Nootropic drugs in bhavaprakasha nighantu- A Review

Aim/Objective: In this review an attempt is made to compile the intellect promoting drugs mentioned in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Materials and Methods: A Comprehensive literature search in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu was conducted to identify the relevant data and analyzed them to present a summary of the content. Discussion: Cognitive insufficiency associate with many of neuropsychiatric conditions and as developmental deficit. Nootropics are used enormously to boost cognitive abilities. Search for Ayurvedic medicinal plants for improving cognitive function magnified nowadays owing to their less adverse effects. Classical texts and Nighantus provide a database for nootropic agents. Present paper is a compilation of intellectual promoting drugs mentioned in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, one of the most important lexicon in Ayurveda. Conclusion: There are 33 single drugs i.e, herbal, mineral and animal origin that has been mentioned in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu which have nootropic property. Bhavamisra mentioned these medhya dravyas in Harithakyadi varga, Karpuradi varga,Guduchyadi varga, Amradi varga, Dhatuvadi varga, Dhanya varga, Sakavarga, Mamsa varga, Dugda varga, Navaneetha varga, Ghrita varga, Mutra varga, Taila varga and Madhu varga.