Abstract

A REVIEW OF THE SYNONYMS AND RASAPANCHAKA OF KHADIRA(ACACIA CATECHU WILLD.) FROM VARIOUS NIGHANTUS

Dr. Suresh Kumar Jaiswara* and Prof. (Dr). Shyamalendu Mukhopadhyay

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Abstract

From the beginning of human civilization there is also origin of various ailments which lead humans to strive for the discovery of that very thing which will protect them from these morbid and limiting condition for the living. In course of such discoveries, the most accessible product which was abundantly available was the plants their products their bye-products, metals and minerals. These ailments not only caused problems in their daily lives but some of them are so worst that they permanently developed a social stigma in the society and the person suffering from such ailments were socially boycotted. One o thesuch ailment is skin diseases i.e. dermatological problems. Various plant-based medicines are available for skin diseases, one of them is Khadira (Acacia catechu Willd.). Acharya Charaka in Chapter 25th of Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana i.e. Yajjahapurushiya Addhyaya has described its Agrayakarma i.e. first order action as Kushthagnanam i.e. which cures kustha (all kind of skin disease including leprosy. Here in this review work a elaborate discussion about the different synonyms along with its rasapanchaka will be done by thorough study of the various nighantus written during different time period. This study will be helpful in clarifying the obscure knowledge at some points by elaborate discussion of various synonyms and provide a proper identification base of the plants so that its adulteration and quality control can be protected and maintained.

Keywords: Khadira, Nighantu, Rasapanchaka, Kustha, Leprosy.