Kāśāhara Mahākaṣāya: An Exploratory Review of Its Constituents, Pharmacodynamic Attributes and Experimental Evidences with Special Reference to Respiratory Disorders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63247/3048-7390.vol.2.issue3.11Keywords:
Kāśāhara Mahākaṣāya, bronchial asthma, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, Ayurveda, respiratory disordersAbstract
Introduction: Respiratory disorders described under Śvāsa and Kāsa in Ayurveda are characterized by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and recurrent infections. Kāśāhara Mahākaṣāya, described by Ācārya Caraka, is a classical group of ten herbs indicated for cough-dominant and Kapha–Vāta predominant respiratory conditions. Despite its extensive traditional use, scientific appraisal of its constituents and pharmacological relevance remains limited. The present review aims to analyze the classical Ayurvedic attributes, phytochemical constituents, and contemporary evidence of the drugs comprising Kāśāhara Mahākaṣāya, with special reference to respiratory disorders.
Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts including the Caraka Saṃhitā and various Nighaṇṭus were reviewed to elucidate the pharmacodynamic properties (Rasapañcaka, Doṣaghnatā, and Rogaghnatā) of the constituent drugs. For contemporary evidence, scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for experimental and clinical studies focusing on anti-inflammatory, antitussive, bronchodilatory, anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities relevant to airway inflammation.
Results: The drugs of Kāśāhara Mahākaṣāya exhibit complementary pharmacological actions including suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mast cell stabilization, bronchodilation, modulation of Th2/Th17 immune responses, enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms, antitussive effects, and antimicrobial activity. These actions correlate with Ayurvedic descriptions of Kāśāhara, Śvāsahara, Śothahara, and Rasāyana properties. Experimental and limited clinical evidence supports their efficacy in attenuating airway inflammation, bronchospasm, oxidative stress, and allergic responses.
Conclusion: Kāśāhara Mahākaṣāya represents a rational, multi-targeted therapeutic approach for respiratory disorders, particularly bronchial asthma and allergic airway diseases. However, further well-designed clinical trials employing standardized formulations are warranted to establish its efficacy and role in integrative respiratory care.
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