Anti-hemorrhoidal drugs of Bhavaprakash Nighantu: A literary survey

Abstract

Hemorrhoid is a lifestyle disease. Lifestyle disease is caused by a change in the way in which people live, as a result of the advancements in society or its scientific progress. Lack of adequate physical activity, no exercise, smoking, consumption of alcohol and irregular lifestyle patterns can be one of the main causes of these diseases. Hemorrhoid is one such lifestyle related disease. It can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, good fluid intake and by following a diet rich in fiber. Diet failure leads to many diseases including hemorrhoids, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In severe cases, piles may require surgical intervention. Ayurveda plays vital role in curing Arsha (Hemorrhoids) and is explained under mamsaroga. Many treatment modalities have been explained in Brihatrayi (Charak, Sushruta, Vagbhata) and Laghutrayi (Sharangdhara, Bhavaprakash and Madhav Nidan). Bhavaprakash mentions numerous drugs acting on hemorrhoids. The present study was designed to screen the drugs with Arshoghna, Visheshat Gudajapaham and Raktarshara, Gudaraktahruta, Gudankurnash, Gudartinash, Vatarshahara properties. Out of 426 drugs 82 were described for the treatment of hemorrhoids throughout the text which includes herbal, mineral and animal origin drugs.