The pharmacological action that is considered to be the one that results in providing body nutrition is BRIMHANA. The substances that result in this action is known as BRIMHANEEYA. Basically, it involves the increase of bulkiness of the body along with enhanced stability. For the manifestation of this activity, the substances are supposed to have Guru and Snigdha properties primarily. The explanation of the activity from modern perspective is seen as Nutritional Supplements or even Nourishing agents. For proper analysis and understanding, the details are explained on the basis of various references obtained from classical and recent texts of modern authors pertaining to the science of Ayurveda and also modern science.

।। ॐ श्री धन्वनतरये नमः ।।

DETAILS OF THE ACTION

ACTION NAME
बृंहण or बृंहणीय
POSSIBLE MODERN EQUIVALENTS
NOURISHING AGENTS or NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS or NEUTRACEUTICALS

DEFINITION

DEFINITION
बृंहाणीयो देहाबृंहाणााया हितः । (गं)
बृंहत्वं यच्छरीरस्य जनयेत्तच्च बृंहणम् । (च.सू.22)
EXPLANATION/MEANING
The action of the substance that leads to enhancement of energy and bulkiness of the body is known as BRIMHANA. The substances that are used in the form of food, drink and medicaments that result in the action of Brimhana are known as BRIMHANEEYA
REFERENCE
The reference for this definition is from Gangadhara's commentary for Brimhaneeya while Charaka sutra for the action Brimhana.

OTHER DEFINITION

OTHER REFERENCES

गुरु शीतं मृदुस्निग्धं बहलं स्थूलपिच्छिलम् । प्रायो मन्दं स्थिरं श्लक्ष्णं द्गव्यं बृंहणमुच्यते ।। (च.सू.22) 

EXPLANATION/MEANING

The properties that are useful for the action of Brimhana is गुरु (Guru), शीत (Sheeta), मृदु (Mridu), स्निग्ध (Snigdha), पिच्छिल (Picchila), मन्द (Manda), स्थिर (Sthira) and श्लक्ष्ण (Shlakshna).

REFERENCE

Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 22nd Chapter (च.सू. 22)

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MODE OF ACTION / PHARMACODYNAMICS

AYURVEDA EXPLANATION

The definition of BRIMHANEEYA OR BRIMHANA refers to the action that helps in increasing the bulk of the body. The bulk of the body is only possible with the increase in fat or muscle tissue (especially the skeletal muscles). The particular parts namely the Meda and Mamsa are formed by the Prithvi and Jala Mahabhuta itself. Hence it is quite obvious that the increase of the same will be possible only with those substances that have the said Mahabhuta predominant in them. Even in the definition of Charaka there is clear mention of the increase in bulk of the body and not just nourishment. Thus among the various components that we take as food or medicine, Mamsa or the preparations that involve Meat are considered to be the best among the Brimhana substances. Even the properties that have been enlisted namely Guru (heavy), Snigdha (Unctous), etc are denoting the predominance of the two mahabhutas. Here depending on the substance which is being used namely those which are predominant of Jala Mahabhuta followed by Prithvi Mahabhuta will surely be Brimhana in action but the Dhatu or tissue that will be concentrated and tend to increase is the Meda Dhatu (Fat or Adipose Tissue). The result of this action is there is increase in bulk but without compactness. On the contrary, if the substance that is taken as the one to produce Brimhana action is predominant with Prithvi Mahabhuta followed by Jala Mahabhuta like Mamsa (Meat) will lead to increase in bulk along with strength making the body compact physically. 

MODERN EXPLANATION

With respect to the action those which can be equated from the Modern Pharmacology are Nourishing agents, Nutritional Supplements and Neutraceuticals. The Nutritional supplements are defined as those food products that are intended to provide nutrition that may otherwise consumed in sufficient quantities. They are those components that are not produced in the body nor are present in the food in a required quantity. These may include vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc. The same is a part of a larger group of supplements namely Neutraceuticals. The Neutraceuticals are defined as that category of substances that are used as a pharmaceutical alternative that claims to have a physiological benefit. Along with nutritional supplements it also houses the category of food additives too. here being a pharmaceutical alternative it can be used as a food or a medicine too. Thus it is technically defined as Nutraceuticals are products, which other than nutrition are also used as medicine. A nutraceutical product may be defined as a substance, which has physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic disease. The substances or formulations that are used to meet the nutritional requirements of the body are known. as Nutritional agents. These agents are usually considered when the oral intake fails to meet the requirements. They are of 5 categories namely Enteral agents, Parenteral agents Electrolyte replacements, Vitamins and Minerals. The enteral category are those where the agents are administered through the oral or nasogastric route (through Rylestubes). The Parenteral category are those where the agents are administered through peripheral or central veins. The Electrolyte replacements are those which are used to replace or supplement the body electrolytes and so is vitamins and minerals. Other than this even certain activities like Bulk Promoting action is also to be considered under this action. In this action, the increase with respect to the physical bulk through the increase of muscular or fat density is seen. Here the increase of muscular density is much preferred as they occupy less space and makes the body firm.

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INVESTIGATIVE PARAMETERS TO ASSESS

Sl. No.
CATEGORY OF PARAMETER
INVESTIGATION NAME
TYPE OF INVESTIGATION

1.

NOT YET COMPILED

NOT YET COMPILED 

NOT YET COMPILED

।। सर्वे जनाः सुखिनो भवन्तु सर्वे सन्तु निरामय ।।

LIST OF SUBSTANCES THAT EXHIBIT THE ACTION

बृंहणीय गण/BRIMHANEEYA GROUP OF CHARAKA

क्षीरिणीराजक्षवकाश्वगंधकाकोलीक्षीरकाकोलीवाट्यायनीभद्रौदनीभारद्वाजीपयस्यर्ष्यगन्धा इति दशेमानि बृहणीयानि भवन्ति। (च.सू. 4th Chapter)

SANSKRIT NAME
1. क्षीरिणी 
2. राजक्ष्वक
3. अश्वगन्ध
4. काकोली
5. क्षीरकाकोली
6. वाट्यायनी
7. भद्रौदनी
8. भारद्वजी
9. पयस्य
10. ऋष्यगन्ध
BOTANICAL NAME
Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard
Euphorbia microphylla Lam
Withania somnifera (L) Dunal
Lilium polyphyllum D Don
Fritillaria roylei Hook
Sida cordifolia L
Sida rhombifolia L
Thespesia lampas (Cav.) Dalzell
Pueraria tuberosa (WIlld) DC
Argyreia speciosa (Linn.f.) sweet
PART USED
Rhizome
Rhizome
Root
Roots
Roots
Roots
Roots
Roots
Root tuber
Root tuber
।। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु माकश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ।।

RESEARCH PAPERS ON THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION

Sl. No.

1.

2.

TITLE OF THE PAPER

A CLINICAL EFFICACY OF BRIMHANIYA DASHEMANI W.S.R. TO UNDERWEIGHT IN PROMOTING THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH.

New Concepts in Neutraceuticals as alternative for Pharmaceuticals

PUBLISHING JOURNAL

International Ayurvedic Medical Journal

International Journal of Preventive Medicine

CITATION

Manu M et al: A Clinical Efficacy Of Brimhaniya Dashemani In Subjects Of Karshya W.S.R. To Underweight In Promoting Their Physical Health. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal {online} 2018 {cited September, 2018} Available from: http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/2051_2058.pdf

Nasri, Hamid et al. “New concepts in nutraceuticals as alternative for pharmaceuticals.” International journal of preventive medicine vol. 5,12 (2014): 1487-99.

।। ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्तिः ।।

ANIMATED VIDEO OF THE ACTION

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