European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ROLE OF BASTI KARMUKTA IN PANCHAKARMA- CLASSICAL TEXTUAL REVIEW WITH MODERN INTERPRETATIONS

*Dr. Rajlaxmi Jain and Dr. Deepali Kohale

ABSTRACT

Basti Karma, a core therapeutic procedure of Panchakarma, is revered in Ayurveda as 'Ardha Chikitsa' (half of all treatments) due to its extensive therapeutic efficacy. The mechanism of action, or 'Karmukta,' of Basti has been a subject of profound classical deliberation and is now being explored through the lens of modern medical science. This article aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the classical principles of Basti Karmukta as described in the ancient Samhitas and to correlate them with contemporary physiological and pharmacological understanding. Classically, Basti's action is attributed to the potency (Virya) of the administered drugs being absorbed from the colon (Pakvashaya), the primary seat of Vata Dosha, and spreading throughout the body, much like water nourishes a tree from its roots. Modern interpretations provide a scientific basis for this phenomenon, highlighting mechanisms such as rectal drug absorption, partial bypass of hepatic first-pass metabolism, stimulation of the neuro-humoral pathway via the Gut-Brain Axis, modulation of the gut microbiome, and local homeostatic effects. By integrating these two perspectives, this article elucidates a scientifically plausible model for Basti's systemic effects, validating its profound role in health and disease management and encouraging further interdisciplinary research.

Keywords: Basti, Karmukta, Panchakarma, Ayurveda, Gut-Brain Axis, Medicated Enema, Neuro-humoral Pathway.