Article: A REVIEW ON DANTI (BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM WILLD. MUELL. ARG) IN NIGHANTU KALA

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17277

Pages: 192-196

Author: Prasenjit K. More, Suwarna A. Meshram *

Abstract: Danti (Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell. Arg.) is a classical Tikshna Virechana Dravya widely described in the Nighantu literature of Ayurveda. The present review systematically reviews and analyzes the references of Danti exclusively from major Nighantus ranging from the 5th to the 20^th century, focusing on its synonyms, varga classification, Rasadipanchaka, dosha-karma, and therapeutic indications. A comparative literary methodology was adopted, wherein descriptions from principal lexicons such as Dhanvantari Nighantu, Shodhala Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, and Bhavprakash Nighantu were critically examined and tabulated to identify similarities and variations. The analysis demonstrates remarkable consistency in describing Danti as Katu rasa, Ushna virya, Tikshna and Sara guna, and Katu vipaka, with predominant action in Kapha-Vata shamana and strong shodhana and virechana karma. Variations observed in dosha-karma and varga placement reflect evolving classificatory approaches rather than conceptual inconsistency. The rich synonym profile encodes morphological, pharmacodynamic, and therapeutic attributes, highlighting the depth of classical pharmacognostic insight. Notably, its identification as an Abhava Pratinidhi of Chitraka in Bhavprakasha underscores recognized pharmacological similarity. Overall, the Nighantu evidence establishes Danti as a potent eliminative drug with subtle pharmacodynamic identity and enduring relevance in Ayurvedic therapeutics.

Keyword: Danti, Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell. Arg, Nighantu, Synonyms, Pharmacodynamics, Review article