Pharmacological activities of shaka-varga (medicinal vegetables)- An ayurvedic review

The word Shaka – Varga refers to vegetables and their classification. In an Ayurvedic classical texts there are various classifications of drugs, minerals, and vegetables. In the vegetable it includes Patra (Leafy vegetables), Pushpa (Flowering vegetables), Phala (Fruit vegetables), Nala (Stalk vegetables), Kanda (Tuber vegetables). Consumption of these vegetables helps to maintain the health of the healthy person and take part in the curing the diseases. Some of the vegetables also recommended as Pathya (Suitable) and Apathya (Not suitable) in particular diseases. According to Acharya Charaka the classification of vegetables , he mainly stressed on the Rasa (Taste) and Dosha Prabhava (Effects on Doshas). Whereas Acharya Sushruta mainly stressed on the various parts of vegetables like leaf, stem, flower, roots, tubers etc. In the present review study reveals the effects of intake of these vegetables in the body and the alleviation of diseases produced by imbalance in the three Doshas (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) was elaborated. The further scope of study is to bring the original and classical method of cultivated vegetables in the market so that the manifestation of the disease will be reduced and helps to maintain the health of the person.