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Nomenclature in Dravyaguna Vijnana refers to the identification and naming of a plant (dravya) based on its guna (qualities), karma (actions), rupa (morphology), desha (habitat), and other attributes.
The Raja Nighantu (also known as Abhidhanachandrika) is a significant text of Ayurvedic materia medica composed during the medieval period by Narahari Pandita.
It is primarily focused on the synonyms (nāmāni) and descriptions of dravyas, especially of herbal origin, and contains systematic classification and rationale behind naming.
IMPORTANCE OF NOMENCLATURE IN AYURVEDA
Aids in correct identification of dravyas.
Helps in avoiding substitution and adulteration.
Supports correlation with modern botanical taxonomy.
Facilitates understanding of properties and uses based on names themselves.
BASIS OF NOMENCLATURE IN RAJA NIGHANTU
Raja Nighantu classifies synonyms under various criteria. Synonyms are often meaningful and derived from:
BASED ON RASA, GUNA, VIRYA, VIPAKA AND KARMA
Names reflect pharmacological action or properties.
Example: “Deepani” – a dravya that enhances digestion.
Example: “Katuparni” – a plant with katu (pungent) rasa in leaves.
These names help in predictive therapeutics.
BASED ON ROGA-NASHANA SHAKTI (DISEASE-SPECIFIC NAMES)
Names indicating the action of the drug on specific diseases.
Example: “Jwarantaka” – that destroys fever (jwara).
Example: “Arshoghna” – that destroys piles (arsha).
BASED ON RUPA (MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS)
Names that describe the external appearance of the plant.
Example: “Shvetapunarnava” – a white-colored variety of Punarnava.
Example: “Brihati” – indicating the large size of the plant or its fruits.
BASED ON GROWTH HABIT OR HABITAT
Names that refer to the ecological conditions or geographical location.
Example: “Parvatiya” – grown in hilly regions.
Example: “Nadika” – grown near rivers.
BASED ON TASTE OR SMELL
Names based on peculiar taste or odor.
Example: “Sugandhika” – aromatic in nature.
Example: “Tikta” – having bitter taste.
BASED ON COLOR OR FORM
Names related to the varna (color) or specific structural form.
Example: “Haridra” – yellow in color.
Example: “Chandana” – referring to its fragrant heartwood and pale yellow color.
BASED ON MYTHOLOGICAL OR SYMBOLIC ASSOCIATIONS
Some names have historical, divine, or symbolic associations.
Example: “Brahmi” – associated with Brahma or intellect.
Example: “Ashoka” – meaning remover of grief.
BASED ON SIMILARITY TO OTHER OBJECTS OR ANIMALS
Names derived from resemblance to shapes, animals, or known objects.
Example: “Goji” – refers to the cow (go) shaped leaf or fruit.
Example: “Simhika” – lion-like appearance.
USE OF SYNONYMS (NAMA BAHULYA)
Raja Nighantu emphasizes Nāmabahulya – presence of multiple names (synonyms) for a single dravya.
This represents regional diversity, variation in use, and contextual relevance.
Example: Guduchi – also known as Amrita, Chinnaruha, Jwarari, Rasayani, Madhuparni.
SANSKRIT SHLOKAS ON DRAVYA NAMES (FROM CLASSICAL TEXTS)
चरक संहिता सूत्रस्थान 1/66
"ननु नामानि भिषजां नानार्थानि भवन्त्यतः।
तस्मात् गुणकर्माणि च द्रव्यस्य परिचक्षणम्॥"
Meaning: Mere names of drugs are not sufficient; hence one should understand the properties and actions of a dravya.
चरक संहिता सूत्रस्थान 4/7
"द्रव्यं गुणैः कर्मणश्चोपलभ्यते।"
Meaning: A dravya is understood through its properties and actions.
MODERN CORRELATION WITH TAXONOMY AND BOTANY
Modern herbology emphasizes binomial nomenclature as introduced by Carl Linnaeus.
Each plant has a Genus and Species name, e.g., Tinospora cordifolia for Guduchi.
It aids in global identification, standardization, and scientific validation.
The Ayurvedic concept of multiple names is aligned with regional/common names in botany.
NOMENCLATURE IN PHARMACOGNOSY
Based on family, morphological characters, part used, phytochemical constituents.
Example: Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Family: Meliaceae
Active principles: Nimbin, Nimbidin
Uses: Antiseptic, Antifungal, Antidiabetic
RELEVANCE IN CONTEMPORARY HERBAL MEDICINE
WHO promotes standardized herbal nomenclature for quality assurance.
Ayurvedic names offer insight into traditional uses; modern taxonomy enables clinical integration.
For example: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Rasayana in Ayurveda, adaptogen in modern medicine.
