An Appraisal of Vatsanābha (Aconitum Ferox Wall.) with Special Reference to Classical Texts Of Ayurveda: Saṁhitā, Cikitsā Grantha, Nighaṇṭus And Rasagrantha

Mital  Buha; Niral  Sojeetra; Rabinarayan  Acharya

doi:10.51649/healer.3

Mital Buha PhD Scholar, Dept. of Dravyaguna, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
Niral Sojeetra PhD Scholar, Dept. of Dravyaguna, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
Rabinarayan Acharya Professor & Head, Dept. of Dravyaguna, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Aconitum ferox, Amṛta, Garala, Vatsanābha, Viṣa

Abstract

Background: Vatsanābha, (Aconitum ferox Wall., Ranunculaceae), has been well documented in Ayurvedic texts such as Saṁhitā (treatise), Nighaṇṭu (lexicons), Rasagranthas (compendia related to alchemy) and Cikitsā granthas (compendia of Ayurveda). Methods: This paper provides a collective information regarding Vatsanābha, its morphological characters, properties and actions mentioned in Nighantu, Samhita and Rasagrantha. Result and discussion: The study reveals that Vatsanābha, a medicinal plant has about forty-one synonyms (paryaya); and highlightes its morphological characters and pharmacological properties. It is attributed with properties like Vyavāyī (CNS stimulation followed by depression), Balya (tonic), Rasāyana (Rejuvenation), Kaṇṭharukhara (reliever of throat pain), etc. As a single drug, Vatsanābha is indicated in about twenty-seven clinical conditions like Agnimāndhya (digestive impairment), Kāsa (cough), Madāvaha (alcoholism), Gulma (abdominal lump), etc. Vatsanābha is used for Śodhana (purification procedure), krāmaṇa (transformation of base metals into gold) and Vedhana (alchemy); 3 saṅskāra among the aṣṭasaṅskāra of pārada. Conclusion: This review may enrich to documentary research and may provide collective and detailed information regarding Vatsanābha as it is presented in ayurvedic classical texts.