| REVIEW ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2021 | Volume
: 15
| Issue : 3 | Page : 198-207 |
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Compilation of herbal drug substitutes suggested in selected classical ayurvedic texts
C N Shanti Vasudevan1, Ima Neerakkal2
1 Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kochi, Kerala, India
2 Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kochi, Kerala, India
Correspondence Address:
C N Shanti Vasudevan
House No. 83, LPS Road, Palarivattom, Kochi - 682 025, Kerala
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/joa.joa_169_20
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Introduction: Ayurvedic literature suggests the use of readily available substitute drugs (Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya) with similar properties (rasa, guna, and veerya) for genuine drugs in its scarcity or absence (Abhava Dravya). Data Source: Ayurvedic texts – Yogaratnakara, Bhavaprakasha, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and Vaidya Chintamani. Review Methods: The present review focuses on enlisting such alternative substitute plants or plant parts suggested in ayurvedic texts – Yogaratnakara, Bhavaprakasha, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and Vaidya Chintamani. The International Plant Names Index and the Plant List were referred for citing the latest scientific names. Results: The compiled list of original substitute drug pairs includes Sanskrit name, scientific name, family, and their habit. Two of the pairs were found repeated in all the four texts while five pairs were found in three texts. Fourteen pairs were found repeated in two texts. Some of the plants for whom substitutes are being suggested come under, Ashtavarga Rare Medicinal Plants. Conclusion: This concept needs to be scientifically analyzed for identifying genuine substitutes. Comparative scientific studies on original and substitutes suggested can help to avoid adulteration in medicinal plants and can also act as a conservation strategy to protect rare medicinal plants.
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