Talk:Aguru
Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. (syn. Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.)
| 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.; synonym: Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.; family: Thymelaeaceae) is a large evergreen tree native to north-eastern India, Bhutan and parts of South-East Asia. The aromatic, resin-impregnated heartwood (agarwood) forms in wounded or infected trees as a defence response, and is valued in Ayurveda for its penetrating, warming action in respiratory distress, skin disorders and neurological imbalance.[1][2]
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:[3]
- Anaaryaka – Plant commonly growing in the hilly regions of north-eastern India.
Varieties
Raja Nighantu
Five varieties are mentioned:[4]
- Swadu
- Krushnagaru
- Kaasthagaru
- Daahaagaru
- Maangalyaagaru
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Aguru has hot potency and a bitter-pungent taste, making it effective in pacifying Kapha and Vata:[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), Sharp (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:[1]
- Akshiroga (Eye diseases)
- Swasa (Dyspnea / Respiratory distress)
- Karna roga (Ear diseases)
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Visha (Poisoning / Toxic conditions)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 1–3 g daily in divided doses.[1]
Classical Formulations
- Madhukasava
- Mrudvikasava
- Karpuradyarka
- Chyavanprasha avaleha
- Anu taila
- Chandanadi taila
- Khadiradi gutika
- Swasahara kashaya churna
- Guduchyadi taila
Current Researches
Phytochemical Composition
Agarwood contains a large number of chemical compounds; more than 300 have been isolated from agarwood and Aquilaria plants.[5]
- Sesquiterpenes: The main phytochemicals of agarwood are terpenoids, dominated by sesquiterpenes.[2]
- Chromones: 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromone derivatives are characteristic constituents; 88 new compounds of this class alone were isolated between 2010 and 2018.[5]
- Aromatic compounds: Aromatic volatile compounds are another important component of agarwood volatile oil.[2]
Pharmacological Activities
Terpenoids from agarwood have been reported to possess bacteriostatic, antibacterial, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, hypoglycaemic and antidepressant properties.[2] A review of Aquilaria spp. concluded that the traditional medicinal uses of agarwood are supported by a range of bioactive compounds and pharmacological studies.[6]
- Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Reported for agarwood extracts and constituents.[2][6]
- Neuropharmacological (sedative, antidepressant): Reported for agarwood extracts and constituents.[2][6]
- Antimicrobial: Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity has been reported for terpenoids from agarwood.[2]
- Anti-asthmatic: Reported for terpenoids from agarwood.[2]
Safety & Conservation
- Safety: Agarwood plant materials are considered safe at the doses tested, but toxicity and safety, including the smoke from agarwood incense, need further investigation.[6]
- Conservation: Wild agarwood trees are critically endangered and vulnerable, and sustainable cultivation and forestry practices are necessary.[6]
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.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Wang, Y.; Hussain, M.; Jiang, Z.; Wang, Z.; Gao, J.; Ye, F.; Mao, R.; Li, H. (2021). "Aquilaria species (Thymelaeaceae) distribution, volatile and non-volatile phytochemicals, pharmacological uses, agarwood grading system, and induction methods". Molecules. 26 (24): 7708. doi:10.3390/molecules26247708.
- ↑ Chunekar, Krushnachandra (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Karpuradi varga, verse 21–22.
- ↑ Tripathi, Indradev (2006). Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy. pp. Chandanadi varga, verses 85, 87, 89, 91, 92.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Wang, S.; Yu, Z.; Wang, C.; Wu, C.; Guo, P.; Wei, J. (2018). "Chemical constituents and pharmacological activity of agarwood and Aquilaria plants". Molecules. 23 (2): 342. doi:10.3390/molecules23020342.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Hashim, Y. Z. H.-Y.; Kerr, P. G.; Abbas, P.; Mohd Salleh, H. (2016). "Aquilaria spp. (agarwood) as source of health beneficial compounds: a review of traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 189: 331–360. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.055.
This article is under development ..