An Introduction of the Drugs of Hridya Mahakashya (Group of Cardio Tonics Drugs) and its Mode of Action

Abstract

Ayurveda defines health as a state of physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual well-being. Nowadays, life has become so erratic that everybody is in hurry and is stressed. This life style has a direct impact on the health especially on the heart. Thus cardiovascular diseases pose an alarming threat to global health. Large number of herbs are mentioned in Ayurveda as Hrida i.e. beneficial for heart. In this study I have discussed about the herbs that are mentioned in Hridya Mahakashya (Group of cardio tonics drugs). Acharya charaka has mentioned the Hridya Mahakashaya in his classification .This is a group of ten drugs i. e. beneficial for heart. All ten drugs are Amla Rasa Pradhana (sour in taste) and rich source of vitamin c. Vitamin c is proved to be a potent antioxidant as well as a good stress buster. The aim of this article is putting forward the brief accounts and probable mode of action of these drugs mentioned in Hridya Mahakashaya.

Keywords

• Hridya
• Mahakashaya
• Hridya mahakashya
• Amla Rasa
• Vata
• Antioxidant