REVIEW OF AGARU IN HINDU LITERATURE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LEXICONS OF AYURVEDA
*Karnam Chandra Shekhar
ABSTRACT
Stress compounds are released by the plants when they face threat by various environmental factors including the microbial attacks. These compounds help in protecting the plants. But, this process sometimes turns out to be a blessing in disguise for the human beings who always keep their eye on the plants for their benefits. This holds true for a plant called Aquilaria agallocha Roxb- a tree belongs to the family Thymelaceae. An infection by a micro organism and the response to that pathological stimulus by the plant, are the main underlying components in developing a world famous, highly valuable, aromatic heartwood. Contribution of that infection never ends in making it only fragrant. Interestingly, the plant physiology and pathology come together to give birth to a medicine in the form of fragrant resinous wood known as agar wood. The great sages of Ayurveda included it in the therapeutics to treat various diseases. Lexicons are the main source of information on the plants and the botanicals. This statement is proved once again right when the information on Agaru is searched in different nighantus. This study revealed that Agaru is credited with 76 synonyms, 3 most important pharmacological actions and 11 chief indications.
Keywords: Self defence, Aquilaria agallocha Roxb, Nighantu, Anaryaka, Kusthaghna.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]
Impact Factor : 8.181 
