Effect of Ushna-Sheeta Guna on Carbohydrate Content of Mudga (Vigna radiata Linn.) – An In vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction:Gunas act as tools for predicting or assessing the karma. Understanding the guna will help in the application of dravyas in treatment. Certain experimental techniques are being used as parameters for the evaluation of Gurvadi gunas. Ushna guna is having a prominent action on the Jatharagni and it helps in Pachana. The present study is an attempt to find out the possibility of employing carbohydrate estimation by hydrolysis in assessing Ushna-Sheeta guna. This was done by determining the effect of selected Ushna-Sheeta guna drugs on hydrolysis of Mudga and ultimately on its carbohydrate content.Methods:Estimation of carbohydrates of Mudga, Maricha, and Usheera was done by Anthrone method. Then Mudga was subjected to hydrolysis in the presence of Maricha in one sample and Usheera in another sample. These samples were subjected to estimation of carbohydrates.Results:The mean carbohydrate content in Mudga alone was 107.69 mg/100 mg. After hydrolysis of Mudga in the presence of Maricha (8:2), the mean carbohydrate content of sample increased to 114.65 mg/100 mg of sample. Similarly, after hydrolysis of Mudga in the presence of Usheera (8:2), the mean carbohydrate content of sample increased to 110.7 mg/100 mg of sample.Conclusion:Percentage of conversion is 1.9% in Maricha group and is 17.81% in Usheera group, which is against the Ayurveda concept of Ushna guna aiding in Pachana. The ushna and sheeta gunas might come into action in the presence of digestive enzymes and this might again depend on other constituents of drugs.

Keywords

• anthrone method
• carbohydrate
• mudga
• sheeta guna
• ushna guna