A Review on Adhaki (Cajanus Cajan Linn.) with special reference to Nighantus

Adhaki (Cajanus cajan Linn), commonly known as pigeon pea or red gram, is an important food crop in India and has also been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties. In Ayurvedic literature, Adhaki is described in different Samhitas and Nighantus, where its various properties and therapeutic applications have been documented. Traditionally, different parts of the plant, particularly the leaves and seeds, have been used in conditions such as Rakta Vikara (blood disorders), Grahani (Irritable bowel syndrome) and Yakrit Vikara (Liver disorders). The present review was undertaken to compile the information on Adhaki mentioned in different Nighantus (lexicon) with particular emphasis on its nomenclature, synonyms, varieties, classical classification, Rasapanchaka, therapeutic indications, along with its morphological and microscopic characteristics, phytoconstituents and physicochemical standards to bridge the gap between traditional and modern literature. Relevant information was gathered from Ayurvedic Samhitas, Nighantus, pharmacopoeial literature, standard medicinal-plant references and published research studies. Modern experimental studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of different parts of C. cajan. Experimental investigations have demonstrated improvement in biochemical markers of hepatic injury, oxidative stress and histopathological changes following treatment with C. cajan extracts. Its reported phytoconstituents, including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, stilbenes, tannins, saponins and terpenoids, may contribute to these biological effects. However, further well-designed pharmacological, mechanistic and clinical studies are required to establish its therapeutic potential and support its standardized use in evidence-based healthcare.