The status of fermented preparations in clinical practice: A charaka samhita review

Abstract

Abstract The Charak Samhita is well known for its therapeutic results. It uses various dosage forms for treatment of various diseases, so we did an attempt to gather the knowledge of Sandhana Kalpana (fermented formulations) at one place which is scattered throughout the Samhita.To review the concept of Fermented formulations and its mechanism mentioned in clinical domain of Charaka Samhita. This is a review article of fermentative preparation in Charaka Samhita. Charaka Samhita and published literature in various databases/Journals which is a critical review. Charaka Samhita revealed 9 Asava Yoni (base materials used in fermentation) and 84 Asava (fermentative preparation). In Chikitsa of Charaka Samhita, a total of 29 references pertaining to preparation of fermentative formulations along with proportion of ingredients, Drava dravya (liquid), Sandhaneeya Dravya (fermenting materials), Prakshepa Dravya (addictives), Madhura Dravya (sweetening agents), Sandhana patra (fermentation vessel), Patra Samskara (preparation of vessel), method of preparation, Sandhana Sthala (location), time of fermentation and the duration for completion of process have been found, along with many references of various fermentative preparation like Kanji (acidic fermentation by using rice) Souviraka and Tushodaka (by using barley), etc. was found in Kalpa, Chikitsa, and Siddhi Sthana. Various methods of preparation of fermentative preparation are disseminated throughout text of Charaka Samhita. This review may help to aggregate the phenomenon of Fermented formulations along with peculiarities and indications as elucidated by Charaka.