Talk:Aguru
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/aguru |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. (syn. Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.) |
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Aguru (Latin: Aquilaria agallocha Roxb., syn. Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.; family: Thymelaeaceae) is a large evergreen tree native to the northeastern regions of India, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia. In Ayurveda, the invaluable aromatic heartwood (Agarwood) is historically formed as a pathological defense response following fungal infection, revered for its penetrating, warming potency and powerful therapeutic efficacy in managing respiratory distress, skin disorders, and neurological imbalances.[1]
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Botanical Name: Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. (syn. Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.)
- Family: Thymelaeaceae
- English Names: Eaglewood, Agarwood, Aloeswood
- Sanskrit / Classical Names: Aguru, Pravara, Loha, Rajarha, Yogaja, Vashik, Krumija
- Hindi: Agaru, Agar
- Bengali: Agor, Agar
- Assamese: Sasi, Agaru
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Charak Samhita:
- Aguru – Classical designation.
- Pravara – Denotes its status as a potent and superior drug.
- Loha – Refers to the heavy, dense resinous heartwood that sinks in water.
- Rajarha – Valued and fit for royalty due to its exquisite fragrance.
- Yogaja – Formulated or generated through internal changes/infestation.
- Vashik – Possessing soothing and controlling attributes.
- Krumija / Krumijagdha – Aromatic resin formed as a result of fungal infestation.
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu:[2]
- Anaaryaka – Plant commonly growing in the hilly regions of the northeastern parts of India.
Varieties
Raja Nighantu
Five varieties are mentioned:[3]
- Swadu
- Krushnagaru
- Kaasthagaru
- Daahaagaru
- Maangalyaagaru
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Aguru possesses a hot potency and pungent-bitter taste profile, making it highly effective in pacifying Kapha and Vata doshas:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Hot (Ushna) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Rough (Ruksha), Sharpness (Tikshna) |
| 5 | Dosha Action (Karma) | Pacifies Kapha and Vata (Kapha-Vatahara) |
References in Charak Samhita and its Actions
Aguru is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(37) | Shwasahara mahakashaya (relieving respiratory distress) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(42) | Sheetaprashamana mahakashaya (pacifying cold) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/21 | Dhuma varti dravya (ingredient of therapeutic inhalation for disease prevention) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/26 | Vairechanika dhuma varti (ingredient of smoke inhalation with unctuous substances) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/63 | Anu taila dravya |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/16 | Vihara in Hemanta Rutu |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/25 | Vihara in Vasanta Rutu |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 | Agrya Sangraha (collections of best food articles, factors and drugs) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/49 | Veerya varnan |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/143 | Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/41 | Prajata stree paricharya / Apara patana (post-delivery management) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/28 | Used for decoction in Kaphaj prameh (diabetes) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/36 | Ingredient in Punarnavadhyarisht |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/65 | For Lepa, Abhyangadi Bahyaprayogarth (external applications) |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/70 | As a Lepa dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu (swelling) |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/148 | As an ingredient of Madhookasava |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/163 | As an ingredient of Madhvarista |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/80 | Used for shodhanottara dhumpana |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/123 | As an ingredient of satyadi churna |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/77 | As an ingredient of Mahagandha hasti agada |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/231 | Used in the treatment of animals suffering with poison |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/91 | As an ingredient of Kampillakadi taila |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/182 | Used in Kaphaja sira shoola for dhoomavarti |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/188 | As an ingredient of Pippalyadi churna for kavala karma (gargling) |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/209 | As an ingredient of Khadiradi gutika |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/270 | As an ingredient of Mahaneela taila |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/41 | As an ingredient of Piluparnyadi Yoga |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/54 | As an ingredient of Vatsakadi Pralepa (external application) |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/150 | As an ingredient of Bala taila |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/168 | As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/179 | Agurvadi taila is useful in Vata vyadhi |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/92 | As an ingredient of Madhuparnyadi taila |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/107 | As an ingredient of Amrutadhya taila |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/23 | Vamanarth (for emesis) |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/58 | In formulation of dwitiya brahma rasayana |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/3/28 | As a mood enhancer |
Therapeutic Indications (Classical)
Aguru is traditionally indicated in the clinical management of:[1]
- Akshiroga (Eye diseases)
- Swasa (Dyspnea / Respiratory distress)
- Karna roga (Ear diseases)
- Kustha (Dermatological disorders / Skin diseases)
- Visa (Toxic conditions / Poisoning)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 1 – 3 g daily in divided doses.[1]
Classical Formulations
- Madhukasava
- Mrudvikasava
- Karpuradyarka
- Chyavanprasa avaleha
- Anu taila
- Chandanadi taila
- Khadiradi gutika
- Swasahara kashaya churna
- Guduchyadi taila
Current Researches
Phytochemical Composition
Modern phytochemical profiling of Aquilaria agallocha resinous heartwood reveals a dense matrix of active constituents:
- Sesquiterpenes: Alpha-guaiene, beta-elemene, agarospirol, valencene, and jinkoh-eremol.
- Chromones: 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives and flindersia-type chromones imparting stability and aroma.
- Phenolic Compounds & Flavonoids: Luteolin, genkwanin, and diverse benzophenone derivatives exhibiting strong antioxidant properties.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
- Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic Efficacy: Sesquiterpenes and chromones inhibit lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways, suppressing inflammatory mediators.[4]
- Neuroprotective & Anxiolytic Actions: Volatile sesquiterpenes cross the blood-brain barrier, interacting positively with GABAergic receptor systems to moderate central nervous system excitability.[4]
- Antimicrobial & Antioxidant Properties: Phenolic fractions and oxygenated sesquiterpenes disrupt microbial membrane integrity while scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), validating its efficacy against skin pathogens.[4]
Current Availability
- Available in India, particularly in the Himalayan region, Assam, and Manipur.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 4 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. p. 02.
- ↑ Chunekar, Krushnachandra (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Karpuradi varga, verse no.– 21, 22.
- ↑ Tripathi, Indradev (2006). Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy. pp. Chandanadi varga verse no– 85, 87, 89, 91, 92.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Pharmacological evaluation and phytochemical constituents of Aquilaria agallocha". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2021.
This article is under development .. """
with open("Aguru_Monograph.wikitext", "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
f.write(wiki_content)