Pharmacological basis of Ayurveda.

In order to explain the phenomenal effects of herbs, minerals, animal derivatives on the human body, Ayurveda laid its fundamental emphasis on the evolution of nature. It recognizes a common structural and functional force governing the human physiology and rest of the universe at molecular level. Deriving the leads mainly, from the Sankhya Darshana of Maharishi Kapila, it has postulated the theory of panchmaha bhoota.

TABLE I : Functions of Thridoshas

Dosha Functions in a cell Functions in human physiology

Doctrine of Panchabhutas

According to this theory, whole universe comprising both living and non-living - is composed of 5 primordial elements viz. Prithwi, Ap, Tejo Vayu and Akas’a. The properties and presence of these primordial elements has been proved illustratively. For example, if the structure of an atom is studied, the proton and nucleus represent the Prithwi, the property of which is stable. Electrons that revolve around this nucleus represent Vayu. The energy levels of electrons represents Agni. The force binding each electron to its orbit is due to the presence of Jala bhoota, while the Akas’a is represented by the interorbital space.

The variability or a similarity of mater in structure or properties is conferred to the matter by not only the ratio but also, configuration of the five primordial elements. Ayurveda describes the Bhoutik predominance in 7 kinds of tissues of human body, (vis. Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medo, Asthi, Majja & Shukra dhatus) of tridoshas based upon their physical properties. Table 2 shows the Bhoutik predominance of these 10 structural and functional elements.

TABLE II : Bhoutik predominance in various components of human body

(A) : Structural components

(B) : Functional components.