COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF TRIVRIT MODAKA AND VYOSHADI GUTIKA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TAMAKA SHWASA

Tamaka Shwasa is one of the important respiratory disorders described in Ayurveda. It is mainly associated with the vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha and manifests through the Pranavaha Srotas. According to the Ayurvedic description, its origin is related to Pittasthana, and Virechana is considered an important Shodhana therapy when Pitta or Pitta associated with Kapha or Vata is involved. In the present review, two Virechana formulations, Trivrit Modaka[1] and Vyoshadi Gutika[2], have been discussed with particular emphasis on their composition, Ayurvedic properties and reported pharmacological activities. Trivrit Modaka contains Pippali, Amalaki, Vibhitaki, Haritaki, Yava Kshara, Vidanga and Trivrit, while Vyoshadi Gutika contains Shunthi, Pippali, Maricha, Musta, Amalaki, Haritaki, Twak, Patra, Ela, Danti, Vidanga and Trivrit. The ingredients of both formulations possess properties such as Deepana, Pachana, Bhedana and Rechana, along with Kapha-Vata Shamaka and Shwasahara actions. Several ingredients have also been reported to possess bronchodilator, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive activities. These properties are relevant to the Ayurvedic understanding of Tamaka Shwasa, particularly in relation to Kapha-Vata involvement, impaired Agni and obstruction in the Pranavaha Srotas. The present review attempts to understand the role of these formulations through the Ayurvedic principle of Samprapti Vighatana and to correlate their traditional properties with the reported pharmacological actions of their individual ingredients.