Ehela Kola Kayama (Traditional Polyherbal Preparation) Mentioned in Deshiya Chikitsa Samgrahaya Introduced as a Functional Food for Malnutrition

Abstract

Ehela Kola Kayama (EKK) in Deshiya Chikitsa Samgrahaya is a distinctive Sri Lankan traditional preparation for malnutrition. WHO defines malnutrition as deficiencies, excesses, imbalances, and impaired utilization; Sri Lanka's underweight children rise to 15.3% in 2022. The study aimed to review the ingredients of EKK with pharmacodynamic properties and introduce it as a functional food for malnutrition. The study follows PRISMA guidelines and searches 64 journal articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science databases, and Google Scholar search engine from 2021 to 2023. The ingredients of EKK are Ehela Kola (Cassia fistula), Parana Siyambala (Tamarindus indica L.), Suduru (Cuminum cyminum), Mahaduru (Foeniculum vulgare), Asamodagam (Trachyspermum ammi), Sudu Lunu (Allium arenarium), Sungu (Pistacia integerrima), Aralu (Terminalia Chebula), Viyali Iguru (Zingiber officinale), Gammiris (Piper nigrum), and Thippili (Piper longum). Upon analyzing Katu (pungent) and Kashaya (astringent) tastes, Laghu (lightness) and Ruksha (roughness) properties were prominent. Ushna Veerya (hot potency) and Katu Vipaka (post-digestive effect) are found in most ingredients. Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive), Ushna Veerya, Katu and Tikta Rasa, Laghu, Ruksha, and Thikshna Guna promote Agni (digestive fire) and relieve Srotorodha (channel obstruction), which corrects Dhatu Poshana Krama (nourishes the tissues). Ayurveda emphasizes the correction of Agni, a vital factor for health, and treating ailments including malnutrition. It improves Ojas (immunity) and provides Vyadhikshamathva (resistance to diseases). Most components contain active chemicals, such as Glycosides, Fatty Acids, Flavonoids, vitamin B complexes, and Iron, which are nutritional and digestive stimulators with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. As per the reviewed data, it can be concluded that EKK is a potent digestion promoter in individuals, enhances metabolism, and empowers the process of Saptha Dhatu (essential body tissues) formation and Ojas, thereby having potential qualities as a functional food. Further clinical and chemical studies must be conducted to introduce it as a functional food for malnutrition.