Pharmacology of Herbal Drugs: Ayurvedic Approach

Abstract

Herbal drugs are gaining acceptance globally. The present approach of studying them is based on modern parameters. Most of these drugs are described in ancient Ayurvedic treatises and so Ayurvedic method of studying pharmacology is necessary. It is also necessary to study pharmacokinetics as per Ayurveda only.  The study of the herbs is to be done in following steps. The first step is to study fivefold properties of herb, i.e., Rasa (taste), Guna (properties), Virya (potency), Vipak and Prabhava (specific action). The second step is to know pharmacological effects as per time and route of administration. The third step is to know the role of vehicle and effect of combination of the drug. Details will be presented in full paper.

Keywords: Herbal drugs, pharmacology, ayurvedic, herbs