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An Ayurvedic Review of Shigru from Kosha and Nighantus

Efficacy and Safety
1 2 3
Brijesh
1,2,3
kumar *, Kanhaiya Agrawal , Anil Kumar Singh
Department of Dravyaguna, I.M.S, B.H.U,Varanasi, U.P., India

Abstract
Ayurveda is the life science and indicate knowledge of appropriate and inappropriate. It has
many treasures of life that make man disease free, healthy and long living. From Vedic to
modern era, all the researches have been directed by the eminent scholars to achieve the same.
Ayurvedic form of Materia Medica i.e., Nighantusand Koshacould help significantly in this
direction. There are many Nighantusthat have been written from 5th century A.D. till 20thCentury
A.D, in which synonyms, properties and medicinal uses of different plants were described.
Various aspects of Shigru are discuss in a chronological order from Kosha, Nighantusin this
work.

Keywords
Ayurveda , Shigru , Nighantu, Kosha

Greentree Group
Received 14/08/15 Accepted 05/10/15 Published 10/11/15

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INTRODUCTION
The Nighantu literature is one of the MATERIALS AND METHODS
important aspects in the study of Ayurveda KOSHA AND NIGHANTU
and especially in the subject of Dravyaguna 1. AMARKOSHA (5th Cent. A. D.)1:
Vijnana. The Nighantu may be defined as a Shigru has been mentioned in the
glossary containing synonymous groups, the 2ndKanda, „Vanoshadhi Varga‟and in the 9th
names of the drugs, plants, animals, Vaisya Varga. Shobhanjana,
minerals or anything that is administered Tikshnagandhaka, Akshiva and Mochaka
either as food or medicine to the human was given as a synonym. Along with this,
body.„ Shigru‟ is explained in almost all the term Madhu Shigru has also been used for
important nighantus and kosha. The plant with red flower.Term Shigruja and
termNighantu is based on the term Nigama. Sveta Maricha are used for seeds of Shigru.
This tradition was also adopted by the Amarkosa also mentioned that Shigru is
Ayurvedic scholars to simplify the technical used for shaka.
words especially in the field of dravyaguna. (Amarkosha/Ka.2/Varga4/31,)
Earlier nighantus were limited to explain the (Amarkosha/Ka.2/Varga9/34,110)
synonyms only. After some time the 2. MADANADI- NIGHANTU ((5TH
description of properties, action and CENT. A.D.)2
indications were also included in the
Chandra-Nandana described Shigru in
nighantu along with synonyms. The
Varunadi gana as term Bahalpallava and
Nighantu literature is also as ancient as
used for Kapha medo roga. Mandagni,
Ayurveda. Much importance has not been
Adhayavata, Shiroshula, Gulma, Antah-
given to the study of Nighantu. The ancient
Vidradhi. (M. Ni. 17)
Nighantus were actually like Kosa,
containing the synonyms of dravya. Later 3.SAUSHRUTA NIGHANTU(6th Cent.

on, the drugs were given the description of A.D.)3

properties, actions and their uses. In true In Saushruta Nighantu, Shigru is mentioned
scene the Nighantu means collection of in Varunadi Gana along with Madhu Shigru.
words, synonyms and the names of the Haritashaka, Vahalapatra, Mulapatrka
medicinal substances. Tikshnagandha are synonyms of Shigru.
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Shobhanjana, Tiktagandha, Vahalatvaka 6.SHABDACANDRIKA(11th Cent. A.D)5

Vishad druma, are synonyms of Madhu Cakrapanidatta mentioned Shigru in
Shigru. It is used for Kaphamedo Vishasana, “Vriksadi Varga”. Shobhanjana, Shigru,
Shiroshula ,Gulma, Abhyantara Vidradhi. Tikshnagandha, Mocaka, Shobhanaka and
(Su.Ni. 75-76). Kaminsah are mentioned as synonyms. (SH.
4.PARYAYAA RATNAMALA (9th Cent. C. Vriksadi 28)
A.D.) : In Siddhasara Nighantu, Shigru is
7.SODHALA NIGHANTU (12th Cent.
mentioned in Varunadi Gana. It is used for
A.D.) 6:
Vidradhi, Shlesma-medohara, Gulma ,
In Namasamgraha part, firstly Shigru has
Gulma, (S.Ni. Ch.2/2.5)
been mentioned with other drug i.e. Karvira,
In this Nighantu Shigru and Madhu Shigru Moolaka etc. for udavartana useful in Dadru
are described. Shobhanjana,Tikshnagandha disorders (S.Ni. Shloka 48).
and Moolakaparni are synonyms of Shigru.
Again in “KarviradiVarga’’ different
Sugandha, Swadugandha Shubhanaja are
synonyms of Shigrui.e., Harita saka,
synonyms of madhu Shigru. (P.R.M.365)
Shigruko, Laghu-patraka, Svetak, Sveta
5.DHANVANTARI NIGHANTU – (10th Maricha, Ghanapallava,
th 4
– 13 Cent. A.D.) : Avadankshakshama, Dansa, Mulakaparni,
Shigruhas been placed in “Karviradi Varga” Shobhanjana Tikshnagandha, Mukha
and Harita Saka, Laghu-patraka, Bhanga have been mentioned. (S. Ni./
Avadanksaksama, Dansha, Moolakaparni, Karviradi varga/ Shloka 503-504). Again
Shobhanjana Tikshnagandha, Mukha Raktapushpa, Sthula Tvaka, Madhutiktak,
Bhanga, have been given as its synonyms. Raktaghna Gandhashigru, Kesari, and
Sveta Shigru is Sveta Maricha and Shobhanjana are mentioned as synonyms of
Rakatavrana Shigru is called as Madhu Madhu Shigru. Karviradi varga/ Shloka
Shigru. Along with this Katu Tikta Ushna- 505).
Virya Guna of Shigru with Krimighna, In Gunasamgraha Shigru is indicated in
Vishaghna, Vidradhi nasaka, Pliha nasaka, Hikka, Kasa, Visha, Svasa, Parshvaruka,
Gulma nasaka, and Amaharaactions are Putigandha, Badhavitko, Upadansha. It is
described. (D.N./ Karviradi Varga 36-38). Katu Paka Laghu, Vidahi, Tikshana Ushna,
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Drika-Krimi-Nasaka. Karviradi varga/ Haritchhada are synonyms of Shigru. Its

Shloka 411). Bija is known as Sveta Marich

In “Taila Varga” it is mentioned that Shigru 11. MADHAV DRAVYAGUNA (13th

Taila is Katu Paka Laghu, Tikshna, Ushna,
Sara, Rakta-pittakara used in Shiroroga,
Prameha, Arsha, Kustha and Krimi. (S.Ni. /
Taila Varga / Sloka 789-791)
8.SIDDHAMANTRA (12th – 13th cent
A.D.)7 :
Acharya Keshava has mentioned Shigru in
“Kapha-Vataghna Varga”, along
Mulaka, Maricha and Arka etc. (Si. M./
Kapha-Vataghna Varga / Shloka 90)
9.HRIDAYADIPAKA NIGHANTU (13
8
Cent. A.D.) :
Vopadeva has placed this drug in „Tripada
Varga” and Bahal Dala, Tikshnagandha,
Shobhanjana are mentioned as a synonyms
of Shigru. Murangi is synonym of Madhu
Shigru. Shigruja and Sveta Maricha terms
are for seed of Shigru. (Hr. Ni./ Catuspada
Varga / Shloka 112)
Cent. A.D)9
Madhava mentioned Shigru firstly in
“Lavana Varga”. The properties are Sara,
pachana, with indication in Gulma, Arsha,
Grahani, Ruka, Krimi, Pustvagha, Sharkara-
Ashmari nasaka. (Ma. D. Lanvana Varga
11). Again mentioned in “Taila Varga”
where it is indicated in Arsha, Kustha,
with
Krimi. Kapha-Medo-Vatahara. (Ma. D.
TailaVarga 13).
12.MADANAPALA NIGHANTU (14th
th
Cent. A.D.):
Shigru has been present in “Shakadi
Varga”and Shobhanjana, Krishnagandha,
Bahulcchada, are given as the synonyms.
Rakta Variety is known as Madhu Shigru
andWhite is known as Haritacchada. Shigru
is used in Vidradhi, Pliha, Raktapitta, Vrna.
Madhu Shigru is mainly Agnidipaka and
Rechaka. Flower is Samgrahi, Vatala, Kapha

10.ABHIDHANA RATNAMALA Shotha Nasaka. Fruit is Grahi Kasaya,

(SHADRASA NIGHANTU) (13th Cent. Madhura, Shleshmapitta Nivaraka. (M. N.

A.D) Varga 7/70-72).

Shobhanjana, Bahalpallava, 13.KAIYADEVA NIGHANTU (14th Cent.

Murangi, Mulakadala, Grinjana and A.D)10

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In this Nighantu Shigru is described in Shigru has been mentioned in “Guduchyadi

“Aushadhi Varga” and Varga”,
Shobhanjana,Krishnagandha, There are three varieties of Shigru viz.,
Tikshnagandha, Mochaka, Bahalachaad,
Shyam, Sveta, Rakta
Harichaad, Shubhanjana, Vidradhigna,
Shobhanjana,Shigru, Tikshnagandhaka,
Akshiva, Mulakachaad, different new
Akshiva, Mochaka are synonyms of Shigru.
synonyms i.e., Murangi, Shalankshamah.
Sveta-maricha term is used for seed of
Ghanacchad, Avadansha, Mukhabhango
Shigru. Plant with Red Flower is known as
and Moolaparni are given. Its Rasa has been
MadhuShigru. Its properties are Katu,
mentioned as Katu Tikta Vipaka as Katu and
Madhura, Katu Paka, Tikshna, Ushna, and
virya as Ushna. It is Cakshusya and useful in
Laghu. It is Dipana, Rochaka, Ruksha,
Svayathu, Vidradhi, Meda, Apachi, Gulma,
Kshara, Tikta, vidahakaraka, Samgrahi,
Vrna, Krimi.
Shukral, Hridya, Pitta-Raktaprakopaka,
Shigruja and Sveta-maricha are used for
Cakshusya and Kapha-Vatahara.It is
seeds of Shigru. In this Nighantu Madhu
indicated in Vidradhi, Svayathu, Krimi,
Shigru also described and Madhura,
Medo, Apachi, Visha, Pliha, Gulma, Vrna.
Madhugandhika, Grijjanaka, Sinhakeshari
Sveta Shigru is specially Dahakaraka,
are synonyms of Madhu Shigru. Madhu
Vidradhi, Pliha, Vrna, Pitta-Rakta nasak.
Shigru is katu and Tikta Rasa Shothaghna,
Madhu Shigru is specially Dipana and sara.
Agnidipana and Saraka. Flower and leaves
Shigru valkala and patra svarasa eliminate
of Shigru and leaves of Madhu Shigru are
severe pain.
Krimi Nasaka.
15.GUNA RATNAMALA (16th Cent.
Shigru Taila is obtained from seeds of
A.D)
Shigru.
All Part of Shigru are beneficial for Netra. Sri Bhavmisra mentioned Shigru in “Shaka

(K.N. / Aushadi Varga / 740-751) Varga”. Shigru Phala is Madhura, Kasaya,

Kapha Pittahara and useful in Shula Kustha,
14.BHAVAPRAKASH NIGHANTU (16th
Kshaya, Shvasa, Gulma.(G.R.M. Shaka
Cent. A.D.) 11:
Varga)

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16.RAJA NIGHANTU (17th Century 17. PRIYA NIGHANTU (20th Cent.

A.D.) : A.D.)12 :

There are four type of Shigru; namely: Shigru has been mentioned in “Haritakyadi
Shigru, Nila Shigru, Sveta Shigru, Rakta Varga”, with other synonym Shobhanjana.
Sigru. Its properties are Tikta, Katu, Tikshna and
Shigru has been mentioned in “MulakAdi Ushna viryaand Dipana, and Raktapitta
Varga”, with synonyms Harita Shaka, Prakopaka, Kapha Vata samaka in Karma
Shakapatra, Supatraka, Upadansha,, prescribed to cure Gulma, Sula Vidradhi
Komalapatraka, Bahumula, Danshamula Sopha, Ganda and Krimi. Shigru is useful in
and Tikshnamula. Its properties are Katu, Netrarogas.
Tikta, Ushna, Tikshna and Vata-Kaphahara In “Shakadi Varga” its properties are Katu,
MukhajAdhyahara, Ruchikara, Dipana. Tikshna and Ushna viryaand
Nila Shigru: Itssynonyms are Shobhanjana, KaphaVatahara in Karma prescribed to
Tikshnagandha, Janapriya Mukhamoda, cure Pliha, Gulma, Krimi Vidradhi. (P. N. /
Krishna Shigru, Cakshusya. Ruchiranjana. SHloka 201-202), (P. N. / Shakadi Varga/
Its properties are Tikshna, Katu, Svadu, Shloka 22)
Ushna, Picchila, Cakshusya, and Rochana.
18. PUSHP AYURVEDA (20th Cent. A.D)
Shveta Shigru: Itssynonyms areSutikshna, Prof. P.V. Sharma has written that Flower of
Mukhabhanga, Sitahaya, Sumula, Shveta Shigru are pungent, hot, sharp, pacify Kapha
Maricha, Rochana Madhu Shigru. Its and Vata and are useful in neuritis, worms,
properties are Katu Tikshna Sopha abscess, enlarged Spleen and Gulma. Flower
Vatasamaka, Angavyathahara, Ruhikar, of Madhu Shigru pacify Kapha and Pitta are
Dipana, MukhajAdhyahara. beneficial for eyes and useful in Worms and
Rakta Shigru: Its synonyms areRaktaka, Intrinsic haemorrhage. (Pu. A. 2/113)
Rakta Shigru, Madhura, Bahulacchada,
19.SHODASHANGA HRIDAYAM (20th
Sugandhakeshara,Sinho, Mrigari. It is
Cent. A.D)
Madhura Rasayana Shophaghna Samirarti-
Prof. Priya Vrat Sharma mentioned that
PittaSleshmasaraka
Shigru is Katu, Tikta, Tikshna, Ushna virya,

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KaphaVata Samaka and Dipana. It is Sula Raktapitta, Vrna Hikka, Kasa, Visha, Svasa,
and Shotha Nasaka. It's Seeds are beneficial Parshvaruka, Putigandha, Badhavitko,
for Netra. Upadansha etc. There are four type of

20. ARKA PRAKASA Shigru; namely: Shigru, Nila Shigru, Sveta

Shigru, Rakta Sigru is seen.
Lankapati Ravana mentionedin this nighantu
that Shobhanjana is used for Shigru and
Madhu Shigru as variety. Shobhanjana is CONCLUSION
Ruchikara, Grahi Dipana. Madhu Shigru is Kosha and nighantus are the basic literature
used for Vidradhi, Svayathu, Krimi. to understand and identify different
Shigruja (Seeds) are useful in complication medicinal plants. On review of Shigru in
of Visha. (A.P./Tritiyashataka 57-58) different kosha and nighantus we find the
21. SHALIGRAMA NIGHANTU13 different synonyms and properties along
Shigru has been mentioned in “Guduchyadi with useful parts and their medicinal uses.
Varga”,there are 3 varieties Shobhanjana,
Sveta, Rakta.

DISCUSSION

The description of drug Shigru is seen in

kosha and nighantus very frequently. There
are so many synonyms of Shigru like
Avadanksaksama, Dansha, Moolakaparni,
Shobhanjana Tikshnagandha, Mukha
Bhanga, Krishnagandha, Mochaka,
Bahalachaad, Harichaad, Vidradhigna,
Akshiva, Mulakachaad etc. After
observation we found that The properties of
shigru is Tikshna, Laghu Guna with Katu
and Tikta rasa, Vipaka as Katu and virya as
Ushna with doshic effect is Kapha Vata
samaka. Shigru is used in Vidradhi, Pliha,
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