Charak Samhita

Vipaka

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The Sanskrit term ‘Vipaka’ (also spelled as

vipaaka or vipAka) means specific
transformation or effect after digestion of
a substance. Detailed and in-depth
description of the process of metabolism
is the key component of Ayurveda
physiology as well as pathology. Almost all
the pathologies occurring in the human
body are caused due to imbalance or
malfunctioning of metabolism governed
by the agni. Thus, it is of utmost
importance for every physician to know
the function of agni in detail. The process
of metabolism is divided into two main
components i.e. avasthapaka and vipaka.
Avasthapaka is the general process of
catabolism needed for all food and
medicines ingested orally. It involves three
stages viz. madhura (sweet), amla (sour)
and katu (pungent) avasthapaka.
Avasthapaka refers to a series of changes
that food undergoes in the gut (koshtha).
Agni is responsible for digestion and
metabolism. In the first stage of digestion
(madhura avasthapaka), the food in
stomach (amashaya) undergoes primary
transformation. In the second stage (amla
avasthapaka), the food undergoes
vigorous digestion in duodenum and small
intestine (pachyamanashaya). Amlabhava
develops under the action of the acid
medium. In the third stage (katu
avasthapaka), absorption of water and
electrolytes occurs in the large intestine.
The faeces are formed after maximum
water absorption (pari pandita pakwasya).
Odoriferous products with pungent gases
are also released (vayusyatkatubhavatah).
[[Link] Sthana 15/9-11]
Diet and drugs undergo some inevitable
changes during digestion. This may not
feel change in the taste of the ingested
substance. The characters are modified by
agni in such a way that the ingested
foreign substance can be assimilated by
the body. Even though some properties of
the substance persist after digestion, the
end outcome of the digestion is governed
by the vipaka of the substance. This
vipaka is ultimately governed by the agni
of the individual. Thus, vipaka can be
predicted only by logical inference after
observing the action on various
components of the body.
Vipaka mainly starts in stomach and
duodenum (grahani), and is responsible
for the ultimate effect of the food or
medicine ingested. The effect in the time
of avasthapaka is momentary and
confined to the region of the process,
while the effect of vipaka can be seen on
the whole body. The concept of 'vipaka’
holds significant importance in ayurvedic
approach of metabolism as well as
pharmaco-therapeutics. Vipaka is one of
the components of rasa panchaka i.e.
pharmacodynamic attributes of the drug.
Thus, comprehensive knowledge of vipaka
is essential to attain excellence in
preservation of health and management of
diseases through Ayurveda.
Vipaka
Section/Chapter/topicConcepts / Vipaka
Bhojani M.K.1, Joshi
Authors
Sumedh2
T. Saketh Ram3, Basisht G.4,
Reviewers
Khandel S.K.5
Editor Deole Y.S.6
Affiliations 1 Department of Kriya
Sharira, A.I.I.A., New Delhi,
India

2 Department of
Dravyaguna, A.I.I.A., New
Delhi, India

3National Institute of Indian

Medical Heritage, C.C.R.A.S.
Hyderabad, India
 4 Rheumatologist, Orlando,
Florida, U.S.A.

5Arogyalaxmi Ayurveda
Consultancy, Jaipur, India

6 Department of
Kayachikitsa, [Link]
Institute of Ayurvedic
Studies and Research, New
Vallabhvidya Nagar, Anand,
Gujarat, India
Correspondence [Link]@[Link],
email carakasamhita@[Link]
Charak Samhita Research,
Training and Development
Publisher
Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar,
India
Date of firstJuly15, 2022
publication:
DOI In process

Etymology and derivation

The word Vipaka is made by adding the

prefix ‘Vi’, meanings specific or
distinguished [Monnier Williams] to the
root verb ‘Pach- Paka’ meaning digestion,
assimilation of food. [Monnier Williams] It
can also be derived as “Vi” is Vishishtha
meaning specific, and ‘Paka’ refers to the
function assigned to agni (metabolic
energy).[1]

Synonyms
 1. Vipaka: The term denotes specific
transformation of ingested
food/medicine by means of digestive
capacity (jatharagni).
[Sarvangasundara commentary by
Hemdari on [Link]. Sutra Sthana
9/20][2]
2. Nishthapaka: In this process,
transformation of nutrient fluid (rasa)
takes place that can be considered as
the final product after digestion.
[Ayurveda Deepika commentary by
Chakrapani on [Link]
Sthana 15/9-11]

Definition
Vipaka is defined as the transformation
occurring in the nutrient fluid (rasa) after
the action of jatharagni.[[Link]. Sutra Sthana
9/20][2] The process occurs only after
completion of avasthapaka. Vipaka occurs
when the ingested food gets divided into
two parts viz. fluid formed after digestion
(ahara-rasa) and excretory products
(mala).[[Link] Sthana 15/9-11]

Types

Various theories can be witnessed

regarding the number and/or types of
vipaka as described below in table 1:[3]
Table 1: Types of vipaka
S. Types of
Name Explanation Reference
no Vipaka

Scholars of this view opine that vipaka of

[Shivadassen
Yatharasa each substance is definite and is according to
on
vipakavada Six types of the taste (rasa). E.g. Sweet substance
1. [Link]
(predictable as vipaka (madhura rasa dravya) will definitely
Sthana
per taste) transform into madhura vipaka (
40/10][4]
transformation into sweet substance in body)

Scholars of this view opine that the [Yogendranath

Aniyata predominant taste (rasa) at the time of Sen on
2. vipakavada Innumerable digestion overpowers other taste (rasa). [Link]
(unpredictable) Resultant vipaka will be according to the Sthana
dominant rasa. 40/10][4]

Panchavidha Scholars of this view opine that vipaka [[Link]

Five types
3. vipakavada depends upon the predominance of one of Sthana 40/10]
of vipaka [4]
(five types) the mahabhuta in dravya.

Probably pungent (katu), bitter (tikta) and [[Link]

Trividha astringent (kashaya) substances undergo Sthana 26/57-
Three types
4. vipakavada katu vipaka; Sour (amla rasa) undergoes amla 58], [[Link].
of vipaka
(three types) vipaka and sweet (madhura) to madhura Sutra Sthana
vipaka 9/21][2]

In Parashar’s opinion, sweet (madhura), bitter

Trividha (tikta), astringent (kashaya) and salty (lavana) [[Link]
Three types
5. vipakavaada substances undergo madhura vipaka, Sthana 17/17-
of vipaka
(three types) pungent (katu) and sour (amla) rasa undergo 18][5]
Katu and Amla Vipaka respectively.

Scholars opine that vipaka are of two types -

Sweet (madhura) and pungent (katu).
Dwividha Madhura vipaka is considered as heavy to [[Link]. Sutra
Two types
6. vipakavada digest (guru) due to dominance of prithvi and Sthana 40/10-
of vipaka
(two types) jala mahabhuta. Katu vipaka is light to digest 12][4]
(laghu) due to dominance of agni mahabhuta,
vayu mahabhuta and akasha mahabhuta.
Assessment of vipaka
(vipakaupalabdhi hetu)

Vipaka can be determined by the action of

the dravya on the body. Prediction of the
vipaka is always confined to the logical
inference obtained after examining the
effects on the whole body. The ingested
substance undergoes complete process of
digestion and exhibits particular action on
dosha, dhatu and mala, which can infer
vipaka.[[Link] Sthana 26/59-60]
Perception of vipaka is done through
increased or decreased states of doshas
in the body. [[Link] Sthana 17][5]
Table 2: Properties of vipaka
Sr Effect on
Vipaka Guna Effect on Dhatu Effect on Mala
No Dosha

Unctuous Increases shukra Helps normal urination

1. Madhura (snigdha), Heavy Vitiates kapha (reproductive and defecation
to digest (guru) components) (srushtavinmutra)

Reduces
Unctuous Helps normal urination
reproductive
2. Amla (snigdha), Light Vitiates pitta and defecation
components (shukra-
to digest (laghu) (srushtavinmutra)
nashana)

Reduces Blocks normal

reproductive urination and
3. Katu Dry (ruksha) Vitiates vata
components (shukra- defecation
nashana) (badhhavinmutra)

Vitiates kapha Helps normal urination

4. Guru - pacifies vata- - and defecation
pitta dosha (srushtavinmutra)

Vitiates vata Helps normal urination

5. Laghu - and pacifies - and defecation
kapha (srushtavinmutra)

[[Link] Sthana 26/59-62]

Superiority of vipaka

In pharmacotherapeutics, vipaka is
superior in activity profile due to following
reasons as given in table 3:
Table 3: Superiority of vipaka
Sr.
Superiority Cause
No.

Stimulation or suppression of dosha is under the

1. Responsible factor (nimittatwa)
control of vipaka (doshakshayavruddhi)

Tissue construction Building up various tissues of the body is possible by

2.
(dhatupadehata) digestion/ metabolism.

Dependency for therapeutic

3. The therapeutic effect depends on vipaka
effect (vipakapekshatwa)

Emphasis by classics (shastra Classical texts or treatises quote vipaka as an

4.
pramanya) important entity of dravya

[Bhadanta Nagarjuna][6]

Assessment of vipaka

Vipaka of any dravya shows its effect on

dosha, dhatu (shukra in specific) and mala
(urine and faeces specifically). Though it is
difficult to assess the effect of dravya on
any dosha, the effect on mutra (urine
output) , purisha (faecal output and
consistency) and effect on shukra (sperm
count) can be assessed in experimental
models. Several studies have done on
experimental models to assess vipaka of
an extrapharmcopoeal drug, Flemingia
strobilifera (L).[Link][7] and to compare
vipaka of some samana and vichitra
pratyayarabdha dravya.[8] Parameters like
body weight, food consumption, water
intake, fresh and dry faecal output and
food conversion ratio were assessed and
statistical analysis was done to evaluate
the effect of the dravya. In the chosen
dose and duration of pharmacological
study selected samana and vichitra
pratyayarabdha drugs showed apparent
impact on koshtha related parameters as
per their vipakas (post digestive effects)
although the observed results are non-
significant. Further studies are needed to
design perfect pharmacological model for
assessment of vipaka of a new or
unknown dravya.

Contemporary approach
towards vipaka

In the contemporary view, avasthapaka

and vipaka can be mainly connected to the
process of digestion. Digestion mainly
involves process of breaking down of the
complex food-stuff with the help of
digestive juices into simple constituents,
which can be normally absorbed and
assimilated in the body. High molecular
weight compounds like carbohydrates,
proteins and fats are thus broken down
into low molecular weight, water soluble
and absorbable constitutes after various
processes occurred in organs of digestive
system. Thus, avasthapaka can be
considered as various phases of
digestion.[9] While vipaka can be seen as
the process of ultimate transformation of
the ingested material. Some researchers
also opine that, gut microbiota surely plays
a role in decreasing as well as increasing
drug activity.[10]

Exceptions

It is a general rule that sweet (madhura),

salty (lavana) rasa herbs have madhura
vipaka; sour (amla) rasa have amla and
remaining all rasas give katu vipaka.
However, some herbs are exceptions to
this. Ginger (shunthi) is pungent in taste,
but shows madhura vipaka. Such herbs
and dietary substances are indicated by
the concept called ‘vichitra pratyarabdha
dravya’, that have certain property
specifications.
Importance of vipaka

Vipaka plays significant role in

pharmacotherapy used in Ayurveda. It is
explained that substances work according
to the potential of their vipaka. Though,
ginger (shunthi) is pungent in taste, it does
not vitiate pitta dosha due to its madhura
vipaka. It is therefore a generalized theory
that when all pharmacodynamic attributes
of the dravya have comparable/similar
potential, the vipaka always dominates the
rasa.

Vipaka is very important among all other

pharmacodynamic properties of dravya
because the results of taking diet or
medicine depend on correct or incorrect
digestion. Agni plays crucial role in
digestion and vipaka. The
desired/undesirable actions of the dravyas
directly/indirectly depend on the vipaka of
the dravyas. Vipaka of any dravya depend
on the inherent properties of the dravyas
as well as condition of agni of the
consumer. [[Link] Sthana 26/63]
Plumbago zeylanica (chitraka), if digested
properly, causes agnideepana (desired
action of stimulation of digestion). While if
not digested properly, it causes
constipation (undesirable action).
Similarly, properly digested Piper longum
(pippali) enhances shukra (desired effect),
while improper digestion leads to
excessive formation of kleda (untoward
effect of moisture).

Vipaka is also important because the

aggravation and improvement of the
doshas as well as the accumulation of
dhatu in the body directly depends on the
vipaka. A well digested diet or medicine is
beneficial, while the same if poorly
digested causes various diseases.
Therefore, it can be inferred that vipaka is
one of the most important factors among
all the attributes of dravya.
Current researches
1. Anuruchi Jadoun and Rambabu
Dwivedi studied effect of selected
samana and vichitra pratyayarabdha
dravya w.s.r. to vipaka. They stated
that, all the drugs having vichitra
pratyayarabdhata showed effect
according to their vipaka in few
parameters. But most of the results
were statistically insignificant, which
suggested that substances perform
their action according to their
properties (pratyayarabdhata).[11]
2. Marilena Gilca and Dorin Dragos
connected the concept of extra oral
 receptors to the concept of Ayurvedic
pharmacology so as to describe the
possible mechanism of vipaka.[12]
3. Anagha Vishwas Ranade, Amey
Shirolkar, and Sharad Daulatrao
Pawar have given different insight to
concept of vipaka by explaining it on
the basis of gut microbiota. It says,
the holistic mechanism of gut
microbiota coincides to some extent,
with the doctrines of Ayurveda in the
context of pharmacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics.[13]
4. Chakrapany Sharma and Chandan
Singh have put forth a review to
 interpret Ayurveda theory of vipaka
v/s pharmacokinetics. They have
concluded that, the term vipaka in
Ayurveda covers a broad area that is
not limited up to the metabolism,
only. All kinds of agni (jatharagni,
dhatvagni and bhootagni) works one
by one on ingested diet or drug. This
helps to liberate the molecular
substance from the chemical
structure of ingested diet or drug,
assimilate and absorbs in body at the
site of action.[14]
5. Bidhan Mahajon, Ravi Shankar B.,
Remadevi R. conducted an
 experimental study for assessment
of ‘vipaka’ (metabolism) of a new
medicinal plant, Flemingia strobilifera
of family Fabaceae. They have
studied various parameters like body
weight, faecal output, urine output,
water intake etc. and concluded that
the drug has katu vipaka.[7]

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