A critical review on bharangi [clerodendrum serratum (Linn.) Moon] with special reference to Ayurvedic Nighantus (lexicons ).

Abstract

Nighantus are described as Ayurvedic texts, in which various drugs have been described and mentioned on the basis of their identifying characters, properties, uses, actions and synonyms. Though we consider Bhavaprakasha Nighantu as a main source for Ayurvedic dravyas descriptions ( also called as ayurvedic materia medica) , various other Nighantus had also mentioned ayurvedic drugs in various context.
 Bharangi botanically identified as Clerodendrum Serratum ( Linn) Moon is a medicinal plant well known for its numerous medicinal properties. Bharangi has been mentioned with a number of synonyms depicting its identifying morphological characters and pharmacological actions. Description of the drug can be traced in various Nighantus, under different chapters. However, a single hand, comprehensive information regarding Bharangi, its synonyms, pharmacological actions properties is not available. Twenty 23 Nighantus available in the library and online source of E-nighantu has been scrutinized. The present paper highlights the collective evidences of Bharangi from available 23 Nighantus.
 The study reveals that, about 80 synonyms were attributed to describe Bharangi botanically and pharmacologically. The leaves of the plant are called as kharapatra, and angarvalli, kasaghni, brahmanyashti, vatari, gadarbhashaka are the synonyms which are identifying characteristics features for Bharangi. It is attributed with 40 chikitsa uupayogi ( useful in treatment ) properties like deepana, marutahara, shwasa, kasa, pinasa, gandamala etc. This review may enrich the documentary research of Bharangi and can be refer as detailed information regarding its usages in Ayurvedic Nighantus ( Lexicon).