INDIAN BERBERRY DARUHARIDRA- AN ENLIGHTENMENT OF SYNONYMS FROM NIGHANTU

Abstract

Naming a plant is a crucial step similar to calling a person to give them a unique identity. The name of any drug is based on its appearance, morphological and unique characteristics. It helps in the identification of a vast collection of plants. Since Vedic times, drugs have been named from time to time according to their special features like Udabhavbhodhak (Name of the origin), Swaroopbhodhak ( Morphological characters), Gunabhodak (Knowledge of properties), Karmabhodhak ( Pharmacological actions). Different synonyms are given in Samhitas and Nigantus according to their description. In Nama-Rupa gyana, additional synonyms (Prayaya) of drugs are compiled. Daruharidra (Berberis aristata DC.) is a plant with yellow wood growing in upper Himalayas .Berberis means a plant of a genus that comprises the berberries and aristata is a plant with rough leaves and stem. It resembles yellow colour like Haridra. It has some of the famous synonyms are Darvi, Panchpacha, Peetdaru, Peetchandanam, Kaleyak etc.