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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 2 [April to June]
  3. DRAVYAGUNA OF ANUPANA (VEHICLE SUBSTANCES) AND MODERN DRUG ABSORPTION ENHANCERS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
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Ms. Shital Gaikwad

DRAVYAGUNA OF ANUPANA (VEHICLE SUBSTANCES) AND MODERN DRUG ABSORPTION ENHANCERS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: In Ayurveda, Anupana refers to the co-administered vehicle substances taken with medicines or food, influencing taste, absorption, assimilation, and therapeutic direction. Ayurvedic classics describe multiple Anupana such as water, honey, milk, ghee, alcohol, and decoctions, which serve to potentiate efficacy, reduce toxicity, and enhance patient compliance. Modern pharmacology recognizes similar principles in the field of drug absorption enhancers and bioavailability modifiers. Methods: This review was based on a systematic search of Ayurvedic classics (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and modern biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) for studies published from 2000–2024. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies, reviews, and clinical evidence linking Anupana to digestion, absorption, and pharmacokinetics. Exclusion criteria were non-peer-reviewed reports and unrelated literature. Results: Ayurveda identifies diverse Anupana with unique Dravyaguna properties. Honey provides quick absorption, milk improves compatibility, ghee enhances lipophilic drug delivery, and alcohol facilitates rapid systemic absorption. Modern pharmacological studies show parallels: piperine increases drug bioavailability by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes; lipids and ghee-like carriers improve solubility of poorly soluble drugs; alcohol and solvents enhance membrane permeability. Herbal enhancers like ginger and black pepper demonstrate enzyme-modulating properties analogous to classical Anupana. Discussion: While Ayurveda qualitatively emphasizes patient-specific suitability and holistic effects of Anupana, modern science evaluates quantitative pharmacokinetic endpoints. Integration of these paradigms highlights new opportunities for drug delivery, toxicity reduction, and personalized therapeutics. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic concept of Anupana anticipates principles now central to modern pharmacology. Future research should aim at developing measurable biomarkers, pharmacokinetic trials, and novel formulations inspired by classical Anupana.

KEYWORDS: Absorption enhancers, Anupana, Ayurveda, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics