Abstract Shodhala Nighantu has provided a vivid description on the therapeutic aspects of pharmacological, non-pharmacological measures, and diets along with its side effects or secondary action on body elements, that is, Tridosha ( Vata, Pitta, and Kapha ), Saptadhatu ( Rasa , Rakta , Mamsa , Meda , Asthi , Majja , and Shukra ), and Mala ( Purisha and Mutra ). There is an increasing awareness about Ayurveda and other complimentary system of medicines, at the same instance; there is also a need for understanding of therapeutic versus pharmacovigilance aspects of drugs and diet quoted by classics. This article describes a critical review on Shodhala Nighantu from pharmacotherapeutic and pharmacovigilance aspects. Out of 854 drugs and diets reviewed; side effects in terms of increase or decrease of body elements enumerated on Dosha (220), Dhatu (45), and Mala (90). The critical study of diet and medicines mentioned by Shodhala Nighantu provides a clear view about therapeutic indications and vigilance concern. Pharmacovigilance action enlisted in this article provides a clear view about side effects in terms of vitiation of Dosha and a qualitative or quantitative increase or decrease in the functions of Dhatu and Mala . The therapeutic applications of drugs shall be interpreted by analyzing disease and symptoms pathology, age, strength, digestive power, geographical and environmental impacts, disease condition etc. Some drugs and animal species depicted by Shodhala remains unidentified and lacks research evidences.
Joil et al. (Thu,) studied this question.