Assessment of Taste Threshold by Forced Choice Method of Ten Madhuraskandha Drugs

Background: Rasa (taste) determination is one of the directly perceivable parameter for the identification of drugs, while Veerya (potency) and Vipaka (bio-transformation) are inferable. These principles help to predict the action of the drug in Ayurveda. Taste threshold method evolved by C Dwarakanath helps to determine the dominant Rasa in the drug. Aim: To find out the dominance of the Madhurarasa (Sweet taste) in the 10 drugs belonging to Madhuraskandha (group of sweet taste predominant drugs). Materials & Methods: The study was conducted by single blind, forced choice method in 60 (6x10) female healthy volunteers. All the samples were administered in hot and cold dosage forms. The volunteers were asked to note down the start point and threshold point of taste perception by using Likert gradation scale in specially designed proforma. The obtained data were analyzed by applying appropriate statistical methods. Results: The statistically significant difference at the threshold point taste perception was found in case of sample Vidari, Eranda, Gokshura, and Guduchi with both dosage forms when compared to reference standard drug. Conclusion: The intensity of Rasa of Madhuraskandha drug can be categorized into mild, moderate and severe (Taratamattva) by comparing with reference standard drug. In the ten selected sample, Vidarikanda and Eranda may be classified into Mild; Gokshura as Moderate; Kantakari, Guduchi, Shalaparni and Shatavari with severe intensity of the Rasa.