Bulletin of the Indian Institute of History of Medicine (Hyderabad)

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Palăśa (Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub.) and its medico-historical study.
(2006-07-08) Prasad, P V V; Subhaktha, P K J P; Narayana, Ala; Rao, M Mruthyumjaya
Palăśa (Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub.) is considered sacred both by Hindus and Buddhists. It is known to the Hindus under the Sănskrt name Palăśa as it possesses valuable medicinal properties. This sacred tree is being called the treasurer of the gods and of sacrifice. It grows throughout India except in very arid parts and is a medium sized deciduous tree. Parts used are bark, leaf, flower, seed and gum. It is mainly useful as antihelmenthic appetizer, aphrodisiac, laxative etc. Thus its medico- historical aspects are being presented in this paper.
Importance of Ananda kanda in the history of Indian alchemy.
(2006-07-08) Gupta, K L Virupaksha; Chinta, Sridurga; Reddy, K R C
Rasa Săstra is an important branch of Ayurvĕda developed for achieving therapeutic benefits from mineral materials. Ananda kanda is one of this subject text which gives an elaborate description of this subject. Dĕhavada concept of Rasa Săstra has been described elaborately along with Lŏha vada in this text. This book serves an important reference text. This book serves an important reference text for students and scholars of Rasa Săstra for teaching and training practical purposes.
Historical evidences on medicolegal autopsy and toxicological descriptions in Kautilya's Arthaśăstra.
(2006-07-08) Prasad, Goli Penchala; Babu, G; Swamy, G K
Kautilya's Arthaśăstra deals mainly the art of government, duties of Kings, ministers, officials and methods of diplomacy. It also deals with branches of internal and foreign policies, civil, military, commercial, fiscal, judicial etc. By name and popularity of the book, scholars believe this as seed of political science and Economics. Surprisingly, it also has the descriptions of many Ayurvĕda herbs, metals, herbomineral preparations and poisonous substances. This book also deals with medico legal autopsy and Toxicology. The main aim of this article is to highlight the descriptions of forensic medicines and toxicology.
Hastyăyurvĕda--a complete treatise on elephants.
(2006-07-08) Sharma, Mahesh Chandra
Ayurvĕda, the oldest existing medical science of India, which is not only responsible for the health of human beings but also, plays an important in Veterinary sciences. In India, history of traditional Veterinary medicine dates back to the era of Mahăbhărata i.e.5000 B.C., recorded in the form of "Nakula Samhhită". Hastăyurvĕda is a treatise on elephants, Palkăpya wrote this Samhită. The present book is available as a complete Samhită, edited by Pandit Shivadutta Sharma. Hastăyurvĕda was printed at Anandăśrama press in 1894. Hastăyurvĕda has 160 Adhyăyăs. This Samhită is based on fundamental principles of Ayurvĕda, containing all aspects of Sharir including Anatomy & Physiology, Rog Vigyăna, Surgery and Treatment of elephants as well as their care. It is the one and only complete printed Samhită and rare book on Hastăyurvĕda by Palkăpya.
Introduction to Garudapurăna with reference to Ayurvĕda.
(2006-07-08) Subhose, Varanasi; Narayana, Ala; Prasad, P V V; Rao, M Mruthyumjaya
The Purănas are the encyclopedic works of the ancient and medieval Hindu religion, philosophy, history, politics, ethics, sciences etc. There are 18 (Astădaśa) purănas, which are, considered as mahăpurănas, among which Garudapurăna is popular one. The Garudapurăna is divided into two parts viz., Pŭrvakhanda and Uttarakhanda. The first part, which is also called Acărakhanda consists of 240 chapters. The greater part of the Pŭrvakhanda occupies the descriptions of Vratas (religious observances), sacred places dedicated to the Sŭrya (sun), Lord Siva and Lord Visnu. It also contains treatises on various aspects like astrology, palmistry, politics, Sănkhya, Yŏga, anatomy, precious stones and extensive information on vedic medicine i.e., Ayurveda. The Uttarakhanda consists of two khandas viz. Dharmakhanda and Brahmakhanda, which are divided into 42 and 29 chapters, respectively. The Dharmakhanda is also known as the Prĕtakalpa which contains directions for the performance of obsequies rites. The Prĕtakalpa portion of the Garudapurăna is generally recited during the period of mourning and so its importance is self-evident. It is almost impossible to narrate within such a small framework, the wide range of splendid truths scattered in the pages of this noble purănam. Little information is available from internal evidence to establish its exact period. However, it is supposed to be quite ancient in its origin.
A prologue on "Vastuguna Dipika". The Andhra Ayurvĕda Nighantu of 1883 A.D.
(2006-07-08) Rao, M Paramkusha; Khemani, Naresh
Vastuguna Dipika is a Nighantu Grantha written in Telugu language on Ayurvĕda drugs, diets and deeds in an alphabetical order in Telugu language and it is a much popular book for more than a century. Yerra Venkata Swamy (retired district Munsif) has authored and published it on 23rd June, 1883 A.D. It is a period of printing facility introduced in India. It is edited and reprinted eight times by the successors of same "Yerra" family during a period of century. The subject content of the book has been slowly updated from edition to edition. Vastuguna Dipika comprising of 1148 pages in written. Drug like Coffee, Cabbage have been elaborately dealt with Ayurvĕda viewpoint. Certain drugs like Lasuna, Haridra also have been dealt very elaborately. In this book several drugs are grouped according to action and indications. Mineral drugs and mercurial preparations are also dealt in detail. Along with the properties of drugs and diet the properties and uses of certain routine deeds like bathing, sleeping exercise etc; are explained in the book. An alphabetical index of diseases in English in found along with the alphabetical indices of drugs in English, Telugu and Sanskrit languages.
Thirumŭlar--pioneer of the immunology concept.
(2006-07-08) Rajasekaran, R; Narayana, Ala
Extraordinary longevity of life, made possible by repeated reading and following of the text Thirumandiram 3000 - written by great Siddhar Thirumŭlar. He the Prince of Mystics is one of the 18 luminous Siddhars and the first and foremost #1 Siva śiddhăndi. Historians and scholars predicted his life period between 5th to 8th centuries AD. In his teachings, he explained the kinds of 'Thavam' (Yoga) and he insisted the #2 'Kăya siddhi'. Thousands of years ago, he wrote in detail about Anatomy of microcosm, Siddha physiology, Humoural pathology, Science of pulse, Microcosmic Atom theory, Immunology concept and Immortalization of our body. His marvelous text Thirumandiram deals with Medical science, Life science, Natural science and Divine. In this article authors, discuss about the biography of Thirumŭlar and his medical works.
Medico-historical study of "aśvattha" (sacred fig tree).
(2006-01-08) Prasad, P V V; Subhaktha, P K J P; Narayana, Ala; Rao, M Mruthyumjaya
Aśvattha (Ficus religiosa Linn.) is a tree which has got mythological, religious and medicinal importance in Indian culture since ancient times. As per Vedic Index Aśvattha means horse stand, a place or site or an object where or under which horses stand. Aśvattha is also known as Pipal and Bodhidrma. This tree is the oldest depicted tree in India. In Vedic times it was used to make fire by friction and considered sacred. Atharvavĕda associates it with the third heaven. It discusses medicinal properties of Aśvattha along with Soma and Kuştha. Aśvattha is associated with the triad of Gods-Brahma, vişņu and siva. Reference to Aśvattha is found in Rămăyaņa, Mahăbhărata, Bhagavadgĭta, Buddhistic literature, Arthaśăstra, Purănăs, Upanişads etc. non-medical literature also. According to Ayurvĕda it has several synonyms. Most of them symbolize its sacredness. Aśvattha is useful in various ailments like consumption, vomiting, ulcers in oral cavity, burns, gynaecological problems etc. Thus its medico-historical importance, regional nomenclature, morphological features in brief etc. are being presented in this article with few illustrations.
Vŗkşăyurvĕda of parăśara--an ancient treatise on plant science.
(2006-01-08) Prasad, G P; Neelima, G; Pratap, G P; Swamy, G K
Vŗkşăyurvĕda of Parăśara is a great contribution to the Botany in ancient India. N.N. Sircar and Roma sarkar edited this text with English translation. Notes with comparative references of modern botany were added. This book can be placed in all probability in between 1st century B.C to 4th century A.D by its linguistic style. Many scientific branches of Botany including origin of life, ecology, distribution of forests, morphology, classification, nomenclature, histology and physiology were dealt in this ancient work. Though it is presumed that this book was written by Parăśara to teach Botany to preparatory to Ayurvĕda studies to ancient Ayurvĕda students, it is true to the Ayurvĕda personals and other disciplines related to Botany of present day as well. Aim of this article is to attract the attention of all scholars who are related to Ayurvĕda and Botany and to feel the depth of the knowledge of ancient Indian botany.
Biography of Sŏdhala and his contribution to Ayurvĕda.
(2006-01-08) Subhose, Varanasi; Narayana, Ala; Bhatnagar, Vinod Kumar; Rao, M Mruthyumjaya
Sŏdhala was a scholar of Ayurvĕda as well as săhitya, Jyotisya, Vyakaraņa and also a good poet who belongs to Gujarat. Sŏdhala contributed two important works to Ayurvĕda literature namely 1. Sŏdhbala nighaņţu, 2. Gadanigraha. Sŏdhala nighaņţu consists of two parts and contains about 2,050 (790+1,260) verses. The section on synonyms, the Nămasangraha, and the other one is on properties and actions of drugs, the Guņasangraha. The arrangement of the material constitutes an unprecedented innovation in the literature of Nighaņţu (Ayurvĕda drug's lexicons or dictionaries). The Gadanigraha is composed of two distinct parts and contains about 10,054 (2,700+7,354) verses. The first part is a collection of formulae arranged according to the several types of pharmaceutical preparations and the second one is a comprehensive text dealing with both Nidăna and cikitsă, arranged as for the Aşţăngas (8 major divisions) of Ayurvĕda. The work seems to be later than Sŏdhalanighaņţu because most of the drugs mentioned in this work are not found in the Sŏdhalanighaņţu. The diseases are arranged in systematically, which is a new feature and their order is differ from Mădhavanidăna. From the available evidences we can assume that Sŏdhala might be belongs to 1200 A.D. The contributions of Sŏdhala are noteworthy and they are important landmark works in history of Ayurvĕda.
Diet, dietetics and flora of the Holy Bible.
(2006-01-08) Subhaktha, P K J P; Narayana, Ala; Sharma, Bhuvnesh Kumar; Rao, M Mruthyumjaya
The study of history of medical science from non-medical sources needs no apology. At first the discussion of what was thought in the past rather than what is known now appears to be of merely antiquarian value. The knowledge of Diet, Dietetics, medicinal plants dates back to the remote antiquity of mankind. The Hebrews can be proud of having preserved in the Old Testament many old medical practices and traditions, which throw light on ancient medicine. The Bible is genuinely documented book representing the wisdom, medical knowledge and the culture, of a nomadic race. This article contains information of some medicinal plants, which are useful for treating different kinds of ailments and some with nutritious qualities.
Vandhyatva--a medico historical study.
(2006-01-08) Babu, G; Babu, Anitha; Bhuyan, G C; Prasad, G P; Swamy, G K
As per Ayurvĕda, important factors for conception are considered as rtu (fertile period), Kşĕtra (uterus and reproductive organs), Ambu (Proper nutrient fluid) and Bĭja (sukra-sŏnita) and also normalcy of Hŗdaya (Psychology). Abnormality of properly functioning Văyu and Satbhavăs (mătŗja, pitŗja, atma, satva, sătmaya and Rasa), any one of these causes infertility (Vandhyatva). From the time immemorial the phenomenon of infertility was prevalent through out the world and this may persist till the human race exists. Every human being has inherent, intense desire to continue his (one's) own race; to become a mother is one of the most cherished desires of every woman. Failure to achieve conception by a couple of mature age, having normal coitus during appropriate period of menstrual cycle regularly, at least for one year of their conjugal is termed as infertility. The historical importance of strĭ vandhyatva and a comparative study regarding its Nidăna, Samprăpti, Lakşaņa, Chikitsă etc compiled from various Granthăs are being presented in this paper.
Requirement of scientific documentation for the development of Naturopathy.
(2006-01-08) Rastogi, Rajiv
Past few decades have witnessed explosion of knowledge in almost every field. This has resulted not only in the advancement of the subjects in particular but also have influenced the growth of various allied subjects. The present paper explains about the advancement of science through efforts made in specific areas and also through discoveries in different allied fields having an indirect influence upon the subject in proper. In Naturopathy this seems that though nothing particular is added to the basic thoughts or fundamental principles of the subject yet the entire treatment understanding is revolutionised under the influence of scientific discoveries of past few decades. Advent of information technology has further added to the boom of knowledge and many times this seems impossible to utilize these informations for the good of human being because these are not logically arranged in our minds. In the above background, the author tries to define documentation stating that we have today ocean of information and knowledge about various things- living or dead, plants, animals or human beings; the geographical conditions or changing weather and environment. What required to be done is to extract the relevant knowledge and information required to enrich the subject. The author compares documentation with churning of milk to extract butter. Documentation, in fact, is churning of ocean of information to extract the specific, most appropriate, relevant and defined information and knowledge related to the particular subject . The paper besides discussing the definition of documentation, highlights the areas of Naturopathy requiring an urgent necessity to make proper documentations. Paper also discusses the present status of Naturopathy in India, proposes short-term and long-term goals to be achieved and plans the strategies for achieving them. The most important aspect of the paper is due understanding of the limitations of Naturopathy but a constant effort to improve the same with the growth made in various discipline of science so far.
Basic principles of pharmaceutical science in Ayurvĕda.
(2005-07-06) Subhose, Varanasi; Srinivas, Pitta; Narayana, Ala
Pharmaceutical is one of the allied branches of science, which is closely associated with Medical science. Today pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacognosy are playing important role in treatment for a disease and its prevention. Herbal medicines are being used by about 80% of the world population mostly in the developing countries in the primary health care. There has been an upsurge in demand for the Phyto-pharmaceutical products of Ayurvĕda in western nations, because of the fact that the synthetic drugs are considered to be unsafe. Due to this many national and multinational pharmaceutical companies are now concentrating on manufacturing of Ayurvĕdic Phyto-pharmaceutical products. Ayurvĕda is the Indian traditional system of medicine, which also deals about pharmaceutical science. The Ayurvĕdic knowledge of the pharmaceutical science is scattered in Ayurvĕdic classical texts. Săranghadhara Samhita, which is written by Săranghadhara, explain systematically about the information of the Ayurvĕdic pharmaceutical science and also updated it. Industrialized manufacturing of Ayurvĕdic dosage forms has brought in new challenges like deviation from basic concepts of medicine preparation. Săranghadhara Samrhită the devout text on pharmaceutics in Ayurvĕda comes handy to solve such problems, as the methods described are very lucid and easy to follow.
Ayurvĕdic approach to pathya (ideal diet planning)--an appraisal.
(2005-07-06) Bhat, Sulochana; Lavekar, G S
Most health problems develop due to the wrong eating habits and cooking methods. Ayurvĕda deals with the pathya, apathya or pathya vyavastha (planning of diet- dietetics) in a very scientific and holistic way of Dietetics. The diet planning mentioned in our classical literature is very rational and based on certain principles. Lot of importance is given to the diet with regard to its processing, quality, quantity and so on. Due consideration is given to the atmosphere, psychological condition, status of health, digestion etc. of the person while dealing with this issue. The diet should also be planned according to the age, season, habitat and the preference of the person. In this paper the fundamental principals of Pathya vyavastha (dietetics) with appropriate references, recommended diet based on the texts and clinical findings for some important diseases such as diabetes, liver diseases, acid -peptic disorders, cardiac diseases are dealt with. The proper incorporation of diet not only can prevent many preventable disorders but plays major role in the management of the Diseases. Ayurvĕda has very holistic and scientific approach in planning the diet. The fundamental principles like tridŏşa, prakrti, the tastes, processing of food, the quality, quantity, and the rules regarding eating food if considered while incorporating the diet one can keep away from many diseases of body and mind.
Biography of Kaśyapa and his contribution to Kaumărabhrtya (paediatrics).
(2005-07-06) Prasad, P V V
Maharsi Kaśyapa, the author of Kaśyapa Samhită was the son of sage Marica and Kala. Kaśyapa was an eminent physician and specialist in Kaumărabhŗtya (children's diseases) during ancient times. He was contemporary with Punarvasu. Bower's manuscript referred to him as skillful in children's diseases and many formulae are ascribed to him. Two names Kaśyapa and Kăśyapa appear in the history. Hornle thinks these two are the names of the same rsi there is a confusion over his date. Vrddha Jĭvaka was his disciple. Kaśyapa Samhită or Vrddha Jĭvakĭya Samhită was composed in the form of dialogue between Kaśyapa as the teacher and Vrddha Jĭvaka as his pupil. Vatsya later redacted it during Gupta period. The present editions of the Kaśyapa Samhită are based on the manuscript acquired by Pandit Hemraj Sharma. First edition was published in 1953. This Samhită mainly deals with the children's diseases.
Ayurvĕda gleaned through Buddhism.
(2005-07-06) Narayana, Ala; Lavekar, G S
The Păli canon consists of three Pitakas (baskets), which replete the Buddhism and is known as Tripiţaka, viz, Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma Piţakas. The original phase of Tripiţaka (Buddhisim started in 544 B.C. and lastly systematized up to 29 B.C. The Buddhist literature also possesses the esoteric material of Medical Science, which is practiced and conserved in India since centuries. It refers to the fundamentals of medicine, rules of good living, which lay considerable emphasis on the hygiene of body, mind. Internal Medicine, curative medicine including symptoms, methods of diagnosis, theories of causation, materia-medica, therapeutics and treatment and skills of Jivaka. Some famous and popular prescriptions are also dealt with.
Biography of Mădhavakara: his scholarly contribution.
(2005-07-06) Subhose, Varanasi; Srinivas, Pitta; Narayana, Ala
Mădhavakara, the author of renowned work on 'Nidăna-Rŏgaviniścaya', popularly known as Mădhava Nidăna. It may be the first or earliest compendium detailed description of the diseases based on Nidăna Pancăkam (Five groups of subjects concerned to aetio-pathogenesis). He was the son of Indukara according to the colophon of a manuscript of Văcaspati's commentary on Mădhava Nidăna. He is probably lived between 700-800 A.D., because he is quoted by Vrnda, who belongs to 8th century A.D. The book Mădhava Nidăna was translated in to Arabic as evidenced by the writings of Ali Ibn Sahl 849-850 A.D. and other Arabic authors. Hence, he probably lived between 700-800 A.D. Madhava Nidana is a popular work on Nidăna (aetiopathogenesis) and it is the best in the field of ayurvĕda. "Nidăne Mădhavam srestah" and it is popularly known by the name of the author, but the title of the work is "Rugviniscaya" or "Rŏgaviniscăya". The subject matter explained in 73 chapters. The 1st chapter deals with Nidănapancakam and the other chapter's deals with diseases. The major contribution of Mădhava is the new order of arranging diseases, description of new diseases and recognizing some disorders as independent diseases. The other works attributed to Mădhava are Mădhavacikitsă, Paryăyaratnamăla etc. The important commentaries on Madhavanidana are "Madhukŏśa" by Vijayarakşita and Srĭkaņţhadatta and "Atankadarpana" by Vidyavăcaspati. The work is translated into English, Italian, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu etc., including some regional languages of India.
Some explorative information regarding 'Jwaratimirabhăskara' and its author Kăyastha Camunda.
(2005-07-06) Padhi, M M; Rana, D K; Rao, M M
Out of the treasure of Ayurvĕdic literature, a few texts have come in to lime light while some are in dark and available in incomplete form. But many names of the texts with unknown or known authors have been quoted by different subsequent authors in their texts or in the explications by their commentators, for which complete texts are not available at present. Among the texts on specific diseases, one notable work is 'Jwaratimirabhăskara' written by Kăyastha Camunda. Nowhere a detailed account of author's identity, time and place has been mentioned, while short references are available in some historical books. However, manuscripts of this text are available in many repositories of our country. In this article, an attempt has been made to establish the identity of the author, period of the text and also to highlight the salient features of this text.
Important Ayurvĕda literatures from the manuscripts available from Orissa (Cikitsărnava).
(2005-01-06) Padhi, M M; Das, B; Audichya, K C; Rao, M M
In the treasure of Ayurvĕdic literature, many texts are missing or partially available. Only references or few verses from many such texts are mentioned in later texts. Unfortunately, a large number of Ayurvĕdic texts are unexplored till today are likely to exist in palm-leaf manuscripts, which are decaying or undergoing permanent annihilation. As such many unique and valuable information contained in these texts are being lost. Though several Institutions have taken up work on literary Research, only few texts have been published during past decades. The present paper highlights the salient features of the text 'Cikitsărnava' authored by Viśvanăth Sena of 16th century of Orissa. Though his text on Pathyăpathya has already been published, which has got a place in the pages of history of Ayurvĕda, a very little is known about this important text on therapeutics. Various aspects of this text and its author have been discussed to bring it in to the knowledge of fraternity of Ayurvedic physicians and Sanskrit scholars.

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