Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF VISHISHTA GUNA (ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERS) IN THE AUTHENTICATION OF MEDICINAL PLANT

Dr. Mehak Saini*, Dr. Monika Sharma

ABSTRACT

According to Ayurveda, the Gunas (qualities) of medicinal plants play a major role in determining their therapeutic efficacy and authenticity. Of these, Vishishta guna, such as Shabda (sound), Sparsha (touch), Rupa (appearance), Rasa (taste), and Gandha (smell), are essential indicators for identification, quality evaluation, and standardization. Some of Ayurvedic medicinal plants - Chitraka, Vacha, Asthishrinkhala, Kutaja, Beejaka, Parijata, Dhataki, Gokshur, Kampillaka, Mocharasa, and Bhumyamalaki- are systematically evaluated organoleptically in this work. The unique sensory and physical traits of each plant made it easier to distinguish them from adulterants and evaluate their pharmacological effectiveness. Vishishta guna observations were consistent with traditional Ayurvedic ideas and emphasized their role in ensuring the authenticity, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicines. The results emphasize that systematic organoleptic evaluation is an easy, affordable, and trustworthy way to authenticate medicinal plants. It supports the standardization of Ayurvedic formulations for evidence-based clinical practice and complements contemporary pharmacognostic procedures.

Keywords: Ayurveda; Vishishta guna; Organoleptic evaluation; Medicinal plants; Herbal standardization.