Synonyms of Plants in Dravyaguna Vijnana- a Comprehensive Review
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Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol. 7, No. 10 (2018) Pages 156 – 166 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 Review Article SYNONYMS OF PLANTS IN DRAVYAGUNA VIJNANA- A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW Chetana BS1*, Nagamani2 1. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College, Tumkuru, Karnataka, India. 2. Professor and Head, Dept. of Agadatantra, JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. Received: 08-10-2018; Revised: 22-10-2018; Accepted: 26-10-2018 ………………………………………………………………………….………….……….…………………….. Abstract Dravyaguna vijnana is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with the study of Dravyas i.e. drugs and Guna i.e. their properties. Naming a plant is very essential in order to identify, classify and differentiate a plant from the other. Plant nomenclature has an important role in Ayurveda as it is utilized as a tool for identifying plants. Synonyms of the a few plants are compiled and presented in this article. Key words: Synonyms; Paryaya; Dravyaguna vijnana. ………………………………………………………………………………….….……………………………... *Address for correspondence: Dr. Chetana BS, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College, Tumkuru, Karnataka, India – 572 105 E-mail: [email protected] Cite This Article Chetana BS, Nagamani. Synonyms of plants in dravyaguna vijnana- A comprehensive review. Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci. 2018;7(10):156-166. Ayurpharm - International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences 156 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol. 7, No. 10 (2018) Pages 156 – 166 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 INTRODUCTION Pacham-pacha and Katam-kateri (Berberis artistata DC.) Mother Nature always runs based on the theory of co-existence. Undoubtedly, plants 2. Prabhava/Swabhava: Plants named play a key role in providing the basic needs in based on their common utility which is ecosystems. During ancient times man lived in innate to that particular plant is termed close vicinity with the plants. This made them as Prabhava. Examples include: to depend upon plants for their food, shelter, Kushtaghni- alleviates skin disorders clothes and medicine as well. Nature provided (Khadira - Acacia catechu L.f), the medicine according to the need of the man. Shwitraghni- alleviates Shwitra For example, Oxygen scarcity at higher (Bakuchi - Psoralia corylifolia Linn.), altitudes leads to the respiratory diseases and Pleehari- Alleviates disorders of spleen Ephedra is a plant that grows in higher (Sharapunka - Tephrosia purpurea altitudes. Medicinal properties of plant might Linn.), and Garbhanut- that which have been studied based on divine knowledge expels out the fetus (Langhali- Gloriosa of sages, accidental experiences, observation superba Linn.) on animals and doctrine of signatures. Ancient physicians started naming the plants in order 3. Deshokta: Plants named based on their to identify, classify and utility. These names habitat or source from which they were recorded by means of synonyms. belong to. Examples include: Malayaja - Namarupa vijnanam is a special branch of Grows in Malaya Region i.e. western Dravyaguna Vijnanam that exclusively deals ghats. Chandana - Santalum album with the study of Nama (Various names) and Linn.), Kashmira - Grows in Kashmir Rupa (Their forms). Acharya PV Sharma says and Bahlika (Kumkuma - Crocus sativus that the word Namarupa vijnanam can be Linn.) and Dravidi - Grows in Kashmir interpreted in 3 ways namely [1] (Ela - Elettaria cardamomum Linn.). 1. That by which names and forms of 4. Lanchana: Plants named based on their substances (Dravya) are known morphological signs. Examples include: 2. That which imparts knowledge of the Deerghaphala- that which bears long forms (Rupagyana) of substances on pods (Aragwadha - Cassia fistula the basis of names Linn.), Vakrapushpa- that which bears 3. That which deals with proper curved flowers (Agastya - Sesbania correlation of names and forms so grandiflora Linn.), Kharamanjari- that that the entity can be identified which bears spinous inflorescence correctly. (Apamarga - Achyranthes aspera Linn.), Triputa - that which bears fruits Raja Narahari Pandita, the author of Raja with three surfaces (Ela - Elettaria Nighantu provides basis of Dravya cardamomum), Chitratandula- that namakarana [2]. He explains 7 important which bears fruits with whitish patches factors to be considered while naming a plant. (Vidanga - Embelia ribes Burm.F). 1. Rudhi: Plants were nameThe names 5. Upama: Plants named based on the which have been in us traditionally are similes. The plant parts resembling the called as Rudhi. Examples include: animals or other objects. Examples Guduchi (Tinospora cardifolia), include: Shrungi - horn like roots Atarusha (Adathoda vasica Linn.), (Ativisha - Aconitum heterophyllum Linn.), Mastyashakala - the rhizome Ayurpharm - International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences 157 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol. 7, No. 10 (2018) Pages 156 – 166 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 resembles the scales of fish (Katuki - Prasarini meaning that which spreads Picrorhiza kurrao Linn.), Kimshuka - (Paederia foetida Linn.). Flowers resemble parrot’s beak Sheeghree and Vardhamana (Eranda- (Palasha - Butea monosperma (Lam.) Ricinus communis Linn.) Meaning that Taub.), Varahakarni – leaves resemble which grows and spreads fast. pig’s ear (Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera Linn.), Vijidanta - flowers Avayava bhodhaka resemble teeth of horse and Simhasya (Vasa - Adathoda vasica Linn.). Plants are named based on the morphology of different parts of the plants. 6. Veerya: Plants named based on their Veerya. Examples include: Teekshna Patra: based on the morphology of tandula - Pungent fruits. (Pippali - leaves. Examples include: Triparni – Piper longum Linn.), Ushana (Shunti - trifoliate leaves (Bilva- Aegle Zingiber officinale Linn.), marmelos Linn.), Yugmapatra- bifid Sheetavalkala (Udumbara - Ficus leaves (Kanchanara- Bauhinia racemosus Roxb.), Sheeta (Bala- Sida purpurea Linn.), Balapatra- small cardifolia Linn.) and Ushna (Maricha- leaves (Khadira- Acacia catechu L.f.), Piper nigrum Linn.). Snigdhapatra- glossy leaves (Karanja- Pongamia pinnata Linn.), Saptaparna- 7. Itarahwaya: Other names which do not 7 leaves (Alstonia scholaris (L).R Br), belong to the above 6 categories. Asipatra- leaves with sword like edges Examples include: Lavana - Alleviates (Ikshu- Saccharum officinarum Linn.) many disorders (Jyotishmati - Celastrus and Mandalapatraka- round shaped paniculatus Linn.), Varee - One of the leaves (Shimshipa- Dalbergia sissoo best drugs (Shatavari - Asparagus Roxb.ex DC). racemosus Willd.), Shatahwa – bears numerous flowers (Shatapushpa - Pushpa: Based on the morphology of Anethum sowa Linn.), Pura- the best flowers. Examples include: amongst gum resin (Guggulu- Shatapushpa- bears hundreds of Commiphora mukul) and Panya - article flowers (Anethum sowa Linn.), of trade (Jyotishmati - Celastrus Peetapushpa- bears yellow flowers paniculatus Linn.). (Bala- Sida cordifolia), Gucchapushpa- cluster of flowers, Factors considered while giving names and [3][4][5][6] Raktapushpa- red flowers, synonyms to plants in Ayurveda Pindapushpa- flowers in clusters, Madhupushpa- sweetish flowers Swarupa bhodhaka (Ashoka- Saraca indica Roxb.). Some plants are named based on the habit of the plant. Habit is the characteristic form in Phala: Based on the morphology of which plant species grows.[7]Examples fruits. Examples include: include: Kantakapahala- bears fruits that are spiny (Dhatura- Datura metel Linn.), Nyagrodha (Vata- Ficus benghalensis Kathina phala- bears hard fruits Linn.) meaning the fibers or prop roots (Bilva- Aegle marmelos Linn.), descend from its branches to the earth. Shukaphala- fruits resemble parrot Punarnava meaning becoming young (Arka- Calotrpis procera R.Br), or new again (Boerhavia diffusa Linn.) Brihatphala- bears huge fruit Ayurpharm - International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences 158 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol. 7, No. 10 (2018) Pages 156 – 166 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 (Kushmanda- Benincasa hispida (Arka- Calotropis procera R. Br.) and Thunb), Jantuphala (Udumbara- Dugdhika (Euphorbia hirta Linn.). Ficus racemosus Roxb.) and Sadaphala- yields fruits throughout the Granthi: Based on the nodes. year in all seasons (Narikela- Cocos Examples include: Shadgranthi nucifera Linn.). (Vacha- Acorus calamus Linn.), Shatagranthi (Durva- Cynodon Beeja: Based on the morphology of dactylon Linn.), Granthiman- Nodular seeds. Examples include: Indrayava- stem (Asthishrunkhala- Cissus Seeds resemble Yava (Kutaja- quadrangularis Linn.). Holarrhena antidysentrica Linn.), Ekashteela- has single stony seed Kantaka: Based on the spines and (Patha- Cissampelos pareira Linn.) thorns. Examples include: and Dantabeeja- Manibeeja- has seeds Teekshnakantaka (Ingudi- Balanites that resemble teeth or ruby (Dadima- aegyptica Linn.), Kantakari (Solanum Punica granatum Linn.). indicum Linn.), Gokantaka- Sthalakantaka- Swadukantaka- Kanda: Based on the morphology of Bhakshakanta- Kantaphala seeds. Examples include: Trivrut- (Gokshura –Tribulus terrestris Linn.), Tribhandi and Trayastra (that which Yugmakantaka- Shwajihwakantaka, has triangular or 3 winged stem- Vyagranakha- Sharp twin spines Operculina turpethum Linn.), (Snuhi- Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.) Chakrangi (Section of stem shows and Adhashalya- spiny inflorescence circular structure-Tinospora cardifolia which is pointed downwards Willd.) and Kalashaka- blackish stem (Apamarga -Achyranthes aspera (Murraya koenigii Linn.). Linn.).