Critical Review of Shoolprashman Mahakashaya Dravyas and their Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Action

Pain or Algesia is one of the main reasons to seek emergency medical care in modern medicine and also in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, there are many Aushad Dravyas and Yogas mentioned in the context of Shool, which have Shoolghna action. Acharya Charak mentioned fifty Mahakashaya in Sutra Sthana chapter four which contain ten ingredients each, is one of the specialties of Charak Samhita. Shoolprashman mahakashaya described by Acharaya Charak consists of, fruit and root of Piper longum Linn, Cuminum cyminum Linn., Piper nigrum Linn., Apium graveolens Linn., Plumbago zeylanica Linn., Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Piper retrofractum Vahl. These Aushadh Dravyas and their chemical constituents show Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory properties. This review article aims to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action of Aushadh dravyas of Shoolprashman Mahakashaya, to pave way for further studies and research to develop an ayurvedic analgesic drug.