PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO VIRYA: CORRELATING AYURVEDIC POTENCY WITH ACTIVE PRINCIPLES
Introduction: In Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna Vijnana), Virya (potency) represents the intrinsic energy of a substance responsible for therapeutic efficacy. Traditionally classified as Ushna (hot) or Shita (cold), Virya governs drug activity beyond taste (Rasa) and qualities (Guna). Modern pharmacology parallels Virya with pharmacological potency, bioactivity, and active principles of medicinal plants. Methods: This review synthesizes data from classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and biomedical databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AYUSH Research Portal. Inclusion criteria were original research, clinical studies, and reviews (2000–2024) discussing Virya or active phytoconstituents in pharmacological terms. Non-peer-reviewed and anecdotal sources were excluded. Results: Analysis reveals that Ushna Virya correlates with stimulant, thermogenic, and metabolism-enhancing properties, mediated by alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils. Shita Virya aligns with cooling, anti-inflammatory, and sedative actions, supported by terpenoids, saponins, and glycosides. Herb-specific examples demonstrate strong correlations: Piper nigrum (piperine, bioenhancer), Zingiber officinale (gingerols, thermogenic), Capsicum annum (capsaicin, TRPV1 agonist), Withania somnifera (withanolides, adaptogen), Mentha spp. (menthol, TRPM8 agonist), Ocimum sanctum (eugenol, flavonoids, antioxidant), Emblica officinalis (polyphenols, hepatoprotective), and Azadirachta indica (limonoids, anti-inflammatory). Polyherbal formulations such as Triphala further highlight Shita Virya through antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Discussion: While parallels exist between Virya and pharmacological potency, challenges remain in translating qualitative Ayurvedic categories into quantitative biomedical parameters. Advances in pharmacogenomics, metabolomics, and receptor assays provide opportunities to validate Virya scientifically. Integrative approaches could expand drug discovery, optimize formulations, and personalize therapeutics by bridging traditional insights with modern pharmacology.
KEYWORDS: Active principles; Ayurveda; Pharmacodynamics; Potency; Virya