Gandhusha

The action of Gandusha exerts increased mechanical pressure inside the oral cavity. So this increased pressure stimulates press receptor (stretch reflex) that are present in the mouth. Once the press receptor is stimulated, they send signals to salivary nuclei in the brain stem (pons and medulla). As a result, Parasympathetic nervous system activity increases and motor fibres in facial (VII) and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve trigger dramatically increasing the output of saliva.

Chemical constituent present in the drug also stimulate chemoreceptors present in the mouth, which in turn increases salivary secretions. An enzyme called lysozyme present in saliva is bacteriostatic in action. It prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity. Antibody IgA present in saliva also provide protection against microorganisms. Thus Gandusha increases local defence mechanism and promotes oral hygiene. Mucosal layer inferior to the tongue (sublingual) is thin and highly vascular enough to permit the rapid absorption of the lipid soluble drugs into systemic circulation. Some of the drugs irritates the oral mucosa (by their chemical nature) and increases vascular permeability. Thus an active principle of drugs is absorbed into systemic circulation. Most of the dravyas given for Gandusha are warm so raised temperature causes the increased vascular permeability there by enhancing systemic absorption of drugs.