Review on the Rationality of Using Madhu (Honey) as Anupana (Co-administers with Medicine) with Special Reference to Formulations of Sargadhara Samhita

Export In Ayurveda, the oral route of administration and the use of herbal medicine, pose significant challenges due to their impact on bioavailability. To address this concern, Acharya has introduced the concept of anupāna, which involves the co-administration of medicine with food or other substances. Madhu, or honey, is frequently employed as an Anupāna in various formulations. Objective: The rationale behind the selection of Anupāna remains largely unspecified. This review aims to elucidate the rationale behind the utilization of Madhu as an Anupāna in the formulations mentioned in Śārṅagadhara saṃhitā. Data Source: Śārṅagadhara saṃhitā, Caraka saṃhitā, susruta saṃhitā, aṣṭāṅaga hrdaya, aṣṭāṅaga saṅagraha, bhāvaprakāśa nighaṇṭu, rāja nighaṇṭu, kaiyyadeva nighaṇṭu, madanapāla nighaṇṭu, dhanvantarī nighaṇṭu and online databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Review Methods: An extensive search of śārṅagadhara saṃhitā is carried out by analyzing all the formulations in which Madhu as indicated as Anupāna. Supporting data is retrieved by comparing all the published and unpublished literature related to Madhu and Anupāna. Results and Conclusion: The Śārṅagadhara saṃhitā features 54 formulations utilizing Madhu as an Anupāna for diverse disease conditions and Madhu has proven activity in almost all the diseases. Classical references supporting the use of Madhu in these diseases further underscore its significance. Vyādhīharatva, or therapeutic efficacy, properties like yogavāhī, sūkṣmamārgānusārī etc., emerges as a key criterion for selecting specific types of Anupāna.