Hutabhugādi Cūrṇa – An Ayurvedic Formulation for Agni Deepana and Śotha Śamana

Hutabhugādi Cūrṇa – An Ayurvedic Formulation for Agni Deepana and Śotha Śamana

Hutabhugādi Cūrṇa is a classical Ayurvedic powder formulation described in the authoritative text Sahasrayogam. It is primarily indicated in disorders arising from Agnimāndya (diminished digestive fire) and Āma accumulation, such as Pāṇḍu (anemia-like condition), Arśas (hemorrhoids), and Śotha (edema/inflammation). The very name Hutabhug denotes Agni (digestive fire), highlighting the central therapeutic action of this formulation—restoration and strengthening of digestion and metabolism.

According to the classical verse, Hutabhugādi Cūrṇa is prepared using Hutabhug (Koduvēlikkizhangu / Plumbago zeylanica root), Ajamoda (Trachyspermum roxburghianum), Saindhava Lavaṇa (rock salt), Māgadhī (Pippali – Piper longum), and Marica (black pepper – Piper nigrum) in equal proportions, with Pathyā (Harītakī – Terminalia chebula) added in an equal quantity to the combined weight of the above ingredients. All drugs are finely powdered separately and then mixed thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous chūrṇa. The formulation is advised to be administered with Amlodaka or sour buttermilk (fermented takra), which itself possesses dīpana, pācana, and vāta-kapha śāmaka properties, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the chūrṇa.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, Hutabhugādi Cūrṇa acts by correcting Jatharāgni, removing Āma, and promoting proper movement of Vāta (vāta-anulomana). In Arśas, it helps by improving digestion, reducing constipation, and alleviating local inflammation and congestion. In Pāṇḍu, the formulation supports better digestion and assimilation of nutrients, thereby addressing one of the root causes of the disease—impaired metabolic and absorptive capacity. In Śotha, by digesting āma and normalizing agni, it helps reduce fluid retention and inflammatory swelling. Thus, the formulation works at the fundamental level of pathogenesis rather than offering mere symptomatic relief.

Modern pharmacological understanding provides supportive explanations for these actions. Plumbago zeylanica (Hutabhug) is known for its potent digestive stimulant properties due to the presence of plumbagin, which enhances gastrointestinal secretions and motility. Pippali and Marica contain piperine, a well-documented bioavailability enhancer and digestive stimulant with anti-inflammatory and carminative effects. Ajamoda exhibits antispasmodic and carminative actions, reducing abdominal distension and discomfort. Saindhava Lavaṇa improves taste perception and digestive enzyme activity, while Harītakī acts as a mild laxative, detoxifier, and regulator of bowel movements. The synergistic action of these ingredients explains the formulation’s efficacy in chronic digestive and metabolic disorders.

In conclusion, Hutabhugādi Cūrṇa is a rational and time-tested Ayurvedic formulation designed to correct Agni dysfunction, eliminate Āma, and restore physiological balance. When administered judiciously, with proper consideration of doṣa, rogi-bala, and anupāna, it serves as an effective and safe therapeutic option in conditions like Pāṇḍu, Arśas, Agnimāndya, and Śotha. Its relevance remains significant even in contemporary clinical practice, particularly in integrative approaches to digestive and metabolic disorders.