A Comprehensive Analysis of Drug Formulas, Ingredients, and Method of Preparation of Maha Tuvala Tailaya

Abstract

Maha tuvala tailaya is an Indigenous polyherbal externally applied oil formula traditionally used by Indigenous physicians for treating acute and chronic wounds, orthopaedic conditions, and animal-inflicted injuries. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the drug formulas, ingredients, and methods of preparation of Maha tuvala tailaya as documented in literary sources. A systematic literature review was undertaken, focusing on primary sources such as the Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hrdaya, with more emphasis on Sneha shatakaya, Taila panca shatakaya, Talpate Piliyam, and modern authoritative texts like Svadeshiya Bhaisajya Vishvakoshaya. Texts were selected based on historical authenticity and relevance. Data extraction involved identifying specific ingredients, formulation details, and preparation methods for Maha tuvala tailaya. The results revealed that out of the ingredients used from selected 4 different formulas, 17 were the same for all formulas, and the base liquid was used as grated pulp milk of Cocos nucifera (L.) species. The main plant parts used are bark, leaves, endosperm, seed, pericarp, flower, arillus, bulbil, and stem exudate.