REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020

Review on Nagarjuna Varti

Dr. Vikram S1, Dr. Sangeeta Rao2, Dr. Ravindra Angadi3, Dr Roopini4, Dr. Amrutha Sahani5
1
Professor & HOD, 2Associate Professor, 4,5Post Graduate Scholar, Department Of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya
Kalpana, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru, 3Professor/HOD, Department of PhD & PG
Studies in Rasashastra And Bhaishajya Kalpana, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, INDIA.

ABSTRACT
The concept of Trisutra has been specified in Ayurveda for the fulfilment of Swasta Parayana and
Athura Parayana.[1] Among them Bheshaja plays a major tool in treating diseases. References of
different Oushadha Kalpanas are mentioned for internal as well external purposes. One among them is
Varti Kalpana (Ayurvedic suppositories) which is derivative of Vati Kalpana. Varti Kalpanas are meant
for local applications and helps in eliminating the Sthanika Doshas (site of administration). Visual
disturbances are described in the context of Timira, Kacha and Linga Nasha. Ancient scholars have
advocated different Varti/Anjana application in Timira stage itself. One such significant ocular
therapeutic formulation is Nagarjuna Varti.[2] It consist of Rasoushadhis like Tamra Bhasma, Tutta and
other drugs like Rasanjana, Prapoundarika, Yashtimadhu, etc. which can play a vital role in various
bio-chemical events in the body as well as eyes. They act as catalyst, co-factor for enzyme etc. These
complexes help in exerting faster action of the drug and have a longer shelf life. Its benefit even in
Netra Chikitsa is in different folds.

Key words: Trisutra, Varti Kalpana, Rasaoushadhis, Netra Chikista.

INTRODUCTION in Netra Chikitsa is in different folds and also this

formula was documented by Acharya Nagarjuna
The use of Herbo-Mineral preparation in healthcare is
himself on the Stambha of Pataliputra.[2]
a unique contribution of Ayurveda, such preparations
are called as Rasaushadhis. Nagarjuna Varti is one In Ayurveda, Visual disturbances are described in the
among such preparations which consist of Chaksusya context of Timira, Kacha and Linganasha. Timira is an
Drugs like Rasanjana, Prapoundarika, Yashtimadhu, early stage characterized by blurring of Vision and
Lodhra, Tamra Bhasma etc. which can play a vital role Linganasha is the end stage where complete loss of
in various bio-chemical events in the body as well as Vision occurs. Ancient Scholars have advocated
eyes. They acts as a catalyst, co-factor for an enzyme different Varti / Anjana application in Timira stage
etc. These complexes help in exerting faster action of itself. One such significant ocular therapeutic
the drug and have a longer shelf life. Its benefit even formulation is Nagarjuna Varti, which has a historic
significance, Nagarjuna Varti is one among the
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Vikram S. prominent Ayurvedic medicines that can be handy in
Professor & HOD, Department Of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya prevention of blindness. Blindness or visual
Kalpana, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research,
Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA.
impairment is a global health hazard. An estimate of
E-mail: [email protected] 85 million people is visually impaired, 39 million are
Submission Date: 17/03/2020 Accepted Date: 24/04/2020 blind and 217 million have moderate to severe vision
Access this article online
Quick Response Code
impairment. More than 80% of all vision impairment
can be prevented or cured.[3] Global blindness
Website: www.jaims.in
increases up to 1 to 2 million per year, in that 60 %
are treatable and 20 % are preventable.[4]
Published by Maharshi Charaka
Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur, Varti Kalpana is derived from Vati Kalapana.
Karnataka (Regd) under the license CC-
by-NC-SA वर्तिरिवस्वरूपत्वात्वर्तििः नाम्नाप्रकीर्तितिः ॥[3]

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 237
 Dr. Vikram S. et al. Review on Nagarjuna Varti

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020

Varti Kalpana got its name because of the particular Roga

shape i.e. like the wick of the lamp. It can be prepared 3. Guda Shyamaphaladi Angushtha Pramana
on almost similar to that of Vati preparation. Here Varti[11] Varti
medicines are powdered, triturated and given the
4. Guda Pippalyadi Varti Puspanetravat
shape of Varti. It’s used as Sthanika Chikitsa which is Varti[12]
not negligible and got its own importance and helps
5. Vrana Shodhana Varti Sukshma to Sthula as
to eliminate Mala out rapidly. In classics, a number of
Varti[13] per size and depth of
references of Vartis are given according to Vrana
place/Sthana of application. Like Netra Varti in Netra
6. Dhumra Venvadi Varti Yavakara Netra Varti
Roga, Yoni Varti in Yoni Roga, Dhumra Varti under
Varti[14] (Lekhana Karma)
Mukharoga etc.
7 Saindhavadi Netra Varti Harenuka Pramana
General method of Preparation
Varti[15] (Prasadana
1. Paka: Here Guda / Sita is used as a base and Karma)
heated with water until Paka of 2-3 thread 8 Sukha Netra Varti One and half of
consistency attains. Fine powder of other Vati[16] Harenuka Pramana
ingredients is added little by little and stirred
Nagarjuna Varti - is a unique Herbo-Mineral
continuously to make a homogenous mixture.
Then Vartis are prepared according to the desired preparation which comes under the Khalviya
size. Rasayana Yoga. The reference of Nagarjuna Varti is
taken from the text Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The
2. Bhavana: Here fine powder of medicinal drugs is
references are also available in Rasakamadhenu,
triturated with specific ‘Bhavana Dravya’ and
Vrunda Madhava.
rolled into desired size Vartis.
Table 3: Nagarjuna Varti according to Bhaishajya
Different types of Vartis are explained in Ayurveda
Ratnavali.
with difference in Bhavana Draya, length, place of
application, uses, ingredients etc. Ingredients Botanical / Part Used Quantity
Minerological Name
Table 1: Showing the different Drava Dravya used for
Bhavana. Haritaki Terminalia chebula Fruit 1 part

Vibhitaki Terminalia bellerica Fruit 1 part

SN Varti Media
Amalaki Embelica officinalis Fruit 1 part
1. Kamsyadi Varti[4] Goat’ milk (Aja Ksheera)
Saindhava Rock salt Mineral 1 part
2. Shwetapadara Nashaka Honey (Madhu)
Lavana
Varti[5]
Shunti Zinjiber officinale Tuber 1 part
3. Avalgujadi Varti[6] Cow’s bile (Go Pitta)

4. Sumana Koradi Varti[7] Rainwater (Divya Jala) Maricha Piper nigrum Seeds 1 part

5. Arkadi Varti[8] Latex of Arka plant (Arka Pippali Piper longum Fruit 1 part
Ksheera)
Yashtimadhu Glycyrrhiza glabra Stem Bark 1 part
Table 2: References of Varti based on length. Suddha Tutta Purified blue vitriol Mineral 1 part

SN Type of Example Size Rasanjana Extract of Indian Stem wood 1 part

Varti berberis extract

1. Yoni Varti[9] Pippalyadi Varti Padeshini Angulivat Prapoundarika Cassia absus Flower 1 part

2. Yoni Varti[10] Varti for Karnini Tarjani Pramana

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 238
 Dr. Vikram S. et al. Review on Nagarjuna Varti

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020

Vidanga Embelia ribes Seeds 1 part Bhasma copper(CuO) (Incinerated)

Lodhra Symplocos racemosa Stem 1 part Nabho Jala Rain water Water Quantity
sufficient
Tamra Incinerated Metal 1 part

Table 4: Properties of herbo-mineral drugs of Nagarjuna Varti

Ingredients Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka Doshagnatha Karma Rogagnatha

Haritaki Madhura, Laghu, Ushna Madhura Tridosha Chakshushya, Dipana, Shotha, Arsa, Aruci, Hridroga,
Amla, Ruksha Hridya, Medhya, Rasayana, Kasa, Pandu, Prameha,
Katu, Anulomana Udavarta, Vibandha,
Tikta, Jirnajvara,Tamaka Swasa,
Kashaya Gulma, Udararoga

Vibhitaki Kashaya Laghu, Ushna Madhura Tridosha Chakshushya, Keshya, Kasa, Jwara, Netraroga
Ruksha Bhedaka, Krimi Nashaka,

Amalaki Amla, Ruksha Sheeta Madhura Tridosha Rasayana, Vrishya Jwara, Daha, Kusta, Khalitya
Kashaya, Laghu Chakshushya, Kantya,
Madhura, Hrudya
Tikta,
Katu

Saindhava Lavana Snigda, Sheeta Madhura Tridosha Hrudya , Deepana, Vrana, Vibanda, Daha
Lavana Sheeta, Vibanda, Netrya, Ruchya
Laghu

Shunti Katu Laghu, Ushna Madhura Vata Kapha Deepana, Pacana, Agnimandya, Adhmana,
Snigdha Anulomana, Pandu, Swasa, Udararoga,
Amadoshahara, Hrudya, Amavata

Maricha Katu, Laghu, Ushna Katu Kapha Vata Chedana, Hridroga, Vatavyadhi
Tikta Ruksha, Dipana, Rucya,
Tikshna Janthughna, Medohara

Pippali Katu, Snigdha, Anushna Madhura Tridosha Dipana, Ruchya, Rasayana, Kasa , Swasa, Kshaya.
Tikta, Laghu Hridya, Vrishya, Rechana
Madhura

Yashtimadh Madhura Guru Sheeta Madhura Vata Pitta Balya, Cakshushya, Kasa, Svarabheda, Rakta
u Snigdha Varnya, Rakta Prasadana Vikara, Mutrakrichra, Kandu,
Prameha, Pandu,
Varnavikara

Suddha Katu, Laghu, Sheeta Katu Kapha Pitta Lekhana, Bhedana, Balya Krimi, Prameha, Medoroga,
Tutta Kashaya, Sara Garavishahara, Śūlaghna, Shula, Kushta Swāsa,
Madhura Cakshushya, Asmarihara, Amlapitta; Tvak Roga, Switra,
Kushtaghna , Arshoghna, Arsha, Vrana Netra Roga,
Krimighna Dushta Vrana.

Rasanjana Katu, Snigda Ushna Katu Kapha Netrya , Visha, Rasayana, Vrana, Netra Vikara, Muka
Tikta Vranya, Chedana Roga

Prapoundar Kasahya Laghu Sheeta Katu Kapha Pitta Chakshushya, Vrana Netra Roga, Visphota, Kandu,
ika Snighda Ropana Arshas, Visha, Soola

Vidanga Katu Ruksha, Ushna Katu Vata Kapha Krimighna, Krimi, Kusta, Agnimandya,
Laghu,

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 239
 Dr. Vikram S. et al. Review on Nagarjuna Varti

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020

Tikta Tikshna Dipana, Anulomana, Udara, Vibanda, Aruchi

Lodhra Kashaya Laghu Sheeta Katu Kapha Pitta Grahi, Chakshushya -

Tamra Tikta Sara, Ushna Madhura Netra Shodhana, Deepana , -

Bhasma Kashaya Laghu Lekhana ,
Vishayakritamapachana

Nabho Jala Madhura Laghu Seeta Madhura Kapha Aahladana, Aalasyahara, -

Balya, Buddhiprada,
Hridya, Deepana

DISCUSSION 6. Shastri Ambikadutta. Sushruta Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.

Chaukhamba Publication; 2005. Vol.2. P.52.
Nagarjuna Varti is a herbo-mineral preparation with 7. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
unique combinations of drugs which are Netrya, Chaukhamba Publication; 2003. Vol.2. P.911.
Jantugna, Lekhana, Chedana, Nadi Balya, Rakta 8. Shastri Ambikadutta. Sushruta Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
Prasadaka, Netra Shodhaka, and Sukshma Chaukhamba Publication; 2005. Vol.2. P.442Adfsd
Strotogami, which help in deep penetration of ocular
9. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
tissues. The presence of Ushna and Shita Virya drugs Chaukhamba Publication; 2003. Vol.2. P. 1023.
have mainly Kaphapittagna action and help to treat
10. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
many ocular diseases like Timira, Kacha etc. Bhavana Chaukhamba Publication; 2003. Vol.2. P. 1030.
with Nabho Jala may give a smoothening to the eyes.
11. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
Chaukhamba Publication; 2003. Vol.2. P. 1252-53.
CONCLUSION
12. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
The use of herbo-mineral preparation in healthcare is Chaukhamba Publication; 2003. Vol.2. P.863.
a unique contribution of Ayurveda, Nagarjuna Varti
13. Shastri Ambikadutta. Sushruta Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
being one among them, provides promising solutions Chaukhamba Publication;2005. Vol.2. P.8.
for many ocular diseases.
14. Shastri Ambikadutta. Sushruta Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
Chaukhamba Publication;2005. Vol.2. P.389.
REFERENCES
15. Shastri Ambikadutta. Sushruta Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
1. Chakrapanidutta, Charaka samhitha Of Agnivesha,
Chaukhamba Publication;2005. Vol.2. P.442.
Chaukamba Surabaharathi Prakashana, Varanasi,2009,Pg7
16. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
2. Govinda Das Sen. Bhaishajya Ratnavali Hindi Commentary By
Chaukhamba Publication;2003. Vol.2. P.913.
Ambika Datta Shastri. ED/18 Th Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Prakashan;2007:P1007
How to cite this article: Dr. Vikram S, Dr. Sangeeta
3. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Nibandha Sangraha Rao, Dr. Ravindra Angadi, Dr Roopini, Dr. Amrutha
Commentary By Dalana, Chaukhamba Surabarati Pakashana, Sahani. Review on Nagarjuna Varti. J Ayurveda Integr
Varanasi, 2003, Chikitsa Sthana 1/51
Med Sci 2020;2:237-240.
4. Shastri Ambikadutta. Sushruta Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
Chaukhamba Publication; 2005. Vol.2. P.80. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None
declared.
5. Tripathi Brahmananda. Charaka Samhita. 2nd Ed. Varanasi.
Chaukhamba Publication; 2003. Vol.2. P.1032.

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