Medicinal Plants of Dhanwantari Nighantu: A Therapeutic Approach

The term ‘Nighantu’ refers to a collection of drugs, their synonyms, properties and descriptions of their parts used. Among the extensive history of Ayurveda, the Dhanvantari Nighantu stands out as the most popular and oldest Nighantu. Acharya Hemadri, while commenting on the Astangahridaya, mentioned this Nighantu under the name Dravyavali. Initially, Dravyavali contained only the synonyms of the drugs; later, their properties were also included, making the Dhanvantari Nighantu a compiled work. The authorship of this book remains a mystery, though it is claimed that Mahendra Bhogika, son of Krishna Bhogika of Sthaneshwara (modern-day Thane), was the author. This ayurvedic materia medica dates back to the 8th-10th centuries AD. The original name of this lexicon is Dravyavali Samucchaya.