Abstract

PURIFACTORY PROCEDURE, THERAPEUTIC UTILITIES AND TOXICITY OF VIJAYA (CANNABIS SATIVA LINN.) AS DESCRIBED IN AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Dr. Swaleha Shaikh*, Dr. Savita Samleti

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Abstract

Ayurveda is the most ancient branch of medicine in India. It has described use of many poisonous drugs as medicines. Poisonous drugs needs certain purification and in specific dose acts as rasayana and cures various diseases whereas if there is any impurity or overdose it has toxicological effects on body. With the name of Vijaya, this drug has been described from Vedic times in medicinal field but due to its narcotic action and addiction liability effect this plant, its use has been restricted upto certain extent. In 191 formulations, this processed drug as single or ingredient is effective in more than 29 diseases such as Jwara, Kushtha, Prameha, Grahani, Shiroroga, Atisara, Shotha, Shoola, Shwasa, Medoroga, Sheetapitta, Kasa, Pandu, Agnimandya and Ajirna in different forms such as Churna, Ghrita, Gutika, Kwatha, Satva, Avleha, etc. It is categorized under Upavisha (semi‐ toxic poisonous herbs), hence require Shodhana procedures for its therapeutic use and if not done properly, toxic effects of the drug are seen. So this article reviews about the various methods of Shodhana, therapeutic use of drug in different diseases and its toxicity seen in the body.

Keywords: Vijaya, Bhanga, Cannabis sativa Linn., Ayurveda, Upavisha.