A REVIEW ON MEDICINAL HERBS USED IN THE AYURVEDA MEDICAL SYSTEM FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF URINARY DISORDERS

Abstract

Urine disorders are one of the major health issues in the modern world. Urinary tract infections (UTI), Urinary calculi, Urinary incontinence and Kidney failure are the most common urinary disorders which are mostly reported. Ayurveda medical system collectively termed these conditions as mutravaha srotas roga and explains many single herbs and polyherbal formulations which can be used in the management and treatment of these disorders. The single medicinal herbs which are used can be categorized under 4 groups as mutra sangrahaniya (anti-diuretic), mutra viranjaniya (imparts normal colour in urine), mutra virechaniya (diuretic) and ashmaribhedana (anti-urolithic). Examples for commonly used herbs are, Gokshura, Varuna, Punarnava, Kusha, Kasha, Ikshu, Padma, Pashanabheda, Kulaththa, Shigru, Gorakshaganja, Kushmanda etc. Analysis of pharmacodynamic properties according to Ayurveda authentic texts and analysis of previous research findings on modern pharmacological actions of these medicinal herbs show that these herbs are very effective in the management of urinary disorders.