PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF LEKHANIYA DRAVYAS (WEIGHT REDUCING DRUGS) - A LITERARY REVIEW

Dr. Umakant N. Rabb*

ABSTRACT

The drugs which does the Karshana or Lekahan (Scraping) are called as Lekhana Dravyas. As per Acharya Charaka the drugs which produce lightness in the body known as Lekshana Karma. As per Acharya Sushruta these Lekhaniya drugs are predominant by Vayu and Agni Mahabhutas. The qualities of these drugs are; Laghu (Light), Ushna (Hot in potency), Teekshna (Penetrating and Sharpness action), Vishada (Clearness), Ruksha (Dryness), Sookshma (Minuteness), Khara (Roughness), Sara (Mobility), Kathina (Hardness). The Lekhaniya Dravyas are; Mustha (Cyperus rotundus Linn, Cyperaceae), Kustha (Saussurea lappa C.B clarke, Asteraceae), Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn, Zingiberaceae), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata Roxb.ex DC, Berberidaceae), Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn, Araceae), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum wall. Ex Royle, Ranunculaceae), Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth, Scrophulariaceae), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn, Plumbaginaceae), Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Planch, Ulmaceae), Shweta Vacha (Iris ensata Thumb, Araceae). These drugs help to increase the metabolism which help in utilizing the body fat and increasing the body vitality. These drugs also helps in the eliminating excess cellulite deposition, obstruction, blocks, clots, haematoma, obesity etc metabolic diseases from the body and prevent further disease pathogenesis.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Lekhaniya Dravyas, Acharya Charaka, Acharya Sushruta, Weight reducing drugs, etc.