Abstract

DARUHARIDRA (BERBERIS ARISTATA, DC.) W.S.R. TO NIGHANTU (INDIAN LEXICON): A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Ramesh Chandra Tewari*

Abstract

The Nighantu literature is the significant portion in the study of Ayurveda and particularly in the subject of Dravyaguna Vigyana. The importance of Nighantu has been explained for the first time by Narhari Pandita in his work Raja Nighantu during 14th cent.A.D. According to him a physician without the knowledge of Nighantu (plant pharmacology), a scholar without the knowledge of Vyakarana (grammer) and a soldier without the knowledge of ayudha (weapons), all these three are criticized at in this world. This statement clearly states that the knowledge of Nighantu is indispensable for Ayurvedic physician. The plant Daruharidra is one of the well known deciduous, thorny shrubs attaining a height of 6-12 feet. It is found in Himalayan range at the height of about 6000-10500 feet at Neelgiri hills, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Afghanistan etc. Daruharidra consist of Katu-Tikta Rasa, Katu –Vipaka and Ushna-Veerya, it is mainly indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, jaundice, anaemia, skin diseases and dysentry etc.

Keywords: Nighantu (plant pharmacology), Dravyaguna Vigyana, Daruharidra (Berberis aristata DC), Prameha(diabetes mellitus), Kamala(jaundice ) etc.