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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 3 [July to September]
  3. PHARMACOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF RASA PANCHAKA: INTEGRATING AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES WITH MODERN BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVES
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Ms. Priya Bhaware

PHARMACOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF RASA PANCHAKA: INTEGRATING AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES WITH MODERN BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVES

Introduction: Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, provides a unique pharmacological framework known as Rasa Panchaka—comprising Rasa (taste), Guna (qualities), Veerya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), and Prabhava (specific action). These parameters govern drug activity, therapeutic efficacy, and safety. Recent scientific investigations have sought to establish correlations between Rasa Panchaka and pharmacological properties, thus bridging traditional and modern concepts. Methods: This review was conducted by systematically searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AYUSH research databases. Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya were critically examined. Studies included were review articles, clinical studies, and pharmacological research (2000–2024) that discussed Rasa Panchaka and biomedical correlations. Exclusion criteria involved non-peer-reviewed sources and anecdotal reports without pharmacological basis. Results: Findings suggest that Rasa aligns with organoleptic and receptor-mediated responses, Guna corresponds to physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties, Veerya parallels bioactivity and pharmacological potency, Vipaka relates to metabolic transformation and pharmacokinetics, while Prabhava reflects unexplained specific actions similar to drug idiosyncrasy or receptor selectivity. Contemporary studies validate correlations, such as tikta rasa (bitter taste) with hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic effects, ushna veerya with thermogenic and stimulant activity, and madhura vipaka with anabolic outcomes. Discussion: The Rasa Panchaka framework offers predictive value in pharmacology and drug discovery. However, gaps remain in mechanistic understanding, standardization, and translational research. Integrative approaches combining Ayurvedic wisdom with modern pharmacological tools are essential for evidence-based validation.

 

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda; Guna; Pharmacology; Prabhava; Rasa Panchaka