E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Drug Administration

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic Perspectives on Drug Administration Timings: A Review Based on Classical Texts and Modern Research

Kumar V1*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.35

1* Vipin Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Bhagwant Ayurvedic College and Bhagwant Hospital, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The timing of drug administration plays a crucial role in Ayurveda, as it influences the efficacy, absorption, and therapeutic action of the medication. Various Acharyas, including Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, and Sarngadhara, have elaborated on the importance of drug administration timings based on the individual's condition, digestive state, and disease progression. This review aims to compile and analyze the principles of drug administration timing as per classical Ayurvedic texts and their relevance in modern practice, particularly in the context of chronotherapy and circadian rhythms.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Drug Administration Timing, Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Sarngadhara, Aushadha Kala, Chronotherapy, Circadian Rhythms

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Vipin Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Bhagwant Ayurvedic College and Bhagwant Hospital, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Kumar V, Ayurvedic Perspectives on Drug Administration Timings: A Review Based on Classical Texts and Modern Research. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):264-266.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4262/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-08 2025-05-26 2025-06-05 2025-06-16 2025-06-25
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.98

© 2025 by Kumar V and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Vipin K et al. Ayurvedic Perspectives on Drug Administration Timings

Introduction

In Ayurveda, concept of Aushadha Kala (timing of drug administration) is significant, as it directly affects pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics of herbal formulations. Principles of Aushadha Kala are tailored according to Dosha imbalance, Agni (digestive fire), Vyadhi Avastha (stage of disease), & patient-specific factors. Different Acharyas have provided guidelines for administering medicines at specific times to maximize their therapeutic potential. Modern research has also explored imp. of circadian rhythms & chronotherapy on drug efficacy, further validating ancient Ayurvedic principles.

Drug Administration Timings According to Different Acharyas

Charaka Samhita[1]

Acharya Charaka has detailed various Aushadha Kalas in relation to food intake and disease conditions:

Abhakta (Empty Stomach): Ideal for chronic diseases and quick action of medicine. It ensures rapid absorption without interference from food.

Pragbhakta (Before Meals): Best for Vata disorders and when nourishing or Rasayana medicines are required. Stimulates appetite and clears obstruction.

Madhyabhakta (During Meals): Enhances digestion and is useful in Pitta disorders. Prevents irritation and aids assimilation.

Adhobhakta (After Meals): Beneficial for Kapha disorders and digestion-related ailments. Slows down metabolism for sustained drug action.

Antarabhakta (Between Meals): Useful in chronic conditions needing continuous therapeutic effect.

Samudga (Before and After Meals): For diseases requiring prolonged and sustained medication.

Sushruta Samhita[2]

Acharya Sushruta emphasized the importance of timing in surgical and post-surgical care. He classified Aushadha Kala based on Tridosha dominance:

Morning Administration (Pratah Kala): Reco-mmended for detoxification (Shodhana) therapies.

The body is inclined toward elimination in the early hours. Medicines like Virechana and Anulomana are best given now.

Noon Administration (Madhyahna Kala): Suggested for stimulating Agni and managing Pitta disorders. At this time, digestive fire is naturally strong.

Evening Administration (Sayam Kala): Ideal for Vata-balancing and Brimhana (nourishing) therapies. The nervous system is more receptive.

Night Administration (Ratri Kala): Suitable for Kapha-pacifying and sedative therapies. Promotes calmness, sleep, and mental stability.

Ashtanga Hridaya (Vagbhata)[3]

Acharya Vagbhata refined earlier classifications and introduced time-based guidelines for all Doshas:

Before Sunrise: Useful in Kapha disorders due to natural increase of Kapha at this time.

Mid-Morning: Recommended for Pitta pacification and cooling therapies.

Noon: Enhances digestion and metabolism, supports nutrient absorption.

Afternoon: Supports Brimhana and Balya treatments. The body prepares for rest and repair.

Evening: Best for Vata disorders due to the natural increase of Vata in the late day.

Night: Suitable for mental disorders, sleep aids, and calming Rasayanas.

Before and After Food: Balanced drug absorption with meal-dependent therapy.

During Food Intake: Helps synergize with diet for better bioavailability.

Sarngadhara Samhita[4]

Acharya Sarngadhara presented detailed pharmacological insights:

Nishi (Night): Ideal for Rasayana and Medhya drugs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Mandukaparni.

Pratah (Morning): Recommended for laxatives, detoxification, and metabolic regulation.

Madhyahna (Noon): Enhances digestive action, best for Pitta-related conditions.


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Vipin K et al. Ayurvedic Perspectives on Drug Administration Timings

Sayamkala (Evening): Supports calming the mind, regulating digestion, and managing Vata imbalance.

Expanded categories of Aushadha Sevan Kala

Agni Avastha Anusar Kala: Based on digestive strength (Tikshna, Manda, Sama Agni). Strong Agni allows for heavier and complex medications.

Vyadhi Avastha Anusar Kala: Acute vs. chronic. Acute conditions need prompt administration (Abhakta), chronic may need prolonged Kala (Samudga).

Ritu Anusar Kala (Seasonal Consideration): For example, in Varsha Ritu (monsoon), digestion is weak, so Deepana-Pachana drugs are preferred.

Desha Anusar Kala: Depending on geographical region (Anupa, Jangala), Dosha predominance changes, modifying Aushadha Kala accordingly.

Avastha Anusar Kala (Condition of the Patient): Age, strength, mental state, digestive power, and constitution determine optimal time.

Correlation with Modern Research

Modern pharmacology & chronotherapy align with Aushadha Kala.[5-7] The circadian rhythm regulated by suprachiasmatic nucleus controls hormone levels, digestion, & drug metabolism. Studies support that medications like antihypertensives, anti-asthmatics, & sedatives exhibit better efficacy when administered according to biological clock principles.

Discussion

The classical Ayurvedic approach to drug administration timing aligns with chronotherapeutic practices.[8] By harmonizing drug intake with biological rhythms, patient outcomes can be improved, minimizing side effects and enhancing compliance. Advanced modeling and clinical trials can further establish the value of Aushadha Kala.

Conclusion

The principles of drug administration timing, as laid down by Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, and Sarngadhara, remain highly relevant. Their resonance with circadian pharmacology validates Aushadha Kala scientifically. Future integration with modern clinical protocols may bridge traditional knowledge with evidence-based medicine.

References

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