© Kamla-Raj 2019 J Biodiversity, 10(1-2): 15-30 (2019) PRINT: ISSN 0976-6901 ONLINE: ISSN 2456-6543 DOI: 10.31901/24566543.2019/10.1-2.087 Diversity of the Divine Plant Soma: A Search from Rigveda to Modern Science - A Conglomerated Review Sachidananda Padhy1 and Santosh Kumar Dash2 Vedic Science Research Centre, ‘Anandamaya’, Bhaba Nagar-1, Berhampur 760 004, Odisha, India E-mail: 1<
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[email protected]> KEYWORDS Ayurveda. Botanical Enigma. Manusmruti. Rigveda. Soma ABSTRACT The Vedic age plant Soma is still a Botanical enigma throughout the world. A search for this divine plant in Rigveda, Manusmruti and Ayurveda is not futile; rather it has initiated a spirit to realize the ancient Soma culture from scientific point of view. The diversity for the identification of the Soma is now concentrated on Sarcostemma sp; needs a detailed phytochemical analysis. A note on views and interactions of scientists and indologists are discussed in this communication. INTRODUCTION dra - the god of medicines; authority of Amrita, that is, nectar; astrologically controls the mind The quest for good health and immortality of a person) and also explained in multiple forms, has been a continuous human endeavour since such as Soma as light; Soma as dawn; Soma the beginning of civilization throughout the causes the sun to shine; Soma as constellations world. In India, it may be through Yoga (a tech- and luminous species; Soma as bird; Soma as nique by which the physical and mental status child; Soma as the support of the sky and Soma of an individual can be elevated to the highest as the king.