Abstract

TRACING PUNARNAVA (BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA LINN.) IN AYURVEDA LITERATURE FOR DOSAGE FORMS, FORMULATIONS AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Dr. Urvi Pandya*, Dr. Dilip Jani, Dr. Suman Singh and Dr. Nirali Vekariya

ABSTRACT

The primary reason for the interest in Ayurveda is its herbal medicines, which are supposed to have less side effects than synthetic ones. Ayurvedic ancient books can be divided into two categories first those that deal with treatment and second those that deal with drug and dietary information. These texts are referred to as contribution for Chikitsa (therapy) and Nighantu (Material medica), respectively. The present work aims to discuss formulation of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.) from different Samhita and Chikitsagrantha. Punarnava has also been used by some Ayurvedic practitioners for Pandu (Anemia), Shotha (Swelling/inflammation), Hridaroga (Diseases of CVS), Kasa (Cough), Arsha (Hemorrhoids), Vrana (Wound), Urahkshata (Pulmonary cavitations), Shoola (Colic) etc. Present review study highlights the importance, efficacy and specificity of Punarnava at various stages of disease conditions as described in
Samhita and Chikitsagrantha. This work can be useful for making various formulations and ready reckoner for scholars and practitioners of Ayurveda.

Keywords: Punarnava, Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. Ayurveda.