Scientific review on Katukaskandhaya (group of pungent drugs) and its medicinal importance

Narathota S.N.L.1* and Jayasiri A.P.A.2

Abstract

Dravyaguna vinjnana of Ayurveda which can be correlated with modern Pharmacology, is an area with a wide spectrum of knowledge regarding substances that are used in treatment and preventive care. The study of Dravya with their properties and actions helps in the proper utilization of drugs for different diseases. Classification based on the dominancy of taste (Rasa) is mentioned under the term Skandha in Charaka Samhitha and drugs with pungent taste come under the Katukaskandhaya. In this scientific review, ten drugs mentioned in Katukaskandhaya were evaluated based on Rasadi panchakaya, chemical composition and therapeutic efficacy with reference to Ayurveda, Traditional, Allopathic medical texts and research articles published in validated databases. Among the selected drugs, majority (>60%) were having Laghu, Ruksha, Thekshna Guna, 80% with Ushna Veerya and 70% with Katu Vipaka. These drugs were prominent with Alkaloids, Terpenes, Phenols, and Flavonoids recorded with Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-carcinogenic properties. According to therapeutic effectiveness and efficacy mentioned in Ayurveda and Traditional medical texts, these are mainly indicated for the treatment of diseases caused due to vitiated Kapha-Vata dosha. Vitiation of Kapha dosha leads to impairment of Agni resulting formation of Ama which is a causative factor for many disorders. Trikatu is one of the drug formulae mentioned for vitiated Kapha dosha which includes drugs mentioned in Katukaskandhaya such as Zingiber officinale, Piper longum and Piper nigrum. Further studies on this group of drugs can be conducted with phytochemical analysis and clinical trials to analyze the efficacy of drug formulae with drugs of Katukaskandhaya in disease management.