[Tri-phala (Three Myrobalans) as Described in the Second Part of the Bower Manuscript, the Navanitaka].

In India, since ancient times Tri-phala (meaning "three fruits" in Sanskrit) has been considered to be a combination of the following fruits: -Haritaki (Terminalia chebula, Retz.), Amalaka (Embelica officinalis Gaertn), and Vibhitaka (Terminalia belerica Roxb.). These plants are also listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Haritaki and Amalaka have also been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times in Japan under the Japanese names of (see text) (Kariroku) and (see text) (Annmaroku), respectively. Both have been carefully preserved as treasured drugs in the nationally important Shosoin treasure storehouse. This study attempts to clarify the description of Tri-phala in the Navanitaka, which is the second part of the Bower Manuscript (Bower Ms.), and examines the reasons why these plants were combined. This paper begins with a summary description of Tri-phala in the context of traditional Asian medicine, followed by the delineation of drug selection principles in Ayurveda. Tri-phala formulas in the Navanitaka are then examined. The Carakasamhita (CS) treats Tri-phala as a purifier and tonic (rasayana), describing it as a formula for rejuvenation and longevity. On the other hand, the Susrutasamhitd (SS) regards Tri-phala as having the efficacy of balancing kapha (phlegm) and pitta (bile), and also as being a medicine to promote excretion and enhance digestive functions for better nutritional intake. It is described to have an effect of curing diseases by keeping the tridhau (theree element) valance. Tri-phala is thus used as an ingredient of laxatives for diseases that result from kapha imbalance and tonic. The Astangahrdayasamhita (AHS) considers Tri-phala to have a particular superiority among cure-all medicines with the power to dispel illness. It controls kapha and overcomes blood diseases. Tri-phala formulas found in the Navanitaka were prescribed for the treatment of abdominal tumors induced by vayu (wind) disorder as well as for coughs caused by pitta and kapha disorder. Tri-phala was also administered to facilitate nutrient absorption, regulate bowel function, and promote excretion. Tri-phala thus restores the balance of tridhau by facilitating water distribution in the body. For these reasons, the optimal combination of Tri-phala was then established to adjust kapha for most efficient purification effects.

[Ancient history of Indian pharmacy].

The study of the ancient history of Indian medicine has recently been revived due to the publication of polyglot translations. However, little is known of ancient Indian pharmacy. Archaeological evidence suggests the Indus people lived a settled life approximately in 2500 B.C. Their cities were enjoying the cleanest and most hygienic daily life with elaborate civic sanitation systems. The whole conception shows a remarkable concern for health. Then, the early Aryans invaded India about 1500 B.C. and the Vedic age started. The Rgveda texts contain the hymns for Soma and those for herbs. The term Ayurveda (i.e., science of life) is found in some old versions of both Ramayana and Mahabharata and in the Atharvaveda. Susruta had the credit of making a breakthrough in the field of surgery. The Ayurveda, a work on internal medicine, gives the following transmission of sages: Brahma-->Daksa-->Prajapati-->Asivinau-->Indra-->Caraka. On the other hand, the Susruta-samhita, which deals mainly with surgical medicine, explains it as follows; Indra-->Dhanvantari-->Susruta Both Caraka and Susruta were medical doctors as well as pharmacists, so they studied more than 1000 herbs thoroughly. The Ayurveda had been used by his devotees for medical purposes. It eventually spread over Asia with the advanced evolution of Buddhism.

[Similarities between Indian Hindu god Dhanvantari and Yakushi Buddha (Buddha of healing)].

The authors compared statues and figures of Buddha of Healing (Yakushi Buddha) with those of Dhanvantari god and Varuna god in India. Statues and figures of Ayurvedic God, Dhanvantari, are respected by Indian medical doctors, pharmacists and patients. Dhanvantari has the medicinal pot containing the rejuvenating nectar (Amrta). Therefore, it is most probably the case that the Yakushi Buddha in Japan originated from the Dhanvantari God in Ayurveda.