Pharmacotherapeutic vigilance on Kaiyadeva Nighantu: A portrayal

Abstract Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, is being widely explored by researchers and physicians across the globe for the management of lifestyle diseases and newly emerging diseases. The knowledge related to the use of herbal medicines is majorly described in Nighantu (lexicon). Kaiyadeva Nighantu has a vivid description on the therapeutic aspects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures, food ingredients, recipes etc., in relevance to the therapeutic benefits and side effects. The lexicon provides description of drugs from various origins, namely, plant ( Aushadhi ; dhanya ), animal, liquids ( Jala , Dugdha , Dadhi , Taila , Takra , Navneet , and Mutra ), minerals, and alcohol. In the present portrayal, Kaiyadeva Nighantu has been reviewed meticulously for the description of side effects. The data extracted from the search were evaluated for relevance with respect to therapeutic vigilance and pharmacovigilance concern. Out of a total 1129 reviewed drugs/diets/lifestyle measures, 188 drugs or diets are reported for its increasing or decreasing actions on Dosha (111), Dhatu (38), and Mala (35). Specific side effects are quoted for 86 drugs. Kaiyadeva has provided thoughtful insights over therapeutic indications and vigilant aspects of herbs, diet, minerals, and lifestyle.