Therapeutic Legacy of Shalmali (Bombax ceiba L.) and Mocharasa in Classical Rasashastra Literature: A Review

Background- Plant-based medicinal formulations are an integral part of classical Ayurveda therapeutics. Although Rasashastra is predominantly focused on metals and minerals, many processes such as Shodhana and Marana are incomplete without the herbal-origin drugs. Therefore, plants and herbs are the conjoining part of these two specialty domains. Shalmali (Bombax ceiba L.), mentioned in Rasashastra literature, is revered for its multipotent therapeutic utility. Objectives- This document aims to compile and study references of Shalmali and Mocharasa in classical Rasashastra literature. Further, they were analyzed to gain insights into the rationale present in the pharmacodynamics of the therapeutics of both drugs. Methods- Thirty-two classical Rasashastra texts available in the Central Library of ITRA, Jamnagar, were screened for references of Shalmali and Mocharasa about therapeutics. The collected information of formulations was evaluated and arranged in tabular format for ease of understanding and ready reference. Results- Shalmali along with Mocharasa were found in thirty classical Rasashastra texts, which are used in more than 42 therapeutic indications with 15 parts of the plant. These include Moola, Moola Tvak, Kanda, Kanda Tvak, Veshta, Satva, Pushpa, Beeja, Panchanga, Phala, Patra, Patra Vrinta, Pushpa Vrinta, Kantak, and Toola. Balashalmali and Kutashalmali are also mentioned at very few instances. This indicates their broad-spectrum therapeutic potential in Rasashastra. In the Rasashastra domain, Shalmali has been used in various processes of Parada, Abhraka, Haratala, and Loha. Conclusion: This review can be utilized as a ready handbook regarding the references of Shalmali and Mocharasa in Rasashastra literature. The information revealed here is beneficial for AYUSH stakeholders like Ayurvedic researchers, practitioners, and pharmacists in understanding the action mechanism of Shalmali and Mocharasa.