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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 4 [October to December]
  3. IMPORTANCE OF SNEHA KALPANA IN AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTICS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL REVIEW
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Ms. Priya Bhaware

IMPORTANCE OF SNEHA KALPANA IN AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTICS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL REVIEW

Introduction: Sneha Kalpana, one of the most significant dosage forms in Ayurveda, involves the medicated processing of lipids such as ghee (ghrita) and oil (taila) with herbal decoctions and pastes. These formulations, widely employed for both internal and external therapies, are central to Panchakarma and Rasayana practices. The unique lipid-based delivery enhances drug absorption, bioavailability, and tissue penetration, making Sneha Kalpana highly relevant in modern pharmaceutics. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AYUSH Research Portal, supplemented by classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Inclusion criteria comprised pharmacological, experimental, and clinical studies focusing on Sneha Kalpana and its therapeutic role. Exclusion criteria were non-Ayurvedic lipid formulations and studies with insufficient methodology. Results: Evidence indicates that Sneha Kalpana enhances the solubility of hydrophobic phytoconstituents, improves drug delivery through lipophilicity, and supports tissue-level activity. Classical texts highlight its role in Vata-related disorders, metabolic diseases, and Rasayana therapy. Modern research validates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties of ghrita and taila-based formulations. Clinical trials demonstrate efficacy in neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, dementia), dermatological conditions, and gastrointestinal diseases. Discussion: Sneha Kalpana represents an ancient lipid-based drug delivery system with significant pharmacological implications. However, standardization challenges, lack of large-scale clinical trials, and limited regulatory recognition hinder global acceptance. Bridging traditional wisdom with advanced lipidomics, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutics may expand its therapeutic potential. Conclusion: Sneha Kalpana, with its unique pharmaceutico-therapeutic approach, holds promise as a natural, effective, and safe drug delivery system. Integration with modern pharmaceutical sciences may pave the way for its global recognition and application in chronic and lifestyle-related disorders.

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, bioavailability, lipid-based formulations, Sneha Kalpana, therapeutics