A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
पाटु पञ्चकादि गुलिका - Pāṭu Pañcakādi Gulikā
Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam (Cikitsā Sthāna, Grahaṇī Cikitsā, Adhyāya 14)
This formulation is a classical compound medicine (Yoga) referenced in the authoritative text Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam, specifically in the 14th chapter on the treatment of Grahaṇī (malabsorption syndrome) within the Cikitsā Sthāna (Section on Treatment).
The formulation is a pill (Gulikā) processed with lemon juice. The term "Paṭu Pañcakam" refers to a group of five sharp, pungent substances; standard interpretations include
पटु पञ्चकम् (Paṭu Pañcakam): A group of five pungent ingredients. (Typically: पिप्पली - Pippalī - (Piper longum); पिप्पलीमूल - Pippalīmūla - (Root of Piper longum); चव्य - Cavya - (Piper chaba); चित्रक - Citraka - (Plumbago zeylanica); शुण्ठी - Śuṇṭhī - (Zingiber officinale))
द्वि-क्षार (Dvi-Kṣāra): Two types of alkaline ashes. (Typically: यवक्षार - Yavakṣāra - (Alkaline ash of Hordeum vulgare (Barley)) and स्वर्जिकाक्षार - Svarjikākṣāra - (Sodium bicarbonate))
मरिच (Marica) - (Piper nigrum)
पञ्चकोल (Pañcakola): The five pungents of the "Kola" group. (Typically: पिप्पली - Pippalī - (Piper longum); पिप्पलीमूल - Pippalīmūla - (Root of Piper longum); चव्य - Cavya - (Piper chaba); चित्रक - Citraka - (Plumbago zeylanica); नागर - Nāgara - (Zingiber officinale))
दीप्यक (Dīpyaka) - (Likely a synonym for यवानी - Yavānī - (Trachyspermum ammi))
हिंगु (Hiṅgu) - (Ferula assa-foetida)
बीजपूरक स्वरस (Bījapūraka Svarasa): Fresh juice of बीजपूर - Bījapūra - (Citrus medica) used for processing (Kōla pākima).
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Ajīrṇa: Indigestion.
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire, leading to impaired metabolism.
Grahaṇī: A complex disorder of the duodenum and small intestine, characterized by malabsorption syndrome, irregular bowel habits (alternating diarrhea and constipation), and poor nutrient assimilation.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
Gastrointestinal System: Primary use for severe functional dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with constipation (Malabandha), and conditions stemming from chronic weak digestion and malabsorption.
Metabolic System: Used as an adjuvant in weight management protocols due to its deep metabolic stimulating properties.
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Vāta-Kapha Śamana (pacifies Vāta and Kapha doshas). It is Pitta Sāraka (slightly increases or mobilizes Pitta without aggravating it excessively).
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Its primary action is on the Rasā (plasma) and Māṃsa (muscle) dhātus, helping to normalize digestive tissue function and nutrient absorption.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Param Pācana (a strong digestant that powerfully breaks down toxins) and Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire and enhances appetite).
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Srotōśōdhana (cleanses and removes obstructions from the bodily channels). It has a Sūkṣma (subtle) quality, allowing it to penetrate deep into tissues.
Roga Karma (Action on Specific Diseases): Its primary action is to correct the pathology of Grahaṇī (malabsorption syndrome).
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Rucya (improves taste perception and appetite). It normalizes Malapravṛtti (bowel movement), particularly effective for constipation.
Attribute (Guṇa) | Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Kaṭu (Pungent), Lavaṇa (Salty), Kṣāra (Alkaline), Amla (Sour)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp,
Penetrating), Sūkṣma (Subtle)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Hot)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect)
Katu (Pungent) [Inferred from
constituents]
Modern Correlate Actions: This formulation demonstrates potent digestive stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial (likely against gut pathogens), and mild laxative activities. Its alkaline components may provide antacid effects while its pungency stimulates digestion, making it suitable for complex digestive weakness with congestion.
6. Approved Manufacturers
This classical formulation is manufactured by renowned Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified manufacturers, including:
Arya Vaidya Sala - Kottakkal (under the series: Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam)
Important Note: The recommended Anupāna (vehicle for administration) is Takra (buttermilk), Uṣṇa Jala (warm water), or Ārdraka Svarasa (fresh ginger juice). It primarily acts on the Āmāśaya (stomach) and the level of Samāna Vāyu (sub-dosha governing digestion), making it highly specific for upper GI tract disorders. It gives best results in Agnimāndya with Malabandha (low digestive fire with constipation). Contraindication: It is generally not advised in Pitta or Raktaja conditions (inflammatory conditions with blood involvement) due to its Uṣṇa (hot) and Tīkṣṇa (sharp) properties.