Uses In Ayurveda and Siddha

Kasturi (Musk)

           Musk is the dried secretion from the perpetual follicles of Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus L. ). The animal is found in India, Tibet, Nepal, China and Russia etc. at an altitude of 3000- 4000 mt rs.

         Musk is found in a small sac situated at a short distance behind navel and just in front of perpetual orifice. The Musk is secreted by alveoli of the inner lining of the sac is collected in its cavity. For collection  of Musk  the pod is completely removed after killing the animal. The quantity available in each pod varies from 8 to 60 gm.  Fresh Musk is usually moist which can be dried in open sunlight.
        Uses
    In Ayurveda and Siddha, Musk has been considered as a life saving drug and used in various  cardiac, mental and neurological disorders. It has also been included in various  compound formulations like Kasturi Bhairav Ras, Kasturi Modak, Mrignabhyadi Vati and Mrigamadsar etc., which have wide therapeutic applications.
           In Unani medicine , Musk is used in palpitation, melancholia, epilepsy, hysteria, dementia, tremors and whooping cough.
      Chemical constituents
        The Musk has slightly bitter  taste and strong aromatic odor. Its solubility in alcohol  and water is 10-12 % and 50-75% respectively. On steam distillation it yields a ketone-Muscone which is said to be principal odorous constituents . Now synthetic Muscone is available commercially.
     Pharmacological actions
    The Musk has anti- histaminic, anti- inflammatory, anti- spasmodic, diuretic and central nervous system stimulating actions, which can be equated with its various clinical uses in Ayurveda and Siddha.



 In Unani medicine, musk is regarded as cardiotonic, neurotonic, general tonic and antitussive in action.