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Prabhava (view source)

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[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] relies on medicines obtained from natural sources like plants, minerals and ores. Before utilizing these as medicines, it is important for a physician to know the properties and uses of these medicinal substances. These properties are mentioned in the form of [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], virya, [[Vipaka|vipaka]] and prabhava.. Each of these factor has its own action on the [[Sharira|body]], some times similar and sometimes contrary. But the cumulative effect of all will lead to the exact pharmacological action of that particular drug. Sometimes, effects are observed which are beyond the actions of these rasadi [[Guna|gunas]]. These actions are called as prabhava. They are unpredictable by the rasadi [[Guna|gunas]], but have a unique action and are important for the clinical and therapeutic effects. Hence the concept of prabhava has a wide range of clinical applicability in the field of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]].

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[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] relies on medicines obtained from natural sources like plants, minerals and ores. Before utilizing these as medicines, it is important for a physician to know the properties and uses of these medicinal substances. These properties are mentioned in the form of [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], [[Veerya|virya]], [[Vipaka|vipaka]] and prabhava.. Each of these factor has its own action on the [[Sharira|body]], some times similar and sometimes contrary. But the cumulative effect of all will lead to the exact pharmacological action of that particular drug. Sometimes, effects are observed which are beyond the actions of these rasadi [[Guna|gunas]]. These actions are called as prabhava. They are unpredictable by the rasadi [[Guna|gunas]], but have a unique action and are important for the clinical and therapeutic effects. Hence the concept of prabhava has a wide range of clinical applicability in the field of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]].

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== Etymology, Synonyms and Meaning ==

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According to Monnier and William’s Dictionary Prabhava means might, power, majesty, dignity, strength and efficacy.<ref name="ref1">Sir Monier Monier Williams, A Sanskrit – English Dictionary, Motilal Banarasidas, Delhi, first edition, 1986 reprint, pp.684 </ref> It is formed by Pra + bhāva, where “pra” denotes that it extraordinary or excessive or rich and bhava or the qualities or the actions. So prabhāva can be considered as that extraordinary capacity of a drug to act on diseases beyond expectation. The word prabhava is described as the shakti (strength or ability) with which special actions will be expressed by the drugs.<ref name="ref2">Srujan Jha, Shabdakalpadruma, Android app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.shrutijha.sanskrit_sanskrit_on&gl=US </ref> Eg: Lakucha and Amalaki despite of being similar in [[Guna|guṇa (properties)]], show different actions, like tridoṣhahara property (prabhava) of amalaki, is not seen in lakucha.<ref name="ref3">Bhavamishra. Bhavaprakash First part </ref> Hemachandra considered it as Teja (energy or the light).<ref name="ref4">Hemachandra ?? </ref> In the sarasundari commentary on the book Amarakoṣha, it is said as shaktivisheṣha (specific ability or strength), which will be formed from the superior form of the veerya.<ref name="ref5">Amarkosha commentary </ref>

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According to Monnier and William’s Dictionary Prabhava means might, power, majesty, dignity, strength and efficacy.<ref name="ref1">Sir Monier Monier Williams, A Sanskrit – English Dictionary, Motilal Banarasidas, Delhi, first edition, 1986 reprint, pp.684 </ref> It is formed by Pra + bhāva, where “pra” denotes that it extraordinary or excessive or rich and bhava or the qualities or the actions. So prabhāva can be considered as that extraordinary capacity of a drug to act on [[Vyadhi|diseases]] beyond expectation. The word prabhava is described as the shakti (strength or ability) with which special actions will be expressed by the drugs.<ref name="ref2">Srujan Jha, Shabdakalpadruma, Android app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.shrutijha.sanskrit_sanskrit_on&gl=US </ref> Eg: Lakucha and [[Amalaki|Amalaki]] despite of being similar in [[Guna|guṇa (properties)]], show different actions, like tridoṣhahara property (prabhava) of [[Amalaki|amalaki]], is not seen in lakucha.<ref name="ref3">Bhavamishra. Bhavaprakash First part </ref> Hemachandra considered it as [[Agni mahabhuta|Teja]] (energy or the light).<ref name="ref4">Hemachandra ?? </ref> In the sarasundari commentary on the book Amarakoṣha, it is said as shaktivisheṣha (specific ability or strength), which will be formed from the superior form of the [[Veerya|veerya]].<ref name="ref5">Amarkosha commentary </ref>

== Definition ==

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In a drug, if the [[Rasa|taste (rasa)]], [[Guna|properties (guna)]] , potency(veerya) and post digestive effect ([[Vipaka|vipaka]]) are functionally corresponding to each other, but the action is contrary to the expected, then that action or effect is called as prabhava. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/67] It is clear that [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], veerya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] must be functionally corresponding, then prabhava can be considered. If any of the above is different, then it cannot be considered as prabhava. If any variation occurs, then the action can be because of that particular [[Guna|guṇa]] and that particular action will be considered as karma. The karma or the predictable actions of the drugs based on the rasadi [[Guna|gunas]] are limited and are easily anticipated, but the prabhava or the unpredictable actions are unlimited and has a greater per view in the field of clinical medicine. The effects of the prabhava are considered as “achintya (unpredictable)” If the [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], veerya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] are functionally similar and are present in a dravya, then some drugs act by virtue of their [[Rasa|rasa]], some by the virtue of their [[Guna|guṇa]], some by virtue veerya and some by the virtue of [[Vipaka|vipaka]]. But the prabhava dominates and suppresses the above properties and shows its peculiar action. Some Examples of prabhava mentioned in ayurvedic texts:

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In a drug, if the [[Rasa|taste (rasa)]], [[Guna|properties (guna)]] , [[Veerya|potency(veerya)]] and post digestive effect ([[Vipaka|vipaka]]) are functionally corresponding to each other, but the action is contrary to the expected, then that action or effect is called as prabhava. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/67] It is clear that [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], [[Veerya|veerya]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] must be functionally corresponding, then prabhava can be considered. If any of the above is different, then it cannot be considered as prabhava. If any variation occurs, then the action can be because of that particular [[Guna|guṇa]] and that particular action will be considered as [[Karma|karma]]. The [[Karma|karma]] or the predictable actions of the drugs based on the rasadi [[Guna|gunas]] are limited and are easily anticipated, but the prabhava or the unpredictable actions are unlimited and has a greater per view in the field of clinical medicine. The effects of the prabhava are considered as “achintya (unpredictable)” If the [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], [[Veerya|veerya]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] are functionally similar and are present in a [[Dravya|dravya]], then some drugs act by virtue of their [[Rasa|rasa]], some by the virtue of their [[Guna|guṇa]], some by virtue [[Veerya|veerya]] and some by the virtue of [[Vipaka|vipaka]]. But the prabhava dominates and suppresses the above properties and shows its peculiar action. Some Examples of prabhava mentioned in ayurvedic texts:

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<ol><li>Chitraka and Danti have pungent taste (katu [[Rasa|rasa]]), pungent post digestive effect (katu [[Vipaka|vipaka]]) and hot potency (ushna veerya). However, the actions of both the drugs are different. Danti acts as purgative (virechana dravya), but Chitraka does not have virechana action. </li>

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<li>Visha(poison) acts as anti toxic (visha hara dravya).</li>

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<li>Visha(poison) acts as anti toxic (visha hara [[Dravya|dravya]]).</li>

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<li>Emetic (vamana) and purgative (virechana) drugs act by virtue of their prabhava and not by their [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], veerya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]].</li>

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<li>Wearing gems stones (mani dharana) causing some unpredictable effects and are considered as the prabhava of that gems. </li>

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<li>Draksha and madhuka have similar properties, but Draksha acts as virechana dravya and madhūka does not have the property of virechana. </li>

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<li>Ghrita (ghee) and dugdha (milk) have similar properties (Madhura [[Rasa|rasa]] madhura [[Vipaka|vipaka]]) and ghrita acts as dipana, but dugdha does not. </li>

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<li>Lashuna decreases vata and kapha dosha, in spite of having snigdha and guru [[Guna|gunas]], which should increase vata kapha.</li>

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<li>Even though rakta shali and yava have the similar properties, rakta shali decreases tridosha and yava increases tridoshas.</li>

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<li>Even though rakta shali and yava have the similar properties, rakta shali decreases [[Tridosha|tridosha]] and yava increases [[Tridosha|tridoshas]].</li>

<li>Medhya action of shankhapushpi, vishaghna action of Shirisha etc. can also be considered because of the prabhava. </li></ol>

== Assessment of prabhava ==

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The knowledge of prabhava of dravyas cannot be accessed by yukti or tarka. This can only be understood by the pratyaksha pramana and shastra pramāna. So it is important for the vaidyas to know about the prabhava of the dravya before using them for the treatment. Without the knowledge of the effects of the prabhava, if a drug is given to the patient considering only the [[Rasa|rasa]], vīrya and [[Vipaka|vipāka]], the drug may give rise to adverse-effects and can harm the patients.

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The knowledge of prabhava of [[Dravya|dravyas]] cannot be accessed by [[Yukti pramana|yukti]] or tarka. This can only be understood by the [[Pratyaksha pramana|pratyaksha pramana]] and shastra pramāna. So it is important for the vaidyas to know about the prabhava of the [[Dravya|dravya]] before using them for the treatment. Without the knowledge of the effects of the prabhava, if a drug is given to the patient considering only the [[Rasa|rasa]], vīrya and [[Vipaka|vipāka]], the drug may give rise to adverse-effects and can harm the patients.

== Concept of samana pratyarabdha and vichitra pratyarabdha ==

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If the mahabhutas are responsible for the production of dravyas (dravya - arambhaka mahabhutas) and the mahabhutas responsible for the [[Rasa|rasa]], veerya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] are similar, then the effect of the dravyas will be according to the [[Rasa|rasa]], veerya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]]. This is called as ‘Samana pratyarabdha’. The mahabhuta composition does not change even after the various stages of the digestion and assimilation of the dravya. Hence the effects will be according to the properties and will have predictable actions. Eg:- dugdha. If the mahabhutas composition of the dravya and its [[Rasa|rasa]], veerya, [[Vipaka|vipaka]] are different or if the mahabhuta combinations changes after different process of the digestion and assimilation, then new combinations will be formed giving rise to sudden changes in the actions of the drugs. Then those drugs are considered as ‘vichitra pratyarabdha dravya’. These vichitra pratyarabdha action of the drugs can be considered as prabhava.

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If the [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhutas]] are responsible for the production of [[Dravya|dravyas]] ([[Dravya|dravya]] - arambhaka mahabhutas) and the [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhutas]] responsible for the [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Veerya|veerya]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] are similar, then the effect of the [[Dravya|dravyas]] will be according to the [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Veerya|veerya]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]]. This is called as ‘Samana pratyarabdha’. The [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhuta]] composition does not change even after the various stages of the digestion and assimilation of the [[Dravya|dravya]]. Hence the effects will be according to the properties and will have predictable actions. Eg:- dugdha. If the [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhutas]] composition of the [[Dravya|dravya]] and its [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Veerya|veerya]], [[Vipaka|vipaka]] are different or if the [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhuta]] combinations changes after different process of the digestion and assimilation, then new combinations will be formed giving rise to sudden changes in the actions of the drugs. Then those drugs are considered as ‘vichitra pratyarabdha dravya’. These vichitra pratyarabdha action of the drugs can be considered as prabhava.

== Contemporary approach ==

=== Phytochemical point of view: ===

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The action of the drugs can be attributed to the various chemical contents or phyto-active compounds present in that particular drug. Each and every drug will have many chemically active compounds. The net action or the pharmacodynamics of all the chemical contents will decide the pharmacodynamics of that particular drug, especially herbal drugs. There may be some contradictory actions or opposite actions among various active chemicals present in that particular herbal drug. The properties of the drug also taken from the cumulative nature of all the properties of that drug. Sometimes, the chemicals corresponding to the action may not be in a observable quantity or they may not express their [[Guna|guṇa]] like [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], veerya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]], but may show the action. Such chemical may be responsible for the action on various ailments. These actions shown by the chemicals which do not express their properties can be taken as prabhava of that particular drugs.

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The action of the drugs can be attributed to the various chemical contents or phyto-active compounds present in that particular drug. Each and every drug will have many chemically active compounds. The net action or the pharmacodynamics of all the chemical contents will decide the pharmacodynamics of that particular drug, especially herbal drugs. There may be some contradictory actions or opposite actions among various active chemicals present in that particular herbal drug. The properties of the drug also taken from the cumulative nature of all the properties of that drug. Sometimes, the chemicals corresponding to the action may not be in a observable quantity or they may not express their [[Guna|guṇa]] like [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], [[Veerya|veerya]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]], but may show the action. Such chemical may be responsible for the action on various ailments. These actions shown by the chemicals which do not express their properties can be taken as prabhava of that particular drugs.

=== Psycho-spiritual therapy: ===

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The effects of the gems stones on human health can be explained in view of psycho spiritual therapy . The gem stones are related to the various grahas (planetary actions) and can satisfy or nullify the effects of various planetary motions on human [[Sharira|body]]. These effects are also considered as prabhava. Some psychological effects are seen when perceived by the sense organs like feeling of happiness by seeing a loved person, secretion of saliva by seeing or smelling tasy food etc, can also be considered as prabhava. These also have effect on the pscyho-somatic well being of the humans. These can be used to treat the conditions caused by asatmendriyartha samyoga (disease caused by the abnormal utilization of the sense organs).

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The effects of the gems stones on human [[Health|health]] can be explained in view of psycho spiritual therapy . The gem stones are related to the various grahas (planetary actions) and can satisfy or nullify the effects of various planetary motions on human [[Sharira|body]]. These effects are also considered as prabhava. Some psychological effects are seen when perceived by the sense organs like feeling of happiness by seeing a loved person, secretion of saliva by seeing or smelling tasy food etc, can also be considered as prabhava. These also have effect on the pscyho-somatic well being of the humans. These can be used to treat the conditions caused by [[Asatmendriyarthasamyoga|asatmendriyartha samyoga]] (disease caused by the abnormal utilization of the sense organs).

== Current researches ==

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== Conclusion ==

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From the concepts of prabhava it can be understood that prabhava of the drugs plays a major role clinically. Even though prabhava is unpredictable with [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], virya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]], it has got very vast clinical importance and application.

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From the concepts of prabhava it can be understood that prabhava of the drugs plays a major role clinically. Even though prabhava is unpredictable with [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], [[Veerya|virya]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]], it has got very vast clinical importance and application.

== Further reading ==

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Prabhava (view source)

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