EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NIGHANTU ADARSHA: A COMPREHENSIVE CRITICAL REVIEW

Ayurvedic Nighantus are essential lexicons for the identification and therapeutic application of medicinal plants. Nighantu Adarsha, authored by Bapalal G. Vaidya, is a significant Ayurvedic lexicon that systematically documents medicinal plants along with their pharmacological attributes and therapeutic applications. It also represents a significant advancement by integrating classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern botanical classification. A critical review was conducted using Nighantu Adarsha as the primary source, supported by classical Ayurvedic texts and indexed research articles. The text documents approximately 571 medicinal plants categorized into 127 Vargas, with detailed descriptions including synonyms, morphology, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic uses. Nighantu Adarsha serves as a vital bridge between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and modern pharmacognostic research. Its integration with regional studies enhances its utility in evidence-based herbal medicine.