A LITERARY STUDY OF AMLAPITTA FROM AYURVEDIC SAMHITAS

Background: Amlapitta is a common digestive disease in which the Amla Guna of Pitta becomes predominant. Changes in diet and lifestyle are important causes. It is often considered a symptom, but if it persists may lead to other diseases. The Brihatrayi do not describe Amlapitta as a separate disease, whereas the Kashyapa Samhita and Madhava Nidana describe it in detail. Aim: To study Amlapitta Vyadhi in detail from the Ayurvedic Samhitas. Materials and Methods: References to Amlapitta were collected from the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Sangraha, Ashtanga Hridaya, Kashyapa Samhita and Madhava Nidana. They were studied under Nidanapanchaka, Bheda, Upadrava, Sadhyasadhyatva and Chikitsa. Observations and Discussion: The Brihatrayi contain scattered references to Amlapitta as a symptom, to the causes of Amlapitta, and to drugs indicated for it. Important Nidana include Viruddha Ahara, Vidahi Ahara, Kulattha and Vegadharana. The Samprapti involves Agnimandya, Vidagdha Ahara, Shuktatva and aggravated Pitta. The commonly described features are Avipaka, Utklesha, Amla Udgara, Gaurava and Hrit-Kantha Daha. Kashyapa classifies Amlapitta by Dosha, while Madhava Nidana describes Urdhvaga and Adhoga types. Nava Amlapitta is Sadhya and Jeerna Amlapitta is Yapya. Treatment includes Nidana Parivarjana, Ama Pachana, Shodhana and Shamana, with Laghu, Tikta and Sheeta Pathya. Conclusion: The Brihatrayi mention Amlapitta only as a symptom or associated condition, whereas the Kashyapa Samhita and Madhava Nidana describe its Nidana, Samprapti, Rupa, Bheda, Sadhyasadhyatva, Chikitsa and Pathya in detail.