Study on Vājīkarana Drugs (Aphrodisiacs) for the Promotion of Reproductive Health - A Review

Background: Vājīkarana - Aphrodisiacs / Virilification Therapy is one branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda. It deals with preservation and promotion of sexual potency of a healthy man, conception of healthy progeny, and management of sexual and reproductive ailments. Vājīkarana drugs have been selected for the present review due to high prevalence of reproductive disorders among young people below age 40 years, recorded neonatal death caused by congenital anomalies and the urgency of effective medicines in the community.

Objectives: To identify Vājīkarana drugs mentioned in Bhaisajya Rathnavali and analyze the pharmacodynamics properties of commonly used Vājīkarana drugs.

Methodology: The review was mainly based on Vājīkarana drugs mentioned in Bhaisajya Rathnavali by Acharya Govinda Das Sen and commonly used and mostly available drugs have been analyzed according to their pharmacodynamics properties. Collected pharmacodynamics properties from authentic texts and journal articles were tabulated and analysis was done by using SPSS.

Results: Out of 67 Vājīkarana formulae, 208 single drugs were identified which included 83.65% of herbal origin drugs and 74.6% of drug formulae were used to increase the sexual power. 37.3% of the formulae were prepared as Churna (Powder) and most frequently used Anupana (Vehicle) was cow’s milk. Among frequently used & commonly available 10 drugs, Maricha - Piper nigrum has been used in majority of formulae (26.8%). Pharmacodynamics analysis revealed that 80% of drugs were Madhura rasa (sweet in taste), 70% were Guru guna (heavy in property), 70% were Shita virya (cold in potency) and 80% were Madhura vipaka (sweet in post digestive action). Based on modern science, 60% of the drugs had tonic action.

Conclusion: Vājīkarana formulae mentioned in Bhaisajya Rathnavali were mainly used to increase the sexual power of man. Madhura rasa, Guru guna, Shita virya and Madhura vipaka were the pharmacodynamics properties of commonly used drugs in the formulae.