Quantifying Bindu matra of Shatavari ghrita: A pilot study

Introduction: Nasya is a therapy where the medicine is instilled through nostrils. It has been considered an important regimen in daily life as per Ayurvedic classics. It also holds significant therapeutic value for diseases affecting areas above the clavicle due to its direct pathway through the nose. Dose for Nasya therapy has been explained through Bindu pramana in the classics along with its clear definition. However, published evidence toward quantifying the Bindu pramana are very few. Information on quantification of Bindu for Shatavari ghrita is not available. Thus, an attempt has been made to quantify the Bindu for Shatavari ghrita. Materials and Methods: Shatavari ghrita prepared in the laboratory was used in the experiment. The method of quantifying the Bindu matra was conducted in 30 healthy volunteers, considering the classical reference of Ashtang hridaya . The observations were tabulated and the average Bindu matra was quantified. Result: An average 0.7 mL was found to be equivalent to one Bindu for Shatavari ghrita . Conclusions: While fixing dose of medicated oils and Ghritas , the term Bindu cannot considered a drop. The quantity differs from formulation to formulation, and it depends upon the specific gravity of the product. Exact quantification of Bindu for all such formulations has to be standardized to obtain desired therapeutic effects.