Abstract

A COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDY OF LEAVES OF SHWETA VASA (ADHATODA VASICA NEES) AND KRISHNA VASA (JUSTICIA GENDARUSSA BURM)

Dr. Sunaina* and Dr. Rohit Johari

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Abstract

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that has its roots in ancient India, dating back over 5,000 years. This holistic system of medicine aims to achieve balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall health and well-being. Herbs play a significant role in diverse aspects of human life, contributing to culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental experiences. Shweta Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees), commonly called Malabar Nut is a very familiar and broadly used herb in Ayurveda and is a chief ingredient in various ayurvedic formulations designed for Kasa, Shwasa, Raktapitta. Moreover, it is a well- known expectorant drug. Justicia gendarussa is mentioned as one of the type of Vasa. Though, its reference is not available in ancient classics of Ayurveda including Nighantu but, Dr. V. G. Desai in his book Aushadhi samgraha has mentioned this plant as Krishna Vasa which is furthur quoted by Dr. K. C. Chunekar in hindi commentary of Bhavaprakasha. Also, Dr P.V. Sharma has quoted the reference of Krishna vasa. The present study aims to study Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical study of leaves of Shweta vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees.) and Krishna vasa (Justicia gendarussa Burm).

Keywords: Ayurveda, Herbs, Shweta vasa, Krishna vasa.