Abstract

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF BHAVAPRAKASH NIGHANTU – A REVIEW

Sonal Singh Kushwaha* and Priya Gupta

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Abstract

Nighantu (Lexicon) is one of the important aspects in the study of Dravyaguna Vijnana (Materia medica). The Nighantu literature is one of the significant facets in the study of Ayurveda and specially in the subject of Dravyaguna Vijnana. In the practice of Ayurvedic lexicons, Bhavaprakash Nighantu is a treatise of Dravyaguna. It is composed by Acharya Bhavmishra in 16th century. This lexicon has 23 varga (sections). In this treatise, along with ancient medicinal substances, new substances like Chopchini (Smilax glabra) are also described. The objective of this review is to analyse the importance and utility of Bhavaprakash Nighantu. By which the identification, properties and actions of drugs and medical treatment can be made more effective and powerful. The present work is dealt with the systematic review of all the vargas of Bhavaprakash Nighantu including the number of dravyas (drugs), mishrak ganas, specialities and varieties of drugs mentioned in each varga.

Keywords: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Ayurveda, Manuscript, Dravyaguna.