Neelitulasyadi Agada: An Agada Tantra -Based Critical Review of a Classical Formulation Indicated in Luta visha

Preparation of Neelitulasyadi Ghrita⁷

Neelitulasyadi Ghrita can be prepared by two classical methods:

Method 1 (Using Swarasa – Fresh Juice)

• Sneha Dravya (base fat): 1 Kudava (192 g) of Ghrita (ghee)
• Kalka Dravya (paste): 1 Pala (48 g) paste of Lashuna, Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Chandana, Madhuka, Tagara, Kushta, Sariba, and Ishwari
• Drava Dravya (liquid): 4 Pala (192 ml) fresh juice (Swarasa) of Neeli, Surasa, and Nirgundi

Procedure:

1. The Ghrita is heated in a clean vessel over a mild fire until it melts.
2. The fresh juices and the herbal paste are added to the melted ghee.
3. The mixture is boiled gently with continuous stirring to prevent charring.
4. Heating continues until the classical Sneha Siddhi Lakshanas (signs of proper preparation, such as the paste forming a wick-like shape and the disappearance of froth) are observed.
5. The final product is filtered through a clean cloth while hot and stored in a sterile container

Method 2 (Using Kashaya – Decoction)

• Sneha Dravya: 1 Kudava (192 g) of Ghrita
• Kalka Dravya: 1 Pala (48 g) paste of Lashuna, Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Chandana, Madhuka, Tagara, Kushta, Sariba, and Ishwari
• Drava Dravya: 1.5 Pala (72 ml) decoction (Kashaya) prepared from the roots of Neeli, Surasa, and Nirgundi

Procedure:

1. The Ghrita is heated over a mild fire.
2. The prepared decoction and herbal paste are incorporated into the ghee.
3. The mixture is processed under constant stirring until it achieves the Sneha Siddhi Lakshanas.
4. The medicated ghee is filtered while hot and stored appropriately for clinical use.

Preparation of Neelitulasyadi Kera Taila

For preparing Neelitulasyadi Kera Taila:

• Sneha Dravya: 1 Kudava (192 ml) Naalikera Taila (coconut oil)
• Kalka Dravya: 1 Pala (48 g) paste of Lashuna, Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Chandana, Madhuka, Tagara, Kushta, Sariba, and Ishwari
• Drava Dravya: 4 Pala (192 ml) fresh juice (Swarasa) of Neeli, Surasa, and Nirgundi

The coconut oil is taken in a clean, wide-mouthed vessel and heated over mild fire. To it, the herbal juice and paste are added. The mixture is boiled with frequent stirring until proper Sneha Siddhi Lakshanas are achieved. The prepared oil is filtered and stored.

Preparation of Neelitulasyadi Kashaya

The decoction (Kashaya) of Neelitulasyadi Yoga can be prepared following the standard Kashaya Kalpana procedure as described in classical Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.

Dosage

• Neelitulasyadi Ghrita: The standard internal dose is 1 Karsha (approximately 14 g).
• Neelitulasyadi Kera Taila: Used externally in appropriate quantity for local application.

Composition and Formulation Rationale

Neelitulasyadi Agada contains 14 ingredients, including Nīlī, Tulasī, Nirgundī, Laśuna, Marica, Pippalī, Śuṇṭhī, Aśvagandhā, Candana, Madhūka, Tagara, Kuṣṭha, Sārivā, and Īśvarī.

The formulation integrates:

• Viṣaghna dravyas (Nīlī, Īśvarī, Tulasī)
• Śothahara and Vedanāsthāpana dravyas (Nirgundī, Laśuna, Kuṣṭha)
• Dīpana–Pācana dravyas (Trikatu)
• Raktaprasādana and Vraṇa-ropaka dravyas (Sārivā, Madhūka, Candana)

PROBABALE MODE OF ACTION ON BASIS OF RASA-GUṆA-VĪRYA-VIPĀKA ANALYSIS:

1. 1. Rasa(taste)

The distribution of Rasa (taste) shows that Tikta (bitter) is present in the highest proportion at 41%, followed closely by Katu (pungent) at 40%. Madhura (sweet) accounts for 16%, while Lavana (salt) is present in a minimal proportion of 3%. Amla (sour) and Kashaya (astringent) rasas are absent (0%) in this composition.

1. 2. Guna (properties):

The distribution of Guna (properties) shows that Laghu (lightness) is predominant at 38%. Snigdha (unctuous) and Rooksha (roughness) are present equally, each constituting 21%. Tikshna (sharpness) and Guru (heaviness) are observed in smaller proportions, each accounting for 10% of the total properties.

1. 3. Veerya(potency)

The distribution of Veerya (potency) indicates that Ushna (hot potency) is predominant, constituting 72%, while Sheeta (cold potency) accounts for the remaining 28%. This shows a clear dominance of Ushna Veerya in the composition.

4. Vipaka

The distribution of Vipaka (post-digestive taste) shows that Katu (pungent) is predominant, accounting for 64%, while Madhura (sweet) constitutes 36% of the total. This indicates a dominance of Katu Vipaka in the formulation.

5. Karma

The distribution of Karma (therapeutic actions) shows that Kushtaghna (alleviating skin diseases) is predominant, accounting for 35%, followed by Vedanasthapana (pain-relieving action) at 31%. Vishaghna (anti-toxic property) constitutes 17%, while Rakta Prasadana (blood-purifying action) accounts for 9%, and Vranashodhaka (wound-cleansing/healing property) represents 8% of the total actions.

DISCUSSION

Neelitulasyadi Yoga is described in classical Ayurvedic texts in two dosage forms—ghrita (medicated ghee) and taila (medicated oil). Among these, the taila preparation is predominantly used in clinical practice for external application in Lootha Visha (spider envenomation).

From the perspective of Rasa (taste), 36% of the ingredients possess tikta (bitter) and katu (pungent) rasa, while 11% exhibit kashaya (astringent) rasa—tastes that are especially effective in pacifying Kapha predominance. Additionally, 14% of the drugs have madhura (sweet) rasa and 3% contain lavana (salty) rasa, which help in alleviating Vata dosha.

With regard to Guna (qualities), 38% of the drugs are characterized by laghu (light) guna and 21% by ruksha (dry/rough) guna, facilitating better absorption and spread of the medicine. About 21% exhibit snigdha (unctuous) guna and 10% possess guru (heavy) guna, which contribute to pacifying Vata. Another 10% of the ingredients demonstrate tikshna (sharp/penetrating) guna, enhancing the formulation’s potency.

In terms of Veerya (potency), 72% of the ingredients possess sheeta veerya (cold potency), which helps counteract the aggravating and spreading nature of Visha (poison). The remaining 28% have ushna veerya (hot potency), acting primarily as Kapha–Vata shamaka.

Considering Vipaka (post-digestive effect), 64% of the drugs yield madhura vipaka, which alleviates Vata, while 36% have katu vipaka, aiding in the reduction of Kapha.

From the standpoint of Karma (therapeutic action), 29% of the drugs are kushtaghna (beneficial in skin disorders), 26% are vedanasthapana (analgesic), 14% are vishaghna (anti-toxic), 7% possess raktaprasadana (blood-purifying), and some exhibit vranashodhana (wound-cleansing) properties.

Kera Taila (coconut oil) is characterized by madhura rasa, snigdha guna, and madhura vipaka, and it is known for its Vata–Pitta hara, vranaropana (wound-healing), and kushtaghna properties.

Ghrita (ghee) possesses madhura rasa, guru and snigdha guna, sheeta veerya, and madhura vipaka. It is recognized for its Vata–Pitta hara, vishaghna, and kushtaghna actions.

Clinically, Neelitulasyadi Kera Taila is widely employed for external application in the management of Lootha Visha (spider poisoning), owing to its anti-toxic, wound-healing, and dosha-pacifying properties.

CONCLUSION

Neelitulasyadi Agada is a classical, rationally designed formulation deeply rooted in Agada Tantra principles. Its comprehensive pharmacodynamic profile justifies its classical indication in Lūṭā Viṣa and supports its broader therapeutic potential. Systematic experimental validation and clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy in contemporary toxicology and dermatological practice.

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