Dept. of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara college of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan. Pincode: 573201
Background: Basavarajeeyam is an Ayurvedic book authored by Neelakanta Kotturu Basavaraja. This is a 15th-century texts which provide information about simple and practical formulations. It comprises 25 prakara?a, with the first 24 addressing various rogas and the 25th focusing on rasa dravyas. In the 17th chapter on Netra Roga Nidana-Lakshana-Chikitsa, different Anjana yoga are described, which hold potential for adaptation in clinical practice. Methods: The Anjana yoga described in Netra roga Chikitsa Adhyaya of Basavarajeeyam, English Translation by Prof. Dr. M.S. Krishnamurthy, published by Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2019 were enlisted. Those formulations were analysed for composition and indications. Results: The study identified 36 distinct Anjana yoga out of which 31 formulations were herbo-mineral formulations. These formulations are indicated for various disease like Abhishyanda (conjunctivitis) and Timira (cataract). Discussion: Anjana is unique as it serves both as a Dinacharya (daily regimen) for preventive health and a Kriyakalpa for curative purposes. High prevalence of mineral compounds was seen in these Anjana yogas. This may be because the minerals, achieve better bioavailability through topical conjunctival application due to their high molecular weights. This observation is an indicator about the depth of understanding the ancient scholars of Ayurveda had while recommending the use of Anjana. Conclusion: Basavarajeeyam is a classical Ayurvedic text that presents simple and practical formulations for various diseases, including ocular disorders. This study identified 36 Anjana yoga, with a predominance of Herbo-mineral formulations indicated for conditions like Abhishyanda and Timira. The findings highlight Anjana as an effective topical therapy with both preventive and curative potential in eye care. Further research is needed to validate, standardize, and these formulations into modern ophthalmic practice.integrate
Basavarajeeyam is a compiled authoritative text written by Neelakanta Kotturu Basavaraja. This book belongs to 15th AD which provides information on formulations in various diseases. It comprises 25 prakara?a, of which the first 24 deal with various rogas and the 25th focuses on rasa dravyas. The 17th chapter is dedicated to Netra Roga Nidhana-Lakshana-Chikitsa. In this context, Basavaraja mentions about 36 different Anjana yogas, that can be used as kriyakalpa in netraroga1.
Ayurvedic science have emphasized the importance of the eyes, stating “Sarvendriya?a? nayanam pradhanam,” as they are foremost among all the senses2. Ayurvedic classics describe multiple Kriyakalpas for the management of netra rogas. While Sushruta described five Kriyakalpas (Tarpana, Putapaka, Seka, Aschyotana, and Anjana), later authors like Vagbhata and Sharangadhara expanded these to seven, including Pindi and Vidalaka. Among these, Anjana (collyrium) stands out as the most versatile and practical method for topical ocular drug delivery.
Anjana is indicated not only in ocular disorders but also in certain systemic conditions. However, its clinical use in systemic conditions remains limited due to a lack of critical analysis. Anjana involves the application of a superfine paste or powder into the conjunctival sac using a Shalaka. Unlike other procedures that require complex clinical setups, Anjana is characterized by its ease of administration, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for long-term use. Its significance is further highlighted by its inclusion in Dinacharya (daily regimen), where the daily application of Sauveeranjana is advocated to maintain ocular health and balance Kapha Dosha3.
Compared to systemic therapy, topical methods play a crucial role in the treatment of eye diseases by providing direct drug delivery to ocular tissues. The therapeutic efficacy of Anjana lies in its ability to enhance drug bioavailability. Modern pharmacological perspectives suggest that topical application to the eye allows for prolonged contact with the vascularized conjunctival and nasal mucosa. This facilitates rapid absorption, allowing the drug to reach target tissues while bypassing the limitations of the systemic blood-aqueous barrier4.
In this work, an attempt is made to collect the details of 36 Anjana formulations from Basavarajeeyam, and critically analyse their composition and therapeutic applications.
Aims And Objectives:
Aim:
To explore and analyse the Anjana yoga described in Basavarajeeyam.
Objectives:
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The Anjana yoga described in Netra roga Chikitsa Adhyaya of Basavarajeeyam, were enlisted and analysed for composition and indications. English translation by Prof. Dr. M.S. Krishnamurthy, published by Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2019 was refered5.
Observation and Result
A total of 36 Anjana yoga was identified under Netra Roga Chikitsa. 31 among them had mineral or herbo mineral composition.
Table 1: Anjana yoga with Herbo mineral ingredients indicated in Specific diseases
|
Sl No: |
Name of Yoga |
No: of Ingredients |
Rasa Dravya with proportion |
% of mineral drugs |
|
1 |
Trikatukadi Anjana |
Total – 25 Herbal - 18 Mineral - 07 |
Saindhava lavana, Sphatika (4.23%), Rasanjana, Gairika (2.82%), Tuttha (1.41%), Tamra, Shankha (4.23%) |
25.95% |
|
2 |
Kathakaadi Anjana |
Total – 13 Herbal - 07 Mineral - 06 |
Saindhava lavana, Samudraphena, Rasanjana, Manashila, Kukkutanda twak, Shankha *Each 7.69% |
46.15% |
|
3 |
Garudaanjanam 1 |
Total – 20 Herbal - 10 Mineral - 10 |
Tuttha, Sphatika, Saindhava lavana, Samudraphena, Hingula, Manashila, Shankha,Kukkutanda twak, Rasanjana *Each 5% |
50% |
|
4 |
Rasakriya 1 |
Total - 20 Herbal - 09 Mineral - 11 |
Parada/Rasasindura, Kaseesa, Tamra, Rasanjana, Saindhava lavana, Tuttha, Gairika, Manashila, Souveeranjana, Pravala, Naga *5% each |
55% |
|
5 |
Netranjanam |
Total - 08 Herbal - 03 Mineral - 05 |
Souveeranjana, Rasasindhura, Sphatika, Naga, Teekshna Loha *12.5% each |
62.5% |
|
6 |
Rasanjanadi Anjana 2 |
Total - 10 Herbal - 02 Mineral - 08 |
Samudraphena, Sphatika, Hingula, Rasanjana, Kurmaprishta (1.25%), Manashila (6.25%), Saindhava lavana (25%), Loha (25%) |
62.5% |
|
7 |
Chandrakanjana |
Total - 20 Herbal - 12 Mineral - 08 |
Tuttha, Saindhava lavana, Rasasindhura, Harathala, Rasanjana, Tamra, Loha, Shankha *Each 5% |
40% |
|
8 |
Anjana in Timira (Sphatikanjanam) |
Total - 14 Herbal - 08 Mineral - 06 |
Sphatika, Rasanjana, Tuttha, Rasaka, Saindhava lavana, Naga *Each 7.14% |
42.86% |
|
9 |
Anjana Varti |
Total - 30 Herbal - 14 Mineral - 16 |
Manashila(6.66%), Tuttha, Hingula, Haratala, Souveeranjana, Sphatika, Somala/Talaka, Saindhava lavana, Samudraphena, Gairika, Shankha, Tamra, Naga, Abhraka, Kantaloha *Each 3.33% except Manashila |
53.33% |
|
10 |
Nayanaamrutha 2 |
Total - 07 Herbal - 01 Mineral - 06 |
Tuttha, Saindhava lavana, Sasyaka, Samudraphena, Rasanjana, Tankana *Each 14.28% |
85.71% |
|
11 |
Tilapushpanjana |
Total – 03 Herbal - 02 Mineral - 01 |
Kharpara (28.57%) |
28.57% |
|
12 |
Kharparadi Anjana |
Total – 10 Herbal - 04 Mineral - 06 |
Kharpara, Tuttha, Samudraphena, Rasanjana, Manashila, Shankha *Each 10% |
60% |
|
13 |
Chandraprabha Anjana |
Total – 07 Herbal - 02 Mineral - 05 |
Samudrapheena, Narakapalasthi, Kukkutanda twak, Manashila, Mundaloha *Each 14.28% |
71.43% |
|
14 |
Chandrodaya Varti |
Total – 08 Herbal - 06 Mineral - 02 |
Shankhanabhi, Manashila *Each 12.5% |
25% |
|
15 |
Narikelanjana |
Total – 09 Herbal - 08 Mineral - 01 |
Saindhava lavana (1.15%) *Coconut water (73.56%) |
1.15% |
|
16 |
Shankhadi vati |
Total – 04 Herbal - 01 Mineral - 03 |
Shankha (51.61%), Manashila (38.71), Saindhava lavana (3.23%) |
93.55% |
|
17 |
Pushpanjanam |
Total – 14 Herbal - 09 Mineral - 05 |
Gairika, Gorochana, Tuttha, Pushpanjana, Shankha *Each 7.14% |
35.7% |
|
18 |
Godanthadi Anjana |
Total – 13 Herbal - 03 Mineral - 10 |
Godanti, Kukkutanda, Samudraphena, Shankha, Varatika, Tamra, Sphatika, Makaradanta, Sarangadanta, Tuttha *Each 7.69% |
76.92% |
|
19 |
Utpaladi Anjana |
Total – 06 Herbal - 05 Mineral - 01 |
Saindhava lavana (16.67%) |
16.67% |
|
20 |
Ardhachandrodaya Anjana |
Total – 11 Herbal - 08 Mineral - 03 |
Sphatika, Gairika, Tuttha *Each 9.09% |
27.27% |
|
21 |
Talakadi Anjana |
Total – 09 Herbal - 03 Mineral - 06 |
Haratala, Manashila, Sphatika, Shankha, Gandhaka, Saindhava lavana *Each 11.11% |
66.67% |
|
22 |
Tamradi Anjana 2 |
Total – 03 Herbal - 02 Mineral - 01 |
Tamra (33.33%) |
33.33% |
Table 2: Anjana yoga with herbomineral ingredients without specific disease indication
|
Sl No: |
Name of Yoga |
No: of Ingredients |
Rasa Dravya with proportion |
Indications |
|
1 |
Nayanaamrutham 1 |
Total - 15 Herbal - 08 Mineral - 07 |
Souveeranjana, Tuttha, Shankha Rasanjana, Varatika, Saindhava lavana, Samudraphena *Each 6.67% *Total 46.67% |
All kind of eye disease |
|
2 |
Garudanjanam 2 |
Total - 27 Herbal - 12 Mineral - 15 |
Saindhava lavana, Tuttha, Loha, Sphatika, Shankha, Varatika, Rasanjana, Manashila, Parada, Samudraphena, Souveeranjana, Kapala,Tamra, Tankana, Naga *3.70% each *Total 55.56% |
Good vision – Garuda Drishti |
|
3 |
Tamradi Anjanam 1 |
Total - 06 Herbal - 0 Mineral - 06 |
Tuttha (21.35%), Gandhaka (15.63%), Manashila (0.52%), Tamra, Abhraka, Kharpara (20.83% each) *Total 100% |
Sarvanetra rujapaham |
|
4 |
Saindhavadi anjanam |
Total - 06 Herbal - 02 Mineral - 04 |
Saindhava lavana, Rasasindhura, Naga, Rasanjana *Each 16.67% *Total 66.67% |
Sarvanetra gatamaya |
|
5 |
Tarakadya Vatika |
Total - 10 Herbal - 02 Mineral - 08 |
Rajata, Tamra, Kamsya, Tuttha, Shankha, Rasanjana, Kharpara, Rasasindhura, *Each 10% *Total 80% |
Samastham netrajamayam |
|
6 |
Girikarnikadi Anjana |
Total - 07 Herbal - 06 Mineral - 01 |
Shankha (14.28%) *Total 14.28% |
Netra rogas |
|
7 |
Shiladi Anjanam |
Total - 05 Herbal - 04 Mineral - 01 |
Manashila (20%) *Total 20% |
Diva nakshatra darshanam |
|
8 |
Mahanarikela Anjanam |
Total – 14 Herbal - 10 Mineral - 04 |
Tuttha, Gairika, Saindhava lavana, Rasanjana Each 1.09% *Total 4.35% |
96 netra rogas |
Table 3: Anjana yoga with Herbal ingredients
|
Sl No |
Name of Yoga |
Ingredients |
Bhavana Dravya |
|
1 |
Rasanjanadi Anjanam 1 |
Pippali, Ativisha |
Goomutra |
|
2 |
Marichanjana |
Maricha, Amalaki, Karanjabeeja |
Bhringaraja swarasa |
|
3 |
Darvadyadi Anjana |
Daruharidra Rasakriya |
- |
|
4 |
Kumarika (Chandraprabha)varti |
Tilapushpa, Maricha, Jatipushpa, Pippali |
- |
|
5 |
Dhatryanjana |
Triphala |
Jala |
Table 4: Anjana yoga with mineral components
|
Sl No |
Name of Yoga |
Rasa Dravya |
|
1 |
Tamradi Anjanam 1 |
Tamra, Abhraka, Kharpara, Manashila, Tuttha, Gandhaka *Total 100% |
|
2 |
Gajakesara Vati |
Manashila (25%), Naga (25%), Tuttha (50%) *Total 100%
|
Table 5: Individual Rasa Dravya as an ingredient in Anjana Yoga:
|
Mineral Drugs (Frequency) |
Lowest % |
Formulation |
Highest % |
Formulation |
|
Tuttha(12) |
1.09% |
Mahanarikelanjanam |
50% |
Gajakesara Vati |
|
Saindhava Lavana (13) |
1.15% |
Narikelanjana |
25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
|
Tamra (7) |
4.23% |
Trikatukadyanjanam |
33.33% |
Tamradyanjanam 2 |
|
Loha |
5% |
Rasakriya 1 |
25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
|
Rasasindhura/ Parada (5) |
5% |
Rasakriya 1 |
16.67% |
Saindhavadyanjanam |
|
Hingula (3) |
1.25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
6.66% |
Anjana Varti |
|
Manashila (9) |
0.52% |
Tamradyanjanam 1 |
38.71% |
Shankhadi Vati |
|
Haratala (3) |
5% |
Chandrakanjana |
11.11% |
Talakadyanjanam |
|
Naga (6) |
5% |
Rasakriya 1 |
25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
|
Shankha (10) |
3.23% |
Shankhadi Vati |
51.61% |
Shankhadi Vati |
|
Rasanjana (11) |
1.25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
16.67% |
Saindhavadyanjanam |
|
Souveeranjana |
5% |
Rasakriya 1 |
12.5% |
Netranjanam |
|
Sphatika (8) |
1.25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
14.28% |
Nayanamrutha 2 |
|
Samudraphena(7) |
1.25% |
Rasanjanadyanjanam 2 |
7.69% |
Godanthadyanjanam |
|
KukkutandaTwak |
3.70% |
Garudanjanam 2 |
14.28% |
Chandraprabhanjanam |
|
Gairika (5) |
1.09% |
Mahanarikelanjanam |
5% |
Rasakriya 1 |
|
Kharpara (3) |
10% |
Tarakadya Vatika |
28.57% |
Tilapushpanjana |
|
Gandhaka (2) |
3.33% |
Anjana Varti |
15.63% |
Tamradi Anjanam 1 |
DISCUSSION
Basavarajeeyam is a clinically oriented Ayurvedic text that emphasizes simple, practical, and disease-specific formulations, making it highly relevant for therapeutic use1. It is organized into 24 prakara?as, each addressing the etiology, pathology, and treatment of individual diseases, with the final chapter dedicated exclusively to rasa dravyas. This structured approach highlights its strong therapeutic relevance and applicability in clinical practice.
It is observed that 31 anjana yogas out of 36 were composed of either single or multiple mineral ingredients. This emphasises on potency and targeted action, particularly through topical application. These yogas are designed not only for curative purposes in conditions like Abhishyanda and Timira but also for maintaining ocular health, focussing both on therapeutic and preventive aspects of Ayurveda. The selection of ingredients with Chakshushya, Lekhana, and Kapha-shamana properties further highlights a clear understanding of disease pathology and site-specific drug action, making these formulations relevant for both classical practice and future research exploration.
Among 31 formulations Tuttha was seen as an ingredient in 12 anjana yogas. Owing to its Chakshushya, Lekhana, and Kandu–Krimi–Vishahara properties6,8 is repeatedly indicated for ocular diseases, particularly in conditions associated with itching, infection, and Kapha predominance. Kharpara6 and Gandhaka7 appear less frequently (3 and 2 times, respectively), yet both possess Netra roga hara properties.
Other Rasa dravyas fall within this range and also have classical evidence supporting their ocular-specific therapeutic actions. Abhraka used in netra durbalatha7 reflects its use in degenerative and weakness-related ocular conditions. Sphatika is Netraroga prashamani, lekhani, Snigdha, Rudhirasravarodhini8 demonstrates multi-dimensional action including hemostatic and scraping properties. Gairika is Lochanayor hitham9 which further emphasizes its ocular benefits.
Among metal compounds, Naga, is chakshushya, Lekhanam is used in netra roga, madhumeha, upadravas7,9 indicates its dual systemic and ocular benefits along with scraping action. Tamra is Lekhana9, Sheethalam10, Netryam param lekhanam11 shows its oculo-specific activity in expelling Pitta and Kapha from the eyes and possesses Ropana (wound-healing) properties.12 Copper has a potent biocidal property and also helps in synthesis and stabilization of proteins along with angiogenesis; thus, may help in wound healing13. The Lauha Bhasma is Chakshushyam6, Veerye sheetham Lekhanam cha Atinetryam9 believed to improve blood quality and circulation, thereby augmenting ocular nourishment14.
Among Anjana, Souveeranjana is Netraamayaharam param, Vrana shodhaka ropaka9 demonstrates both disease alleviation and wound healing properties. Pushpanjana is Abhishyanda prashamanam param daha vinashanam9, Sarvakshi roganuth15 highlights its superiority in inflammatory and burning eye conditions. Rasanjana, a semisolid end product of heating homogenized milk-based decoction of Berberis aristata, is highly beneficial drug in ocular diseases. (netrayoh paramam hitam)16. According to Ayurveda Prakasha, Goat milk is used in preparation of Rasanjana17.
Shankha is indicated in netra roga (netra pushpa)7. The Anjana made out of this removes netra pushpa(ropana action) indicates corneal healing and regenerative potential. Pravala mentioned for netra daha and kandu7, Drushtiroga nishoodhanam9 reflects its application in burning sensation and visual disturbances. Varatika said as Netrya, Nayanathangaharini8 supports its direct ocular strengthening action. Samudraphena is Shishiram, Lekhanam, Chakshushyo Khaphanashana8 indicates cooling along with Kaphahara and scraping action. Godanti and Kukkutanda twak bhasma is Sheetha8 which further strengthens the cooling base of these formulations.
Arsenic derivatives demonstrate potent Lekhana and Kapha-hara actions. Harathala is indicated in Drishti mandhya7(visual dullness). Manashila is mentioned as Kaphaghna, lekhana6,15 which emphasizes its Kapha-alleviating and scraping properties. Somala, indicated in Pakshma and netra vrana, netra daha7 highlights its external therapeutic potency in eyelid disorders, ulcers, and burning sensation. Bahya prayogena Kshara karmakara param8.
Purified mercury helps in improving eye health18. Purified lead is described to have a specific therapeutic role in Prameha (diabetes)19, suggesting a potential benefit in modulating the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. Hingula is Netra rogahara15, Lochanamayahara8 which indicates its action in ocular pathologies. Rasasindhoora’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial studies further supports its therapeutic potency in inflammatory and infective ocular conditions. Tankana is said to be Vividha vrana nashana, Kapha visleshano8 demonstrates wound-healing and Kapha-separating action. Saindhava lavana (Lunati iti lavanam); that which has chedana ppty. Its Chakshushya, Avidahi- (unlike regular salts) property20 reflects its unique non-irritant nature and specific suitability in ocular therapy.
These formulations act through multiple therapeutic pathways to manage a broad spectrum of ocular disorders, including antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial activity, and promotion of tissue nourishment and regeneration.
CONCLUSION
Ayurvedic scholars have emphasized the importance of the eyes, stating “Sarvendriya?a? nayanam pradhanam”, highlighting their supremacy among all sense organs. Ayurvedic classics describe several Kriyakalpas for the management of netra rogas, among which Anjana holds a significant therapeutic role. Its mode of application ensures direct drug delivery to ocular tissues, prolongs contact time, and enhances therapeutic efficacy, thereby establishing Anjana as a valuable intervention in the management of Netra rogas.
The exploration of Anjana yoga in Basavarajeeyam highlights their significant therapeutic and preventive relevance in the management of ocular disorders. This study identified 36 Anjana yogas, mostly herbo-mineral, used for conditions like Abhishyanda and Timira.
Overall, Anjana emerges as a practical and effective topical approach with both preventive and therapeutic value in eye care, warranting further validation and standardization for clinical use.
REFERENCES
Arya J. P., Govinda Sharma K., Prajwal Sanakyanavar, Suchindra R., Surabhi Gopal, Gayathri Sajeev, Review Of Anjana Formulations in Basavarajeeyam and Their Clinical Significance, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 5, 2752-2760, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20133225
10.5281/zenodo.20133225
