Dravya

The term ‘dravya’ means matter, substance, or anything with a quality and activity. Dravya is an entity with an inseparable relationship (samavaya) with the attributes of quality and action. (SAT-A.176) Among the six categories (shatpadartha), dravya is essential to understand the existence of the other five categories. Dravya is the basis of any clinical studies as a drug or formulation. It is a cause (karana) behind the effect (karya) as per the cause-and-effect theory (karya-karana bhava).

In contemporary science, dravya is considered a substratum, matter, or substance. A substratum is the underlying support or foundation. It is a substance that is a permanent subject of qualities or phenomena. It is the material from which something is made and derives its special qualities. It is matter or substance that has mass and occupies space.

The universe has countless dravya with multimodal properties. Permutation and combination of dravya and its properties leads to infinite numbers of effects. It becomes challenging to study them separately and to practice them individually. So, dravya are classified in different ways for easy understanding of the dravya for its application in therapeutics.

Dravya

Section/Chapter/topic	Concepts / Dravya
Authors	Bhojani M.K.1, Durga Rani1, Tanwar Ankur kumar1
Reviewers	T.Saketh Ram2, Basisht G.3, Khandel S.K.4
Editor	Deole Y.S.5
Affiliations	1 Department of Kriya Sharira, A.I.I.A. , New Delhi, India 2National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, C.C.R.A.S. Hyderabad, India 3 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 4Arogyalaxmi Ayurveda Consultancy, Jaipur, India 5 Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabhvidya Nagar, Anand, Gujarat, India
Correspondence email	meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com
Publisher	Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
Date of first publication:	June 30, 2022
DOI	In process

Etymology & derivation

The Sanskrit word ‘dravya’ is derived from ‘dru-gatau’ dhatu (verb) having ‘yat’ pratyaya (suffix). It means anything which has movement and attainment or which changes to resultant.

Synonyms

Vitta, dhana, vasu, sadhana, grantha, drug, elementary substance, wealth, properties, modesty, medication or anything used in medicine.

Definition

Dravya is the substratum that shelters quality (guna) and action (karma) in an inseparable relationship (samavayisambandha) with each other. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/51] [Vaisheshik Darshan.1/4] [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 40/3]

Panchabhautikatva of dravya

All dravyas have a specific composition of panchamahabhuta with an appropriate combination and separation (samyoga and vibhaga). There is a dominance of a particular mahabhuta. This defines them as akashiya (akasha dominant), vayavya (vayu dominant), agneya (agni dominant), apya (apa dominant) and parthiva (prithvi dominant).[Vaisheshik Darshan. 1/5]

Importance of dravya

The importance of dravya is described through multiple assumptions. No transformation (paka) can occur without potency (veerya); no potency (veerya) without tastes (rasa) and no tastes (rasa) without dravya. Thus, dravya is the substratum of all the padartha like, rasa, guna etc. The seven padartha are responsible for actions (karma) that reside in the dravya. They do not have independent existence without dravya. Therefore, dravya is most important in all padartha.

Guna residing in a dravya is like soul living in a body. The body gives shelter to soul and manifests its various desires and qualities. Dravya gives support to rasa and guna, and manifests its actions or effects. Hence, the dravya is considered as prime (pradhana) in all padartha.[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 40/3]

The reasons for the importance of dravya are described below. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 40/3]

1. Specific stability (vyavasthitatva): Dravya is fixed & stable. But the rasas are not stable and can change. e.g. The rasa of an unripe fruit may not be observed in the ripe one due to physiochemical changes concerning time. Whereas the drug or dravya remains the same.
2. Eternity (nityatva): The dravya is eternal due to its constant nature. While properties may be changed to different forms like paste or decoction, cold and hot infusion. It means, in various preparations, the drug is the same but other properties are inconstant. Therefore, dravya is considered to be of primary importance.
3. Geno-specificity (svajatyavasthanatva): The substance belonging to a group remains the same. It will not change to another. Drugs in prithvi mahabhuta remain as parthiva and do not become apya or any other.
4. Perceived through all the senses (panchendriyagrahyatva): Dravya is perceptible through all the sense organs. However, the rasa and guna cannot be assessed by all the sense organs. The rasa is only perceived by gustatory sense, and more than one sense can assess guna.
5. Abode (ashrayatva): Dravya gives shelter to the five padartha i.e. rasa, guna, veerya, vipaka, and prabhava.
6. Initiation of treatment (arambhasamarthya): Dravya is selected for treatment procedures. Dravya is considered for initiation of a specific pharmacological action used in treatment.
7. Classical reference (shashtrapramanya): Ancient classical literature described the properties and actions of different dravya and their utilities in therapeutics. Even though the properties are responsible for depletion or increase of dosha, properties are not directly indicated for treatment.
8. Degree of the maturity of drug and qualities (karmaapeksitatva): Rasadi constituents of dravya depend on dravya itself. In an immature state, constituents residing in the dravya are also immature. As the dravya matures, the rasadi constituents change to acquire the mature state.
9. Utility or fractionalization (ekdeshasadhyatva): A different part of dravya can be used for treatment, while rasadi cannot be used partly. E.g. latex of Euphorbia nerifolia L. (snuhi) can be used in many diseases, but its rasa cannot be.
10. No-grading (taratamayoganupalabdhi): Gradation of properties (tara tamayoga) is only seen in rasa and guna (like madhuratara, madhuratama and laghutara and laghutama grading according to mild, moderate and severe). This kind of grading is not possible with dravya. So, the constituents may vary in nature. Dravya remains stable, therefore, dravya is important.
11. Possibility of various formulations (vikalpa samarthya): Dravya can be utilized in multiple formulations like paste, decoctions, juice, powder, etc. But the rasa , guna cannot be used in this manner.
12. Occupying the space (pratighata samarthya): Among all the constituents, dravya is the only one that possesses some definite form, shape, and structure, and occupies the space while others do not. Hence dravya is stated to be superior.

Classification

Two fold classification: Karana dravya and karya dravya [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/48]

Karana dravya

Karana dravyas are the causative factors that are responsible for all results.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/48] There are nine karana dravyas described by Charak, Sushruta, Nyaya, Vaisheshik darshan for any creation (karyautpatti). They are - Akasha, vayu, agni, jala, prithvi, atma, manas, kala, and disha.

Karya dravya

All karya dravya in the universe is the result of karana dravya.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/20] Karana dravya is the causative factor behind any action, whether visible or not visible. Karya dravya has its further classification.

Chetana dravya (living or with consciousness): All living substances with sense organs show visible internal and external activities categorized under chetana dravyas.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/48] [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/10]

a) Antaschetana (plant kingdom): Antaschetana are those substances that only have internal consciousness and activity. They are devoid of sense organs. They were classified into four groups- [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/72] [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/29]

1. Vanaspati: Trees that bear fruit without having a flower come under vanaspati. e.g. Ficus bengalensis (vata) and Ficus racemosa (udumbara) etc.
2. Vanaspatya: Trees that have fruits and flowers are called vanaspatya or vriksha. e.g. Amra and Jamuna.
3. Virudha: Those plants whose branches twine and crawl around the tree or any other objects come under virudha. It has two types- lata and gulma (climbers and shrubs). e.g. Guduchi.
4. Aushadha: Plants that perish after yielding their mature fruits are called aushadha. e.g. wheat, pulses and rice.

b) Bahischetana (jangam dravya or animal kingdom): They are substances with internal and external consciousness and activity with all the sense organs.[Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/30]

They are further classified into four groups

1. Jarayuja: Living beings that take birth from the placenta e.g. Human and Mammals.
2. Andaja: Those who reproduce through the eggs. e.g. Birds.
3. Swedaja: They take birth from sweat or moisture. e.g. Yuka, Likha, Krimi.
4. Udbhija: Creatures that come out of earth or soil. e.g. Indragopa (earthworm) & Manduka (frog).

Achetana dravya (non living): All non-living substances which are devoid of sense organs are categorized under achetana dravyas. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/48][Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/10].

They are of two kinds:

a) Khanija (minerals): All minerals come under the khanija category. E.g. gold

b) Kritrima (artificial): Kritrima is an artificially generated substance.

Classification according to doshakarma [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/67]

Dravya are categorized into three varieties based on their action (karma). They include -

a) Dosha prashamana dravya (pacifier): Dravya is a pacifier of doshas.

b) Dhatu pradushana dravya (vitiator): Some drugs vitiate dhatu. e.g. visha

c) Swasthavrittikara dravya (maintainer): Dravya is responsible for maintaining the good health status of the body.

Classification according to their origin

1. Jangama dravya: Dravyas which have an animal origin, such as milk & its products, honey, urine, skin, semen, bile, ligament, fat, marrow, blood, flesh, feces, bone, horn, nail, hoof, hairs etc. are considered as jangama dravyas.
2. Audhbhida dravya: Dravyas of vegetable origin are audhbhida. They are of four types vanaspati, vanaspatya, aushadi, and virudha.
3. Parthiva dravya: Dravya obtained from the earth such as metals and mineral products such as gold, five metals (lohas), silver, copper, lead, and tin, along with their excreta silica, calcites, realgar, orpiment, etc. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/68]

Classification based on utility:

According to the use, dravya is of two types, dietary (ahara dravya) and medicinal (aushadha dravya).[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/17] [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/38-39]

1. Dietary articles (ahara dravya): These are predominantly taste dependent (rasa pradhana) in nature, used to nourish rasadi dhatus. Ahara dravya protects the body and helps in the maintenance of health.
2. Medicines (aushadha dravya): They are potency dependent (veerya pradhana) in nature. Aushadha or drugs are used to treat the disease. They act on the body through the potency of drugs. They are further classified into-

• Tikshnaveerya dravya: Zingiber officinale Roscoe (shunthi) etc.
• Madhyamaveerya dravya: Aegle marmelos (bilva), Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. (agnimantha).
• Mriduveerya dravya: Emblica officinalis amalaki. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/17]

Classification based on panchabhautika composition:

Depending upon the predominance of particular mahabhuta, dravyas are of five types: parthiva, apya, tejas, vayavya and akashiya dravya. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/11] [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 41/6-8]

Classification according to different taste (rasa):

Depending upon the predominance of taste (rasa), dravya is classified into six groups.

1. Madhura skandha: Fritillaria roylei Hook (kakoli) & Ksheerakakoli etc.
2. Amla skandha: Punica granatum L. (dadima) & Emblica officinalis (amalaka) etc.
3. Lavana skandha: Rock salt (saindhava) & Unaqua sodium chloride (sauvarchala) etc.
4. Katu skandha: Piper longum (pippali), Scindapsus officinalis (gajapippali) etc.
5. Tikta skandha: Swertia chiraita (kiratatikta), Celatrus panniculatus Willd. (jyotishmati) etc.
6. Kashaya skandha: Callicarpa macrophylla (priyangu), Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. (agnimantha) etc. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139]

Classification based on potency (veerya): [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258] [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/267]

1. Sheetavirya dravya (cold potency): Santalum album (chandana), Saccharum officinarum (ikshu).
2. Ushnavirya dravya (hot potency): Aquilaria agallocha (agaru), Saussurea costus (kustha) & Valeriana wallichii (tagara)

Classification based on post digestive effect (vipaka)

Based on the end product formed during the process of digestion of dravya, they are classified into three types:

1. Madhura vipaka dravya: e.g. Zingiber officinalis (sunthi), Piper longum (pippali).
2. Amla vipaka dravya: e.g. Rice grain (vrihi), Dolichos biflorus (kulattha).
3. Katu vipaka dravya: e.g. Sesame oil (taila), Salt (lavana). [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 40/10]

Classification based on formulation types:

Based on the usefulness in different types of formulations prescribed in treatment, dravya may be classified as

• Kwatha dravya (used in the form of decoction)
• Kalka dravya (used in the form of paste or powder)
• Swarasa dravya (used in the form of juices)
• Hima dravya (used in the form of cold suspension)
• Phanta dravya (used in the form of tea etc.) [Sha.Sa.M.K.1/1]

Classification based on panchakarma intervention

Usefulness of different dravya is observed in various panchakarma interventions. Based on this the dravya are classified as:

• Vamana dravya: useful in emesis
• Virechana dravya: useful in purgation
• Basti dravya: useful in medicated enema
• Nasya dravya: useful for application on the nostril.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135-151]

Classification of dravya based on the changes observed after digestion

• Samanapratyayarabdha: Substance retains its panchabhautika composition throughout the digestion and metabolism
• Vichitrapratyayarabdha: Panchabhautika composition of the substance is changed after digestion and metabolism [Arundatta on A.Hr. 9/27] [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/45]

Methods of drug identification

Classical method of drug identification

There are three broad methods of drug identification in Ayurveda as below:

1. Namarupagyanam (nomenclature and organoleptic features): Nama means name of a dravya or its synonyms, while ‘rupa’ specifies morphology (akriti) as well as properties and actions (guna karma). The branch of science, dravyaguna deals with the study of ‘nama’ and ‘rupa’ of dravya. Pharmacognosy deals with identifying drugs in terms of name, morphology, properties and actions.
2. Panchabhautika pariksha (mahabhuta dominance): All dravya in the universe are made from panchamahabhuta. (five basic elements) – akasha, vayu, agni, jala, and prithvi. The characteristic features of mahabhuta present in dravya are identified to know more about dravya.
3. Bheshajaavasthantar pariksha (Examination in different stages): It means examination of drugs in various stages or conditions. e.g. ripe/unripe, fresh/dry, various combination, various dosage forms.

Current methods of drug identification

Following are the modern methods of drug identification

Pharmacognosy

A) Macroscopy or organoleptic examination: It is done with the help of five senses and various equipment like scale, vernier caliper etc.

B) Microscopic examination: It is done with microscopes with various magnification properties. It permits to study of minute structures with enlarged views and confirms the structural details of the drug.

Physical examination

Like moisture content, specific gravity, density, viscosity, optical rotation, refractive index, melting point, ash value, etc.

Chemical examination

Chemical test & assays, identification & isolation of active constituents of drug, quantitative chemical testing like saponification, detection of adulteration, Helphen’s test for cotton seed oil etc.

Physical assay

Trimetric estimation for alkaloids, spectroscopic analysis in various wave lengths.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Gas chromatography.

Bioassays

Estimating potency of crude drugs by means of living organisms like bacteria and animal tissue are the methods of standardization and confirmation of the therapeutic effect of raw material and finished product.

Screening

Screening for antibacterial and antifungal activities of bio-constituents is done by microbiological techniques.

Phytochemical screening

It is essential for qualitative and quantitative evaluation as well as physiological and therapeutic evaluation of the drug.

Finger printing

It is the most advanced and confirmative method of drug identification of drugs in finger printing which gives exact confirmatory images of the drug.

Current researches

The herbs and formulations described in the classics of Ayurveda are studied for their utility in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some of the newer approaches are mentioned below.

Ayurveda dravya as nutraceuticals: A review focused on the ayurvedic nutraceutical approach gives natural physiological advantages of Ayurveda formulations and reduces illness risk. Formulations like Chyavanaprasha, Brahma Rasayana, Phala Ghrita, Arjuna Ksheerapaka, Shatavari Ghrita, and Rasona Ksheerapaka are studied, among other traditional nutraceuticals. All of these nutraceuticals have health benefits such as preventing respiratory diseases, improving physical and mental strength, sexual empowerment, cardio-protection, female hormonal regulation maintenance, etc. The focus of the article was on the ayurvedic perspective of nutraceuticals.

Rasayana dravya in oxidative stress: Stress levels within cells have grown due to changing diet and lifestyle, necessitating an ayurvedic strategy to compensate and rejuvenate, known as Rasayana. In a review paper, the researchers focused on raising knowledge of rasayana therapy and its effects on oxidative stress and premature aging. The review concluded that rasayana dravya is beneficial in preventing oxidative stress. An ayurvedic formulation rasayanaghanavati showed significant results in reducing stress and premature ageing with anti-depressant and anxiolytic effect. Rasayana avaleha, an ayurvedic formulation, showed efficacy in reducing adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients.

Applied aspect of Samana and Vichitra Pratyayarabdha Dravya w.s.r. to Vipaka: Arabdhata and Pratyaarabdhata are two Ayurvedic concepts that are related to the conjugation and configuration of mahabhuta (five elements). During digestion and metabolism, every material experiences some modifications. A clinical investigation was conducted on 24 healthy adults to better grasp the concepts of arabdhata and pratyarabdhatadata using four distinct medications with the same composition but two different vipaka. The study's findings revealed that all of the drugs affected koshtha (bowel pattern) according to their vipaka in a few parameters, particularly stool and defecation habits. But most of the other parameters were statistically insignificant, implying that drugs act according to vipaka to some extent. However, vipaka is not the only factor that determines the pharmacological action of the drug.

Available database of herbs and formulations

Currently Available database:

1. Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India (https://dravyagunatvpm.wordpress.com/e-ayupharmacopoeia-of-india/)
2. Ayurvedic formulary of India (https://dravyagunatvpm.wordpress.com/ayurvedic-formulary-of-india/)
3. ENVIS (http://envis.frlht.org/)
4. IMPPAT: A curated database of Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics (https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/)
5. Database on Medicinal Plants (http//:www.nmpb-mpdb.nic.in)
6. Medicinal plant database of India (https://bsi.gov.in/page/en/medicinal-plant-database)
7. Electronic Information Resources for Herbal Medicine — Society for Medicinal Plant. (https://www.unom.ac.in/webportal/uploads/library/gcl-opac/HMedicine.htm)
8. Herb society of America (https://www.herbsociety.org/)
9. United States Department of Agriculture- plant database (https://plants.usda.gov/)
10. Database on medicinal plants all the volumes of CCRAS

Books and encyclopaedia for further reading

• Dravya Guna Vigyan by P.V.Sharma.
• Dravyagunavigyan by Prof.D.S.Lucas
• Bhavprakashnigantu by Bhavmishra
• Abhinav butidarpan by Shri Ruplal ji vaishya
• Prayogatamaka Dravyaguna Vigyana by Dr. Maya Ram Uniyal
• Textbook of Dravyaguna by Dr.K.Nishteswar
• Himalaya ki arogyadayivanaspatiya by Ayush Dept. Govt. of India.
• Vanaushadi Chandrodya by Shri Chandrarajbhandari
• Ayurvedic pharmacology and therapeutic uses of medicinal plants by Vaidya V.M.Gogte
• Chemistry and pharmacology of Ayurvedic medicinal plants by Vd. Mukund Sabnis
• Medicinal plants of Uttranchala state by Dr. Anil K. Dhiman
• Classical uses of medicinal plants by Prof. P.V.Sharma
• Spices and medicinal plants by PC Bansil
• Studies of medicinal plants and drugs in Dhanvantri nigantu by Dr. S.D.Kamat
• Reviews on Indian medicinal plants all the volumes by Medicinal plant unit- ICMR Delhi
• Indian medicinal plants by Kirtikar and Basu
• Quality standard of Indian medicinal plants all the volumes by ICMR.
• Handbook of the Indian flora by C. Drury
• A manual of poisonous plants by L.H. Pammel
• The flora of British India by J.D. Hooker
• Pharmacopeia indica by K.C. Bose
• Indian Medicinal plants- forgotten healers by Dr. Prakash Paranjape
• Glossary of Vegetable Drugs in Bhrittrayis by Thakur Balwant Singh & Vd. Krishna Chandra Chunekar

Future area of research

Identifying and knowing all dravya in the universe is a continuous learning process. Changes in primary structures of dravya due to evolution, environmental changes, climatic conditions, soil, need to be researched and updated in the knowledge base. Newer herbs, high-breed grains, and their genetic structures need to be studied for their dietary and medicinal utility based on principles of Ayurveda.

Theses done

1. Nalage Dilip H (2004): A study of Samskara and its role in alteration of Pancha-Bhautika composition of Dravya. Dept of Basic principles, IPGT & RA, Gujarat.
2. Dileep Singh Baghel (2006).: A Pharmaceutical standardization of Kwatha (Phalatrikadi Kwatha) with special reference to determination of practical size of Kwatha Dravya. Dept. of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, IPGT & RA, Gujarat.
3. Hemant S Pol (2010): The Concept of Dravya Guna & its Role in Physiopathology W.S.R. to Amlapitta.. Dept of Basic principles, IPGT & RA, Gujarat.
4. Anuruchi Jadoun (2012): Concept of Panchabhautika Arabdhata of Dravyas (Conjugation & Configuration of Mahabhuta and Applied Aspect of Samana and Vichitra Pratyayarabdhat. Department of Basic Principles, IPGT & RA, Gujarat.
5. Agrawal Kanhaiya (2016): Comparative Studies on three types of best virechana Dravyas. Department of Dravyaguna. BHU, Varanasi.

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