Abstract
Background: Charaka’s Svashahara and Kasahara Mahakashayas comprise 20 entries representing 19 classical drug names, with Tamalaki occurring in both groups. Relating these classifications to modern respiratory pharmacology requires attention to botanical identity, preparation and the level of evidence. Objective: To examine respiratory evidence for the two groups, distinguish whole-drug and formulation studies from isolated-constituent research, and assess the contribution and limits of public molecular databases. Methods: This structured narrative review draws on literature collected through an author-reported February 2026 cutoff, supplemented by targeted searches and source verification on 10 September 2026. ChEMBL release 37 molecular records and a linked ClinicalTrials.gov record was retrieved and archived on that date. Studies were described by preparation, model or population, comparator, outcome and limitations. No exhaustive screening, pooled effect estimates or formal certainty grading was undertaken. Results: The evidence comprised heterogeneous animal experiments, short whole-drug studies, formulation research and constituent trials. Terminalia preparations reduced experimentally induced cough; Inula and Hedychium extracts showed activity in animal allergy or bronchospasm models; and cardamom essential oil relaxed isolated tracheal tissue. Small Solanum studies suggested short-term respiratory effects. Published placebo-controlled cineole trials provided constituent-specific human evidence, whereas piperine studies primarily concerned pharmacokinetic interactions. Botanical ambiguities and differences in preparation prevented extrapolation across these evidence types. ChEMBL descriptors and development fields did not establish efficacy of a source herb. Conclusion: The two Mahakashayas provide a framework for organising research questions, but the available evidence does not validate either group as a clinical treatment. Further work requires authenticated botanical materials, preparation-specific pharmacology, rigorous clinical studies and explicit attention to safety and interactions.

Key words: Charaka Samhita; Svashahara; Kasahara; Mahakashaya; narrative review; respiratory pharmacology; botanical identity; cineole; piperine; ChEMBL.