JISM_67_19

Review Article
 1  1
 2  2
 3  3
 4 A review on classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta  4
 5  5
 6 Musali  6
 7  7
 8 Mujahid B. Khan, Bharat J. Rathi, Dhirajsingh Rajput, Anita Wanjari
 8
 9  9
Department of Rasshastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital, and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
10 10
11 11
12 12
Abstract
13 13
14 Introduction: Vajikarana (aphrodisiac therapy) mainly deals with the promotion of sexual health, healthy progeny, and treatment of 14
15 male sexual disorders such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. The formulations described in Ayurveda 15
16 generally contain ingredients of herbal, herbo-mineral, metal, or animal in origin. Musali or Shweta (White) Musali is a potent herbal 16
17 drug primarily utilized for Vajikaran therapy and indicated in the management of male infertility. Until date, no published information 17
18 is presented in compiled form on the classical formulations of Musali with their dose and indications. Therefore, in this study, an 18
19 attempt has been made to compile different formulations of Musali indicated for Vajikarana therapy. Aim: This study aims to gather 19
20 information on various formulations of Musali primarily utilized for Vajikarana therapy. Materials and Methods: Critical review of 20
various formulations of Shweta Musali is compiled from seven Ayurvedic texts, and the therapeutic efficacy of Musali is discussed 21
21
on the basis of available data. Result and Conclusion: Vajikarana formulations of Musali were discovered after Samhita period. In the
22 22
present review, 51 formulations of Shweta Musali are found, which are mainly indicated for Vajikarana. In the formulations of Musali,
23 ingredients such as Godugdha (cow’s milk), Goghrita (cows clarified butter), Khanda sharkara (sugar), Madhu (honey), Ashwagandha
23
24 (Withania somnifera L.), Shatavari (Asperagus racemosus Wild.), Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberosa), Abhrak, Bhasma (calcined mica), 24
25 and Rasasindoor (red oxide of mercury) augment the Vajikarana potential of Musali and also help to prevent other complications. 25
26 On the basis of the reviewed research, it is concluded that Musali-containing formulations claimed significant aphrodisiac and 26
27 spermatogenic properties, and present review will be helpful for research and pharmaceutical standardization purpose of Vajikarana 27
28 formulations of Shweta Musali. 28
29 29
30 Keywords: Aphrodisia, formulations, infertility, Musali, Vajikarana 30
31 31
32 32
33 Introduction million couples endure from infertility every year out of 33
34 which approximately 15–20 million are in India alone. 34
The science of life called Ayurveda deals with every facet
35 As per World Health Organization study on more than 35
of life, and Vajikarana is one of its eight components
36 8500 couples, the male factor contributes to infertility as 36
being practiced ever since time immemorial.[1] Vajikarana
37 much as 51.2%. Nearly 27.5 million couples actively trying 37
deals with the strengthening and preservation of sexual
38 to conceive suffer from infertility in India.[3-5] Vajikarana 38
competency of a healthy man and conception of
39 therapy not only rejuvenates the male reproductive system 39
healthy offspring along with management of disturbed
40 and slows down the aging progression but also increases 40
spermatogenesis, defective semen, and seminal-related
41 quality and quantity of sperms, thus increasing sperm 41
disorders in man. It improves the physical, psychological,
42 motility and count.[6] Herbal medicines have been used 42
and social health as well as promotes the sexual potential
43 43
and performance an individual.[2] Infertility is a global
44 Address for correspondence: Dr. Mujahid Bismillah Khan, 44
problem, affecting approximately 15% of couples of
45 Department of Rasshastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, 45
reproductive age. It is estimated that globally, 60–80
46 Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital, and Research Centre, Salod, 46
47 Wardha 442001, Maharashtra, India. 47
Received: 05-01-2020, Revised: 17-02-2020, E-mail: mujahidkhan706@gmail.com
48 Accepted: 12-03-2020, Published: XX-XX-XXXX 48
49 This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the
49
50 Access this article online Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows 50
51 Quick Response Code: others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as 51
Website: appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.
52 www.joinsysmed.com 52
For reprints contact: reprints@medknow.com 53
53
54 54
DOI: How to cite this article: Khan MB, Rathi BJ, Rajput D, Wanjari
55 10.4103/JISM.JISM_67_19 A. A Review on classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali. J 55
56 Indian Sys Medicine 2020;XX:XX-XX. 56

      © 2020 Journal of Indian System of Medicine | Published by Wolters Kluwer ‑ Medknow 1  
 AQ1 Khan, et al.: Classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali

 1 since the beginning of civilization to sustain health and Samhita (600 bc),[14] Ashtanga Hridaya (ad 700),[15]  1
 2 treat disease. Shweta Musali is a herb that is used for its Sharangdhar Samhita (13th ce),[9] Yogaratnakara[16] (18th  2
 3 benefits in male sexual and general health traditionally. century ce), Bhaishajya Ratnavali[17] (ad 19th century),  3
 4 It belong to family Liliaceae and scientifically known as and Bharatbhaishajyaratnakar[18] (19th century ce).  4
 5 Chlorophytum borivilianum Linn. Some other botanical All formulations that contain Musali and mainly or  5
 6 equivalents of Safed Musali are Chlorophytum tuberosum secondarily indicated as Vajikarana are included in this  6
 7 (Roxb.) Baker, Asparagus adscendens (Roxb.), and study. Percentages of Musali are calculated by considering  7
 8 Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker. It is an annual basil all herbal, metallic, and mineral origin ingredients.  8
 9 of 1.5 feet height with tuberous root system, suberect Percentages are not calculated if the preparation of  9
10 lanceolate leaves, and erect dense flowered racemoses of formulation involves multiple procedures. Dose and 10
11 white color. It is originally grown up in broad forests of anupana (adjuvants) of formulations that mentioned in 11
12 India and normally propagated in filthy loamy soil of the texts are also compiled. Some formulations contain 12
13 northern plains of the Western Himalaya. It is also found more than 10 herbal or herbo-metallic ingredients. 13
14 in Kashmir, Nepal, Tibetan region, and Baluchistan at Hence, ingredients are mentioned in the table for the 14
15 higher altitudes. There are around 300 species scattered formulations, which contains up to 10 ingredients only. 15
16 throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the The total number of herbal-origin ingredients mentioned 16
17 world.[7,8] in the table should be considered in powder form including 17
18 Shweta Musali, and metal or mineral mentioned is taken 18
The drug “Musali” is mentioned in different classical
19 in bhasma (calcined) form. The dose is given as mentioned 19
text of Ayurveda as “Sukrala Dravya” (substance that
20 in the classics; however, dose is not given where it is not 20
enhance semen or sperms), spermatogenic drug) by
21 mentioned in classical text. The dose range of each dosage 21
Sharangadhara,[9] and in Rajanighantu it is referred as a
22 form is mentioned as per classical and modern metric 22
Vrishyadravya (Aphrodisiac drug). It is also called as Khalini,
23 system. Ingredients of some formulations are repeated 23
Talamuli, Talapatrika, Suvaha, and Vrishyakanda.[10] It is
24 in table because they are mentioned in more than one 24
one of the most utilized drug for Vajikarana therapy. It
25 classical text with difference either in their name or in the 25
is a rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins, minerals,
26 method of preparation. 26
carbohydrates, proteins, steroid and polysaccharides,
27 27
saponins, chlorophytoside-I, and furostanolic.[11,12] It is
28
considered as a “Divya Aushad” or “Rasayana”(Rejuvenate Observation and Results 28
29 In this review, seven classical texts were reviewed from 29
therapy) or sex vitalizer or wonder drug for powerful sex
30 which total of 51 Vajikarana formulations of Musali 30
and general debility.[13] In Ayurveda, the plant is used as
31 are found. Their name, ingredients, dose, anupana, and 31
aphrodisiac agent in the treatment of male impotency,
32 textual reference are mentioned in [Table 1]. In this table, 32
lack of libido, and oligospermia, and many formulations
33 percentage of Shweta Musali present in a particular 33
is composed of the Kanda (tubers) of the plant for the
34 formulation is also calculated. Graph 1 shows that out 34
purpose of aphrodisiac and spermatogenesis property.[10]
35 of total formulations, 29 formulations contain metal or 35
Its dried tubers are also used as a curative for prenatal
36 mineral origin ingredients, 21 formulations contain only 36
and postnatal illness, diabetes, arthritis, restorative for
37 herbal origin drugs, 11 formulations are mentioned in 37
immunity improvement, and so on.[13] There are many
38 Modak form, 10 formulations are of granular form, and 38
modern aphrodisiac formulations available, but they
39 5 formulations are mentioned as Vati or Gutika dosage 39
shown many side effects and hence in search of new
40 form. In the formulations of Musali, ingredients such as 40
agents, classical Vajikarana formulations of Musali may
41 Godugdha (cow’s milk), Goghrita (cows clarified butter), 41
have the potential to replace current aphrodisiac agents.
42 Khanda sharkara (sugar), and Madhu (honey) are found as 42
Here an attempt has been made to collect data pertaining
43 anupana, and the drugs such as Ashwagandha (Withania 43
to different Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali
44 somnifera L.), Shatavari (Asperagus racemosus Wild.), 44
mentioned in Ayurveda classics, which will be helpful for
45 Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberosa), Abhrak, Bhasma 45
research and pharmaceutical standardization purpose.
46 (calcined mica), and Rasasindoor (red oxide of mercury) 46
The classical texts such as Bharatbhaishajyaratnakar
47 are also found within maximum formulations. 47
and Bhaishajya Ratnavali are mainly selected for review
48 48
process because they are primarily compilation texts and
49 49
contain formulations of herbal and herbo-mineral origin Discussion 50
50
drugs from previous classical texts. Shweta Musali is also used as Bhavana dravya, that is, for
51 51
52 trituration in the formulations such as Makardhwajo Rasa, 52
53 Materials and Methods Kamakalakhya Ras, Mahakalpa Rasa, Kamadevo Rasa 53
54 Seven classical texts have been studied and various (1) and (2). Powder of Shweta Musali is mentioned as an 54
55 formulations of Musali are compiled from texts anupana Dravya in the preparations such as Makardhwajo 55
56 including Charaka Samhita (1500–1000 bc),[1] Sushruta Rasa and Kamdevo Rasa (2). Maximum percentage of 56

      
2 2  Journal of Indian System of Medicine ¦ Volume XX ¦ Issue XX ¦ XXXX-XXXX 2020
 Khan, et al.: Classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali AQ1

 1  1
Table 1: Shweta Musali formulations mainly indicated for Vajikarana
 2  2
 3 Sr. No. Formulations Ingredients % Shweta Classical dose, Text reference  3
(herbal or metal or mineral origin) Musali anupana (adjuvants)
 4  4
1 Arjakadi Vatika Herbal ingredients 18 5.55 1 masha with Suramanda B.R.-75/15–17 BBR
 5  5
Part 1, p. 40
 6  6
2 Kamdeva Churnam Herbal ingredients 23 0.33 1 karsha BBR Part 1, p. 214
 7 3 Kamdeva Vati Herbal ingredients 65 1.06 2.5 tola (25 g) BBR Part 1, p. 225
 7
 8 Metal or minerals 4
 8
 9 4 Kamsundaro Modaka Herbal ingredients 29 0.95 2–4 masha BBR Part 1, p. 226
 9
10 Metal or mineral 1
10
11 5 Kameshvaro Modaka Herbal ingredients 46 1.08 1.5 tola with Godugdha and BBR Part 1, p. 228 11
12 Metal or mineral 1 Mishri 12
13 6 Kapikacchu Paka Herbal ingredient 20 3.40 2 tola BBR Part 1,p. 247 13
14 Metal or minerals 3 14
YR, p. 496
15 15
7 Kesara Paka Herbal ingredients 30 0.19 Jatiphalapramana BBR Part 1, p. 249,
16 16
Metal or minerals 7 YR, p. 484
17 17
8 Kamdeva Rasa (3) Herbal ingredients 5 10 1–2 Ratti with honey BBR Part 1, p. 296 18
18
Metal or minerals 2
19 19
Kwath Dravya 5
20 20
9 Kamakalakhya Rasa Rasasindura, Abhrak Bhasma, Suvarna — 4 mashe BBR Part 1, p. 297
21 21
Bhasma. with Churna of Kronchabeeja
22 22
Swaras of Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Musali, and Godugdha, etc.
23 Kadalikanda, Mocharasa. 23
24 10 Trikantakadi Churna Musali, Shatavari, Gokshura, Vanaribeeja, Sita 12.5 6 mashe with Godugdha and BBR Part 2, p. 341 24
25 honey 25
26 11 Trikantakadhyo Modaka Musali, Gokshura, Ekshuarabeeja, 11.11, 1 tola with Godugdha BBR Part 2, p. 352 26
27 Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vanaribeeja, 27
28 Yashtimadhu, Nagbala, Bala 28
12 Gokshuradi Leha Musali, Gokshura, Ekshuarabeeja, 11.11, 1 tola with Godugdha BBR Part 2, p. 46 29
29
Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vanaribeeja, 1 tola, milk
30 Yashtimadhu, Nagbala, Bala
30
31 13 Gokshura Paka Herbal ingredients 28 1.28 1 tola with Godugdha BBR Part 2, p. 47
31
32 Metal or mineral 2 32
33 14 Chhuharapaka Herbal ingredients 17 1.66 1 tola with Godugdha BBR Part 2, p.239 33
34 Metal or mineral 3 34
35 15 Pishtipaka Herbal ingredients 17 2.01 10 tola BBR Part 3, p. 331 35
36 Metal or mineral2 36
37 16 Pugapaka Herbal ingredients 56 1.11 1 tola BBR Part 3, p. 335 37
38 Metal or minerals 2 38
39 17 Madanprakash Churna Herbal ingredient 16 + Khanda sharkara 3.12 1 karsha BBR Part 4, p. 24 39
40 18 Musalyadi Churna Musali, Vidarikanda, GuduchiSatwa, Vanari, 12.5 3 mashe with Godugdha and BBR Part 4, p. 36 40
41 Gokshura, Shalmali, Amalaki, Khanda Goghrita Sha.M. 6/160–161, 41
42 Sharkara. p. 300 42
43 19. Vidaryadi Churna Musali, Vidarikanda, Gokshura, Amalaki, 8.33 9 masha BBR Part 4, p. 597 43
44 Saindhava, Pippala, Sita. 44
45 20 Madanvardhano Modak Musali, Gokshura, Ekshuarabeeja, 11.11, 3 tola with Godugdha BBR Part 4, p. 40 45
Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vanaribeeja,
46 Yashtimadhu, Nagbala, Bala
46
47 21 Maharativallabho 50 herbal ingredients 0.22 — BBR Part 4, p. 45
47
48 Modak 48
49 22 Rajyoga Herbal ingredients 23 4.34 — BBR Part 4, p. 335 49
50 23 Vallabha Gutika Herbal ingredients 23 5.88 — BBR Part 4, p. 609 50
51 24 MusaliPaka (Modak) 20 herbal drugs 26.66 2.5 tola BBR Part 4, p. 60 51
52 25 Makardhwajo Rasa Hirakbhasma, Swarna bhasma, Paradbhasma, — 2 Ratti BBR Part 4, p. 156 52
53 Abhrakbhasma, Lohabhasma, Mishri, Trijata, Anupan 53
54 Pippala, Bhavana Dravya-Musali Kwatha, Churna of Musali, Pippal, 54
Arkakshir, Thoharkshira, Shalmaliswaras
55 Yashtimahu, Vanari, Sita, 55
56 and Godugdha. 56

      Journal of Indian System of Medicine ¦ Volume XX ¦ Issue XX ¦ XXXX-XXXX 2020 3  

 AQ1 Khan, et al.: Classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali

 1  1
Table 1: Continued
 2  2
 3 Sr. No. Formulations Ingredients % Shweta Classical dose, Text reference  3
(herbal or metal or mineral origin) Musali anupana (adjuvants)
 4  4
 5 26 Vangeshwaradi Vati Herbal ingredients 45 1.74 1.5 tola with honey BBR Part 4, p. 710  5
 6 Metal or minerals 7  6
 7 27 Madankamadevo Rasa Metal or minerals 7, — 5 masha with Godugdha BBR Part 4, p. 163,  7
 8 Prakshekapachurnas 8,  8
 9 Bhavana dravyas 10 (including Musaliswaras) Y.R. p. 492  9
10 28 Madankamo Rasa Herbal ingredients 26 4.89 1 masha BBR Part 4, p. 164 10
11 Metal or mineral 1 11
12 29 Madansandipana Herbal ingredients 32 2.70 1.5 tola BBR Part 4, p. 166 12
Churnam Metal or minerals 5
13 13
30 Mahakalpa Rasa Swaras (juice) of 13 herbal ingredients includ‑ — 0.5–1 Ratti 14
14
ing Musali)
15 15
Metal or mineral 5
16 16
31 Mahakameshwaro Herbal ingredients 92 0.76 1 tola BBR Part 4, p. 189
17 Modak 17
Metal or minerals 9
18 18
32 Mushali Paka Rasa Herbal ingredients 20, metal or mineral 1 25.64 5 tola BBR Part 4, p. 237
19 19
33 Methi Paka (Modak) Herbal ingredients 23 2.46 — BBR Part 4, p. 262
20 Metal or minerals 2
20
21 34 Rativallabhpugpaka Herbal ingredients 52 1.65 — BBR Part 4, p. 384
21
22 Metal or minerals 5
22
YR p. 485
23 23
35. Laghukameshwar Guti Herbal ingredients 38, Metal or minerals 5 2.04 — BBR Part 4, p. 511
24 24
36 LaghukameshwarModak Herbal ingredients 42 1.27 7.5 mashe BBR Part 4, p. 512,
25 25
Metal or minerals 3 BR p. 1141
26 26
27 37 Musalyadi Yoga Shweta Musali 1 part, Talamkhana 2 part, 16.66, 6 mashe BBR Part 4, p. 278 27
Gokshura 3 part YR, p. 482
28 28
29 38 Ashwagandha Paka (1) Herbal ingredients 31 9.80 — BBR Part 5, p. 622 29
30 Metal and minerals 2 30
39 Kamadevo Rasa (1) Metal or minerals 7, Prakshepa Dravya 8, — 2–3 ratti BBR Part 5, p. 764 31
31
Bhavna Dravya 10 (including musali swaras)
32 32
40 Kamadevo Rasa (2) Metal or minerals 7, Bhavna Dravya 3 (includ‑ — 3 ratti with Musalichurna BBR Part 5, p. 765
33 ing Musali Swaras 7 Bhavna) 33
34 41. Kameshwar Churnam Total herbal ingredients 42 1.88 — BBR Part 5, p. 768 34
35 42 Kameshwar Rasa 2 Herbal ingredients 43, Metal or mineral 1 2.27 Ardha Karsha BBR Part 5, p. 769 35
36 43 Laghushalmalimula Shweta Musali, ShalmaliMula 50 5 g with Godugdha and BR,- p. 1126 36
37 Prayoga Goghrita 37
38 44 Bhukushmandadi Yoga Vidarikanda, Shweta Musali, Amalaki, 21.05 2 g with Madhu, Honey
BR, p. 1130 38
39 Punarnavamula, ShuddhaParad, Shuddha 39
40 Gandhaka, Bhavana Dravya- ShalmaliSwaras. 40
41 45 Gokshuradi Modak Shweta Musali, Gokshura, Talamkhana, 11.11 6–12 g with Godugdha BR, p. 1148 41
Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Kapikacchu,
42 Yashtimadhu, Nagbala, Balamula
42
43 46 Muphara Leha Herbal ingredients 50, metal or minerals 11 1.33 1 tola (12 g) with Godugdha BR, p. 1156
43
44 47 Shatavaryadi Yoga Musali, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Gokshura, 16.66 Goghrita, Sharkara YR, p. 482
44
45 Punarnava, Nagbala 45
46 48 Shatavaryadi Churna 1 Musali, Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu, Shatavari, 20 1 Karsha Godugdha YR, p. 494 46
47 Gokshura 47
48 49 Shatavaryadi Churna 2 Musali, Shatavari, Mundi, Guduchi, Palash, 16.66 1 Karsha Goghrita YR, p. 499 48
49 Hastikarna 49
50 50 Rativruddhikaro Modak Musali, Gokshura, Talamkhana, Ashwagandha, 11.11 6–12 g with Godugdha YR, p. 485 50
Shatavari, Kapikacchu, Yashtimadhu, Bala,
51 51
Nagabala
52 52
51 Amruta Bhallataka Herbal ingredients 37 2.43 — YR, p. 483
53 Metal or minerals 4
53
54 Abhraka = mica; Gandhaka = sulfur; Loha = iron; Parada = mercury; Rajata = silver, Rasasindhura = red oxide of mercury; Hirak = diamond, 54
55 BR = Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Sha.M. = Sharangdhar Samhita Madhyam Khanda; BBR = Bharatbhaishajyaratnakar; YR = Yogratnakar 55
56 56

      
4 4  Journal of Indian System of Medicine ¦ Volume XX ¦ Issue XX ¦ XXXX-XXXX 2020
 Khan, et al.: Classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali AQ1

 1 Shweta Musali (50%) is observed in Laghushalamlimula and in Charaka Samhita. Talamuli (synonym of Musali)  1
 2 Prayoga.[17] Lowest proportion of Shweta Musali is found is mentioned in Dhumapana yoga (formulation), which  2
 3 in Kesar Paka that contains only 0.19% of Shweta Musali. is indicated in Kasachikitsa, and in Sushruta Samhita  3
 4 In the remaining formulations, percentage of Shweta Musali is mentioned in the Kalpa (formulation) with  4
 5 Musali ranges from 0.22% to 26.66%. In the formulations synonyms Talapatri and Suvaha, which are indicated in  5
 6 Vallabha Gutika, Mahakameshwaro modak, and Musali the treatment acne, renal stones, and asthama. There are  6
 7 Paka Rasa, both white and black variety of Musali are two varieties of Musali, viz., Shweta (white) and Krishna  7
 8 present. In these Vajikarana formulations, Shweta Musali (black) explained in Rajnighantu and Bhavaprakasha  8
 9 is used as an ingredient in both powder and Swaras (juice) Nighantu.[1,14,22-24] There are various plant roots used by the  9
10 form, and it can also used as adjuvant in some formulations. name Shweta Musali such as C tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker, 10
11 Vajikarana is one of the major health care segments of A. adscendens Roxb., Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. and 11
12 Ayurveda, which is said to augment sexual performance, Fernand., and C.  arundinaceum Baker. These all species 12
13 vitalize tissues of reproductive organs, strengthen sperm are having similar properties and action and belong to 13
14 motility, increase semen count, and improve the quality family Asparagaceae, and nowadays only few of them are 14
15 of the offsprings.[19] It is primarily related with therapies commercially cultivated. Among them, C. borivilianum has 15
16 pertaining to specific medication for male infertility and good demand worldwide.[25] Chlorophytum borivilianum 16
17 impotence in addition to female infertility. Apart from is popularly known as Shweta Musali and the Krishna 17
18 inducing good aphrodisiacs properties, this persuades (black) Musali is considered to be as Curculigo orchioides 18
19 increased fertile seminal secretions and an instant sense of Gaertn.[26-29] The properties of Shweta Musali mentioned 19
20 pleasurable excitement, even in an aging individual. It is in ayurvedic literature are Madhura rasa (taste), Guru 20
21 prescribed for the therapeutic use of different aphrodisiacs (heavy) and Snigdha (slimy) Guna, Shita Virya (potency) 21
22 formulations that reinforce body tissues (Dhatus) such as and Brihana (health promoter), and Balya Karma 22
23 muscles, blood, and bones, and also for enhancing the (energetic action). Due to these properties, Shweta Musali 23
24 vitality and reproductive competency of men.[20] Shweta acts as Sapta-dhatu Vardhaka (potentiating seven basic 24
25 Musali is a herb that possesses all properties of Vajikarana body elements) and results into increase in Shukra-dhatu 25
26 therapy. In Ayurvedic literature, Shweta Musali is well- (semen), which causes aphrodisiac action. It is primarily 26
27 known as “Divya Aushad” with immense importance in used as a tonic to rejuvenate the reproductive system.[10,24] 27
28 the preparation of over 100 different formulations for The alkaloids, glycosides and saponins present in the herb 28
29 various conditions including Vajikarana therapy. Hence are the cause of its alleged aphrodisiac properties.[13] Hence 29
30 in this review Shweta Musali formulations are selected, this herb is helpful in premature ejaculation, impotency, 30
31 which are primarily indicated for Vajikarana therapy. and low sperm count in men. Clinically, Krishna Musali 31
32 By appropriate use of the Vajikarana preparations, one has similar properties and action like Shweta Musali; 32
33 becomes dexterous with well build, strength, complexion, however, it has Madhura, Tikta Rasa, and Ushna Virya. 33
34 potency, and sexually strong. These formulations also In research study, Shweta Musali is reported to have an 34
35 act as Rasayana and have the potential to invigorate all effective spermatogenesis and aphrodisiac potential.[26,30] 35
36 the body essentials and reinstate stability and health.[21] Kenjale et  al.[31] noticed that it has marked aphrodisiac 36
37 The word Musali is first mentioned in Harita Samhita action and can be useful in the treatment of premature 37
38 38
39 39
Different Dosage forms of classical Vajikarana formulation of Musali
40 20
40
41 41
18
42 42
43 16 43
44 14 44
45 45
12
46 46
10 47
47
48 8 48
49 6 49
50 50
4
51 51
52 2 52
53 0 53
54 Vati/Gutika Modaka(Large Granular Churna(Powder) Leha(Semisolid) 54
55 Pills) 55
56 Graph 1: Total number of different dosage forms of classical Vajikarana formulation of Shweta Musali 56

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 AQ1 Khan, et al.: Classical Vajikarana formulations of Shweta Musali

 1 ejaculation and oligospermia. In the clinical study of as standardization purpose. The limitations of this the  1
 2 evaluation of root tubers of Shweta Musali and its effect study are that this research article is a review only and  2
 3 on semen and testosterone by Rath and Panja[32], it has its clinical research are not under considerations; this  3
 4 been noticed that the study corroborates the classical review is of Shweta Musali Vajikarana formulation, and  4
 5 claim that Shweta Musali is a Shukral-dravya as it previous safety and efficacy studies were performed only  5
 6 potentiates the semen and testosterone. In another study, on Shweta Musali and not on its formulations. Hence,  6
 7 it is found that standardized extract of Shweta Musali is there may be difference in the safety and efficacy of its  7
 8 safe in male Wistar rats and also improves aphrodisiac formulations. This review is performed using specific  8
 9 potential.[33] There is no formulations of Musali found classical texts and not from all the Ayurvedic texts  9
10 in Brihattrayi that is indicated for Vajikarana therapy. In because on the whole data are not possible to express in 10
11 Rasaratnasamucchaya (ad 1200–1300), both Musali and a single article. 11
12 Talmuli words are mentioned, and 17 formulations were 12
13 explained mainly in Rasayana and Vajikarana.[22] Conclusion 13
14 14
A total of 51 Vajikarana formulations are found in 7 Vajikarana facilitates to improve fertility of both sexes
15 15
classical texts reviewed. Of them, 29 formulations contain and thus leading to the propagation of healthy future
16 16
metal or mineral origin ingredients, 21 formulations generations. There are 51 formulations of Shweta Musali
17 17
contain only herbal origin drugs, 11 formulations are found, which are mainly indicated for Vajikarana. In these
18 18
mentioned in Modak (a synonym of Vati with variation Vajikarana formulations, Shweta Musali is used as an
19 19
in size a quantum of solid dose form—little bigger than ingredient in both powder and Swaras (juice) form, and it
20 20
vati) form, 10 formulations are of granular form, and 5 can also used as adjuvant in some formulations. The major
21 21
formulations are mentioned as Vati or Gutika dosage adjuvants utilized in these formulations are cow’s milk,
22 22
form [Graph 1]. In these different kinds of dosage forms Khanda sharkara, and cow’s butter. In these preparations
23 23
of Vajikarana formulations, general dose of Churna generally cow’s milk, Goghrita, Khanda sharkara, Madhu
24 24
(powder) is between I  Karshato 1.5 tola (12–18  g), (honey), Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vidarikanda, Abhrak,
25 25
Vati/Gutika (Tablets) range from 1 mashe to 2.5 tola Bhasma, and Rasasindoor are utilized, which may enhance
26 26
(1–25 g), Modak (large pills) is between 2 mashe and 1.5 the Vajikarana action of Shweta Musali and minimize its
27 27
tola (2–18 g), granular form between 1 tola and 10 tola untoward effects. On the basis of previous research, it is
28 28
(12–120 g approx.), and Rasaaushadhis (Herbomineral) concluded that Shweta Musali has significant aphrodisiac
29 29
and spermatogenic properties and is a safe drug. Current
30 preparations’ dose is between 1 ratti and 5 mashe 30
review will be helpful for research and pharmaceutical
31 (125–5 g).[17] These prescribed amount may be given in 31
standardization purpose of classical Vajikarana
32 divided dose and also there is need to study safety and 32
formulations of Shweta Musali.
33 efficacy of large quantity of these formulations. 33
34 34
In the formulations of Shweta Musali, ingredients such as Financial support and sponsorship
35 35
Godugdha (cow’s milk), Goghrita (cows clarified butter), Nil.
36 36
Khanda sharkara (sugar), Madhu (honey), Ashwagandha
37 37
(W.  somnifera L.), Shatavari (A.  racemosus Wild.), Conflicts of interest
38 38
Vidarikanda (P.  tuberosa), Abhrak, Bhasma (calcined There are no conflicts of interest. 39
39
mica), Rasasindoor (red oxide of mercury), and so on are 40
40
observed. According to this, it said that these anupana or
41
the other ingredients may enhance the Vajikarana potential
References 41
42 1. Shukla AV, Tripathi R. Agnivesha Charaka Samhita. Vol 2. Delhi, 42
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35 Author Queries??? 35
36 AQ1: We have ignored the author correction regarding the running head (author initial) as the same goes against the style sheet. 36
37 AQ2: Please provide volume number for Ref. 4. 37
38 AQ3: Please provide the book title in Ref. 24. 38
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