Siddha Ghrita Formulations in Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana: A Classification Based on Routes of Administration (Bahya And Abhyantara Prayoga)

Abstract

Bhaishajya Kalpana, the branch of Ayurveda concerned with pharmaceutical formulation, describes a wide range of dosage forms of which Sneha Kalpana the preparation of medicated fats holds a prominent therapeutic position. Among these, Ghrita Kalpana (medicated ghee preparations) is regarded as superior owing to the unique Yogavahi (synergist) property of Go Ghrita (cow ghee), which enables it to assimilate and potentiate the therapeutic qualities of co-processed drugs without losing its own inherent characteristics. The present study aims to classify all Siddha Ghrita formulations mentioned in Charaka Chikitsa Sthana according to their route of administration Bahya Prayoga (external application) and Abhyantara Prayoga (internal application) thereby providing a clinically and pharmaceutically structured reference. A classical literary review methodology was adopted. All 30 chapters of Charaka Chikitsa Sthana were reviewed sequentially. A total of more than 200 Siddha Ghrita Kalpana was identified across 30 Adhyayas. Among these, formulations indicated specifically for Bahya Prayoga include 12 for Abhyanga, 3 for Lepa, 1 for Avagaha, and 3 for Parisheka. For Abhyantara Prayoga, 10 formulations were indicated for Nasya and 8 for Basti. The majority of remaining formulations were prescribed for Pana (oral administration). Several formulations were found to be dual-route, indicated for both Bahya and Abhyantara Prayoga.

Charaka Samhita contains a remarkably rich repertoire of Siddha Ghrita Kalpana with diverse routes of administration.

The present application-based classification provides a structured reference for future pharmacological evaluation, pharmaceutical standardisation, and clinical validation of these classical formulations.