REVISITING PATHYA PATRA DRAVYA IN KASA, JVARA AND GULMA: A CLASSICAL-TO-CONTEMPORARY EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Introduction: In Ayurveda, Pathya represents appropriate dietary and therapeutic measures that support disease management and restoration of physiological equilibrium. Patra Dravya are frequently incorporated into disease-specific dietary regimens, yet their scattered descriptions across classical texts have not been systematically synthesized with contemporary scientific evidence. This review aimed to evaluate selected Pathya Patra Dravya indicated in Kasa, Jvara, and Gulma and to examine their classical therapeutic rationale in relation to contemporary pharmacological findings. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using the Brihattrayi, to identify disease-specific Pathya Patra Dravya. Data regarding classical indications, Rasapanchaka, and relevant Dosha-related attributes were systematically documented. Contemporary scientific literature was reviewed to identify pharmacological evidence corresponding to their traditional therapeutic applications. Results: Varuna was documented for Gulma, while Patola was indicated in Jvara. Kantakari, Sunishannaka, Vastuka, and Kakamachi were identified as Pathya substances relevant to Vataja Kasa. Their classical Rasapanchaka characteristics provide a theoretical basis for their therapeutic utility according to Ayurvedic principles. Contemporary studies have reported biological activities relevant to these indications, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and respiratory-supportive effects. However, the nature and strength of evidence varied considerably among the individual drugs. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Pathya Patra Dravya represent a disease-specific component of Ayurvedic therapeutic nutrition, with their selection guided by classical pharmacodynamic principles and disease characteristics. Systematic integration of classical textual evidence with contemporary research may contribute to evidence-informed utilization and future validation of Pathya Patra Dravya in Kasa, Jvara, and Gulma.