verify and explain pharmacological behavior of a substance. There are 6 primary Rasas namely Madhura, Amla, Lavana, Katu, Tikta and Kashaya. Each Rasa is a pharmacological tool in Ayurveda used to rationalize therapeutics. Each of these tastes signifies a particular set of Mahabhautika predominance and accordingly a certain set of pharmacological activity is assigned to a particular Rasa. This suggests that Rasa can indicate possible pharmacological actions of a substance. This has been substantiated by relating pharmacological action of ibuprofen and oleocanthal (isolated form olive oil). Both the substances have Amla Rasa and produce anti-inflammatory action through Cox 1 and Cox2 inhibition. Charaka states that, “Katuka raso shonita sanghatm Bhinnatti” means substances having Katu Rasa would effectuate thrombolytic. Thrombosis has varied patho-physiologic effect and can develop too many clinical conditions like Cerebro-vascular Accident, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Myocardial Infarction, etc. These clinical conditions still pose a challenge to the medical community till date. There are certain drugs like streptokinase, altaplase, etc available in the modern pharmacology, but these drugs have their own problems like short half life, nonselective bleeding, etc. Katu Rasa substances like Trikatu are used by Ayurvedic practitioners in the above clinical conditions. It presents an opportunity to develop a rational therapeutic model and novel drug by taking clue from classical references.

Keywords: Rasa, Mahabhutika, Shonit, Sanghat, Bhinnati etc.