Abstract

Dr. Anand Rajpoot*, Dr. Rajendra Kumar Dixit and Dr. Rakesh Bhushan Mishra

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is the most ancient indigenous medical system of India, derived from two words ‘Ayu’ and ‘Veda', which means the knowledge deals with Ayu or life. Ayurveda is divided into eight major branches known as Astang Ayurveda (Eight disciplines. Dravyaguna forms an integral part of Astanga Ayurveda (Eight disciplines). Dravya is the most important tool in therapeutics and one of the four limbs of treatment protocol (Chikitsa chatushpada). In practice, there are countless medical substances used in therapeutics, though it is not impossible, it is very difficult to understand and apply individually. Therefore, medicinal substances are classified on the basis of common parameters like Akriti (Morphology), Guna (Quality), karma (Pharmacological action), etc. Acharya Sushruta in Dravya sangrahaniya adhyaya of sushruta samhita sutra sthana 38th chapter has explained 37 gana (Group), each gana has multiple indications. The components in this gana are included in such a way that they have similar actions and properties. The nomenclature of gana is given by the first drug in that particular gana.