A Critical Review on the Usage of Ghrita in Unmada

Abstract

In Ayurveda, the broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders is discussed under Unmada. The affected person has a hampered higher mental function and distorted perception of reality. Among the various herbal and herbo-mineral preparations explained for the treatment of Unmada, majority are made of Ghrita (cow's ghee/clarified butter). Ghrita, the best drug of oleation, assimilates the properties of the substance which accompanies it. Ghrita is capable of treating the disease as a single drug and in combination with several nootropic and mood stabilizing drugs. Ghrita opposes each of the etiology of Unmada at the level of constitution, diet and lifestyle. It is supposed to attenuate each stage of pathogenesis of the disease. It enhances the quality of diet. The anti-oxidant property of clarified butter is able to repair the degenerative changes in brain. The DHA, an omega 3 long chain poly unsaturated fatty acid is abundant in ghee which is seen in retinal and brain cells. The chemical changes in the brain due to the disorder are also corrected by the ghee. So Ghrita and its various combinations can be the appropriate medicine in diseases where higher mental functions and psyche is grossly impaired.

Clinical Studies on Learning Disorder in Ayurveda - A Review

“…There is a decisive role of nutrition in brain development, and thus on brain function and mental performance in humans. 34 Likewise ghee has antioxidant property which performances on the degenerative brain cells. Discussion on result Effect of Brahmi Ghṛta on specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills by Gopalani Ajay (2005) revealed significant improvement in measure of person's visual imagery, visual motor integration and immediate memory recall.…”

Utility of Ghrita in Treatment of Unmada (Unstable Mind) with special reference to Charaka Samhita

“…Even its smell or use by nasal route has excellent benefits if it cannot be administered orally [1]. Vata dosha and Medha are the controller of the mind [5] and the property of Pitta [6] respectively, therefore, the Vatapitta hara property of Ghrita is useful in the treatment of psychiatric illness like Unmada . Most of the Kalpana described in the classics and mentioned in Table 1 improve intellect, memory and awareness as part of their many benefits.…”

“…Most of the Kalpana described in the classics and mentioned in Table 1 improve intellect, memory and awareness as part of their many benefits. Previously, Madhavi (2016) in the report 'a critical review on the usage of Ghrita in Unmada' elaborately mentioned Ghrita usage in Ayurvedic formulations [6]. Ghrita has the capacity to cross the blood brain barrier and do target drug delivery.…”

“…Additionally, traditionally (Indian traditions) prepared Ghrita contains docosahexaenoic acid, and an omega 3 long chain poly unsaturated fatty acid, which is also present in high concentration in brain cells too. Scientifically experimented studies shows that docosahexaenoic acid has positive outcome in cognitive decline and Ghrita is known to have antioxidant property which repairs the brain cells by acting upon the degenerative brain cells [6,7,9,11].…”

In Vitro Inhibition Assessment of Acetyl Cholinesterase by Mahabhutarava Ghrta

“…Blood brain barrier has a lipophilic structure. Lipids and lipid soluble drugs can pass easily through blood brain barrier 7 . Ghrta imparts a lipid medium.…”