Title : A literary review on the comparison of the phytochemicals and rasa (Taste) Of dravyas (Medicinal plants) In ayurveda
Abstract:
Plant science is a science that circumscribes the connection between the flora and its phytonutrients. Their diversity in existence and their utility has been appreciated by humans since the ancient time. The traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda has a distinctive approach of healing with the Dravyas (Medicinal Plants). Dravyaguna , the branch of Ayurveda deals with extensive study of Dravyas with its key concepts. These Dravyas as per Ayurveda are believed to work through Rasapanchaka which includes Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka and Prabhava. The Rasapanchaka has a distinctive role in pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics. In the Biomedicine the phytochemistry of the Dravyas (Medicinal Plants) helps in drug identification, Isolation and extraction of important phytoconstituents and in defining its therapeutic potential. The paper aims to correlate the Rasapanchaka of Dravyas with the phytochemicals present in the same drug. This correlation can be significant to relate the Rasa with the major phytochemicals present in the drug with their therapeutic use. This can further help to form a basis of better utilization of medicinal plants for pharmacotherapeutics.