The phytochemical composition and therapeutic efficacy of an Ayurvedic drug combination Panchatikta: A review

In Ayurvedic system, there is a concept that certain drugs perform well in combination (Yoga) than used as individual in single. Ancient practitioners selected various plants, based on their experiences and combined them in formulations to enhance the efficacy and also to reduce side effects. Panchatikta is a drug combination consisting of five tiktarasa (bitter taste) drugs which is widely used for skin diseases, ulcers and benign/malignant tumors. Azadirachta indica (stem bark), Tinospora cordifolia (stem), Justicia adhatoda (root), Solanum virginianum (root) and Trichosanthes dioica (aerial parts). Though each of the ingredient herbs of the combination has various study reports related to phytochemical and pharmacological activities, but studies on the combination as such is missing. Chemical constituents of ingredient drugs and their activities will have a direct impact on the activities of the combination as well. Present review is aimed at studying the chemical and pharmacological activities reported in the ingredient herbs which may point towards the chemical and pharmacological properties of the combination.