Dravyaguna Vijnana, a fundamental branch of Ayurveda, provides a systematic framework for understanding the therapeutic properties of medicinal substances based on their intrinsic attributes such as Rasa (taste), Guna (qualities), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), and Prabhava (specific action). These parameters collectively determine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs in the human body. In recent decades, increasing scientific interest has been directed toward validating traditional Ayurvedic remedies through modern pharmacological and experimental approaches. This review aims to explore the practical application of Dravyaguna principles in validating classical Ayurvedic formulations and medicinal plants. The integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific methods has revealed significant correlations between classical Ayurvedic descriptions and modern biochemical and pharmacological findings. For instance, herbal drugs described as “Tikta Rasa” (bitter taste) are often found to possess anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying properties. Similarly, the concept of Virya aligns with bioactive compounds influencing metabolic and physiological pathways. Furthermore, Dravyaguna serves as a predictive model in drug discovery, enabling researchers to hypothesize therapeutic actions even before experimental validation. This holistic and individualized approach contrasts with reductionist modern pharmacology, which mainly focuses on isolated compounds. The present review highlights the relevance of Dravyaguna in evidence-based Ayurveda, emphasizing its role in bridging traditional wisdom with modern science. It also underscores the need for interdisciplinary research to standardize, validate, and globally integrate Ayurvedic remedies, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and wider acceptance in contemporary healthcare systems.
Dr Kanu Ohri*, Dr Jyoti M Ganer, Dr Ajay Malhotra, Dr Naveen Shakya, Neha Rawat (Wed,) studied this question.