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922
Review Article
Harmander et al. WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL
World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
AND MEDICAL RESEARCH ISSN 2455-3301
www.wjpmr.com Wjpmr

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF BALYA MAHAKASHAYA WRT IMMUNITY

Dr. Harmander Singh*1, Dr. Naresh Kumar Garg2, Dr. Om Prakash Sharma3 and Dr. Monika4
1
PG Scholar PG Department of Dravyaguna Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Sciences and hospital,S.G.N.R.
(Raj.).
2
Professor, PG Department of Dravyaguna, Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Sciences and hospital SGNR. (Raj.).
3
Professor & HOD,PG Department of Dravyaguna, Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Sciences and hospital SGNR.
(Raj.).
4
Assistant professor Department of Dravyaguna, Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Sciences and hospital, S.G.N.R.
(Raj.).

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Harmander Singh

PG Scholar PG Department of Dravyaguna Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Sciences and hospital,S.G.N.R. (Raj.).

Article Received on 24/05/2022 Article Revised on 14/06/2022 Article Accepted on 04/07/2022

ABSTRACT
Drug is an important part of chikitsa chatushpada, which has been mentioned next to the physician in Charak
Samhita. The comprehensive knowledge of the drug is very important to physician because without knowledge of
the drug, the patient can‟t be treated properly. The action Balya is defined as “Balaaya Hitam Balyam" which
refers to substances that are beneficial and tend to increase Bala of an individual. The concept of Bala has been
well explained by different Acharaya in Ayurveda. Acharya Charak has classified the drugs according to their
Karma (pharmacological properties) into 50 groups or Mahakashaya. Each Mahakashaya contains 10 drugs
possessing similar properties. Balya Mahakashaya is one of them containing 10 drugs . Balya mahakashaya is one
of the 50 mahakashaya, which have been mentioned in Charak samhita sutra sthana 4/7.[1] Ten important drugs are
enumerated under this mahakashaya,[2] i.e. Aindri, Rishabhi, Atirasa, Rishyaprokta, Payasya, Ashvagandha, Sthira,
Rohini, Bala and Atibala. Dravya which increases vitality or strength of body known as “Balya”. Mahakashaya is
the term for a group of drugs which are used for similar purpose.

KEYWORDS: Balya, Strength, Bala, Mahakashaya.

INTRODUCTION strength of body known as “Balya”. In Sushruta Samhita

sutra sthana 15/19&203, the word “Bala” refers to “Oja”
The Ayurvedic classical texts have described the
also which has a function of maintaining the “Bala” of
pharmacological classification of drugs, broadly and
the body. The word “Bala” also denotes the normal
scientifically. Dravya are categorized according to their
“Kapha dosa” as it has the function of providing Bala for
effect on specific system of human body. The
the body Sushruta said that according to the concept of
Karmanusara classification of Charaka has been done in
our own scripture, ojas is defined as the final and
50 groups or mahakashaya. Each group consists of ten
excellent essence of dhatus beginning with rasa and
drugs. In this method of classification the Acharya has
ending with shukra, the same verily is called as „bala‟.
described the drugs of basic importance. Therefore, the
Sushruta, describes the function of “Bala” as-
descriptions given are neither too exhaustive nor too
nourishment and stability of Mansa dhatu (the muscular
brief. The dravya which are mentioned is enough for the
tissues of the body), ability to perform various tasks
use of person who are not much intelligence. This will
efficiently, clarity and complexion of voice along with
also help person of high intelligence in exercising their
clear and efficient working of all the organs either
own imagination for grasping other drugs. Balya
external like Gyanendriya (sense organs) or Karmendriya
mahakashaya is one of the 50 mahakashaya, which have
(organs with motor functions) and internal like Mana
been mentioned in Charaka samhita sutra sthana 4/7.
(mind), Atma (spirit), etc”. Health depends on Bala and
for restoring health treatment is done, the final object of
Balya mahakashaya contain ten drugs which are Aindri,
treatment being maintaining the Bala in the body. The
Rishabhi, Atirasa, Rishyaprokta, Payasya, Ashvagandha,
Balya action with of various substances, either by
Sthira, Rohini, Bala and Atibala. Mahakashaya is the
medicaments or dietary substances is clearly mentioned
term for a group of drugs which are used for similar
in Ayurvedic classics.
purpose. The single components of each group are called
as Kasaya. Those dravya which increases vitality or

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Harmander et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

According to Charak „bala‟ is of 3 types (C.Su.11/36) [4] Vidarigandhadi gana of Sushruta samhita. The
i.e. sahaja (constitutional), kalaja (temporal) and Synonyms are Atmagupta, Kandura, Markati, and
yuktikrita (acquired). Vrishabhi. Dosha Karma – Vata shamaka
3. Atirasa - Botanical name: Asparagus racemosus
A. Sahaja bala - It is an inherent characteristic property Willd. Family: Alliaceae This Plant is described in
of an individual present since birth. Balya, Shukrajanana and Vayasthapana
B. Kalaja bala - It is dependent on season and age. mahakashaya of Charaka samhita and
C. Yuktikrita - Acquired strength is dependent on diet, Vidarigandhadi, Varunadi and Kantakapancamula
Drugs and exercises etc. Some example of strength gana of Sushruta samhita. The Synonyms are
promoter in samhita - Majja enhances strength Bahusuta, Vari, Shatavirya, Pivari,
(S.Su.15/7) and it also provides physical strength Adharkantaka,Svadurasa and Phanijihva. Dosha
especially to asthidhatu. Prakrita kapha increases Karma – Vata - Pitta shamaka.
strength (C.Su.18/53), Normal blood increases strength. 4. Rishyaprokta- Botanical name: Teramnus labialis
Meat of cock is strength promoter (C.Su.25/40) ; regular Spreng. Family: Fabaceae This Plant is described in
consumption of food having all tastes increases strength Jivaneeya, Balya and Shukrajanana mahakashaya of
(C.Su.25/40); virya (semen) is the best strength Charaka samhita and Vidarigandhadi and Kakolyadi
promoters (S.Su.15/7). Regular performance of exercise gana of Sushruta samhita. The Synonyms are
promotes strength. For the purpose to preservation of Shooryaparni, Kamboji, Hayapuchchhika and
health in healthy individual and eradication of disease Mahasaha etc. Dosha Karma – Vata - Pitta shamaka.
which are curable, we need to know those drugs which 5. Payasya- Botanical name: Ipomoea digitata Linn
are increases the strength and vitality or act as tonic. Family: Convolvulaceae This Plant is described in
(C.Su.- Charaka samhita sutrasthana 11/36,18/53, 25/40 Brinhaniya, Balya, Kanthya and Pureeshavirajaniya
& S.Su – Sushruta samhita sutra sthana 15/7). mahakasaya of Charaka samhita. The Synonyms are
Ksheeravalli and Payasvinee etc. Dosha Karma –
Vata -Pitta shamaka.
6. Ashvagandha- Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Dunal Family: Solanaceae This Plant is described in
Brinhaniya and Balya mahakashaya of Charaka
samhita. The Synonyms are Ajagandha,
Varahakarnee, Vajee, Balada and Kusthagandhanee
etc. Dosha Karma – Kapha - Vata shamaka.
7. Sthira- Botanical name: Desmodium gangeticum
DC Family: Papilionatae This Plant is described in
Balya, Snehopaga, Shvayathuhara,
Angamardaprashamana and Vayasthapana
mahakashaya of Charaka samhita and
Vidarigandhadi, Laghupancamula gana of Sushruta
samhita. The Synonyms are Anshumati, Guha,
Vidarigandha and Shophghani etc. Dosha Karma –
Tridosh shamaka.
8. Bala- Botanical Name: Sida cordifolia Linn. Family:
MATERIAL AND METHODS Malvaceae This Plant is described in Balya,
Comprehensive review of drugs under Balya Brinhaneeya and Prajasthapana mahakashaya of
Mahakashaya of Charaka Samhita C.Su.4 was done. Charaka samhita. The Synonyms are Peetapushpi,
Each drug mentioned under Balya Mahakashaya was Balarhaya, Badraudani, Vinaya, and Sheetapaki etc.
reviewed from Bhavaprakash nighantus, P.V.Sharma Dosha Karma – V ata - Pitta shamaka.
dravyaguna vigyana. Further, scientific research work 9. Atibala- Botanical Name: Abutilon indicum (Linn).
regarding drug has been collected. All information was Sw Family: Malvaceae This Plant is described in
then analyzed, discussed and concluded. Balya and Brinhaneeya mahakashaya of Charaka
samhita and Vidarigandhadi gana of Sushruta
OBSERVATIONS - Description of dravya of Balya samhita. The synonyms are Petarika, Vatyapushpi,
Mahakashaya - Kankatika, Vrishya and Saha etc. Dosha Karma – V
1. Aindri- Botanical name: Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) ata - Pitta shamaka.
Pennell Family: Scrophulariaceae This Plant is 10. Rohini- Botanical Name: Soymida febrifuga A.Juss
described in Balya, Prajasthapana of Charaka Family: Maliaceae This Plant is described in Balya
samhita. Dosha Karma – Kapha - Vata shamaka. mahakashaya of Charaka samhita and Nyagrodhadi
2. Rishabhi - Botanical name: Mucuna prurita Hook. gana of Sushruta samhita. The synonyms are
Family: Fabaceae This Plant is described in Balya Atiruha,Vritta, Praharavalli, Charmakasha, Vikasha
mahakashaya of Charaka samhita and and Vasa etc . Dosha Karma – Kaph - Pitta shamaka.

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 Harmander et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

Table of Drug property according to charak - Balya mahakashaya.[5]

S.NO. DRUGS RASA GUNA VIRYA VIPAKA
1. Aindri Tikta Laghu Ushna Katu
2. Rishbhi Tikta , madhur Guru, snigdha Ushna Madhur
3. Atirasa Tikta , madhur Guru, snigdha sheeta Madhur
4. Rishyaprokta Tikta, madhur Laghu, snigdha sheeta Madhur
5. Payasya Madhur Guru, snigdha sheeta Madhur
6. Ashwagandha Tikta,katu,madhur Laghu, snigdha Ushna Madhur
7. Sthira Tikta, madhur Guru, snigdha Ushna Madhur
8. Rohini Tikta,Kashaya Laghu, ruksha sheeta Katu
9. Bala Madhur Laghu, snigdha picchil sheeta Madhur
10. Atibala Madhur Laghu, snigdha picchil sheeta Madhur

DICUSSION health in healthy individual and eradication of disease

which are curable. Thus, proper use of drugs of Balya
Bala (strength) deteriorates day by day in today's fast
mahakashaya would help to live a healthy life, and to
pace of life where every individual is facing anxiety,
combat the challenges posed by frightening diseases of
stress, insomnia, depression, mental illness etc. All these
present and future.
factors attenuate the individual's both physical and
mental strength. For improving the strength of many
REFERENCES
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mentioned for improving Bala. The delineation of Balya Caraka and Dridhabala, Edited with „Caraka
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of all Dhatus viz. Rasa, Rakta, Mamas, Meda, Asthi, 4. Sushruta Samhita, with English translation of text
Majja, Shukra, Ayushya, Balkaraka (increases strength), and Dalhana commentary along with critical notes
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Su.26/43)[6] Shodhana of all channels (Srotas) by Tikta 5. Charaka Samhita, Vol I , translated by Prof. P. V.
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material from body) Guna of both Tikta and Katu Rasa. 6. Charaka Samhita, Vol I , Ch. Su.26/43 translated by
(S.Su.42/9)[7] and its Medhya (promotes intelligence) Prof. P. V. Sharma, Chaukambha Orientatlia
property of tikta rasa (As.Hr.Su.10/14-16)[8] All these Varanasi, Reprint Edition, 2011; 1,2.
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CONCLUSION 8. Ashtanga hridaya by Dr Brahmanand Tripathi.
(As.Hr.Su.10/14-16) Publisher: chaukhamba sanskrit
Medicinal plants are natural source of medicines, now
pratishthan.
the world is moving towards the plant based medicine or
phytomedicines that strengthening bodily systems
(especially the immune system or oja, which can then
properly fight foreign bodies) and help to destroy against
pathogens without toxic side effects. We need to know
those drugs which increase the strength and vitality or act
as tonic. The drugs of Balya mahakashaya enhance Oja
thereby increasing vitality and strength. Because of this
beneficial effect, those drugs can be used to fulfill the
purpose and objective of Ayurveda to preservation of

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