PANCHAKOLA SIDDHA PEYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRAHANI ROGA: A CRITICAL REVIEW BASED ON CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC LITERATURE AND CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

Background Grahani Roga is one of the most extensively described gastrointestinal disorders in Ayurveda and is primarily caused by the impairment of Agni, the fundamental principle governing digestion, metabolism, and tissue nourishment. Grahani, regarded as the principal seat of Agni, performs the vital function of retaining ingested food until complete digestion is achieved. Disturbance of Agni leads to the formation of Ama, resulting in defective digestion, improper assimilation of nutrients, vitiation of Doshas, and ultimately the manifestation of Grahani Roga. Ayurvedic classics consistently emphasize that restoration of Agni through appropriate Ahara and Aushadha forms the cornerstone of successful management. Objective To critically review the classical Ayurvedic literature on Grahani Roga and to evaluate the therapeutic significance of Panchakola Siddha Peya as a dietary intervention based on classical principles and contemporary scientific evidence regarding its constituent drugs. Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature review was carried out using classical Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Sangraha, Madhava Nidana, Chakradatta, Yogaratnakara, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Contemporary scientific literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, AYUSH Research Portal, and other indexed databases using keywords such as Grahani, Panchakola, Deepana, Pachana, Agni, and Ayurvedic dietetics. Relevant experimental and pharmacological studies related to the constituent drugs of Panchakola Siddha Peya were critically reviewed. Results Classical literature consistently identifies Agnimandya as the primary etiological factor responsible for Grahani Roga. Panchakola Siddha Peya, described in multiple Ayurvedic treatises, possesses potent Deepana, Pachana, Anulomana, Vatanulomana, and Ama-pachana properties. The five constituent drugs—Pippali, Pippalimoola, Chitraka, Chavya, and Shunthi—collectively stimulate digestive fire, facilitate digestion of Ama, improve gastrointestinal function, and restore the physiological integrity of Grahani. Contemporary pharmacological studies demonstrate digestive stimulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties of these ingredients, thereby supporting several classical therapeutic claims. Conclusion Panchakola Siddha Peya represents a scientifically rational and therapeutically significant dietary formulation described in Ayurveda for the management of Grahani Roga. Its multifaceted actions on Agni, Ama, and Grahani support its continued relevance in contemporary Ayurvedic clinical practice. However, further well-designed experimental and clinical studies are warranted to strengthen the existing evidence base.