CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ON ITS NOMENCLATURE ‘VISHWABHESHAJA-THE UNIVERSAL MEDICINE’ ON THE BASIS OF ITS PHARMACODYNAMICAL & CLINICAL STUDIES

Abstract

It has been argued in ancient Ayurvedic literature that Śunthi has the potential of contributing to addressing numerous clinical conditions– both in terms of rebuilding what has been eroded and in relieving sufferings. It is known as Vishwabheshaja in Ayurvedic Texts. The pharmacological and clinical research framework in this paper suggests that Śunthi in Ayurvedic Texts also known as Vishwabheshaja proves well in researches conducted in western countries to be recognized as “The Universal Medicine". Data collection was from various clinical and pharmacological studies across the world. The evidence based findings suggest that Śunthi perceived its Vishwabheshaja nomenclature was well suited and made positive contributions, particularly in various medical disorders used alone or in combination with other herbs. The findings reported in this paper are useful for policy formulation about clinical research by Ayurvedic community on commonly available herbs in our country. As this study is contextualized in few common medical conditions and can therefore not be applied to all diseases. Authors believe that this study has much to offer to future research designs to understand how easily available Śunthi and similar herbs can improve the health of common people and offer global recognition of Ayurvedic system and prevent biopiracy by other countries.