Physiochemical and Formulation Factors Affecting the Absorption of Basti Dravyas

Abstract

Basti is a purificatory process by which all the three vitiated Doshas are expelled from the anal canal and is said to be the best treatment for Vata dosha. There are two main types of Basti mentioned in Ayurveda Sneha Basti and Asthapan Basti. Compared to oral and parental route, rectal drug delivery is not so much exposed in today’s era, whereas Ayurveda highlights Basti as half of the treatment, while some acharyas believe it to be complete treatment. But there are many unanswered questions as to how the Basti Dravyas will be absorbed or act also there is no active diffusion in the colon. Also the large intestine produces no digestive enzymes i.e., chemical digestion is completed in the small intestine before the chyme reaches the large intestine. Hence, we need to find a way whereby the absorption of the drugs administered through the rectal route in the form of basti is increased. Basti is a homogenous emulsion mixture of makshik (honey), saindhav, sneha, kalka and kwath, but why this sequence should be followed and the same combination should be taken in majority of the basti is not backed up by scientific validation. An effort is being made to justify the importance of above sequence, which also elaborates the factors affecting the absorption of Basti Dravyas