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→Description of shukra
The semen trickles down from its site during copulation between man and woman because of sex act, passionate attachment, and physical pressure, as water comes out of a wet cloth when squeezed. The semen is ejaculated from the body as a result of these eight factors- excitement, excessive desire, fluidity, viscosity, heaviness, atomicity and the tendency to flow out and the speedy motion of vata. The unmanifested soul which takes different forms in this world, manifests itself in the form of semen.(46-49)
The semen trickles down from its site during copulation between man and woman because of sex act, passionate attachment, and physical pressure, as water comes out of a wet cloth when squeezed. The semen is ejaculated from the body as a result of these eight factors- excitement, excessive desire, fluidity, viscosity, heaviness, atomicity and the tendency to flow out and the speedy motion of vata. The unmanifested soul which takes different forms in this world, manifests itself in the form of semen.(46-49)
Characteristics of shukra:
===== Characteristics of shukra =====
बहलं मधुरं स्निग्धमविस्रं गुरु पिच्छिलम्|
बहलं मधुरं स्निग्धमविस्रं गुरु पिच्छिलम्|
शुक्लं बहु च यच्छुक्रं फलवत्तदसंशयम्||५०||
शुक्लं बहु च यच्छुक्रं फलवत्तदसंशयम्||५०||
shuklaM bahu ca yacchukraM phalavattadasaMshayam||50||
shuklaM bahu ca yacchukraM phalavattadasaMshayam||50||
The semen which is thick, sweet, unctuous, without any putrid smell, heavy, viscid, white in colour, and abundant in quantity, invariably helps in procreation of offsprings. This is undoubtful about the semen.(50)
The semen which is thick, sweet, unctuous, without any putrid smell, heavy, viscid, white in colour, and abundant in quantity, invariably helps in procreation of offsprings. This is undoubtful about the semen.(50)
Vajikarana:
===== Vajikarana =====
येन नारीषु सामर्थ्यं वाजीवल्लभते [१] नरः|
येन नारीषु सामर्थ्यं वाजीवल्लभते [१] नरः|
व्रजेच्चाभ्यधिकं येन वाजीकरणमेव तत्||५१||
व्रजेच्चाभ्यधिकं येन वाजीकरणमेव तत्||५१||
vrajeccAbhyadhikaM yena vAjIkaraNameva tat||51||
vrajeccAbhyadhikaM yena vAjIkaraNameva tat||51||
That process, which make a man capable of copulation with woman frequently and for a long time with stallion vigour, is called ‘Vajikarana’.(51)
That process, which make a man capable of copulation with woman frequently and for a long time with stallion vigour, is called ‘Vajikarana’.(51)
Summary:
===== Summary =====
तत्र श्लोकौ-
तत्र श्लोकौ-
हेतुर्योगोपदेशस्य योगा द्वादश चोत्तमाः|
हेतुर्योगोपदेशस्य योगा द्वादश चोत्तमाः|
In this quarter, called “Pumanajata Baladika”, the purpose for which the virilifying preparations have been prescribed along with twelve excellent virilific recipes. Things which are to be taken before and after the intercourse; the time when women are not fit to be approached for sex and the determination of the semen in every aspect and the definition of Vajikarana have also been described in this quarter.(52-53)
In this quarter, called “Pumanajata Baladika”, the purpose for which the virilifying preparations have been prescribed along with twelve excellent virilific recipes. Things which are to be taken before and after the intercourse; the time when women are not fit to be approached for sex and the determination of the semen in every aspect and the definition of Vajikarana have also been described in this quarter.(52-53)
Tattva Vimarsha:
=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===
• In order to have healthy progeny and to have one of the pleasures of life (Kama), following are necessary.
• In order to have healthy progeny and to have one of the pleasures of life (Kama), following are necessary.
1. Qualities of sexual partners. All 5 senses functioning well, beautiful, youth, mutual affection, similar likes and dislikes, from different clan, without physical and mental ailments
1. Qualities of sexual partners. All 5 senses functioning well, beautiful, youth, mutual affection, similar likes and dislikes, from different clan, without physical and mental ailments
• Sexual act should not be done before age16 and after age 70.
• Sexual act should not be done before age16 and after age 70.
Vidhi vimarsha:
=== Vidhi Vimarsha ===
Rasayana and vajikarana therapies have common aim to provide positive health and prevention of diseases by increasing vigor of healthy person and so, vajikarana is described just after Rasayana chapter. Health scientists are showing great interest in screening classical rasayana drugs for their antioxidant activity and research reveals good results. Studies on amalaki rasayana[ ] shows increased longevity and on Drosophila melanogaster[ ] there is reduced oxidative damage to extend lifespan. Many drugs are described as rasayanas and vajikara both. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has deteriorating effect on sperm. This has been increasing due to changing lifestyle and exposure to environmental pollution. Spermatozoa normally produce ROS in a normal physiological process. The amount of ROS produced is to be carefully controlled. Imbalance between the generation and scavenging of ROS may lead to damage to DNA or other important structures. Spermatozoa lack cytoplasmic defensive enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, which are involved in the protection of most cell types from ROS induced peroxidative damage. Large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids are observed in plasma membranes of spermatozoa, those are particularly vulnerable to free radical attack. [ ] The subfertile men have higher concentrations of ROS in seminal plasma, whereas an inverse correlation exists between ROS concentration and motility. [ ] Many rasayanas act as antioxidants, so they can also be used to enhance sperm quality and quantity. Thus, mutual correlation and common mode of action justifies description of vajikarana just after rasayana therapy.
Rasayana and vajikarana therapies have common aim to provide positive health and prevention of diseases by increasing vigor of healthy person and so, vajikarana is described just after Rasayana chapter. Health scientists are showing great interest in screening classical rasayana drugs for their antioxidant activity and research reveals good results. Studies on amalaki rasayana[ ] shows increased longevity and on Drosophila melanogaster[ ] there is reduced oxidative damage to extend lifespan. Many drugs are described as rasayanas and vajikara both. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has deteriorating effect on sperm. This has been increasing due to changing lifestyle and exposure to environmental pollution. Spermatozoa normally produce ROS in a normal physiological process. The amount of ROS produced is to be carefully controlled. Imbalance between the generation and scavenging of ROS may lead to damage to DNA or other important structures. Spermatozoa lack cytoplasmic defensive enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, which are involved in the protection of most cell types from ROS induced peroxidative damage. Large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids are observed in plasma membranes of spermatozoa, those are particularly vulnerable to free radical attack. [ ] The subfertile men have higher concentrations of ROS in seminal plasma, whereas an inverse correlation exists between ROS concentration and motility. [ ] Many rasayanas act as antioxidants, so they can also be used to enhance sperm quality and quantity. Thus, mutual correlation and common mode of action justifies description of vajikarana just after rasayana therapy.
For many years, decline in human semen quality and fertility rates is a concern.[ ] Environmental and occupational pollutants, changes in lifestyles, exposure to toxic agents, and changes in dietary habits are observed among the most commonly cited factors associated with these declines.[ ] The environmental and lifestyle factors causing subfertility shall be targeted for curative or preventive measures. Environmental stress causes increase in the number of free radicals (i.e., hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] and reactive oxygen species [ROS] that cause apoptosis in the spermatogenic cell.[ ] Chronic or severe stress leads to anovulation and amenorrhea in women[ ] and to decrease in sperm count, motility, and morphology[ ] in men. Smoking, [ ] alcohol, [ ] caffeine, [ ] pesticides, air pollution,[ ] bisphenol A,[ ] diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardio-vascular disease are related to deterioration of reproductive health[ ] by affecting sperm quality.
For many years, decline in human semen quality and fertility rates is a concern.[ ] Environmental and occupational pollutants, changes in lifestyles, exposure to toxic agents, and changes in dietary habits are observed among the most commonly cited factors associated with these declines.[ ] The environmental and lifestyle factors causing subfertility shall be targeted for curative or preventive measures. Environmental stress causes increase in the number of free radicals (i.e., hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] and reactive oxygen species [ROS] that cause apoptosis in the spermatogenic cell.[ ] Chronic or severe stress leads to anovulation and amenorrhea in women[ ] and to decrease in sperm count, motility, and morphology[ ] in men. Smoking, [ ] alcohol, [ ] caffeine, [ ] pesticides, air pollution,[ ] bisphenol A,[ ] diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardio-vascular disease are related to deterioration of reproductive health[ ] by affecting sperm quality.
Ghee:
Ghee:
Clarified butter (ghrita or ghee) is used as aphrodisiac because it is considered good for rasa, shukra and ojas, Charaka Sutra 13/14. Intake of regular ghrita and milk is said to be best rasayana in Agrya Prakrana by Charaka. Ghee is used as processing media that carries the therapeutic properties of herbs to all the body's tissues. Proper metabolism of drug is crucial in obtaining the maximum benefit. The lipophilic action of ghee facilitates transportation to a target organ and final delivery inside the cell, since the cell membrane also contains lipid. The effect of herb increases when it is used with ghee as compared to powder or tablet form.[ ]
Clarified butter (ghrita or ghee) is used as aphrodisiac because it is considered good for rasa, shukra and ojas, Charaka Sutra 13/14. Intake of regular ghrita and milk is said to be best rasayana in Agrya Prakrana by Charaka. Ghee is used as processing media that carries the therapeutic properties of herbs to all the body's tissues. Proper metabolism of drug is crucial in obtaining the maximum benefit. The lipophilic action of ghee facilitates transportation to a target organ and final delivery inside the cell, since the cell membrane also contains lipid. The effect of herb increases when it is used with ghee as compared to powder or tablet form.[ ]
Rasala has been said to be balya and shukrala (Bhavaprakasha Purva Khanda-12/124-127).
Pupalika is a dietary preparation which increases strength and sexual power. When prepared with potent aphrodisiac drugs as mentioned above its efficacy increases many fold. Such preparation can be easily prepared and can be used as food supplement.
Pupalika is a dietary preparation which increases strength and sexual power. When prepared with potent aphrodisiac drugs as mentioned above its efficacy increases many fold. Such preparation can be easily prepared and can be used as food supplement.
Animal proteins and fats for virility:
Animal proteins and fats for virility:
All five Gana (Shukrajanana, Jeevaniya, Brumhaniya, Balya and Kshira Samjanana) as mentioned in sutra sthana 4th chapter are used in vajikarana. The drugs mentioned in these Gana are mainly madhura, sheeta, mridu in nature and so by similarity in properties, they increase sperm quality. For example, meda is included in jeevaniya & shukrajanana gana; payasya in brumahaniya & balya; Jivanti in jeevaniya; shali & shashtika in stanyajanana. These drugs may act on higher center of the brain, i.e. the hypothalamus and limbic system. This may have anti-stress, adaptogenic actions, which helps to alleviate anxiety associated with sexual desire and performance. Administration of vajikarana rasayana viz. C. orchioides, A. longifolia and M. pruriens ethanolic extracts modulates the level of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH. [ ]
All five Gana (Shukrajanana, Jeevaniya, Brumhaniya, Balya and Kshira Samjanana) as mentioned in sutra sthana 4th chapter are used in vajikarana. The drugs mentioned in these Gana are mainly madhura, sheeta, mridu in nature and so by similarity in properties, they increase sperm quality. For example, meda is included in jeevaniya & shukrajanana gana; payasya in brumahaniya & balya; Jivanti in jeevaniya; shali & shashtika in stanyajanana. These drugs may act on higher center of the brain, i.e. the hypothalamus and limbic system. This may have anti-stress, adaptogenic actions, which helps to alleviate anxiety associated with sexual desire and performance. Administration of vajikarana rasayana viz. C. orchioides, A. longifolia and M. pruriens ethanolic extracts modulates the level of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH. [ ]
Current vajikarna formulations:
Current vajikarna formulations:
Experienced ayurvedic physicians create vagikarna formulations based upon the properties of individual dravya and needs of the individual. Identification of some drugs mentioned in the text is controversial. Some drugs are endangered species. So, practically it is not possible to prepare some formulations with same ingredients, but Pratinidhi or Abhava drugs can be used in place of such drugs.
Further scope:
Ayurvedic formulations for vajikarana lack research as per current scientific standards. Lack of standardization of formulations and difficulty in getting unadulterated herbs are realistic obstacles in the utility of vajikarana preparations. Randomized controlled trials of these formulations can be helpful in understanding efficacy, possible side effects and other treatment related parameters.
==== Further scope ====
Glossary:
Ayurvedic formulations for vajikarana lack research as per current scientific standards. Lack of standardization of formulations and difficulty in getting unadulterated herbs are realistic obstacles in the utility of vajikarana preparations. Randomized controlled trials of these formulations can be helpful in understanding efficacy, possible side effects and other treatment related parameters.
=== Glossary ===
1. Alpaśukra (alpashukra, अल्पशुक्र) Oligozoospermia, Oligospermia : The term signifies decrease of the seminal fluid or decrease of the sperms than the normal.
1. Alpaśukra (alpashukra, अल्पशुक्र) Oligozoospermia, Oligospermia : The term signifies decrease of the seminal fluid or decrease of the sperms than the normal.
2. ānūpā (anUpA, आनूप) -marshy lands.
2. ānūpā (anUpA, आनूप) -marshy lands.