A comprehensive review of Pratinidhi Dravya from commentaries of Sharangdhara Samhita

Abstract

Introduction: Substitutes (Pratinidhi Dravya) is a known concept since Samhita period but became popular during 16th–17th century. Substitutes are important in the present scenario where the availability of raw drug is a big concern. The current available published data focuses on substitutes described by Bhavpraksha and Yogratnakara. But before these texts, commentators of Sharangdhara Samhita have explained Abhava Dravya under different formulations. No work has been done to highlight their contribution. Materials and Methods: A thorough review of entire Sharangdhara Samhita along with its two commentaries, i.e., Deepika and Gudhartha Deepika, has been done along with databases and published literature. Result and Conclusion: Through this review, a clear insight of the seers was observed in choosing substitutes by prioritizing the therapeutic profile of the drug or formulation.