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Veerya (also spelled as Virya) means potency or active components. The ayurvedic pharmacological principles include five factors, viz. [[Rasa|rasa (taste)]], guna (qualities), veerya (potency), vipaka (post-digestive effect), and prabhava (significant effect). These are commonly known as rasa-panchaka or dravyagat pancha padartha.<ref name="ref1">Bhavamisra, Bhavaprakasha with commentary by Dr Bulusu Sitaram, Mishra-Prakarana, Poorvakhanda, Shloka Number 161, Volume 1, Reprinted 2015, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi Page No. 117</ref> Veerya is one of the crucial factors in constituting the pharmacology of drug. In pharmacology, as per Ayurveda, the word Veerya [SAT Code- F.22] is envisaged as the potential factor of the drug by which it performs specific actions in the body. This broad term is employed to explain lesser or greater potential drug factors concerning different processes and procedures to achieve the desired effect in the body.<ref name="ref2">Available from Veerya A general principle of drug action – Ayusoft. https://ayusoft.ayush.gov.in/veerya-a-general-principle-of-drug-action/ accessed on 31/01/2023</ref>

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Veerya (also spelled as Virya) means potency or active components. The ayurvedic pharmacological principles include five factors, viz. [[Rasa|rasa (taste)]], [[Guna|guna (qualities)]], veerya (potency), [[Vipaka|vipaka]] (post-digestive effect), and [[Prabhava|prabhava]] (significant effect). These are commonly known as rasa-panchaka or dravyagat pancha padartha.<ref name="ref1">Bhavamisra, Bhavaprakasha with commentary by Dr Bulusu Sitaram, Mishra-Prakarana, Poorvakhanda, Shloka Number 161, Volume 1, Reprinted 2015, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi Page No. 117</ref> Veerya is one of the crucial factors in constituting the pharmacology of drug. In pharmacology, as per [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], the word Veerya [SAT Code- F.22] is envisaged as the potential factor of the drug by which it performs specific actions in the [[Sharira|body]]. This broad term is employed to explain lesser or greater potential drug factors concerning different processes and procedures to achieve the desired effect in the [[Sharira|body]].<ref name="ref2">Available from Veerya A general principle of drug action – Ayusoft. https://ayusoft.ayush.gov.in/veerya-a-general-principle-of-drug-action/ accessed on 31/01/2023</ref>

{{Infobox

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== Etymology ==

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The term ‘Veerya’ is derived from the grammatical Sanskrit root ‘Veer’ or ‘Vri’ meaning ‘Vikranti’ or specific power to express vigour, strength etc.<ref name="ref3">RāDhāKāNtadeva, Vasu, V., & VASU, H. (1886).Śabdakalpadrumah , Page No. 474 Available from: https://www.sanskritlexicon.unikoeln.de/scans/SKDScan/2020/web/index.php</ref> Monnier Williams dictionary<ref name="ref4">Monier-Williams, M. (1872) , Page No.955, Available from https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MW72Scan/2020/web/webtc/indexcaller.php</ref> mentions veerya means vigour, strength, power; heroism, prowess, valour, fortitude, courage, firmness; virile energy, virility; dignity, consequence; splendour, lustre, vigour, energy and virility. It also synonymous with terms like shukra dhatu (reproductive components including semen, virility), param dhatu (ultimate dhatu, nectar of all the dhatu), shakti (potency), dravya karma (drug action), prabhava, parakrama (valour or courage) as termed in Vachaspatyam.<ref name="ref5">Bhaṭṭacarya, T. V. (1873). Vacaspatyam: Brihat Saṃskṛtabhidhanam. 5 5. Varaṇasi, Chaukhamba Saṃskṛita Series office, Page No. 4944</ref>

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The term ‘Veerya’ is derived from the grammatical Sanskrit root ‘Veer’ or ‘Vri’ meaning ‘Vikranti’ or specific power to express vigour, strength etc.<ref name="ref3">RāDhāKāNtadeva, Vasu, V., & VASU, H. (1886).Śabdakalpadrumah , Page No. 474 Available from: https://www.sanskritlexicon.unikoeln.de/scans/SKDScan/2020/web/index.php</ref> Monnier Williams dictionary<ref name="ref4">Monier-Williams, M. (1872) , Page No.955, Available from https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MW72Scan/2020/web/webtc/indexcaller.php</ref> mentions veerya means vigour, strength, power; heroism, prowess, valour, fortitude, courage, firmness; virile energy, virility; dignity, consequence; splendour, lustre, vigour, energy and virility. It also synonymous with terms like [[Shukra dhatu|shukra dhatu]] (reproductive components including semen, virility), param dhatu (ultimate dhatu, nectar of all the [[Dhatu|dhatu]]), shakti (potency), dravya karma (drug action), [[Prabhava|prabhava]], parakrama (valour or courage) as termed in Vachaspatyam.<ref name="ref5">Bhaṭṭacarya, T. V. (1873). Vacaspatyam: Brihat Saṃskṛtabhidhanam. 5 5. Varaṇasi, Chaukhamba Saṃskṛita Series office, Page No. 4944</ref>

== Synonyms ==

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Shakti, prabhava, samarthya [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 40/1] bala, and gunotkarsha [Chakrapani on Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana .40/3]

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Shakti, [[Prabhava|prabhava]], samarthya [Dalhana on Su.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 40/1] [[Bala|bala]], and gunotkarsha [Chakrapani on Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] .40/3]

== Characteristics ==

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Dravya is classified into two types: rasa pradhana (dominated by [[Rasa|rasa]]) and veerya- pradhana (dominated by veerya). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/17] The dietary items (ahara dravya) are considered rasa pradhana, while medicines (aushadha) are deemed to be veerya pradhana. The aushadha are again divided into three types based on veerya, namely mild (mrudu veerya), moderate (madhyama veerya) and sharply acting (teekshna veerya) [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/17]. This can be summarised in the table given below:

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Dravya is classified into two types: rasa pradhana (dominated by [[Rasa|rasa]]) and veerya- pradhana (dominated by veerya). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 2/17] The dietary items (ahara dravya) are considered rasa pradhana, while medicines (aushadha) are deemed to be veerya pradhana. The aushadha are again divided into three types based on veerya, namely mild (mrudu veerya), moderate (madhyama veerya) and sharply acting (teekshna veerya) [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 2/17]. This can be summarised in the table given below:

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Table 1: Three types of Dravya based on veerya

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|rowspan="2"| Charak

| Considers chintya (explainable) and achintya (unexplainable) veerya.

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| Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/70

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| Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/70

|-

| Defines veerya as the potency or power of the drug through which it performs its work or action

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| Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana.26/65

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| Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].26/65

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 2.

| Sushruta

| Denoted veerya as the generator of a drug action

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| Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana.40/3

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| Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].40/3

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 3.

| Dalhana

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| Karma (action) that cannot be performed by dravya, [[Rasa|rasa]], guna, or vipaka is veerya. Veerya is activity potential or karyashakti of dravya.

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| Karma (action) that cannot be performed by dravya, [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Guna|guna]], or [[Vipaka|vipaka]] is veerya. Veerya is activity potential or karyashakti of dravya.

−

| Dalhana on Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana.40/3

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| Dalhana on Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].40/3

|-

|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"| 4.

|rowspan="2"| Chakrapani

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| The term veerya is meant for all [[Rasa|rasa]], guna, vipaka, or prabhava of a dravya

+

−

| Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/64-65

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| Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/64-65

|-

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| Divides the veerya into chintya and achintya, where the latter can be termed as the prabhava of a particular dravya.

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| Divides the veerya into chintya and achintya, where the latter can be termed as the [[Prabhava|prabhava]] of a particular dravya.

−

| Chakrapani on Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana.40/5

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| Chakrapani on Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].40/5

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 5.

| Arundatta

| The prominence of ushna guna will lead to development of ushna veerya, while sheeta guna prominence results in sheeta veerya.

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| Arundatta on A.H. Sutra Sthana.1/17

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| Arundatta on A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/17

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 6.

| Hemadri

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| The digestion and metabolism (kayagnipaka) leads to the development of eight guna, amongst which sheeta and ushna are considered the most dominant termed as ushna and sheeta veerya. It is termed as shakti arising from the transformation of guna.

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| The digestion and metabolism (kayagnipaka) leads to the development of eight guna, amongst which sheeta and ushna are considered the most dominant termed as ushna and sheeta veerya. It is termed as shakti arising from the transformation of [[Guna|guna]].

−

| Hemadri on A.H. Sutra Sthana.1/17

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| Hemadri on A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].1/17

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 7.

| Shivdas Sen

| Veerya is the the most supreme and nectar part (atishaya sara bhaga) of the panchamahabhuta, further dividing it into chintya and achintya.

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| Shivadas Sen on Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana.40/5

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| Shivadas Sen on Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]].40/5

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 8.

| Bhavamishra

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| Bhavamishra has clearly differentiated the veerya from prabhava. He quotes the prabhava as shakti of the drug.

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| Bhavamishra has clearly differentiated the veerya from [[Prabhava|prabhava]]. He quotes the [[Prabhava|prabhava]] as shakti of the drug.

| Bhavamisra, Bhavaprakasha with commentary by Dr Bulusu Sitaram, Mishra-Prakarana, Poorvakhanda, Shloka Number 161, Volume 1, Reprinted 2015, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi Page No. 117

|-

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| style="text-align: center;"| 10.

| Prof P.V.Sharma

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| The active principle is also a dravya and veerya being a  type of ~~guna cannot~~ be equated with active principle

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| The active principle is also a dravya and veerya being a  type of [[Guna|guna]] cannot be equated with active principle

| PV Sharma, DravyaGuna vijnana, Vol I, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, Edition year 2013, Page no 263-278

|-

| style="text-align: center;"| 11. 13.

| Prof. C. Dwarkanath

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| The term veerya conveys the idea of energy. The energy of a body is its capacity for doing work and the measure of energy is work. Energy may be potential or kinetic,2 where the sheeta veerya can be considered as potential energy, while ushna veerya as kinetic energy.

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| The term veerya conveys the idea of energy. The energy of a [[Sharira|body]] is its capacity for doing work and the measure of energy is work. Energy may be potential or kinetic,2 where the sheeta veerya can be considered as potential energy, while ushna veerya as kinetic energy.

| Veerya A general principle of drug action [Ayusoft] 2

|-

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== Types of veerya ==

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Charak and Sushruta Samhita mention the eight types (ashtavidha) and two types (dwividha veerya) of veerya. However, emphasis is given on the two types (dwividha veerya) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/64, Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 40/5]. Other types can be considered as chintya-achintya and sahaja-kritama as mentioned in the previous point.

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Charak and Sushruta Samhita mention the eight types (ashtavidha) and two types (dwividha veerya) of veerya. However, emphasis is given on the two types (dwividha veerya) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/64, Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 40/5]. Other types can be considered as chintya-achintya and sahaja-kritama as mentioned in the previous point.

=== Eight types (ashtavidha veerya vaada) ===

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# Manda (slowness, mildness)

# Sheeta (coldness)

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# Ushna (hotness). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/64]

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# Ushna (hotness). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/64]

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These are considered as eight representatives of twenty gurvadi guna mentioned in the Samhita. These are also termed as guna possessing veerya like properties or guna named as veerya i.e. veeryakhya guna. Sushruta Samhita mentions the vishada and pichchhila guna in place of guru and laghu guna while stating the veerya. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 40/5] The rationale behind ashtavidha veerya vaada can be discussed as given in the table below [Arunadatta on A.H. Sutra Sthana 9] :

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These are considered as eight representatives of twenty gurvadi guna mentioned in the Samhita. These are also termed as [[Guna|guna]] possessing veerya like properties or [[Guna|guna]] named as veerya i.e. veeryakhya guna. Sushruta Samhita mentions the vishada and pichchhila guna in place of guru and laghu guna while stating the veerya. [Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 40/5] The rationale behind ashtavidha veerya vaada can be discussed as given in the table below [Arunadatta on A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9] :

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Table 3: Rationale behind eight important potencies

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| Samagra Guna Saarataa (Stability after metabolism)

|

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* Eight ~~guna remain~~ constant and unchanged during the process of digestion

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* Eight [[Guna|guna]] remain constant and unchanged during the process of digestion

* It can be considered as relatively stable compared to other gurvadi gunas.

|-

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| Vyavahaara mukhyatva (More practical utility)

|

−

* Most commonly put into practice than the rest of 12 guna.

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* Most commonly put into practice than the rest of 12 [[Guna|guna]].

−

* Are more commonly mentioned in Ayurveda texts than other gunas

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* Are more commonly mentioned in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] texts than other [[Guna|gunas]]

* Have more practical utility

|-

| Bahulyataa dravya

|

−

* More frequently mentioned in Ayurveda texts.

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* More frequently mentioned in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] texts.

|-

|}

−

The effect of eight potencies (ashtavidha veerya) on dosha, probably contributing to systemic effects / therapeutic effects, can be described in the table below. These can be determined through the karma of dravya possessing the particular guna- (Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/515-524)

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The effect of eight potencies (ashtavidha veerya) on dosha, probably contributing to systemic effects / therapeutic effects, can be described in the table below. These can be determined through the karma of dravya possessing the particular guna- (Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 46/515-524)

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Table 4. Effect of eight veerya on dosha and body systems

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|}

{| class="wikitable"

−

|+ Table 4: Assessment of eight potencies (ashtavidha veerya) [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 41/11]

+

|+ Table 4: Assessment of eight potencies (ashtavidha veerya) [Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 41/11]

! Type of veerya

! Panchamahabhoota prominence

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|-

|}

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The assessment of the gurvadi guna as type of veerya can be studied through the effect they depict on the metabolism of body and body tissues. Qualitative assessment through the means of questionnaires or interviews is more commonly done recently. Amongst the 20 guna, snigdha (unctuous) and ruksha (dryness) guna are more extensively studied. For instance, sneha guna is assessed by determining the presence of snidghata or oiliness or unctuousness of skin and the contrary for ruksha guna.<ref name="ref7">Mishra S, Dwivedi RR, Ravishankar B. Conceptual and applied study of Snigdha and Ruksa Guna with special reference to Rasa-raktagata Sneha (hyperlipidemia). Ayu. 2011;32(2):200-206. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.92586</ref> Biochemical parameters like lipid profile are also used to determine the sneha guna in the body. Similaly the cell line studies are conducted to study the snigdhata in terms of adipocytic and anti-adipocytic activity in herbs like Terminalia belerica.<ref name="ref8">Ruchika Dighekar, Kiran Tawalare, Dr. Pankaj Jogi. A Biochemical Approach to Understand the Concept of Snigdha Guna of Ghee and Ruksha Guna of Terminalia Arjuna on Behaviour of 3T3-L1 Cell Line with Respect to Adipocytic and AntiAdipocytic Activity : In Vitro. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2020;6:73-81. http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.5.6.9</ref> The different tools and instruments like glossometer, and sudometer can be used in the assessment of snigdha and ruksha guna. The assessment of basic panchabhoutika structure can also help in assessment of guna. The organoleptic assessment can also help in determining the general quality of dravya. However, there is immense scope for creating more evidence to prove the veerya in gurvadi guna.<ref name="ref9">Guna [Internet]. Charak Samhita. 2022 [cited 2023 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Guna</ref>

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The assessment of the gurvadi guna as type of veerya can be studied through the effect they depict on the metabolism of body and body tissues. Qualitative assessment through the means of questionnaires or interviews is more commonly done recently. Amongst the 20 [[Guna|guna]], snigdha (unctuous) and ruksha (dryness) guna are more extensively studied. For instance, sneha guna is assessed by determining the presence of snidghata or oiliness or unctuousness of skin and the contrary for ruksha guna.<ref name="ref7">Mishra S, Dwivedi RR, Ravishankar B. Conceptual and applied study of Snigdha and Ruksa Guna with special reference to Rasa-raktagata Sneha (hyperlipidemia). Ayu. 2011;32(2):200-206. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.92586</ref> Biochemical parameters like lipid profile are also used to determine the sneha guna in the [[Sharira|body]]. Similaly the cell line studies are conducted to study the snigdhata in terms of adipocytic and anti-adipocytic activity in herbs like Terminalia belerica.<ref name="ref8">Ruchika Dighekar, Kiran Tawalare, Dr. Pankaj Jogi. A Biochemical Approach to Understand the Concept of Snigdha Guna of Ghee and Ruksha Guna of Terminalia Arjuna on Behaviour of 3T3-L1 Cell Line with Respect to Adipocytic and AntiAdipocytic Activity : In Vitro. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2020;6:73-81. http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.5.6.9</ref> The different tools and instruments like glossometer, and sudometer can be used in the assessment of snigdha and ruksha guna. The assessment of basic panchabhoutika structure can also help in assessment of guna. The organoleptic assessment can also help in determining the general quality of dravya. However, there is immense scope for creating more evidence to prove the veerya in gurvadi guna.<ref name="ref9">Guna [Internet]. Charak Samhita. 2022 [cited 2023 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Guna</ref>

=== Two main types of veerya (dwividha veerya vaada) ===

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Most of the scholars accepted two types of veerya (the dwividha veerya vaada). The hot and cold are considered as two main contrasting energies responsible for carrying out various functions in body. These can be equated to soma and agni i.e. the moon and the sun in the universe. These also represent the concept of Yin and Yang as put forth by traditional Chinese medicine.<ref name="ref10">Fu R, Li J, Yu H, Zhang Y, Xu Z, Martin C. The Yin and Yang of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Medicinal Research Reviews [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Jan 20];41(6):3182–200. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/med.21793</ref> The three dosha are either considered to sheeta (kapha , vata dosha) or ushna (pitta dosha) in nature. The approach of ayurveda regarding two types of veerya can be summarised as below: 1. Although all the dravya are panchabhautika in nature they can either be divided as ushna (hot) or sheeta (cold) based on the dominancy of ushna and sheeta guna [A.H. Sutra Sthana .9/17, Indu commentary on A.S. Sutra Sthana 1/26] These can be considered the most suitable types of veerya which can also be equated to karya-karana hetu according to ayurveda. These two are best representatives of the dual energy i.e. heat and cold in the universe and hence rightly termed as dwividha veerya.[ A.H. Sutra Sthana 9/17] There are two other types of veerya: kritrima (artificial) and sahaja (inherent) veerya. Shivadas sen quotes the example of the heaviness of black gram (masha) and lightness of green gram (mudga) for inherent veerya (sahaja veerya), while that of lightness of puffed paddy (laja) to explain the aritificial veerya (kritrima veerya). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/66 Shivadas Sen commentary on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/65]

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Most of the scholars accepted two types of veerya (the dwividha veerya vaada). The hot and cold are considered as two main contrasting energies responsible for carrying out various functions in [[Sharira|body]]. These can be equated to soma and agni i.e. the moon and the sun in the universe. These also represent the concept of Yin and Yang as put forth by traditional Chinese medicine.<ref name="ref10">Fu R, Li J, Yu H, Zhang Y, Xu Z, Martin C. The Yin and Yang of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Medicinal Research Reviews [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Jan 20];41(6):3182–200. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/med.21793</ref> The three dosha are either considered to sheeta (kapha , vata dosha) or ushna (pitta dosha) in nature. The approach of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] regarding two types of veerya can be summarised as below: 1. Although all the dravya are panchabhautika in nature they can either be divided as ushna (hot) or sheeta (cold) based on the dominancy of ushna and sheeta guna [A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] .9/17, Indu commentary on A.S. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 1/26] These can be considered the most suitable types of veerya which can also be equated to karya-karana hetu according to [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]]. These two are best representatives of the dual energy i.e. heat and cold in the universe and hence rightly termed as dwividha veerya.[ A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/17] There are two other types of veerya: kritrima (artificial) and sahaja (inherent) veerya. Shivadas sen quotes the example of the heaviness of black gram (masha) and lightness of green gram (mudga) for inherent veerya (sahaja veerya), while that of lightness of puffed paddy (laja) to explain the aritificial veerya (kritrima veerya). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/66 Shivadas Sen commentary on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/65]

== Different theories pertaining to concept of veerya (veeryavada) ==

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Action-based potency (karma veerya vaada): The potency of a dravya is observed according to its major pharmacotherapeutic actions. [Bhadanta Naagaarjuna in Rasavaisheshika]<ref name="ref11">Nagarjuna B. Bhadanta nagarjuna’s Rasavaisheshika text with English translation by K Raghavan Tirumulpad, Arya Vaidya sala, First Edition. Kozhikode, India: Geetanjali Offset Prints; 2013, Page No. 228</ref> Certain veerya such as emetic (Chhardaneeya veerya), carminative (Anulomana veerya) etc. are described. Fifteen types of Veerya are described by Acharya Nimi.<ref name="ref12">D.S. Lucus, Dravyagunavijnana (Basic principles of Dravyaguna, Vol.I, Chapter Veerya Vijanana, Chaukhambha Vishwa Bharathi, Varanasi, First edition, 2006, page No. 218/455.</ref></li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Quality-based potencies (Guna Veerya Vaada or Shakti Veerya Vaada): The quality based action (Guna Veerya Vaada or Shakti Veerya Vaada) is as described above.</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Substance (dravya veerya vaada): Veerya is a special power of dravya that is capable of performing actions.[Shivadasa Sen] The ability of [[Rasa|rasa]], vipaka, or prabhava to perform any action is termed veerya. However, dravya and veerya are different as veerya resides in dravya. [Shivadas Sen commentary on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/64-65]</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Substance (dravya veerya vaada): Veerya is a special power of dravya that is capable of performing actions.[Shivadasa Sen] The ability of [[Rasa|rasa]], [[Vipaka|vipaka]], or [[Prabhava|prabhava]] to perform any action is termed veerya. However, dravya and veerya are different as veerya resides in dravya. [Shivadas Sen commentary on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/64-65]</li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Paribhashika veerya vaada: The two types and eight types of veerya (dwividha veeryavada and ashtavida veerya vada) are considered under the heading of paribhashika veerya vada. It is mentioned by Charak and Vagbhata.</li></ol>

== Determination of veerya (veerya upalabdhi) ==

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The veerya can be determined by two means: nipatat (immediately after coming in contact with the tongue) and adhivasat (after proper digestion and assimilation in the body). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/66] For example, the potency of meat of animals in marshy area (anupa mamsa) can be determined after porper digestion and metabolism (jatharagnipaaka) i.e. adhivasat. The potency of black pepper (maricha) is determined immediately after it comes in contact with the tongue. Similarly, the hot potency (ushna veerya) of maricha can be determined after the process of digestion when signs like appetite stimulation (deepana) and burning (daha) are observed. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/66] Veerya can be determined through inference (anumana pramana) and direct perception (pratyaksa pramana). For instance, the cold potency (sheeta veerya) of rock salt (saindhava lavana) and hot potency (ushna veerya) of marshy animal’s meat (anupa mamsa) can be determined by inference (anumana pramana). The sharp potency (tikshna veerya) of Rajika (brown mustard) can be determined by olfactory perception (ghrana pariksha) as per direct perception. Similarly, the qualities like sharp (teekshna) and soft (mridu) can be determined through the visual perception and tactile perception (chakshu and sparsha pariksha respectively. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/66]

+

The veerya can be determined by two means: nipatat (immediately after coming in contact with the tongue) and adhivasat (after proper digestion and assimilation in the [[Sharira|body]]). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/66] For example, the potency of meat of animals in marshy area (anupa mamsa) can be determined after porper digestion and metabolism (jatharagnipaaka) i.e. adhivasat. The potency of black pepper (maricha) is determined immediately after it comes in contact with the tongue. Similarly, the hot potency (ushna veerya) of maricha can be determined after the process of digestion when signs like appetite stimulation (deepana) and burning (daha) are observed. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/66] Veerya can be determined through inference (anumana pramana) and direct perception (pratyaksa pramana). For instance, the cold potency (sheeta veerya) of rock salt (saindhava lavana) and hot potency (ushna veerya) of marshy animal’s meat (anupa mamsa) can be determined by inference (anumana pramana). The sharp potency (tikshna veerya) of Rajika (brown mustard) can be determined by olfactory perception (ghrana pariksha) as per direct perception. Similarly, the qualities like sharp (teekshna) and soft (mridu) can be determined through the visual perception and tactile perception (chakshu and sparsha pariksha respectively. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/66]

== General rules with exceptions regarding the determination of veerya (veerya nirdhaarana samanya siddhaanta and apavada) ==

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Ayurveda has termed the general rules regarding the relation and determining veerya of any dravya based on its [[Rasa|rasa (taste)]] and vipaka (post digestive effect). This can be equated to the basis of the panchabhautika constitution of the dravya. However, this rule has a few exceptions due to the variable panchabhautika configuration. More research studies can be carried out to further validate these concepts. The general rule states that a substance of madhura  rasa (sweet in taste) ~~and madhura  vipaka most~~ commonly possesses  sheeta  veerya. The sour substance (amla) in [[Rasa|rasa]] ~~and vipaka~~ is generally hot (ushna) in veerya. Similarly, dravya with pungent (katu) [[Rasa|rasa]] and vipaka is hot (ushna) in veerya. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/45] In this category usually by assessing [[Rasa|rasa]] of a dravya (rasa-upadeshena), one can conclude the veerya of that particular dravya. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/46] Thus, the variation in vipaka or veerya of a dravya can result in variation of its karma and guna (properties) despite the quality of [[Rasa|rasa]]. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/46] The following table the general rule and the exception with examples are mentioned as below:

+

[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] has termed the general rules regarding the relation and determining veerya of any dravya based on its [[Rasa|rasa (taste)]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] (post digestive effect). This can be equated to the basis of the panchabhautika constitution of the dravya. However, this rule has a few exceptions due to the variable panchabhautika configuration. More research studies can be carried out to further validate these concepts. The general rule states that a substance of madhura  rasa (sweet in taste) and madhura [[Vipaka|vipaka]] most commonly possesses  sheeta  veerya. The sour substance (amla) in [[Rasa|rasa]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] is generally hot (ushna) in veerya. Similarly, dravya with pungent (katu) [[Rasa|rasa]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] is hot (ushna) in veerya. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/45] In this category usually by assessing [[Rasa|rasa]] of a dravya (rasa-upadeshena), one can conclude the veerya of that particular dravya. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/46] Thus, the variation in [[Vipaka|vipaka]] or veerya of a dravya can result in variation of its karma and [[Guna|guna]] (properties) despite the quality of [[Rasa|rasa]]. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/46] The following table the general rule and the exception with examples are mentioned as below:

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Table 4: Generalised rule for determination of veerya

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| Madhura vipaka

| Sheeta veerya

−

| Paya (~milk) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/47] Ghrita (~ghee) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/47]

+

| Paya (~milk) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/47] Ghrita (~ghee) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/47]

|-

| Amla rasa

| Amla vipaka

| Ushna veerya

−

| Amrataka (Spondias mangifera), Kapittha (Feronia limonia) [A.H. Sutra Sthana 9]

+

| Amrataka (Spondias mangifera), Kapittha (Feronia limonia) [A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9]

|-

| Katu rasa

| Katu vipaka

| Ushna veerya

−

| Chavya (Piper chaba) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/47] Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/47]

+

| Chavya (Piper chaba) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/47] Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/47]

|-

|}

−

Veerya can lead to the variation in actions (karma) of two dravya having similar [[Rasa|rasa]] or vipaka. It is also observed that in exceptional cases, veerya may not be following [[Rasa|rasa]].2 Thus, there are few exceptions to the rules mentioned above, as given in the table below. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/48-49]

+

Veerya can lead to the variation in actions (karma) of two dravya having similar [[Rasa|rasa]] or [[Vipaka|vipaka]]. It is also observed that in exceptional cases, veerya may not be following [[Rasa|rasa]].2 Thus, there are few exceptions to the rules mentioned above, as given in the table below. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/48-49]

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Table: Exceptions to generalized rule for determination of veerya

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|-

|}

−

Thus the dravya whose rasa- vipaka- veerya are following the panchamahabhuta prominence and follow the general rule are termed as ‘Samana pratyayarabdha dravya’. That dravya which have contrasting or opposing rasa vipaka veerya are termed as ‘Vichitra pratyayarabhdha dravya’. [Arundatta on A.H. Sutra Sthana 9/27-28] The peculiar action performed by dravya irrespective of its rasa-vipaka- veerya is termed as prabhava. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/67] This helps differentiate the veerya from prabhava and exceptions to the general action of veerya.

+

Thus the dravya whose rasa- vipaka- veerya are following the panchamahabhuta prominence and follow the general rule are termed as ‘Samana pratyayarabdha dravya’. That dravya which have contrasting or opposing rasa vipaka veerya are termed as ‘Vichitra pratyayarabhdha dravya’. [Arundatta on A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/27-28] The peculiar action performed by dravya irrespective of its rasa-vipaka- veerya is termed as [[Prabhava|prabhava]]. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/67] This helps differentiate the veerya from [[Prabhava|prabhava]] and exceptions to the general action of veerya.

== Superiority of veerya ==

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Principles of drug action in ayurveda can be summarized in case of equality of strength. Vipaka overpowers rasa, veerya overpowers rasa. Vipaka and prabhava are considered to be competitive among all these three. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana .26/68-72] [A.H. Sutra Sthana 9/25] These factors act by overpowering and defeating one another. For instance, the hot potency (ushna veerya) of buffalo meat (mahisha mamsa) dominates the sweet taste and sweet post-digestive effect leading to the vitiation of pitta dosha. [Arundatta on A.H. Sutra Sthana 9/25] When there is a combination of antagonistic characteristics (viruddha guna), the dominant factor will overpower the weak one (Bhuyasa Alpam Avajiyate) [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/14] For instance, the guru, snigdha guna of milk (ksheera) dominates over its sheeta veerya resulting in vata shamana. [Arundatta on A.H. Sutra Sthana 9/24]

+

Principles of drug action in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] can be summarized in case of equality of strength. [[Vipaka|Vipaka]] overpowers rasa, veerya overpowers rasa. [[Vipaka|Vipaka]] and [[Prabhava|prabhava]] are considered to be competitive among all these three. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] .26/68-72] [A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/25] These factors act by overpowering and defeating one another. For instance, the hot potency (ushna veerya) of buffalo meat (mahisha mamsa) dominates the sweet taste and sweet post-digestive effect leading to the vitiation of pitta dosha. [Arundatta on A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/25] When there is a combination of antagonistic characteristics (viruddha guna), the dominant factor will overpower the weak one (Bhuyasa Alpam Avajiyate) [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/14] For instance, the guru, snigdha guna of milk (ksheera) dominates over its sheeta veerya resulting in vata shamana. [Arundatta on A.H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/24]

−

== Reasons for superiority of veerya: [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 40/5] ==

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== Reasons for superiority of veerya: [Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 40/5] ==

<li style="font-weight:bold">Pharmaco therapeutic actions (aushadhakarma karaka): The actions of drugs are brought about by their potency.</li>

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== Concept of veerya viruddha (contradictory potencies) ==

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Veerya viruddha is listed as one of the types amongst 18 types of viruddha aahara. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/86-87] Consumption of sheeta veerya dravya in combination with ushna veerya dravya is stated as the example of veerya viruddha. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/92] For instance, milk consumption of cold potency and fish of hot potency are contradictory. The dietary guidelines (aahar vidhi Vidhana) advise avoiding the consumption of veerya viruddha as it can result in occurrence of several diseases [Cha.Sa.Viman Sthana1/24]

+

Veerya viruddha is listed as one of the types amongst 18 types of viruddha aahara. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/86-87] Consumption of sheeta veerya dravya in combination with ushna veerya dravya is stated as the example of veerya viruddha. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/92] For instance, milk consumption of cold potency and fish of hot potency are contradictory. The dietary guidelines (aahar vidhi Vidhana) advise avoiding the consumption of veerya viruddha as it can result in occurrence of several diseases [Cha.Sa.Viman Sthana1/24]

== Importance of concept of veerya ==

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== Recent Researches on concept of Veerya: ==

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Veerya is the subject of extensive research, especially considering the ayurveda pharmacology. Dr. Nisteshwar K. has conducted a few animal experiments to establish the scientific validity of concept of veerya.<ref name="ref15">Nishteswar K, Basic concepts of Ayurvedic pharmacology , Chowkamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi. Printed-2007, Page No. 110</ref> Following are examples.

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Veerya is the subject of extensive research, especially considering the [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] pharmacology. Dr. Nisteshwar K. has conducted a few animal experiments to establish the scientific validity of concept of veerya.<ref name="ref15">Nishteswar K, Basic concepts of Ayurvedic pharmacology , Chowkamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi. Printed-2007, Page No. 110</ref> Following are examples.

<ol>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Study of action of ushna and sheeta veerya drugs on skeletal muscle The aqueous extracts (10% water infusion) total of 24 drugs, with 12 each belonging to ushna and sheeta veerya were tested for their activity against contractions of frog skeletal muscle (frog rectus abdominis) by using Burn model (1954)<ref name="ref16">Periasamy A, Burns DH, Holdren DN, Pollack GH, Trombitas K. A-band shortening in single fibers of frog skeletal muscle. Biophysical journal. 1990 Apr 1;57(4):815-28.</ref>. However, statistical analysis showed insignificant inhibition of both the veeryas. Therefore, the skeletal muscle experiment does not reveal any specificity about the nature of veerya.2 </li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Effect of ushna and sheeta veerya drugs on the frog heart muscle The aqueous extracts if 16 ushna and 16 sheeta veerya drugs were screened on 32 healthy frog hearts. The effect of ushna and sheeta veerya drugs in different doses (0.2 ml and 0.4 ml) was assessed on the basis of heart rate (chronotropic activity) and amplitude (Inotropic) activity of isolated frog heart during and after perfusion).2 More depressant effect on amplitude was exercised by ushna veerya group in comparison with sheeta veerya group. Both sheeta and ushna veerya drugs showed an insignificant decrease in heart rate. Hence, the action of ushna and sheeta veerya drugs cannot be associated with positive and negative chronotropic and ionotropic effect since both the groups have not shown a specific action on frog heart rate and amplitude (NishteswarK.et.al.)2 </li>

−

<li style="font-weight:bold">Effect of sheeta and ushna veerya drugs on basic metabolic rate (B.M.R.) Two sheeta veerya drugs namely yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and two ushna veerya drugs namely chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) and jaatiphala (Myristica fragrans) were studied. In healthy volunteers initially B.M.R. was recorded2 and the drug was administrated three times for one day. A significant increase (P<0.05) was observed with yashtimadhu, while increase in B.M.R. with shatavari was insignificant. Ushna veerya drugs brought about a decrease in B.M.R. after administration. Both chitraka and jaatiphala showed very significant action (P<0.05). Therefore, sheeta and ushna Veerya, which represent the saumyatva and agneyatva of a drug or food, may be responsible for synthesizing or metabolizing the dhatu due to their santarpana or apatarpana actions. (Nishteswar K. et. Al.) </li>

+

<li style="font-weight:bold">Effect of sheeta and ushna veerya drugs on basic metabolic rate (B.M.R.) Two sheeta veerya drugs namely yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and two ushna veerya drugs namely chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) and jaatiphala (Myristica fragrans) were studied. In healthy volunteers initially B.M.R. was recorded2 and the drug was administrated three times for one day. A significant increase (P<0.05) was observed with yashtimadhu, while increase in B.M.R. with shatavari was insignificant. Ushna veerya drugs brought about a decrease in B.M.R. after administration. Both chitraka and jaatiphala showed very significant action (P<0.05). Therefore, sheeta and ushna Veerya, which represent the saumyatva and agneyatva of a drug or food, may be responsible for synthesizing or metabolizing the [[Dhatu|dhatu]] due to their santarpana or apatarpana actions. (Nishteswar K. et. Al.) </li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Study of Veerya Vis–Vis pH value of Drugs Total 25 ushna and 25 sheeta veerya drugs were screened for pH value in cold water and hot water with pH water. Total 10 gms of each drug was soaked in 100 ml of distilled water and kept for one hour. After one hour, the pH of the sample was tested. Then the sample was kept on water bath for 30 minutes and again pH was recorded.2 All the screened drugs showed acidic reaction and it was evident from the present study that ushna and sheeta veerya drugs do not exhibit specific difference in pH values. (Nisteshvar K. and Dhayani S.C) </li></ol>

Other important researches can be summarised in the table as given below:

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|-

| style="text-align:center;"| 4.

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| Review on Concept of Potency (Veerya) and its diversity in Ayurveda<ref name="ref20">Chaithra SHebbar and Lalitha B.R. Review on Concept of Potency (Veerya) and its diversity in Ayurveda Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2017;6(2):16.</ref>

+

| Review on Concept of Potency (Veerya) and its diversity in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]<ref name="ref20">Chaithra SHebbar and Lalitha B.R. Review on Concept of Potency (Veerya) and its diversity in Ayurveda Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2017;6(2):16.</ref>

| The review establishes that the concept of Veerya (potency) in Ayurveda is not just limited to indicating the strength of the drug and it diversifies the drug action

|-

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|-

| style="text-align:center;"| 7.

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| HPTLC profiling of useful parts of fifteen plants in ayurveda with cold potency<ref name="ref23">Chaithra S. Hebbar et al. HPTLC profiling of useful parts offifteen plants in Ayurveda with cold potency. Int. J. Res.Ayurveda Pharm. 2017;8(2):26-30 http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.08257(PDF) HPTLC PROFILING OF USEFUL PARTS OF FIFTEEN PLANTS IN AYURVEDA WITH COLD POTENCY. Available from:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316475791_HPTLC_PROFILING_OF_USEFUL_PARTS_OF_FIFTEEN_PLANTS_IN_AYURVEDA_WITH_COLD_POTENCY [accessed Dec 06 2022].</ref>

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| HPTLC profiling of useful parts of fifteen plants in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] with cold potency<ref name="ref23">Chaithra S. Hebbar et al. HPTLC profiling of useful parts offifteen plants in Ayurveda with cold potency. Int. J. Res.Ayurveda Pharm. 2017;8(2):26-30 http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.08257(PDF) HPTLC PROFILING OF USEFUL PARTS OF FIFTEEN PLANTS IN AYURVEDA WITH COLD POTENCY. Available from:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316475791_HPTLC_PROFILING_OF_USEFUL_PARTS_OF_FIFTEEN_PLANTS_IN_AYURVEDA_WITH_COLD_POTENCY [accessed Dec 06 2022].</ref>

| HPTLC fingerprint of fifteen drugs with Sheeta Veerya (cold potency) showed a similar pattern to the mobile phase and stationary phase.

|-

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