GHRITA =GHEE
Ghee is used by Indians since ancient period because of its high nutritive values. In Vedic period it was known as "Sarpi". It is widely used in almost every disease by the ancient Aacharyas. Acharya Charaka has quoted that ghee is the best unctuous substance among ghrita, taila, vasa and majja because of its power to assimilate effectively the properties of other substances (Ch. Su. 13/13).
The description of ghee is as follows-
Table - 2.16
Acharyas | Class | Doshaghnata |
Charaka | Gorasa | Reduces vata&pitta |
Sushruta | hritavarga | Reduces vata&pitta |
Vagabhatta | Ksheervarga | Reduces vata&pitta |
Bhavaprakasha | Ghrita Varga | Reduces vata&pitta |
Rasa Panchaka
Taste - sweet,
Quality - heaviness,oilyness
potency- cold
digestion- sweet
Chemical constituents - Generally cow’s ghee contains
Fat 32.4% Moisture 14.4%
Protein 36% Ash 5.2%
Lactose 12%
Major constituents :
(1) Triglyceride
(2) Unsaponificable matter - these are as follows
Vit. A, Beta carotene
Steroids - Vit. D, cholesterol, exgosterol etc.
Trace constituants -
· Diglycerides, monoglycerides, phospholipid
· Free acids - Water soluble like acetic acid, propionic acid etc.
· Fat break down product like fat hydroperoxide, ketones etc.
· Minerals like Ca++, Mg++, Cu++ etc.
Pharmacology -
The digestibility coefficient or rate of absorption of ghee is 96% which is high amongst of all oils and fats. It contains beta carotene and Vit E which acts as antioxidants. Vitamin A keeps the epithelial tissue of body intact, keeps the outer lining of the eye balls moist and prevents blindness.
Cholesterol and saturated fatty acid are main component of cell membrane and they provide stiffness to cell wall and make the cell water proof respectively. Ghee also provides cholesterol which acts as base material for the production of sex hormones.
