Madhu Varga

Pharmacological
Aspects
By

Dr. R. Sivakumar

Under the Guidance of

Dr. J. R. Joshi M.D.

Department of P. G. Studies in Kayacikitsa,

Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hubli

®Copyright 2007
 Introduction
Rigveda: “ This herb, born of honey, dripped in honey, sweetened by honey,
honied, is the remedy for all injuries”.
“ Let every wind that blows drop honey; let the rivers and streams recreate
honey; let all our medicines turn into honey; let the dawn and the evening be
full of honey; our nourisher, this sky above, be full of honey; let our trees be
honey; let the sun be honey, let our cows secrete honey ”. (1:9:6-8)

Qur’an: “Thy Lord taught the bees; To build its cells in hills,
On trees and in man’s habitations; Then to eat of all
the produce of the earth . . .
From within their bodies comes a drink of varying colors,
Wherein is healing for mankind”. (Surah XVI: 68 – 69)
Prophet Muhammad advises his followers to "Use two curatives: Honey and
Qur'an."

Bible: "But Jonathan [son of Saul] . . . reached out the end of the staff that
was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his
hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened." (1 Samuel 14:24).
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 2 of 35
Honey in Egyptian medicine
“Man of Bicor” Excerpt
15000 BC. from
Cueva de la the
Arana, Edwin
Valencia, Spain Smith
Papyrus

Dioscorides, De Materia Medica,15th c. Iviron

Monastery, Mount Athos, Greece.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 3 of 35
 Honey in Egyptian medicine
• Aristotle (384 – 322 BC) “eating honey prolongs life”.
• Hippocrates (460 – 377 BC) - "I eat honey and use it in the treatment of many
diseases because honey offers good food and good health”.
• Dioscorides (AD 40 – 90), Surgeon in Roman army, in his book “De Materia
Medica (foremost classical source of modern botanical terminology and the
leading pharmacological text until the 15th century) says,“Honey could be
used as treatment for stomach disease, wound that has pus, hemorrhoids, and
treatment to stop coughing.
• Honey opens the blood vessels and attracts moisture.
• If applied to fresh wounds it seals them. It is good for deep dirty wounds.
• Honey mixed with salt could be dropped inside a painful ear.
• It will kill lice if infested children’s skin is painted with it.
• It may also improve vision.
• Gargle with honey to reduce tonsillar swelling”.

Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 4 of 35

References of Madhu & Madhu Varga in Samhitas

Charaka Samhita - Sutra – 27 Annapānavidhim Adhyāya 243 – 249

Susrutha Samhita - Sutra – 45 Dravadravyavidhim Adhyāya 132 – 147
Ashtānga Samgraha - Sutra – 6 Dravadravyavignaniya Adhyāya 91 - 98
Astānga Hrudaya - Sutra – 5 Dravadravyavignaniya Adhyāya 51.2 – 54
Kāshyapa Samhita - Purva Kānda – Madhuvisheshaniyam Adhyāya 21
Bhāvaprakasha - Purva Kānda– 6 / 22nd part
Dhanvantari Nigantu - Suvarnaadhi varga
Rāja Nigantu - Paneeya Varga
Yogaratnakara - Poorvardha – Varga

Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 5 of 35

Madhu Varga:
8 types of qÉkÉÑ + qÉkÉÑ ÎcNû¹

Definition of Madhu from Harita Samhita:

lÉÉlÉÉmÉÑwmÉmÉëMüÉUÉhÉÉÇ UxÉxÉÉUÉiqÉMÇü qÉkÉÑ |

Collective description given by Vagbhatacharya:

cɤÉÑwrÉÇ cNåûÌS iÉ×SèzsÉåwqÉÌuÉwÉÌWûkqÉÉxÉëÌmɨÉlÉÑiÉç

|
MÑü¸ qÉåWû M×üÍqÉ cNûÌSï µÉÉxÉ MüÉxÉ AÌiÉxÉÉUÎeÉiÉç ||
uÉëhÉ zÉÉåkÉlÉ xÉlkÉÉlÉ UÉåmÉhÉÇ uÉÉiÉsÉÇ qÉkÉÑ |
¤ÉÇ MüwÉÉrÉqÉkÉÑUÇ cÉ iɨÉÑsrÉÉ qÉkÉÑzÉMïüUÉ || A.xÉ.6

uÉÉiÉsÉÇ aÉÑ zÉÏiÉÇ cÉ U£üÌmɨÉMüTüÉmÉWûqÉ |

zÉlkÉÉiÉ× cNåûSlÉÇ Ã¤ÉÇ MüwÉÉrÉÇ
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological qÉkÉÑUÇ qÉkÉÑ
Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 6 of ||
35
 Madhu types – Pharmacological Importance
pÉåS ´Éå¸ MüqÉï uÉhÉï aÉÑhÉ - UxÉ UÉåaÉblÉ
qÉÉͤ lÉå§ÉÉpÉr iÉæsÉuÉ ´Éå¸ qÉkÉÑ MüÉqÉsÉ, AzÉï,
ÉMü ÉWûUÇ hÉï ¤ÉiÉ, ¤ÉrÉ
pÉëÉq U£üÌmÉ¨É µÉåiÉuÉ ÌmÉÎcNûsÉ ( qÉÔ§ÉeÉÉŽMüU )
ÉU blÉÇ hÉï
¤ÉÉæS qÉåWûlÉÉ MüÌmÉs sÉbÉÑ, zÉÏiÉ,
ì zÉlÉ, ÉuÉhÉï sÉåZÉlÉ
qÉåSÉåblÉ
mÉÉæ qÉåWû bÉ×iÉ ÌuÉSÉÌWû aÉëljrÉÉÌS¤ÉiÉzÉÉåÌ
̨ÉMü M×ücNíû uÉhÉï wÉ
blÉ ÌmɨÉSÉWûÉxÉëuÉ
ÉiÉM×üiÉç
NûÉ§É ÍµÉ§ÉblÉ, AÉmÉÏiÉ aÉÑÂ,
iÉmÉïhÉ uÉhÉï ÌmÉÎcNûsÉ
AÉbrÉ AÌiÉcɤÉÑ ÌmÉ…¡û MüwÉÉrÉ ÌiÉ£ü oÉsÉmÉÑ̸MüUqÉç
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 7 of 35
 Properties of Madhu

Properties Vagbhata Charaka Susrutha Others

xuÉÉSÒUx
MüwÉÉrÉq MüwÉÉrÉ É,
UxÉ
ÉkÉÑU qÉkÉÑU MüwÉÉrÉÉ
lÉÑUxÉ
aÉÑÂ
aÉÑhÉ aÉÑÂ Â¤É sÉbÉÑ Â¤É
¤É
uÉÏrÉï zÉÏiÉ zÉÏiÉ zÉÏiÉ
cɤÉÑwrÉ cɤÉÑwrÉÇ
mÉëpÉÉuÉ cɤÉÑwrÉÇ
Ç (UÉeÉ)
xsÉåwqÉuÉ Ì§ÉSÉåwÉb ̧ÉSÉåwÉblÉ(
SÉåwÉ uÉÉiÉsÉ
ÉiÉWûU lÉ kÉÉlÉç)
MüqÉï NåûSlÉ NåûSlÉ ÌuÉsÉåZÉlÉ
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar ÌuÉwÉWûU
Slide 8 of 35
 Special Karmas mentioned by Acharyas

Sushrutha Vagbhata
aÉëÉÌWû First drug in xÉlkÉÉlÉ aÉhÉ, ÂÍkÉU xjÉÉmÉlÉ
aÉhÉ
SÏmÉlÉ
xuÉrÉï Cakradutta
xÉÉæMÑüqÉÉrÉïM rÉÉåaÉuÉÉÌWûiuÉ aÉÑhÉÇ
He says madhu possess of qÉkÉÑ
yogavahi guna
üU and further gives the definition of
yogavahitvam while dealing about vata
¿ûÉÌS, WØû±
in cÉ.ÍcÉ.3
mÉëxÉÉSeÉlÉMü
rÉÉåaÉÉSè rÉÉåÌaÉlÉÉå aÉÑhÉÇ
uÉhrÉï uÉWûiÉÏÌiÉ rÉÉåaÉuÉÉWû: |
qÉåkÉÉMüU mÉUÍqÉÌiÉ AirÉjÉïqÉç ||
Danvantari Nigantu
uÉ×wrÉ
oÉsrÉ
UÉåcÉlÉ
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 9 of 35
 Karmas - Interpretations
cɤÉÑwrÉqÉç – mÉëpÉÉuÉÇ (contains many vitamins and minerals)

̧ÉSÉåwÉblÉÇ – sÉbÉÑiuÉÉiÉç MüTüblÉÇ mÉæÎcNûsrÉÉiÉç

qÉÉkÉÑrÉÉïiÉç MüwÉÉrÉpÉÉuÉÉiÉç uÉÉiÉÌmɨÉblÉÇ – xÉÑ

(MüTüÌmɨÉWûUÉhÉÉÇ ´Éå¸Ç – cÉUMü, uÉÉapÉOû)

aÉÉÌWû, sÉåZÉlÉ, UÉåmÉhÉ, xÉlkÉÉlÉMüU,

MüwÉÉrÉ UxÉ mÉëkÉÉlÉ SìurÉxrÉ
aÉÑhÉ (cÉ.xÉÔ.26)
uÉhrÉï, NåûSlÉ, Ã¤É aÉÑhÉ, zÉÏiÉ uÉÏrÉï

mÉëxÉÉSeÉlÉMÇü, ¿ûÉÌS, uÉhrÉï, oÉsrÉ,

qÉkÉÑU UxÉ mÉëkÉÉlÉ SìurÉxrÉ
aÉÑhÉ (cÉ.xÉÔ.26)
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 10 of 35
M×üÍqÉWûUÇ – Bactericidal Because of Acidic ph,
Osmotic effect,
uÉ×hÉzÉÉåkÉlÉÇ – SÒ¹ uÉëhÉxrÉ zÉÉåkÉlÉÇ
Presence of enzymatic H2O2 and
uÉëhÉUÉåmÉhÉÇ – zÉÑ® uÉëhÉxrÉ UÉåmÉhÉÇ
Lekhana Property
OSMOTIC EFFECT: Honey is a supersaturated sugar solution of fructose and
glucose, The interaction of the sugar molecules with water molecules leaves
very little water available to support the growth of microorganisms.
ACIDITY: Honey is acidic, with a ph ranging from 3.2 – 4.5 which is low
enough to inhibit the growth of many pathogens.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: It is the major antibacterial compound in honey.
Bees secrete the enzyme glucose oxidase from nectar. It converts glucose in the
presence of water and oxygen to glucoronic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
NON-PEROXIDE ANTIBACTERIAL FACTORS: Honey has been reported to
have an inhibitory effect to around 60 species of bacteria including aerobes and
anaerobes, gram-positives and gram-negatives . An antifungal action has also
been observed for some yeasts and species of Aspergillus and Penicillium as
well as all the common dermatophytes. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the
species most sensitive to the antibacterial activity of honey.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 11 of 35
SPEEDY CLEARANCE OF INFECTION: Honey is reportedly extremely
effective in the treatment of wounds infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria –
MRSA as well as wounds infected with multi-resistant bacteria.
CLEANSING ACTION ON WOUNDS: Honey has a debriding effect on
wounds so that surgical debridement is unnecessary or only a minimum
required.
STIMULATION OF TISSUE REGENERATION: Honey promotes the
formation of clean healthy granulation tissue and growth of epithelium over
the wound, thus helping skin regenerate. It has also been reported that
dressing wounds with honey gives little or no scarring.
Helicobacter pylori has been implicated as a causative agent in peptic ulcers
and honey’s antibacterial property is responsible for its therapeutic action in
this setting.
There is a study testing the sensitivity of H. pylori isolated from biopsies of
gastric ulcers against honey from New Zealand. 5% honey was found to inhibit
the growth of H. pylori effectively.
Honey has also been found to be effective in treating bacterial gastroenteritis in
infants.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 12 of 35
Honey and Prebiotics
Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria considered
important to the health of the gastrointestinal
tract (i.e., “good bacteria”). Increasing
the populations of these “good bacteria”
(and suppressing potentially deleterious
microorganisms) are thought to be important to
maintaining optimal gastrointestinal health. There
are generally two approaches for increasing the
populations of bifidobacteria in the gut: (1)
ingesting the live and active cultures or (2)
enhancing the growth of the indigenous
bifidobacteria. The first method has been referred
to as a “probiotic” while the second is considered
a “prebiotic”.
Honey can enhance the growth and acid production of human Bifido
bacterium ssp., Journal of Food Protection. 2002;65(1):214-8.)
Honey enhances the production of lactic acid from Bifidobacteria, Journal
of Food Science, 2001;66(3):478-481.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 13 of 35
 Madhu in Svastha Avastha
Consuming qÉkÉÑ is considered auspicious.
Consuming qÉkÉÑ is followed as a ritual in festival days.
For SliÉ kÉÉuÉlÉ – AÉæwÉkÉÏ + qÉkÉÑ
qÉkuÉÉqoÉÑ – uÉwÉï GiÉÑ cÉrÉï
Honey is used for cosmetic purposes.
It is claimed that many of CLEOPATRA’S cosmetics were honey
based.
Ancestors used it as an anti decaying agent in the mummification
process of the dead.
Honey as Energy Booster: It is composed primarily of Carbohydrates
and Water , and also contains small amounts of a wide array of
Vitamins and Minerals, including Niacin , Riboflavin , Pantothenic
acid , Calcium , Copper , Iron , Magnesium , Manganese, Phosphorus,
Potassium and Zinc.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 14 of 35
Composition of Honey
Carbohydrates (Natural sugars) 71.4%
Carbohydrates In Honey Average Range StandardDeviatio
n
Fructose (%) 38.38 30.91-44.26
Glucose (%) 31.28 22.89-40.75
Reducing Sugars (%) 76.65 61.39-83.72 1.770
Sucrose (%) 1.31 0.25-7.57 3.040
Fructose/Glucose Ratio 1.23 0.76-1.86 2.760
0.870
0.126
Moisture (Water)17.1 %
Proteins 0.38%
Mineral traces 3%
Others: Vitamins (mainly B)
Formic acid
Gluconic acid
Ash
Nitrogen
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 15 of 35
 Madhu in Roga Avastha
Roga Vagbhata Sushrutha Bavaprakasha
iÉ×Sè
ÌWûkqÉÉ
MÑü¸
cNûÌSï
µÉÉxÉ
MüÉxÉ
AÌiÉxÉÉU
AzÉï
mÉëqÉåWû /
qÉåS
ÌuÉQèaÉëWû
¤ÉiɤÉrÉ
YsÉqÉ
U£üÌmÉ¨É Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 16 of 35
 Madhu in Ashtanga Ayurveda
Madhu is one of the important dravya which is used in almost all the
Ashtangas of Ayurveda

1. Kaya 5. Shalya

2. Bala 6. Damstra

3. Graha 7. Jara

4. Urdhvanga 8. Vrusha

In all these cases, Madhu is used as

1) Pradhana aushada 2) Aushada In Shodhana as well as
3) Sahapana 4) Anupana 5) Pathya In Shamana
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 17 of 35
Madhu in Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa
zÉÉåkÉlÉÇ zÉqÉlÉÇ cÉåÌiÉ xÉqÉÉxÉÉSÉæwÉkÉÇ Ì²kÉÉ |
zÉUÏUeÉÉlÉÉÇ SÉåwÉÉhÉÉÇ ¢üqÉåhÉ mÉUqÉÉæwÉkÉÇ
oÉÎxiÉÌuÉïUåMüÉå uÉqÉlÉÇ iÉjÉÉ iÉæsÉÇ bÉ×iÉÇ qÉkÉÑ ||
A.WØû.xÉÔ.AÉrÉÑwMüÉqÉÏrÉqÉkrÉÉrÉÇ
SÉåwÉ zÉÉåkÉlÉ zÉqÉlÉ
uÉÉiÉ oÉÎxiÉ iÉæsÉ
ÌmÉ¨É ÌuÉUåMü bÉ×iÉ
MüTü uÉqÉlÉ qÉkÉÑ

Madhu is the best among shamana dravyas for pacifying kapha.

Madhu is mentioned as one of the dravyas of
1. Vamanopayogi gana, 2. Shirovirechanopaga gana,
3. Niruhopayogi gana.
- A.S. Su 14. Sodanaadigana sangraha adhyaya
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar
Slide 18 of 35
Madhu in Vamanam
Madhu is added mostly in all vamana yogas for kaphajavyadhis
Madhu is the mentioned first in uÉqÉlÉÉåmÉaÉ aÉhÉ
(cÉ.xÉÔ.4.wÉQèûÌuÉUåcÉlÉÏrÉqÉkrÉÉrÉ)
Madhu is used as one of the main drug in vamana yoga in kushta cikitsa.

Madhu in Virechanam
In U£üÌmÉ¨É ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ, with liberal quantities of madhu and sarkara
1. ̧ÉuÉ×iÉç+ApÉrÉ 2.AÉUauÉkÉ TüsÉ 3.§ÉÉrÉqÉÉhÉ 4. aÉuÉÉͤÉ
is given.

Madhu in Vasti
Madhu is one of the main drugs in ÌlÉÃWû uÉÎxiÉ.
qÉÉͤÉMÇü sÉuÉhÉÇ xlÉåWÇû MüsMÇü YuÉÉjÉÍqÉÌiÉ ¢üqÉÉiÉç |
AÉuÉÉmÉåiÉ ÌlÉÃWûÉhÉÉqÉåwÉ xÉÇrÉÉåeÉlÉå ÌuÉÍkÉ: Slide
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar
|| 19 of 35
Importance of Madhu in mode of action of Vasti
Honey and salt represent glucose and electrolytes and they prevent
dehydration . Salt has the property of stimulating ionic potential
which may be the one of the causative factors for the mode of action
of Vasti.

Madhutailika Vasti
It is an important formulation used practically for Prameha, Krimi,
Gulma, Antravridhi, Udavartam. It is also Brumhanam, Rasayanam,
Deepanam and Cakshushyam.

Madhu in Raktamokshana ( Jalaukavacharana )

After proper bloodletting with leech , Shatadouta Grutha is to
be applied , the bitten parts should be rubbed with honey, cold
water is sprinkled and only then, bandaging is done.

Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 20 of 35

 Madhu in Ashtanga Ayurveda
1. Madhu in Kayacikitsa

Importance of qÉkÉÑ in mÉëqÉåWû ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ (xÉÑ.ÍcÉ.11)

xÉuÉï qÉåWû
WûËUSìÉ+qÉkÉÑ taken with AÉqÉsÉMü xuÉUxÉ
lÉÉzÉlÉ rÉÉåaÉ
AqÉsÉMü xuÉUxÉ + qÉkÉÑ, aÉÑQÕûÍcÉ xuÉUxÉ + qÉkÉÑ
ArÉxM×üÌiÉ + bÉ×iÉ + qÉkÉÑ – apart from curing mÉëqÉåWû,
gives 100 years life
qÉkuÉÉxÉuÉxiÉϤhÉÉå qÉåWûmÉÏlÉxÉMüÉxÉÎeÉiÉç |
All the separate rÉÉåaÉs for the 20 mÉëqÉåWû are given along with
qÉkÉÑ .
Diet for mÉëqÉåWû – Plenty of qÉkÉÑ should be given.
qÉkÉÑ in UÉeÉrɤqÉ – MüuÉsÉaÉëWû with qÉkÉÑ is advised.
qÉkÉÑ in ÍcÉUMüÉUÏ AmÉxqÉÉU – oÉëɼÏUxÉ/MÑü¸UxÉ/uÉcÉÉ
cÉÔhÉï + qÉkÉÑ
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 21 of 35
honey is a wonderful natural sweetener with an average glycemic index
of 55, which puts it in the low glycemic range. But that average masks a
wide range of different types of honey, all the way from 32 for Romanian
locust honey to 87 for an unspecified variety of honey tested in Canada.
Vitamins: Some vitamins are highly needed by diabetes patients and are
recommended by physicians to all diabetes patients, they are vitamin
B1,B6, B12 ,C ,E and Biotin. Honey is a good source of most of these
vitamins, at least to supply a part of the RDA in natural form.
Trace elements: Chromium is a critical nutrient in diabetes. It is
presented as a supplement for people with, diabetes, pre-diabetic
glucose intolerance and women with diabetes associated with
pregnancy.
* Manganese is present in diabetics in 1/2 its amount that is present in
normal individuals. Magnesium is significantly lowered in diabetes
patients.
* Vanadium given to diabetics proved to decrease their Insulin needs.
* Zinc deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the development
of diabetes in humans. It is involved in virtually all aspects of Insulin
metabolism, synthesis, secretion and utilization.
* Potassium supplementation yields improved Insulin sensitivity.
 Apitherapy
Honey has been used as an alternative treatment for
clinical conditions ranging from G.I problems to
ophthalmologic disorders. More recently, honey has been
examined for its potential to treat chronic conditions
including risk factors for heart disease and seasonal
allergies. Research into these areas is preliminary but
potentially promising.
Honey may lower plasma insulin levels, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine in
healthy and diabetic subjects, Al-Waili N S. Natural honey lowers plasma glucose,
C-reactive protein, and blood lipids in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidaemic
comparison with dextrose and sucrose. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2004;7;100-107
Effect of ingesting honey on symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis
Rajan TV, Tennen H, Lindquist RL, Cohen L, Clive J. Effect of honey on symptoms of
rhinoconjunctivitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2002;88:198
Topical application of honey is an effective treatment in radiation-induced
mucositis, Biswal BM, Zakaria A, Ahmad NM. Topical application of honey in the
management of radiation mucositis. A preliminary study. Support Care Cancer.
2003;11:242-248.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 22 of 35
2. Madhu in Koumara Britya
mÉëÉzrÉqÉç
(A.WØû.E.oÉÉsÉÉåmÉcÉUlÉÏrÉqÉkrÉÉrÉÇ)
WûUåhÉÑqÉɧÉÇ qÉåkÉÉrÉÑoÉïsÉÉjÉïqÉÍpÉqÉÎl§ÉiÉqÉç |
LåÎlSìoÉëÉͼ uÉcÉÉzÉ„¡ûmÉÑwmÉÏMüsMÇü bÉ×iÉÇ qÉkÉÑ ||
cÉÉqÉÏMüUuÉcÉÉoÉëÉ¼Ï iÉÉmrÉmÉjrÉÉUeÉÏM×üiÉÉ: |
ÍsɽÉlqÉkÉÑbÉ×iÉÉåmÉåiÉÉ WåûqÉkÉɧÉÏUeÉÉåÅjÉuÉÉ ||
qÉåkÉÉrÉÑoÉsÉÉjÉïÇ the very first prepn given to the new born
consists of honey.
Sushrutha advises qÉkÉÑ+bÉ×iÉ+WåûqÉcÉÑhÉï for
uÉmÉÑ:qÉåkÉÉoÉsÉ oÉÑήÌuÉuÉkÉïlÉqÉç
(xÉÑ.zÉÉ.10 aÉÍpÉïhÉÏ
urÉÉMüUhÉzÉUÏUqÉkrÉÉrÉqÉç)

ÌmÉërÉÉsÉqÉ‹ qÉkÉÑMü qÉkÉÑ sÉÉeÉ

ÍxÉiÉÉåmÉsÉæ: | Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 23 of 35
3. Madhu in Bhutavidhya
oÉÍsÉSÉlÉ – qÉkÉÑ is mainly used
In zÉMÑüÌlÉ aÉëWû ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ – uÉcÉÉ etc + qÉkÉÑ
mÉëÌiÉxÉÉUhÉ is done.

4. Madhu in Shalakya tantra

̧ÉTüsÉÉÇ qÉkÉÑxÉÌmÉïprÉÉÇ ÌlÉÍzÉ lÉå§ÉoÉsÉÉrÉ cÉ | -
A.xÉ.xÉÔ.10 A³ÉmÉÉlÉÌuÉÍkÉqÉkrÉÉrÉÇ
For MühÉïzÉÔsÉ – qÉkÉÑ + AÉæwÉkÉÏ – instilled into the ears.
In mÉÉåjÉMüÐ ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ (uÉiqÉï UÉåaÉ
mÉëÌiÉzÉåSqÉkrÉÉrÉÇ A.xÉ.E.12)
Generally after sÉåZÉlÉ, AɶrÉÉåiÉlÉ with qÉkÉÑ and ̧ÉTüsÉÉ
is given.
Madhu is considered as best cakshushya dravya.
Honey is reportedly
Madhu Varga -used by ophthalmologists
Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar for treating
Slide 24corneal
of 35
Honey and Oral Health
Honey is known to possess a variety of antioxidants and antibacterial substances
that have been shown to inhibit growth of a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
The antimicrobial properties of honey may render it beneficial in the treatment
of various oral ailments including periodontal disease and mouth ulcers.
Select honeys demonstrate antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.
Engeseth NH, Gheldof N, Wang X, Nickelsen JD, Husmillo G, Wu CD. Antioxidant
and Antimicrobial Activity of Honeys Against Oral Pathogens Journal of Dental
Research. 2002;80:349. abstract- Paper presented at the International Association for
Dental Research
Honey may aid in the treatment of gingivitis.
English HK, Pack AR, Molan PC. The effects of manuka honey on plaque and
gingivitis: a pilot study. Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology. 2004
Apr;6(2):63-7.
The potential of honey to promote oral wellness.
Molan PC The potential of honey to promote oral wellness. General Dentistry. 2001
Nov-2001 Dec 31; 49 (6):584-9

Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 25 of 35

5. Madhu in Shalya Tantra

qÉkÉÑ has ´Éå¸ uÉëhÉ zÉÉåkÉlÉ uÉëhÉ UÉåmÉhÉ property.

qÉkÉÑxÉÌmÉï application is mentioned as one
of the wÉ̸ÂmÉ¢üqÉÉ.
¤ÉiÉÉåwqÉhÉÉå ÌlÉaÉëWûÉjÉïÇ xÉÇkÉÉlÉÉjÉïÇ iÉjÉæuÉ cÉ
|xɱÉåuÉëhÉåwuÉÉrÉiÉåwÉÑ ¤ÉÉæSìxÉÌmÉïÌuÉïkÉÏrÉiÉå ||
Application of honey and ghee is indicated in extensive accidental
wounds in order to control heat of the abrasion and to promote
union.
In AzÉïxÉç , only two yogas have been mentioned for all types of
arshas and both of them contain madhu as chief ingredient
1. aÉÉåqÉ賈 ÍxÉ® WûËUiÉMüÐ + aÉÑQû + qÉkÉÑ
2. AmÉÉqÉÉaÉï qÉÔsÉAspects
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological cÉÔhÉï + iÉhQÒûsÉÉåSMü
- Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 26 of 35+
 qÉkÉÑ in pÉaÉlSU ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ xÉÑ.ÍcÉ.8.
AÉUauÉkÉÌlÉzÉÉMüÉsÉÉcÉÔhÉï qÉkÉÑbÉ×iÉÉmsÉÑiÉqÉç |
AaÉëuÉÌiÉïmÉëÍhÉÌWûiÉ uÉëhÉÉlÉÉÇ zÉÉåkÉlÉÇ ÌWûiÉqÉç |
rÉÉåaÉÉåÅrÉÇ lÉÉzÉrÉirÉÉzÉÑ aÉÌiÉÇ qÉåbÉÍqÉuÉÉÌlÉsÉ: ||
Plenty of honey and ghee with AÉUauÉkÉ, ÌlÉzÉÉ, MüÉsÉÉ churna
placed in wick
and applied to fistulous wound destroys the tract immediately as wind
removes the cloud.

In AzqÉUÏ, a best yoga which breaks all types of calculus within a

week
is mentioned which has qÉkÉÑ as one of the main ingredient.
qÉkÉÑ + aÉÉå¤ÉÔU pÉÏeÉ cÉÔhÉï given with AÌuɤÉÏU
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 27 of 35
Recent and Related Researches
Honey in the Treatment of Wounds and Burns.
Molan PC. Potential of honey in the treatment of wounds and burns. American
Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2001;2(1):13-19

Honey’s antibacterial effects are not exclusively due to Osmolarity.

Cooper RA, Molan PC, Harding KG. "The sensitivity to honey of Gram-positive
cocci of clinical significance isolated from wounds". Journal of Applied
Microbiology. 2002;93:857-863.

Honey’s ability to stimulate inflammatory cytokine production from

monocytes may help explain it’s wound healing capacity.
Tonks, A. J; Cooper, R. A; Jones, K. P; Blair, S.; Parton, J., and Tonks,
A. "Honey stimulates inflammatory cytokine production from monocytes.“
Cytokine. 2003 Mar.

Honey contains a number of substances that contribute to its antimicrobial

activity. .
Wahdan, Hal. Causes of the antimicrobial activity of honey. Infection. 1998;26:30
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 28 of 35
6. Madhu in Agada Tantra

In iÉ×iÉÏrÉ and mÉgcÉqÉ ÌuÉwÉuÉåaÉÉuÉxjÉÉ, qÉkÉÑ is

indicated

ÌuÉwÉeÉѸ SliÉMüɸxrÉ ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ – qÉkÉÑ + AÉæwÉkÉ

mÉëÌiÉxÉÉUhÉÇ

ÌuÉwÉeÉѸ AgeÉlÉxrÉ ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ – xÉëÉåiÉÉåÅgeÉlÉ +

qÉkÉÑ + AÉæwÉÍkÉ AgeÉlÉ

ÌuÉwÉeÉѸ MülÉïiÉæsÉxrÉ ÍcÉÌMüixÉÉ – qÉkÉÑ + oÉ×WûÌiÉ +

xÉÌmÉï mÉëÌiÉmÉÔUhÉ / mÉÉlÉ

All formulations including qÉWûÉaÉS, iÉɤrÉÉïaÉS, AeÉÏiÉÉaÉS,

xÉÇeÉÏuÉlÉÅaÉS

contain honey. Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 29 of 35

7. Madhu As Rasayana
All Rasayana Yogas are given with Madhu.
pÉssÉiÉMü ¤ÉÉæSìÇ - 100 years of life with utmost health.
Haematinic and Immunomodulatory effects of honey on immunocompetent,
immunodeficient and splenectomised experimental rodents . Biswas, A. K.,
Gomes, A ., Dasgupta, S. C. , Lab of Toxicology and Exp. Pharmacodynamics,
Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.
Myrtaceous honey and the use thereof as Immunomodulator. Vincent, Andrew;
Mnl pharma ltd, Mumbai
Honey as Antioxidant
Antioxidants are substances that can retard or inhibit oxidation and/or
neutralize the effects of damaging “free radicals”. In humans, oxidative stress is
implicated in an ever-growing number of chronic diseases including
cardiovascular disease and cancer. Thus, increasing the body’s antioxidant
content may help protect against cellular damage and the development of
chronic diseases. Research indicates that honey contains numerous phenolic
and non-phenolic antioxidants which largely depend upon the floral sources.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 30 of 35
 Effect of processing and storage on antioxidant capacity of honey,
Journal of Food Science, 2004;69(2):96-101
Chronic honey consumption increases plasma antioxidant concentration.
Gross H. Effect of honey consumption on plasma antioxidant status in human
subjects. Abstract presented at the American Chemical Society, March 29, 2004
Buckwheat Honey Increases Serum Antioxidant Capacity in Humans,
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2003, Vol. 51 pp. 1500-1505.
Honeys with high phenolic contents can increase serum antioxidant capacity
in healthy human subjects. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
2003;51(6):1732-1735.
Identification and quantification of antioxidant components of honeys from
various floral sources, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2002, Vol. 50,
No. 21, pp.5870-5877.
Antioxidant capacity of honeys from various floral sources and inhibition of
in vitro lipoprotein oxidation in human serum samples, Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry. 2002;8;50(10):3050-5.

Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 31 of 35

8. Madhu in Vajikarana
xTüÌOûMüÉpÉÇ SìuÉÇ ÎxlÉakÉÇ qÉkÉÑUÇ qÉkÉÑaÉÎlkÉ cÉ |
zÉÑ¢üÍqÉcNûÎliÉ MåüÍcɨÉÑ iÉæsÉ ¤ÉÉæSì ÌlÉpÉÇ iÉSÉ ||
Shukra has the smell and consistency of madhu. Drava guna and madhura
rasa are common to both. Madhu also contains the pollens which are equated
with the bheeja ( shukra ) dhatu. By the concept of samanairvruddhi , honey
might actisasfrequently
Honey aphrodisiac.
a symbol or talisman for sweetness of every
kind including its being considered as an aphrodisiac. The most
interesting research on honey is related to NITRIC OXIDE - a key
hormone involved in opening blood vessels and creating erections
and clitoral engorgement. A good dose of honey (around 3 ounces)
can increase nitric oxide / nitrite levels in the blood by 50% . The
increase in nitric oxide activity was also measured in the saliva and
urine, which suggests a real, whole-body effect.
The word 'HONEYMOON' comes from an old Viking tradition,
where newlyweds were given a month to get to know each other.
During that month (moon), they were encouraged to drink lots of
mead, which is a wine made from honey. Vikings considered mead
both an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 32 of 35
 Madhuchishta
pÉÔiÉblÉ – wards of evil spirits pÉalÉxÉlkÉÉlÉMüU - unites fractures
uÉëhÉ UÉåmÉhÉ - heals wounds uÉÉiÉMÑü¸uÉÏxÉmÉïU£üÎeÉiÉç -
eradicates raktaja
ÌmÉhQû iÉæsÉÇ - xÉqÉkÉÔcd¹qÉÉÎgeɸ xÉxÉeÉïUxÉxÉÉËUuÉqÉç
disorders
ÌmÉhQûiÉæsÉÇ iÉSprÉ…¡ûɲÉiÉU£üÂeÉÉmÉWûqÉç ||
In ¤ÉiɤÉÏhÉ if SÏmiÉÉÎalÉ prevails, then the first zÉqÉlÉ rÉÉåaÉ to be
given is
sÉɤÉÉ+eÉÏuÉlÉÏrÉ aÉhÉ+bÉ×iÉ + qÉkÉÑ ÎcNû¹ along with mÉrÉxÉç.

ÌmÉmmÉÍsÉ+qÉkÉÑMü+UÉåkÉë+MÑü¸+LsÉ+WûUåhÉÑ+kÉÉiÉMüÐ+zÉÉË
UuÉ+WûËUSìɲå+xÉeÉïUxÉ.
Etc along with qÉkÉÑÍcɹ - ´Éå¸ rÉÉåaÉ for aÉhQûqÉÉsÉÉ, qÉhQûsÉ,
mÉëqÉåWû, pÉaÉlSU.
Beeswax is a remarkable wax because it does not melt
readily. It can stand temperatures up to 60oC.
Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 33 of 35
Thus, we saw that honey is being used in

1. Svastha Avastha
2. Roga Avastha
3. Shodhana Karma
4. Shamana Karma
5. Ashtanga Ayurveda

This shows the Pharmacological Importance of

Madhu and Madhu varga

Madhu Varga - Pharmacological Aspects - Dr. R. Sivakumar Slide 34 of 35