Physio-Pharmacological aspects of Guda Basti

Abstract

Amongst all the Shodhan and Shaman treatments of Ayurveda; Basti is one which can be used in all types of diseases and conditions. With proper combination of different drug it acts as anabolic as well as catabolic therapeutics, that’s why it is called as half treatment. Basti is a medication given through rectum which is a part of G.I Tract hence enema is equated with Basti. When administration volume of enema exceeds 80-100ml as in Basti there is a possibility of migration of drugs in to the ascending colon and even up to the ileum. Hence pervading of Basti solution is most important consideration. G.I. tract from cecum to rectum is very much differing in anatomical as well as physiological point of view. So plant origin drugs given by this route shows different Physio-Pharmacological properties. Basti doesn’t act by virtue of its drug mixture alone, beside drug mixture; left lateral position of patient, time of Basti administration related with food, mixture of Madhu and Saindhav play an important role. The pervading attributes for Niruha and Anuvasan are different. On the basis of this attributes Physio-Pharmacological aspects can be classified under Absorption and Excretion. The main aim of this article is to collect all references of Basti/Rectal root of drug administration from modern as well as Ayurvedic point of view and to explore the exact mechanism of action. In future Niruha Basti may be used as beneficial method for removal of the body waste products and Anuvasan Basti more nearer regarding the new nutritional root.