The Role of Go Ghrita in Epilepsy - A Review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: The Role of Go Ghrita in Epilepsy - A Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Athira. S
PG Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College and PG Centre, Killy, Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Arun Pratap
HOD and Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College and PG Centre, Killy, Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Lekshmi. R
Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College and PG Centre, Killy, Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: The Role of Go Ghrita in Epilepsy - A Review
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i3.1249
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures and disturbances in consciousness, affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is three times higher than that of the general population. In Ayurveda, epilepsy is correlated with the term "Apasmara," which denotes a loss of consciousness and memory. Go Ghrita, a type of ghee derived from cow's milk, is recognized for its therapeutic properties in balancing the doshas (Vata and Pitta) and its capability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier due to its lipophilic nature, potentially enhancing the treatment of epilepsy and related conditions.
The Unique Properties of Go Ghrita
Go Ghrita is considered one of the highest quality ghee types among the eight varieties recognized in Ayurveda. It possesses specific characteristics such as "Madhura Rasa" (sweet taste), along with "Guru," "Snigdha," and "Mridu" qualities, contributing to the effectiveness of medicinal formulations prepared with it. Its properties as a "Rasayana"—a rejuvenative agent—suggest that long-term use may prevent recurrence of conditions like epilepsy. The ability of Go Ghrita to enhance the medicinal properties of other drugs when processed with them implies its great potential in treating Apasmara, as it supports mental faculties like memory and cognition.
The Lipophilic Nature and Its Benefits
The lipophilic property of Go Ghrita allows it to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, making it valuable in cognitive health and the treatment of epilepsy. Its lipid-soluble nature promotes fast absorption and distribution within the central nervous system (CNS). This characteristic facilitates the transportation of active ingredients to their target areas, enhancing the efficacy of treatments for neurological conditions. The presence of linoleic acid in Go Ghrita can further aid in its penetration across the blood-brain barrier, making it a suitable vehicle for delivering therapeutic compounds to the brain.
Conclusion
In summary, Go Ghrita's unique properties and its capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier highlight its importance in the treatment of epilepsy, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. By improving the bioavailability of various therapeutic agents and possessing rejuvenating qualities, Go Ghrita stands out as a beneficial adjunct in epilepsy care. As formulations for epilepsy continue to be developed with Go Ghrita, its potential to mitigate the recurrence of seizures and support overall cognitive health offers promise for individuals grappling with this chronic condition.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Go Ghrita in treating epilepsy?
Go Ghrita, a type of ghee derived from cow's milk, possesses lipophilic properties that allow it to effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Its therapeutic effects, especially its Rasayana property, may help reduce the recurrence of epilepsy.
How is epilepsy correlated with the Ayurvedic concept of Apasmara?
Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, aligns with the Ayurvedic term Apasmara, which describes episodes of unconsciousness and disturbances in memory. Ayurveda interprets this condition as related to imbalances in the mind and body.
What role does Ghrita play in Ayurvedic treatments?
In Ayurveda, Ghrita serves as both food and medicine. Its unique properties enhance the therapeutic benefits of herbal preparations, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption, thus making it a vital substance in various treatments, including those for epilepsy.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The Role of Go Ghrita in Epilepsy - A Review�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, particularly derived from cow's milk (known as Goghrita), is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its versatile food and medicinal properties. It is known to balance Vata and Pitta Doshas and possesses the unique 'SamskarasyaAnuvarthana' property, enhancing the medicinal properties of substances it is processed with.
2) Apasmara:
Apasmara in Ayurveda is correlated with epilepsy, characterized by loss of memory, consciousness disturbances, and abnormal body postures. Symptoms like vomiting froth and abnormal postures due to perversion of memory, intellect, and other psychic faculties are noted.
3) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent seizures and consciousness disturbances. The prevalence of this disease is significant, affecting around 50 million people globally, and it carries a threefold higher risk of premature death compared to the general population.
4) Goghrita (Goghrta, Go-ghrita):
[see source text or glossary: Go-ghrita]
5) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
In the context of Apasmara (epilepsy), Hridaya (heart) is significant as it is considered the Sthana or site affected by the vitiation of Doshas, leading to the disease. Proper functioning of Hridaya is essential for the normalcy of mental functions and consciousness.
6) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas, including Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are fundamental concepts in Ayurveda. Vitiation or imbalance of these Doshas is linked to various diseases, including epilepsy (Apasmara). Treatments often focus on balancing the affected Doshas to restore health.
7) Disease:
In Ayurveda, a disease like epilepsy (Apasmara) is understood through the complex interplay of Doshas, Dhatus, Srotas, and other factors. The vitiation of Doshas is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis and developing appropriate treatments.
8) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, particularly cow's ghee (Goghrita), is a staple in Ayurvedic diets and medicinal practices. It is valued for its nourishing properties, ability to balance Doshas, and enhance the bioavailability of medicinal herbs it is processed with.
9) Nature:
The lipophilic nature of Goghrita is particularly important as it allows this substance to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic benefits directly to the central nervous system.
10) Blood:
The concept of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) is critical in understanding how substances like Goghrita can affect the brain. The BBB is a selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing lipid-soluble compounds through.
11) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic healthcare system originating in India. It emphasizes the balance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Dhatus, and Srotas to maintain health. Treatments often include diet, lifestyle changes, and medicinal formulations like Goghrita.
12) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to the rejuvenative and longevity-promoting therapies in Ayurveda. Goghrita is considered a Rasayana due to its nourishing properties and potential to reduce disease recurrence, including epilepsy.
13) Karma (Karman):
[see source text or glossary: Karma]
14) Vata:
Vata Dosha, one of the three fundamental principles in Ayurveda, governs movement and is linked to neurological functions. Imbalances in Vata can manifest as disorders like epilepsy (Apasmara). Goghrita helps to balance Vata Dosha.
15) Majjadhatu (Majja-dhatu):
[see source text or glossary: Majja-dhatu]
16) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
17) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues in Ayurveda, including Majjadhatu. Each Dhatu has specific functions, and imbalances can lead to disease. Treatments aim to restore the balance of these Dhatus.
18) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation is a term used to describe the imbalance or disturbance of Doshas, Dhatus, or Srotas in Ayurveda, which can lead to disease. For example, vitiated Doshas in Hridaya can cause epilepsy (Apasmara).
19) Indriya (Imdriya):
[see source text or glossary: Indriya]
20) Madhura:
[see source text or glossary: Madhura]
21) Snehana:
Snehana refers to the therapeutic application of oils or ghee, like Goghrita, to nourish and lubricate tissues. It is especially important in treating Vata Dosha imbalances and conditions like epilepsy.
22) Smriti (Smrti):
Smriti (memory) is one of the faculties that get affected in Apasmara (epilepsy). Goghrita is believed to enhance cognitive functions, including Smriti, due to its nourishing properties.
23) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas (channels) are pathways through which nutrients and waste products travel in the body. Blockages or vitiation of Srotas can lead to diseases like epilepsy. Goghrita helps in clearing and nourishing the Srotas.
24) Pitta:
Pitta Dosha, governing metabolism and digestion, is one of the three fundamental principles in Ayurveda. An imbalance in Pitta can lead to conditions like epilepsy. Treatments often include cooling and nourishing substances like Goghrita.
25) Majja:
[see source text or glossary: Majja]
26) Food:
In Ayurveda, food is considered medicine. Substances like Goghrita are integrated into the diet for their therapeutic properties, including balancing Doshas and nourishing tissues, which can help manage diseases like epilepsy.
27) Drug:
In Ayurvedic medicine, ghee-based formulations can enhance the efficacy of herbs and other medicinal substances. Drugs processed with Goghrita, for example, may be more effective in treating conditions like epilepsy.
28) Tamapravesha (Tamapravesa, Tama-pravesha):
Tamapravesa (loss of consciousness) is a cardinal symptom of Apasmara (epilepsy). Treatments like Goghrita are aimed at managing and reducing episodes of Tamapravesa.
29) Samprapti:
[see source text or glossary: Samprapti]
30) Substance:
Substances like Goghrita can absorb medicinal properties of herbs they are processed with, enhancing their effectiveness. This unique capability is referred to in Ayurveda as 'SamskarasyaAnuvarthana'.
31) Citta (Chitta):
[see source text or glossary: Chitta]
32) Manas (Mano, Manash):
[see source text or glossary: Mano]
33) Guru:
[see source text or glossary: Guru]
34) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]
35) Mana:
[see source text or glossary: Mana]
36) Milk:
[see source text or glossary: Milk]
37) Udanavata (Udana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Udanavata]
38) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Tridosha]
39) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to the symptoms or clinical features of a disease. In the case of Apasmara (epilepsy), Lakshanas include loss of memory, loss of consciousness, and abnormal postures.
40) Vomiting:
[see source text or glossary: Vomiting]
41) Snigdha:
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]
42) Buddhi:
[see source text or glossary: Buddhi]
43) Kshaya (Ksaya):
[see source text or glossary: Kshaya]
44) Vipaka:
[see source text or glossary: Vipaka]
45) Nidana:
[see source text or glossary: Nidana]
46) Kapha:
Kapha Dosha is one of the three fundamental principles in Ayurveda, governing structure and lubrication in the body. Goghrita, being Kapha-augmentative, helps in nourishing tissues and balancing Kapha.
47) Satva (Shatva):
[see source text or glossary: Satva]
48) Mridu (Mrdu):
[see source text or glossary: Mridu]
49) Virya:
[see source text or glossary: Virya]
50) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
51) Death:
[see source text or glossary: Death]
52) Agni:
Agni (digestive fire) is fundamental to metabolism and overall health in Ayurveda. Goghrita aids in stimulating and regulating Agni, thereby improving digestion and assimilation of nutrients, which can be beneficial in treating diseases like epilepsy.
53) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
54) Medas (Meda, Medash):
[see source text or glossary: Meda]
55) Anga (Amga):
[see source text or glossary: Anga]
56) Sita (Shita):
[see source text or glossary: Sita]
57) Pain:
[see source text or glossary: Pain]
58) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
[see source text or glossary: Cow's milk]
59) clarified butter:
[see source text or glossary: clarified butter]
60) Human body:
[see source text or glossary: Human body]
61) Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvanantha-puram, Tiru-anantapuram, Tiruvanantapuram, Tiruananta-puram):
[see source text or glossary: Thiruvananthapuram]
62) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
[see source text or glossary: Transformation]
63) Anabhishyandin (Anabhisyandin, Anabhisyandi, Anabhishyandi):
[see source text or glossary: Anabhishyandi]
64) Vayasthapana (Vaya-sthapana):
[see source text or glossary: Vayasthapana]
65) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Madhurarasa]
66) Smrityapaya (Smrtyapaya, Smriti-apaya):
[see source text or glossary: Smrityapaya]
67) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vatavyadhi]
68) Cakshushya (Caksusya):
[see source text or glossary: Cakshushya]
69) Vikshepana (Viksepana):
[see source text or glossary: Vikshepana]
70) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Pittadosha]
71) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
72) Pranavata (Prana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Pranavata]
73) Vyanavata (Vyana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Vyanavata]
74) Amlapitta (Amla-pitta):
[see source text or glossary: Amlapitta]
75) Karnashula (Karnasula, Karna-shula):
[see source text or glossary: Karnasula]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 139]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �The Role of Go Ghrita in Epilepsy - A Review�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Apasmara, Pranavata, Majjadhatu, Goghrita, Therapeutic effect, Ayurvedic Concept, Blood brain barrier, Vitiation of Dosha, Rasayana property, Lipophilic nature, Snehana property, Recurrent seizure.