Vol. 8, Issue 6 (2019)

Author(s):
Aparna Dixit, Sadhana Singh and Anil Kumar Singh

Abstract:
As the classical indications clarify their traditional uses based on rationale concepts in Ayurvedic medicine for the last 3000 years; the search for the classical uses become important for newer scope towards drugs. In this article, the review of Musta are thoroughly studied in the four major classical texts named Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Samgraha and Ashtanga Hridaya. As this drug is found in both Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita of totally different streams, it seems that Musta is a drug which can be used extensively. Musta is the well-known herb described in all the classical texts of Ayurveda. Botanically it is identified as Cyperus rotundus Linn. of cyperacae family and distributed throughout India. Tuber of the plant is used in the form of different formulations like Kwatha (decoction), Kalka (paste), Churna (powder), Ghrita, Basti etc.as mentioned in great treatise of Ayurveda. It is used to cure many diseases like Jvara (Fever), Atisara (diarrhoea), Pravahika (desentry), Shoth (generalised or localised swelling), Gulma (localised gas), Arsha (haemorrhoids), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), Pandu (anaemia), Shvasa (respiratory disorders), Hikka (hiccough), Kasa (cough) etc. There are many recent researches are done to know its chemical constituents and different medicinal properties. The present article gives the already proven indications of easily available plant drug to provide base for further researches and to make it an effective drug in medicinal field.