CNS DEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF KASHAYA OF ASOKA – SARACA ASOCA ROXB. DE (WILDE.)

Abstract

Ayurveda explains chikitsa (treatment – mode to attain health) as a conglomeration of chatushpada’s (four limbs). Pharmacological categorization of drugs can be explored for the first time from the Charaka Samhita, Shadvirechana Shatasriteeya Adhyaya. Asoka - Saraca asoca [Roxb] de Wilde has been included in the Vedanasthapana mahakashaya (group of drugs which alleviates a specific sensation) mentioned by Acharya Charaka, which is explained as streenam uchrokanashanaya by the Nighantukaara’s. The etymology of soka is chittavikalatha, which is a ‘lead’ to the action of a drug on “manasika bhava’s”. In clinical experience, apart from the pain, associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, delirium, insomnia, emotional instability, nervousness, irritability, anger, and fear are also relieved by its usage. Till now, the pharmacological action of Asoka on “manasika bhava’s” remains unexplored. Hence, a preliminary experimental study has been undertaken on the reverse pharmacological aspect to assess the action of this drug on CNS. The depressant action of drugs on CNS is mediated through both neural and hormonal mechanisms. The immediate reduction in spontaneous motor activity was achieved through the neural mechanism, and the prolonged effect was achieved through the hormonal action. The drug possesses bitter principles. The functional bitter taste is expressed in brain cells by bitter taste receptors T2R’s. T2R-4, T2R-107, and T2R-38 transcripts are found in the brain stem, cerebral cortex and cerebellum. The drug is a potent source of phytoestrogen, which has oestrogen-mimicking action. The drug significantly reduces spontaneous motor activity in the CNS depressant activity study on all assessment days, with a p-value.