Concept of Dravyaguna and Contribution towards Drug Action: an Ayurveda View

ABSTRACT : The ancient Ayurveda philosopher described the concept of Dravyaguna which deals with the properties of drugs and also establishes correlation between Ayurveda properties of Dravya and their biological action. The concept of Dravyaguna related with the nature, nomenclature, actions and properties, etc. of Dravyas. The Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, Prabhava and Karma of Dravya play major role towards their biological action. The Ayurveda Samhitas put great emphasis on the concept of Dravyaguna. The Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and Prabhava affects Doshas and Dhatus thus exhibited pharmacological actions. These attributes of Ayurveda drugs also alter Agni and Strotas, thus affects physiological functioning significantly. The properties of drugs considered responsible for specific therapeutic responses including pacification of Dosha, potentiating Dhatus, curing vitiation of Agni and relieving obstruction of Strotas, etc. These all therapeutic properties of Dravya can be attributed to their Guna, Virya, Rasa and Vipaka. The knowledge of Dravyaguna Vigyan is very essential not only for therapeutic utilization of drugs but also for suggesting appropriate Ahara for diseased person since particular qualities of Ahara imparts specific responses which can either cause or treat diseases.