MEDHYA (COGNITIVE ENHANCERS) HERBAL DRUGS OF BHAVPRAKASH NIGHANTU: A LITERARY REVIEW

Abstract

Cognitive impairment can have devastating effects on a person’s emotional and physical well-being. The cognitive enhancers can be used to attenuate the impairment of cognitive functions .In traditional practices of medicines, numerous plants have been used to treat cognitive disorders. Ayurveda plays vital role in Cognitive disorders and explained them under mansaroga. Many treatment modalities have been explained in Brihattrayi (Charka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtang Hridyum) and Laghutrayi (Bhavprakash, Madhav Nidan and Sharangdhara Samhita). In Bhavprakash Nighantu, a part of Bhavprakash Samhita, Bhavmishra mentions certain drugs having Medhya property which can be correlated with cognitive enhancement. These drugs can be used specifically to improve memory and intellect. The present study was designed to screen the drugs from Bhavprakash Nighantu with Medhya, medhavardhak, matiprada, medhakrit, buddhida, medhaprada, medhakara, medhahito, Medhyagnivardhini, buddhismrutiprada, smrutibuddhida and Smrutikara properties. Out of 426 drugs 23 drugs were described as cognitive enhancers throughout the text. These screened drugs will be a handy reference for the treatment of cognitive disorders.