Botanical identity of Daśamūla drug sources: a literature review.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Botanical identity of plant sources of Daśamūla drugs through an analysis of published literature
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Aparna, Devendra Kumar Ved, S. Lalitha, Padma Venkatasubramanian
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Botanical identity of plant sources of Daśamūla drugs through an analysis of published literature
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article explores the botanical identity of the plant sources of Daśamūla, a group of ten medicinal plants crucial to the Ayurvedic industry. A comprehensive literature review reveals significant discrepancies in the botanical associations currently available, especially with plants like Pṛṣṇiparṇī and Agnimantha, leading to confusion within the field. The findings highlight the urgent need for standardized botanical correlations and a better understanding of the variations in plant parts and substitutes used in Ayurvedic practice.
The Botanical Confusion of Daśamūla
One significant concept discussed is the variation in the botanical identity of the Daśamūla plants. The article notes how different editions of the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) list diverse botanical sources and substitutes for Agnimantha, indicating inconsistencies that lack clear justification. For instance, while one edition designates Clerodendrum phlomidis as the authentic source, later editions switch this designation to Premna integrifolia, underscoring the complexities in determining the correct botanical entity. Such discrepancies not only confuse practitioners but also compromise the quality and efficacy of herbal formulations derived from these plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the necessity for clarity and authenticity in the botanical identification of Daśamūla plants. The documented confusion regarding the correlation of Ayurvedic names to specific botanical sources illustrates the pressing need for systematic research and etymological analysis. Establishing accurate standards for both the identity of the plants and the appropriate plant parts to be used is essential. Such improvements would ultimately bolster the integrity of the Ayurvedic industry and enhance the development of pharmacological studies, thereby ensuring the efficacy of traditional medicines.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Daśamūla and its significance in Ayurveda?
Daśamūla, meaning 'ten roots', consists of ten medicinal plants used extensively in Ayurvedic formulations. It is crucial for treating various ailments, contributing significantly to the Ayurvedic medicine industry, and involves the usage of over 10,000 metric tonnes annually.
What confusion exists regarding the botanical sources of Daśamūla?
There is considerable confusion due to differing correlations between Ayurvedic texts and botanical species. For instance, the plant Pṛṣṇiparṇī is linked to multiple species, including Uraria picta and Desmodium gangeticum, leading to uncertainty about the authentic sources used in formulations.
How were the botanical sources for Daśamūla identified?
The identification involved a detailed literature review of classical and contemporary Ayurvedic texts, agrarian studies, and pharmacopoeias. However, many methodologies remain unclear, leading to inconsistencies in the documentation of botanical correlations.
What is the importance of standardization in Daśamūla formulations?
Standardization is essential for ensuring quality control and validating the efficacy of the Ayurvedic formulations. Establishing clear botanical identities will help eliminate confusion in sourcing and improve the legitimacy of substitute species used in the industry.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Botanical identity of Dasamula drug sources: a literature review.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Agnimantha, Prishniparni, Dashamularishta, Medicinal plant, Medicinal formulation, Parts used, Substitute, Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Ayurveda Text, Phytochemical studies, Bioactivity, Plant taxonomy, Botanical source, Ancient Science of life, Dashamula Kashaya, Ayurvedic industry, Descriptive tables, Pharmacognostic standard.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Sanskrit scholar, Scholarly work, Etymological analysis.