A Classical Insight into Kshara Kalpana: Textual Compilation and Enumeration of different Kshara

Kshara Kalpana is a unique and potent dosage form in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, primarily derived from plant materials and occasionally from animal derivatives, processed to extract their alkaline substances. The present study aims to explore the textual compilation and analysis of Kshara Kalpana and enumeration of different Kshara with their name of formulation and indications from 15 classical texts of Ayurveda compendium. Acharya Sushruta was the first to systematically elaborate on various aspects of this dosage form including its pharmaceutical description as well as its therapeutic application. The analysis revealed a total of 106 plant-origin Kshara and 18 animal-origin Kshara, reflecting the wide documentation of this dosage form across classical literature. The selection of plants or animal derivatives may not arbitrary but guided by their alkaline rich components, therapeutic efficacy and pharmaceutical feasibility. This screening highlighted the vast documentation of various Kshara in classical Ayurvedic texts. Accordingly, this review offers valuable insights into the evaluation of this dosage form and identifies potential avenues for future research on different Kshara.