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=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

Two drugs named saptala (Euphorbia pilosa) and shankhini (Euphorbia dracanculoides) are mainly effective to eliminate the dosha through virechana (therapeutic purgation). Virechana dravya are predominant in prithvi and jala mahabhuta having sthira(steady) and guru(heavy) properties respectively and propel contents down while being digested.3 (Su.Ci 33/34).

Two drugs named ''saptala'' (Euphorbia pilosa) and ''shankhini'' (Euphorbia dracanculoides) are mainly effective to eliminate the ''dosha'' through ''virechana'' (therapeutic purgation). ''Virechana dravya'' are predominant in ''prithvi'' and ''jala mahabhuta'' having ''sthira''(steady) and ''guru''(heavy) properties respectively and propel contents down while being digested.3 (Su.Ci 33/34).

Out of 600 formulations, 39 formulations are for virechana and rest are for vamana. Saptala and shankhini have purgative effect, and are included in shodhana kashaya (group of purification medicines)4.

Out of 600 formulations, 39 formulations are for ''virechana'' and rest are for ''vamana''. ''Saptala'' and ''shankhini'' have purgative effect, and are included in shodhana kashaya (group of purification medicines)4.

Saptala and shankhini are described together, because of their botanical similarity. Saptala or charmasahva has leathery and frothy appearance due to the presence of latex. Shankhini is called tiktala also, because of its bitter property (tikta rasa dravya) is good to pacify pitta by virechana karma.

''Saptala'' and ''shankhini'' are described together, because of their botanical similarity. ''Saptala'' or ''charmasahva'' has leathery and frothy appearance due to the presence of latex. ''Shankhini'' is called ''tiktala'' also, because of its bitter property (''tikta rasa dravya'') is good to pacify ''pitta'' by ''virechana karma''.

For the assessment of their useful part, saptala is mulini6 whose useful part is root. Shankhini is  phalini 7 whose useful part is fruit. Shankhini also has bhedana property for use in virechana. Several other drugs mentioned are used in different formulations with saptala and shankhini  to provide synergistic effect and to overcome adverse effects which may occur by these two drugs because of its vikasi, tikshna and ruksha guna.  

For the assessment of their useful part, ''saptala'' is ''mulini''6 whose useful part is root. ''Shankhini'' is  ''phalini'' 7 whose useful part is fruit. ''Shankhini'' also has ''bhedana'' property for use in ''virechana.'' Several other drugs mentioned are used in different formulations with ''saptala'' and ''shankhini'' to provide synergistic effect and to overcome adverse effects which may occur by these two drugs because of its ''vikasi, tikshna'' and ''ruksha guna''.  

Botanical description-

Botanical description-

Shankhini is described in Wealth of India 11 as Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. It has many branches annual, 12-18 in. High, with sessile, linear lanceolate leaves; capsules 3-4mm. in diameter containing ellipsoid seeds, 3mm. long. It is found practically throughout India in the plains and on low hills.  

 

''Shankhini'' is described in Wealth of India 11 as Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. It has many branches annual, 12-18 in. High, with sessile, linear lanceolate leaves; capsules 3-4mm. in diameter containing ellipsoid seeds, 3mm. long. It is found practically throughout India in the plains and on low hills.

 

=== Sanskrit Text, Transliteration with English Translation ===

=== Sanskrit Text, Transliteration with English Translation ===