A bstract Background: Aromatherapy has a historical foundation in ancient India, with documentation tracing back to the Rig-Veda. Over centuries, Ayurvedic literature has expanded on the therapeutic utility of aromatic substances. The Satkaṇṭharatna, a late 16th-century native Nighaṇṭu (lexicon) of Odisha, provides a specialized classification of these substances, yet remains under-researched in modern botanical contexts. Objective: This study aims to perform a critical literary analysis and botanical identification of the Sugandhi Dravyas (aromatic drugs) described in the first three chapters of the Satkaṇṭharatna. Materials and Methods: The research comprised a comparative analysis of three primary sources: two digital palm-leaf manuscripts (AY₃68 and AY₃22) and a rare 1939 published edition. The study focused on the categorization of aromatic drugs into three degrees of intensity: intense, moderate, and mild. Botanical identities were established using the World Flora Online database, while zoological components were verified via standard Ayurvedic animal product inventories. Pharmacological data was further cross-referenced with the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. Results: A total of 113 fragrant drugs were identified within the initial three chapters. The research documented their traditional synonyms, properties, and therapeutic actions. The classification system reveals a sophisticated understanding of volatile substances based on their sensory intensity and pharmacological impact. Conclusion: The Satkaṇṭharatna serves as a vital historical link for Odisha ethno-pharmacology. By identifying and organizing these drugs according to modern scientific nomenclature, this study validates traditional aromatherapeutic practices and provides a structured framework for future pharmacological research into aromatic Ayurvedic dravyas.
Nanda et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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