Abstract
Classical texts of Ayurveda, basing upon the presence of spines, describes two types of Snuhi i.e, one having excess of spines and the other having less number of spines. The plant having more number of spines are considered as Shrestha (superior). Various parts of Snuhi were administered either externally or internally in multi dosage forms to combat varied disease conditions. Euphorbia neriifolia has been considered as the botanical equivalent of snuhi. A single hand data is unavailable on the usage of Snuhi, externally in various anomalies. This review portrays the wide usage of Snuhi in the form of external administration from 52 different classical texts consisting of treatise and compendia. It is observed that about 253 formulations, in 20 dosage forms, have been recommended, almost 62 varied diseases. Among these disease conditions, Kustha (Skin disorders) is maximum, followed by Arsha (Haemorhoids) and Vatavyadhi (Neuro-muscular anomalies) etc. where latex part of Snuhi has been indicated in external application.Â
Highlights
Drugs of herbal origin dominate among all other group of drugs being recommended by Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
On keen observation, it is noted that Snuhi has been used as an ingredient in a total of 253 formulations
Different parts of the plant Snuhi are used in various dosage forms in many disease conditions
Summary
Drugs of herbal origin dominate among all other group of drugs being recommended by Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. Among the drugs of herbal origin many drugs, due to their specific actions, are categorized as V isha (Poisonous), Upavisha (Semipoisnous group of drugs). Snuhi has been categorized under Upavisha (Semi-poisnous) category (1). Snuhi, based on presence of spines, described two types, one having excess of spines and the other having less number of spines. The plant having more number of spines are considered as Shrestha (Superior) (2). Snuhi has been attributed with numerous pharmaceutical and therapeutic claims in various treatise and compendia. Inspite of its inclusion in semipoisonous group, it has been advocated with external and internal applications in various formulations, for different ailments
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