AP Herbal Medicine & Formulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Ayurvedic formulation type is known as 'Arishta' and how is it prepared?
- A fermented liquid prepared by boiling herbs in water then fermenting with dhataki flowers (Correct answer)
- A paste made by grinding fresh herbs with water
- An oil-based preparation using sesame as the base
- A powder mixture of dried herbs in equal proportions
Correct answer: A fermented liquid prepared by boiling herbs in water then fermenting with dhataki flowers
Arishta is a fermented liquid preparation where herbs are decocted in water and the strained liquid is fermented using dhataki flowers or jaggery, producing a self-generated alcohol that acts as a preservative.
Question 2: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is classified in Ayurveda primarily as which type of herb?
- Rasayana (rejuvenative) (Correct answer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Virechana (purgative)
- Svedana (sudorific)
Correct answer: Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana herb in Ayurveda, renowned for its adaptogenic, rejuvenative, and tonifying properties that promote longevity and vitality.
Question 3: What distinguishes 'Asava' from 'Arishta' in Ayurvedic formulations?
- Asava is prepared with fresh herb juice without prior decoction, while Arishta uses a decoction (Correct answer)
- Asava is an oil-based preparation while Arishta is water-based
- Asava contains more than 50% alcohol while Arishta contains less than 10%
- Asava is used externally while Arishta is for internal use only
Correct answer: Asava is prepared with fresh herb juice without prior decoction, while Arishta uses a decoction
Asava is prepared by fermenting fresh herb juice or cold infusion without boiling, whereas Arishta starts with a decoction (boiled extract) that is then fermented.
Question 4: Triphala churna consists of which three fruits?
- Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki (Correct answer)
- Amalaki, Pippali, and Haritaki
- Bibhitaki, Guduchi, and Haritaki
- Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Shatavari
Correct answer: Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki
Triphala ('three fruits') is composed of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) in equal proportions.
Question 5: In Ayurvedic herbology, 'Guggulu' (Commiphora mukul) resin is primarily used for which condition?
- Hyperlipidemia and joint disorders (Correct answer)
- Diarrhea and dysentery
- Skin infections and wound healing
- Respiratory infections and asthma
Correct answer: Hyperlipidemia and joint disorders
Guggulu is primarily used in Ayurveda for managing hyperlipidemia, obesity, and joint disorders like arthritis due to its lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.
Question 6: Which preparation method is used to create 'Taila' (medicated oil) in Ayurveda?
- Heating a base oil with herb paste and decoction at a specific temperature until water evaporates (Correct answer)
- Cold-pressing fresh herbs with sesame oil
- Fermenting herbs in oil for 30 days
- Mixing powdered herbs directly into warm oil without cooking
Correct answer: Heating a base oil with herb paste and decoction at a specific temperature until water evaporates
Taila preparation involves cooking a base oil (usually sesame) with kalka (herb paste) and kvatha (herbal decoction) at 100°C until all water evaporates and the preparation passes the murchhana test.
Question 7: Pippali (Piper longum) is known for which unique pharmacological property in Ayurveda called 'Yogavahi'?
- Enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of other herbs when combined with them (Correct answer)
- Neutralizing the toxic effects of other herbs
- Acting as a natural preservative in formulations
- Providing a cooling effect that balances hot herbs
Correct answer: Enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of other herbs when combined with them
Pippali exemplifies the Yogavahi property, meaning it enhances the penetration and potency of other herbs in a formulation, similar to the modern concept of bioavailability enhancement.
AP Herbal Medicine & Formulations 2
Which Ayurvedic formulation type is known as 'Arishta' and how is it prepared?