Vrishya and Vajikarana - Exploring Ancient Science of Aphrodisiacs

Abstract

Introduction:Vajikarana is one of the eight specialities of Ashtang Ayurveda dealing with the management of pathophysiology of spermatogenesis and healthy sexual potentiation. This aphrodisiac therapy is advocated for various sexual and reproductive disease i.e., Klaibya or Erectile dysfunctions, Bandhyatva or Infertility, Shukraghata Vata or azospermia and premature ejaculation. Vrishya, a synonym of Vajikara, is the technical term indicating spermatogenic and aphrodisiac effect of a dravya (foods, herbs, spices and Medicinal plants) including audio-visual, socio-religious effects/ sexual behaviour factors/ constants). Currently, the importance of this branch has increased manifold, as more and more people are reporting to clinics with various disorders related to seminal parameters and sexual dysfunction. Material and Methods: Various drugs mentioned under these therapies were searched including scientific data pertaining to their efficacy and probable mode of action. The search was limited to Ayurveda classics, books and published works from pubmed as well as non-pubmed indexed journals including google scholar database. The present review is mainly focussed on brihatryi (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtang) for elaborate understanding of the concept of Vrishya and Vajikarana. The texts Sarangdhar Samhita and Bhavprakash Nighantu were searched for the drugs indicated as vrishya and vajikarana properties. Results: Analyses of the textual data revealed that Vrishya dravyas act as Vajikara also, but all Vajikara dravyas do not possess Vrishya property. This appears due to predominance of stimulant action on Sukravaha Samsthana in Vajikara dravyas while Vrishya has mainly quantitative and qualitative effect on Sukra. These drugs also act on higher centres of the brain which helps to alleviate anxiety associated with sexual performance as revealed by the published scientific data. Aphrodiasics also modulate the level of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH. The drugs possessing these properties have been tabulated in the text. Conclusion: Vajikarana is the therapy while Vrishya is the property (Karma) of the drug. Vrishya drugs are successful in treating conditions of reproductive disorders and sexual performance and they have an effect on pituitary-gonadal axis. Investigations in validation of these drugs will go a long way in management of infertility.

An Insight into Ayurvedic Aspects of Male Reproductive Health with Special Reference to Preconception Care: A Narrative Review

“…[26] It instructs adhering to the principles of healthy living hence helps in rejuvenation and improving the sexual vigor. [27] The word Vaji means horse, the drugs and treatment modalities which makes a man sexually potent like a horse is termed as Vajikarana. [28] At times it is being misinterpreted only as aphrodisiac therapy, but it has got a wide range of application bestowing both therapeutic and rejuvenating effect.…”

“…[28] At times it is being misinterpreted only as aphrodisiac therapy, but it has got a wide range of application bestowing both therapeutic and rejuvenating effect. [27] It entitles strict adherence to specific Ahara, Vihara and Aushada, which is a form of Rasayana also, thereby ensuring a solution for male reproductive health attributes and also well-being and vitality of offspring in the form of preconception care. [27]…”

“…[27] It entitles strict adherence to specific Ahara, Vihara and Aushada, which is a form of Rasayana also, thereby ensuring a solution for male reproductive health attributes and also well-being and vitality of offspring in the form of preconception care. [27]…”

“…[29] It is interpreted as those substance by which a person is capable to perform sexually like Vrusha (bull). [30] In certain contexts, in classical texts the term Vrushya is also used as a synonym for Vajikarana [27] In case of Alpa Retas (low level of semen/sperm since birth or below the age of twenty years), Dushta Retas (vitiated semen/sperm), Ksheena Retas (moderately decreased semen/sperm, especially in the middle age due to undefined etiology), Vishushka Retas (extremely low levels or the depletion of semen/sperm that occurs physiologically in old age, after 70 years of age) Vajikarna does Apyayana (maintaining and promoting normal production of sperm), Prasadana (normalizing of semen/sperm), Upachaya (quantitative increase in semen/sperm), Janananimitha Karma (production of semen/sperm) respectively. [31] It provides an impact on psychological aspects by Praharshajanana (creating pleasure in sexual act), leading to Shukra Vrudhi (quantitative and qualitative increase in semen/ sperm) and Shukra Srutikara Karma (promotes ejaculation of semen).…”

“…Shukrapravartaka drugs are Ucchata (Abrus precatorius), Brihati (Solanum indicum); Shukrajanakapravartaka drugs are Ghrita, Ksheera, Masha (Vigna mungo), Bhallataka Phalamajja (seed coat Semicarpus anacardium). [27] Both Vajikarana and Vrushya drugs should be administered after proper Shodhana Karma (purificatory therapies) or else they will fail to produce the desired benefit, just as application of dye to a piece of dirty cloth will prove non-effective. [35] Vajikarna is a type of Rasayana could be administered from 16 to 70 years, which again offers an extensive period for intervention in male reproductive and sexual health, both as preventive and therapeutic aspects.…”