Explore the mode of action of Swarnaprashana in Varnya (complexion)

 Neha Ghritlahre¹, Mukta Bariha¹, Sonia singh¹, Lowkesh Chandravanshi¹, Satyawati Rathia¹, Prashant Kumar Gupta², Nagendra Singh Chauhan^3*

¹Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, Shri Narayan Prashad Awasthi Government Ayurved College Raipur, C.G., India

²Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, India

³Drugs Testing Laboratory Avam Anusandhan Kendra, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

Abstract: In Ayurveda Varna, is considered as marker of good health. The Varna is a parameter useful for healthy and glowing skin. It is influenced by a several circumstances before and after birth. In Ayurveda classics Acharyas mentioned about various factors like Panchmahabhuta, Dosha, Dhatu, Ahara, Agni, genes, are responsible for different varna. The effective and unique concept about beauty in Ayurveda has steered to the exposure of Ayur-cosmaceuticals.  The concept of prabha,varna, chhaya described in Ayurveda are inborn being of beauty. A Sanskrit term varna meaning outer appearance, shape, figure, texture of thes kin. Chhaya is the organization whichlimitprabha and varna and it highlight to the complexion. Thus, anything which carries beauty and softness and rejuvenates and maintain the natural texture and tone of the skin along with multiplication of glow, lustre and complexion is known as Varnya. In modern science term Varnya is corelated with term complexion. In human’scomplexion can be described as the natural colour, appearance of the skin, texture especially of the face. A person’s complexion is a biological trait. Melanin is a biological pigment which is mainly responsible for in the tone. Few factors are responsible for colour of the skin apart from melanin pigments are as nutritional, environment and developmental status of granular layer, absorption coefficient of the dermis and epidermis, reflection coefficient of skin surface, content of UV light absorbing component, thickness of overlaying tissue, amongst them melanin is the major determinant of colour and which depends upon racial, ethnic difference, number of melanin, size ,shape, distribution and degradation  of melanin. In Ayurveda, Kashyap Samhita is one of the ancient literatures, where a Lehana based unique concept of Swarnaprashan which is prepared with Swarna Bhasma (incinerated gold), Madhu (honey), Ghrita isdescribed. Acharya Kashyap explained benefits of administration of Swarnaprashan is medhavardhak (intellect), agnivardhak(digestion and metabolism), balvardhanam (physical strength), ayuvardhak(longevity), mangalkarak (auspicious), purnyakarak(righteous), vrishyam(aphrodisiac), varnyam(complexion), grahapaham (protection from evil spirits and microorganisms). This review is an effort to research the mode of action of Swarnaprashan in Varnya(complexion) according to Ayurveda and contemporary science.

Keywords: Varna, Melanin, Health, Swarnabhasma, Madhu, Ghrita, Swarnaprashan

INTRODUCTION

Health is equilibrium of all the Dosha (Tridosha e.g. vata,pitta.kapha), Dhatu (saptadhatue.g.rasa, mamsa, rakta, asthi, meda, shukra, mazza), Mala (mutra, purish,sweda), Agni (Dhatwagni, bhutagni, jatharagni), which leads to happinessof atma (soul), indriya (sensoryorgans),Mana (mind) (Shastri, 2003). Thus good skin complexion is also important aspects of health. The skin is the major organ which is an main part of the body which is almost gently and comprehensively cared by everyone. People always try to keep their skin healthy,good and shiny. In Ayurveda classics we can get multiple references regarding varnya effect of drugs.  CharakSamhitaismainAyurvedictextbook, whereAcharyaCharak has explainedabout Varnyamahakashaya (Kashinath et al., 2013) The mechanism action of drugs mentioned in varnya mahakashaya is maintaing skin texture, colour e.g. varna vruddhi of skin.  The properties of these herbs show a complexion enhancing effect and has the capacity to preserve and restore the beauty.

Varnais sanskrit word which means colour, and the ‘ya’ suffix indicates health associated with the concept of the body (Monier et al., 2005). A drug that improves the appearance of the skin which restore or maintain the natural texture and tone of the skin. Colour of skin is nothing but a natural colour, texture of the skin.

There are many factors which determines colour formation in human : -Genetic(Shastri, 2005), Ahar-vihar (Shastri, 2005), Agni(Trikamji,2011), Mahabhuta(Sharma, 2000), Dosha ((Shastri, 2000), Dhatu(Shastri, 2000) etc.

MELANOCYTES

Complexion of a person is a biological feature. Melanin is a biological pigment which is mainly responsible for change in the tone. Melanin is a complex polymer and originated from the amino acid which is tyrosine (Cichorek et al.,2013).Melanin pigment found in most organisms, from bacteria to humans, here we get clue that it has a long evolutionary history and a of important functions.

Melanin production takes place in melanocytes. Melanocytic cells are present in various parts of our body, including: - pupils and irises, the innermost layer of the skin, hairs, the medulla and zona reticular is (area of adrenal gland), the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus (areas of brain), the stria vascular is of your cochlear duct (part of inner ear) (Maranduca et al.,2019).

There are five basic types of melanin found: eumelanin, pheomelanin, neuromelanin, allomelanin and pyomelanin(Cao, et al., 2021).

In human’s melanin exists in three forms: eumelanin, pheomelanin, neuromelanin.

Melanocytes are responsible factors for the Varnya (Complexion). Melanocytes present in the epidermis and hair follicles. Melanocytes originate from embryonic cells named neural crest cells (NCC), along with melanin synthesis it has particular functions in all target places in much wider form(Cichorek et al.,2013). Melanocytes also found in the heart, inner ear, nervous system. Other cells can also produce melanin in body. The life cycle of melanocytes consists of many steps.And includes lineage specification from embryonic neural crest (melanoblast), migration and proliferation of melanoblasts, differentiation of melanoblasts into melanocytes, maturation of melanocytes (melanin production takes place in special organelles called melanosomes, dendritic morphology), transportation of mature melanosomes to keratinocytes and eventual cell death. During development of melanocytes proliferation and differentiation are regulated by different genetic & epigenetic factores derived from fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes, the pitutary gland, other organells & environmental factors (UV). Molecules of melanocytes are recognized by identification of melanocyte-specific protiens; Tyrosinase (TYR), Melanosomal matrix proteins (Pmel17, Tyrosenase related protiens 1&2 (TYRP1, TYRP2) Micropthalmia transcription factors (MITF). Dermal fibroblasts secreted factors: - Neuregluin1(NRG1), Stem cells factores (SCF), also controls melanocytes biology.

MATERIAL AND METHOD : -

A literary review of Charak Smhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astang hridya, Astang Samgraha, Sharangdhar Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita, Rasratna Samuchchya, and Modern textbooks, Previous papers was done in a parallel way to understand this topic in depth.

SWARNA (GOLD) : -

Since the Origin of Human on earthevery mankind has desired to be healthy. By adopting good lifestyles, diet, drugs, duties.  Among drugs Gold (swarna) stands in first position on generosity of its therapeutic properties in all system of medicines. Gold is a most precious metal was used to prepare jwelleries, coins, statues of Gods in all over world. Gold was using from Ancient periods for curative and preventive purposes (Reddy, 2020). During prehistoric period first référence about gold were found which was mentioned as Hiranya (synonym of swarna).

Manusmriti, an ancient literature mentioned about Sanskara (purificatory rites) for brahmin.  Sanskara includes like Jatkarma sanskar (procedures at birth) and Chudakarma Sanskara (ceremony of tonsure) for the purification.Jatkarma sanskara (newborn care) done immediate after cutting the umbilical cord in which composition of gold (swarna), honey(madhu), ghrita given to baby for licking with chanting Mantra. There are many refrences of Gold (Swarna) found in Ayurveda literatures for their therapeutic use and in other purpose too.

In Charak samhita Gold (Swarna) has taken under parthiva dravya. One formulation of gold is given is a Aindra rasayana. It is also said that if somebody has taken poison will not have effect of poison if those person has taken Swarna. It has been mentioned as antidote. Alsoused in Pumsavana sanskara.

In Susruta Samhita Gold (Swarna) has taken under Parthiva dravya, Trapvadigana and explained their fonctions as Tridoshahara, Vishapaham, Brumhaniya, Chakhsushya, Rasayana, Hridya. Gold ismdhura rasa, sheetavirya (Shastri, 2014).  In Astanga Hridaya Swarna has taken as Rasayana and also given formulation of Swarna children (Tripathi, 2014).  In AshtangaSamgraha the formulation of Swarna has given for children (Murthy, 2013-14).In Sharangadhara Samhitataken gold as one among Dhatu(Srivastava, 2017)^.According to Bhavaprakash it comes under Sapta Dhatu(Mishra et al., 2004).In Rasaratna samuchchaya gold taken under Shuddha loha (pure metals) (Shastri, 2015).In Rasatarangini Swarna taken under Sapta loha (seven metals) (Shastri, 2009)^.

PROPERTIES OF SWARNA(GOLD):-

According to Rasaratnasamuchchya:-

Gold has properties of snigdha, vrishya, bruhana, medhya, increases the age, beauty, lustre, digestive fire, intelligency, memory of person .It destroyes all diseases,is holy, removes obsession of ghosts and spirits. It brings  happiness (Shastri, 2015).

SWARNA BHASMA( INCINERATED GOLD)

The formation of Swarna Bhasma is a traditional concept of reduction of the particle size of gold which increases its pharmacological properties. Bhasma is biologically produced nanoparticles. After proper purification and incineration physicochemical characterization has been done by various techniques. Bhasma contains nanoparticles if it is prepared in the proper classical method, and it proves the nanomedicine is the ancient concept of Ayuvedic Bhasma preparation. For the past several decades, experimental evidence proved that gold nanoparticles  have become better biocompatible metal nanoparticles in disease diagnosis and therapeutics. These nanoparticles can be synthesized by using various methods which include chemical and electrochemical radiation, photochemical method, and biological techniques. The gold nanoparticles possess anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial properties.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SWARNA BHASMA

Swarna Bhasma  contain Sulphur ( <3.33% w/w), Calcium (<1.625% w/w), Sodium (<0.922% w/w), Potassium (<0.370% w/w), Sulfate (<3.00% w/w), Copper (<17.2% w/w), Iron oxide ( ferric <85.0% w/w), Iron oxide (ferrous<5.7% w/w), Phosphate (<1.101% w/w), Silica (<3.8% w/w), Acid insoluble ash value (21.20- 31.18% w/w), ash value (<98.20% w/w) (Pal et al., 2014).

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SWARNA BHASMA(Reddy, 2020)

GHRITA (CLARIFIED BUTTER MILK) : -

The Word ghee come from sanskrit word (Ghrt) which means clarified butter, from ghr- ‘to sprinkle’ (Buck et al., 1992). It is originated in ancient India. Mainly ghrita is made from milk (obtained by agitating curd). Ghria are used for multiple purposes like traditional medicines, religious rituals. It can be used externally as well as internally (medicinal and nutritional). Four kinds of Snehana has explained in Ayurveda, and ghrita are the best among them. It has unique and important nature, which is known as ‘Sanskaranuvartana’ means it brings herbes or other drugs properties into it without leaving its own inherent properties. Ghrita is semisolid at room temperature, oily liquid, colour white to light yellow or, granular in texture, rich in odor, taste pleasant (AcharyaShukla. According to acharya Charaka it has unctuous property(Vidyadhar, 2003). Cow ghrita is healthier good for vision, increases agni (digestive fire) (Vidyadhar, 2003), production of semen, and beauty. Rich in antioxydants which helps the body to easily absorb the minerals and vitamins. In Charaka Samhita and Kaidev nighantuvarnaprasadan property of ghrita has mentioned.

PROPERTIES OF GHRITA (Vidyadhar, 2003) : -

Rasa -Madhura

Vipaka-   Madhura

Guna -    Mridu, Snigdha,Shalakshana,Yogvahi, Guru,Soumyama

Alpabhishyandi,

Virya-    Sheeta

Doshashamakata–Tridoshashamaka

Karma – Agnivardhak, Anabhishyandi, Ayuvardhak, Balvardhak, Chakshushya, HrudyaDipana,Medhya, kantiprada, ojovardhaka, Rasayana, Ruchya, Shleshmavardhana, Snehana, Shukravardhaka, Tejobalakara, Tvachaya, Vatapittaprashamana, Vayaasthapana, Vishahara, Virya.

The main flavoring component of ghrita are Lactones, Carbonyls, Alcohols,Free fatty acids. Ghrita is rich in saturated fat and oxidizedcholesterol.

MADHU (HONEY): -

The word madhu is obtained from ‘Manyatiti madhu’ meaning sweet, delicious (Shivarama, 2006). Honey is a natural sweet and most appreciated substances known to mankind since ancient periods. It has wide range of therapeutical uses and religious significance also used in cosmetological purpose. Honey is obtained from honeybee. In Ayurveda classics different varieties of honey explained by Acharyas. Acharya Charaka has explained about four types of honey those are Makshika, Bhramara, Kshaudra, Paittaka(Tripathi, 2014)^. According to Acharya Sushruta eight types of honey explained and those are Pauttika, Bhramara, Kshaudra, Makshika, Chatra, Arghya, Auddalaka, Dala (Shastri, 2015).^. It has unique nature of Being Yogavahimeans it carries the effect of added drug into it without losing its own character, it enhances the action and properties of substances with which it added.It is best Anupana Dravya (substance taken along with or immediate after taken aushadhdravya), sukshamargaanusari (it has ability to penetrate Srotas (microchannels). Honey is rich source of nutrients. Experimental studies on honey shows it is helpful in preventing bacterial, viral growth, work as sedative, antipyretic, antitoxic, laxative, antioxidant, antiemetic, antiallergen, antiseptic, reduces inflammation, healing and cleansing, moisturizing and blood purifying effects. Honey can be used internally and externally.

PROPERTIES OF MADHU (HONEY)-

Guna   -      Ruksha, Guru

Rasa    -     Madhura, Kashaya

Vipaka -   Katu

Virya -   Sheeta

Dosghanta– Vat karak, Kaphpitta nashak

Karma- Deepana, Varnya, Swarya, Lekhanam, Sandhana, Shodhana, Ropanam, Chedana, Sangrahi, Chakshushya, Prasadana (Tripathi, 2014).

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HONEY: -

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fat, Sugars, Amino acids, Water, Dietary fibers, Vitamin B3,Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B11, Folate, Vitamin C, Minerals like calcium, selenium, chromium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, number of aromatic acids are found like lactic, formic, citric, malic, acetic butanoic, pyroglutamic succinic, , gluconic acid, honey contain polyphenol compounds which prevent and manage to numerous ailments. Polyphenol compound exhibits antioxidant effects, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and further voluminous protecting activities(Bogdanov et al., 2008).

Phenolic compounds are responsible for the antioxidant property of honey. Flavonoids contains galangin, quercetin, genistein, rutin, chrysin, catechin, luteolin, pinocembrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, pinobaskin, myricetin.Phenolic acid contains various acids like hydroxycinnamic, caffeic, abscisic, chlorogenic, ellagic, gallic, cinnamic, ferulic, coumaric, hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, vanillic, syringic, synaptic (Hossain et al., 1985).

FLAVONOIDS FUNCTION IN MELANOGENESIS: -

Flavonoids stimulates melanin synthesis are- cyanidin, hesperidin,apigenin, genistein, fisetin, all stimulated melanin synthesis (Serafino et al., 2004, Hunag et al., 2012, Ye et al., 2010).Stimulated by the alfa- MC1R (Melanocortin receptor 1), melanocytes stimulating hormone (alfa-MSH), (Suzuku et al.,1997).Transmits a signal to cAMP-PKA (cyclic AMP and protein kinase A(Swope et al.,2012) cAMP-PKA (cyclic AMP and protein Kinase A) activation increases expression of the melanocytes master transcriptional factor MITF (Microphthalmia transcription factor)(Yasumoto et al. 1994). Which one after the other activates expression of the major melanogenic enzymes tyrosinase,dopachrome tautomerase and tyrosine related protein 1(TYRP-1) through binding to E boxes on their promoters.

SWARNAPRASHAN: -

Acharya Kashyapa has given a clear idea about Swarna Prashan in Leha Adhyaya ofKashyapa Samhita. Swarna Prashan is a unique combination of Swarna Bhasma, Madhu, Ghrita, and which are given in various combinations for desirable benefits (Shastri, 2003).

The term Prashan is formed from two words pra and Ashana; Pra as a prefix means before while Ashana means food. Prashan means first feeding of the child or something given before the food.Prashan is one of the unique methods for administering medicaments to children. Swarna Prashan means to lick Swarna (Gold) raja along with Ghrita and Madhu.  Acharya’sSushrut and Vagbhata also prescribed Swarna(Gold) along with Madhu (Honey) and Ghritaas a Jatkarmasanskar for newbornimmediate after birth and later in uttartantra advised for preparation of gold processed with herbs for continue use^,

Swarnaprashana is prepared by facing towards east direction, gold must be rubbed on a washed clean stone, then gold is churned with madhu and ghrita in unequal quantity and given for licking. benefits of administration of Swarnaprashan as enhancing medha(intellect), agni (digestion and metabolism), balvardhanam (increasesphysical strength),ayuvardhak(longevity), mangalkarak(auspicious), purnyam (righteous), varnyam (complexion), vrishyam(stimulants), grahapaham (protection from evil spirits and microorganisms).When child intake this preparation for one month it enhances the intelligence of a child in extreme level and prevent from frequent disease attack. If Swarnaprashan is given for six months regularly then it enhances retaining power of a child.(Shastri, 2003).

Clinical study on swarnabhasma:                      

Immunomodulatory Activity

An experimental study was done on mice which has been revealed that an incremental dose of Swarna Bhasma administered to male mice for 10 days has significantly increased peritoneal macrophages which stimulate phagocytic index of macrophages. So, it can be used as an immune booster.(Bajaj et al., 2001)

Antioxidant activity (Free radical scavenging activity)

 Several enzymes and proteins are present in human body that reduces the production of reactive oxygen species. An experimental study done on albino rats which suggested that chronic administration of Swarna Bhasma increases superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes activity, which decreases free radicals. A study was conducted on global and focal models of ischemia in albino rats and Swarna Bhasma given to them. Swarna Bhasma exhibit marked protective action against ischemic insult by significant recovery of changed values of enzymes to approximate-normal levels. This study shows that Swarna Bhasma has a potential role for cerebrovascular diseases.

Free radicals (the body produces unstable substances as a reaction to the environment and other pressure) causes damage to the cells and the substances which prevents and slow down the timing of damage are called antioxidants. reduced glutathione, catalase, Lipid peroxidase glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase,and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase are the enzymatic parameters to evaluate ischemic brain damage and its reformation. oxidative stress is found due to significant elevation in lipid peroxidation and reduced levels of protective enzymes.(Shah et al. 2002).

Analgesic activity: In an experimental study, Swarna Bhasma was given to rats and mice and investigated for its analgesic activity by using four types of noxious stimuli. In this study at a dose of 25 – 50mg/kg per oralshows analgesic activity against chemical (acetic acid-induced writhing), electrical (pododolorimeter), thermal (eddy's hot plate and analgesiometer), and mechanical test.(Bajaj et al., 1998)

Anxiolytic activity: A study was conducted on rats given Swarnabhasma suggested thatreduces the level of norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), and corticosterone in rats which is induced by restraint stress. This study suggested that Swarna Bhasma has the potential for the treatment of stress, depression, and nervous system disorders.(Shah et al.,2005).

DISCUSSION: -

As we know that health is prime in all things and healthy skin is mirror of healthy body. In Ayurveda text it has written that equilibrium of all the Dosha, dhatu, mala are required for good health. If these all factors present in equilibrium state it leads to happiness of mind, soul, and sensory organs. There are many descriptions we can obtained from Ayurveda textbooks and from many research papers about varna enhancing drugs. Acharya Charaka has explained about Varnya mahakashaya which contains 10 drugs and those drugs shows action of maintaining skin colour e.g. varna vruddhi.  And pharmacological properties of all those drugs show complexion promoting effects. 

Swarnaprashna is a lehana dravya mentioned by Acharya Kashyapa in Kashyapa Samhita it prepared with Swarnabhasma. Madhu, ghrita and it helpful in enhancing varna.Pitta and Vata Dosha are main factors which controls varna of individual. Vata Dosha does this work through Udan vayu and pitta Dosha through bhrajak pitta. Normal state of kapha is also important as varna is advocated as one of the functions of prakritkapha. Prakrit rasa and rakta are two main dhatu which are responsible for lustrous skin. Acharya charaka also stated that prakrutmeda, majja, and shukradhatus Snigdhaguna responsible for good complexion. Direct relationship with mala and Varna is not identified but sweda and twacha are linked sweda helps in keeping moisture and softness of the skin texture of the body. Madhur rasa is chief rasa responsible for keeping prakrut varna. Madhur rasa has madhur vipaka and sheeta Viryathus these two are also needed so. Madhur rasatmaka dravyas increases the production of rasa, rakta, majja shukra, oja, which in turn act as varna.Madhur rasa, tikta rasa, sheeta Virya has pittaghna action, Madhur rasa madhurvipaka usna virya has vatghna action hence removes blackiness. Madhurrasa,sheetavirya acts as ojovardhaka and thus helps in enhancing skin complexion.Kashaya and Tiktarasatmakadravy as absorb kleda and cools down pitta. Therefore, results in purification of blood e.g. Raktshodhana, it relives the blood of excess fluidity and stickiness and this way leads to varna prasadna. Kashaya rasa helps in twaka prasadana. In Ayurved skin is produced from rasa dhatu.Varna is one factor which can represent good or ill health of a person. According to Ayurvedthe term complexion is corelated with the term kanti of twacha means shiny, lustrous skin. There are many descriptions we can obtained from Ayurveda textbooks and from many research papers about varna enhancing drugs. Acharya Charaka has explained about Varnyamahakashaya which contains 10 drugs and those drugs shows action of maintaining skin colour e.g. varna vruddhi.  And pharmacological properties of those drugs show complexion promoting effects.

According to modern science ghrita contains fatty acids, palmitic acids, oleic acids, vitamins, antioxidants and these fatty acids are constituent of biological membranes and it plays a specific role in intracellular signaling, fatty acids causes deterioration of tyrosinase. Free fatty acids have remarkable regulatory effects on melanogenesis, unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid decreases melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, but saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid and stearic acid increases it. These fatty acids regulate tyrosinase activity through post transcriptional events. Honey is rich source of vitamins, nutrients, macro and micro elements, antioxidants, and flavonoids, Antioxidants prevents oxidative damage to skin. Flavonoid component present in honey stimulates melanin synthesis. Swarnabhasma is a nanoparticle it works as immune booster by increasing phagocytic index of macrophages shows antioxidants, analgesics, anxiolytic effect. (Probable mode of action of Swarnaprashan figure 1&2).

CONCLUSION:

Varna is normal texture, tone, appearance of a skin, which can be restored by healthy nutrients, drugs. Few factors like external environment, exposure to UV radiation, climate, gene these are responsible to alter the varna of skin. Swarnaprashan also increases intelligence, memory, appetite, complexion, longevity of a person.

Swarnaprashan prepared with Gold nanoparticle (Swarnabhasma), Madhu, Ghrita.As per Acharya Kashyapa Samhita, Swarnaprashan imparts Varnya effect. Approach of Swarnaprashan in concept of beauty.

Figure-1 Probable mode of action of Swarnaprashan as per Ayurveda

Figure 2:-Probable mode of action of Swarnaprashana

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:  None

ETHICAL APPROVAL: Not applicable

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST/ COMPETING INTERESTS: No conflicts of interest

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