Methods of evaluating Anukta Dravya

Abstract

In Dravyaguna Shastra medicinal plants are documented by means of Rasapanchaka and Karma. Chronological up gradation of medicinal plants has been observed from Vedic Kala to Samhita Kala and up to Nighantu Kala. Still many folklore plants and exotic plants are available in India which have not been mentioned in Ayurvedic Samhitas and Nighantus. Such undocumented or unexplored drugs are known as Anukta Dravya (extra pharmacopeial drugs). It is noted that raw drugs for making good number of formulations are derived from plants. And some plants are fall under endangered category. Because of increased population and over exploitation of drugs, habitat degradation is going on. Earth is losing at least one potential major drug every two years. Pandit Narahari author of Raja Nighantu has provided criteria for nomenclature of undocumented drugs. Acharya Charaka has explained guidelines for drug standardization in Viamana Sthana. If these methods are followed to study Anukta Draya along with modern parameters of Pharmacognosy will provide new ways to preserve some endangered species by adapting tissue culture technique. Additional activity can be explored by screening the drugs. And at the end the Standardized drug can be added in API Monograph.