Nama- Rupa Vijnana, is a science that deals with the identification and classification of various entities, including diseases, medicinal plants, and therapeutic processes. Namarupa Vijnana is not only a naming and formulating science, but also a way to understand the interconnectedness of things in the universe. It can be understood as science of nomenclature and identification of different herbs, diseases etc. The nama refers to the name of the entity, while rupa refers to its appearance or description. This technique was adopted in the Samhita and nighantu period to denote the salient features of the herbs.
Binomial nomenclature, established by Carl Linnaeus, plays a pivotal role in systematically cataloguing and comprehending plants. This standardized naming convention ensures global clarity and precision in scientific discourse, facilitating accurate identification and classification. For example, the binomial name "Ocimum sanctum Linn" uniquely identifies the revered Indian medicinal plant Tulsi, known for its numerous health benefits in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Through binomial nomenclature, researchers worldwide can efficiently access information, aiding in the conservation and utilization of medicinal flora. This structured framework fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing fields such as herbal medicine, pharmacology, and ecology, ultimately benefiting society's health and well-being.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts/Dravyaguna/Nama Rupa Vijnana |
|---|---|
| Authors |
Bhojani M. K. 1 Joshi Sumedh2 Joglekar Aishwarya3 |
| Reviewers & Editors |
Basisht G.4 Deole Y.S.5 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 2 Department of Dravya-Guna, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 3 Department of Samhita Siddhant, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 4 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 5 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence emails |
meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, and Symbiohealth Foundation, India |
| Date of publication: | March 15, 2024 |
| DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2024.e01.s09.161 |
Samhita-based references of namarupa vijnana
The origins of namarupa vijnana can be traced back to both the Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Both the texts emphasize the importance of understanding nama rupa (name and form) for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
It is mentioned by Charak to adopt the science of nama-rupa from goat-herds, shepherds, cowherds, and forest dwellers acquainted with names and identification of various medicinal herbs and plants. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/120]
Charak also further evaluates that just by knowing the names and forms of herbs no one can claim to have a perfect knowledge of the medicinal uses of the plants. One who merely understands the morphology of the herbs is termed a pharmacologist, but a physician should understand the medicinal properties and utility of herbs as a whole. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/121-122]
Thus, it is of immense importance to understand any herb through the means of all name (nama), pharmacogenetic characters (rupa) and properties (guna) for purpose of successful treatment and avoidance of complications. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/125]. Thus, the understanding of taxonomy, morphology and clinical utility is of utmost importance to achieve success in treatment. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/125]
Similarly, one who has the proper knowledge of herbs (Dravya dnyana) is considered to be a well-versed physician. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/16]
Sushruta also mentions the utility of expertise of cattle breeders (gopala), monks (taapasa), those living in forest areas (vanavasi), hunters (vyadha), vanacharina (those visiting the forest areas) for understanding the morphology and utility of different herbs. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 36/10]
Concept of basonym and synonym
The basonym is defined as the earliest validly published name of a taxon.[1] Whereas the word synonym is defined as one or more words or expressions of the same language that have the same meaning in some or all senses.[2] Considering the aspects of namarupa vijnana, basonym is the original name of the plant which is termed as nirukta (etymological root) or moola nama. The synonym is termed as ‘paryaya’. There are no references and documentation of plant nomenclature during pre-vedic and vedic periods. Some references are observed regarding the names of plants similar to the names of Gods such as Mahabala and Muchakunda. This supports the opinion that synonyms are important tools in the field of dravyaguna vijnana (materia medica of ayurveda) that aid in the classification, identification, and usage of medicinal plants.[3] Synonyms of plants are coined based on various considerations, including morphology, utility in treatment, historical background and place of origin of the drug, and others. This article is an attempt to discuss synonyms and the glory they offer to the scholars of Ayurveda, particularly in the field of identification and medicinal aspects. Plants were named based on their mythological background.
There are references regarding the usage of synonyms during this period. There were 2 kinds of synonyms used i.e., Naighantuka and Ekapadika. ‘Naighantuka’ refers to the number of synonyms attributed to a single plant, whereas Ekapadika refers to the single synonym used for many plants[4]. Acharya Priyavrat Sharma (2000) has tried to prove the identity of 150 plants on the basis of synonyms, which is quite a new presentation.[5] Dr.Pandey has stated about 25000 names classified into 57 groups on different aspects and has given the root meanings of about 600 plant names .Dr. Shastri has made available the etymology of 498 plants along with 2000 synonyms.[6]
| Sr. No. | Name of classical text | Total number of basonyms of herbs listed | Total number of synonyms listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Charak Samhita | 240 | 1270 |
| 2. | Sushrut Samhita | 370 | 1100 |
| 3. | Ashtanga Hridaya | 240 | 1150 |
Different examples of nomenclature according to modern science and Ayurveda
According to the contemporary approach, it can be stated that the plants can be named based on various factors like shape, habitat, morphology, taste, smell, appearance, touch, sound, leaf, flower, fruits, historical names, therapeutic description, and disease producing, resembling body parts and resembling animals. Some examples of these are illustrated in the table as follows:
| Factor on which name is based | Example | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Shape of plant or plant part | Shrungi (Aconitum heterophyllum) | Horn shaped root |
| Chakralakshanika (Tinospora cordifolia) | Transverse section of stem resembling the appearance of wheel | |
| Habitat | Magadhi (Pipper longum) | Found in Magadha Desha (Pippali- Piper longum) |
| Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica) | Grows in kuta i.e., in hilly regions | |
| Upakulya (Pipper Longum) | Grows near water bodies | |
| Taste | Rasona (Allium sativum) | deficient of one rasa |
| Swadu phala (Vitis vinifera) | fruit with sweet taste` | |
| Smell | Ugragandha (Acorus calamus) | intense smell |
| Madagandha (Alstonia scholaris) | Flowers with intense intoxicating smell | |
| Appearance | Raktachandana (Pterocarpus santalinus) | Barks appears red in colour |
| Chitrabeeja (Ricinus communis). | Seeds with mottled surface | |
| Touch | Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica) | sensitive to touch |
| Kharapatra (Nyctanthus arbor-tristis) | rough leaves | |
| Leaf | Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) | pinnate leaf with 7 leaflets |
| Tarmapallava (Saraca asoka) | young leaves are coppery | |
| Flower | Shankapushpi (Convulvulus pluricaulis) | Conch shell shaped flowers |
| Raktapushpi (Butea monosperma) | Red coloured flowers | |
| Fruits | Kathinaphala (Feronia limonia) | hard fruit |
| Brihatphala (Benincasa hispida) | big fruit | |
| Historical background | Bodhidruma (Ficus religiosa) | tree under which Gautama Buddha was enlightened |
| Devadhupa (Commiphora mukul) | used as an incense to worship God | |
| Therapeutic usage | Ashmantaka and Kushtavairi (Hydnocarpus laurifolia) | fights against skin diseases |
| Disease causing | Kesha hantri (Prosopis cineraria) | causes hair fall |
| Arushkara and Shophakrit (Semecarpus anacardium). | which causes blisters and edema over skin | |
| Health promotion | Arogyashimbi (Sesbania grandiflora) | pod that safeguards health |
| Abhaya (Terminalia chebula) | Which eliminates fear of diseases | |
| Pathya (Terminalia chebula) | Suitable for regular consumption | |
| Resembling body parts | Amashayaphala (Artocarpus heterophyllum) | fruits resembling the stomach |
| Hritpatree (Digitalis purpurea). | leaf resembling the heart shape | |
| Resembling animals | Vyaghrapuccha (inflorescence of Ricinus communis) | resembling the tail of tiger. |
| Matsyashakala (Picrorhiza kurroa) | resembling the scales of fish |
References
- ↑ Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Basonym. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basonym
- ↑ Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Synonym. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synonym
- ↑ Sastry J L N. Dravyaguna Vijnana, Part - 1.Varanasi: Chaukambha orientalia.2009 Reprint
- ↑ Satish Pai: Glory of Synonyms of Plants In Ayurveda With Special Reference to Namarupa Vijnanam- A Review ayurpub; III(5): 1105-1110
- ↑ Sharma PV. Namarupajnanam. 2 nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Vishwabharati, 2011; 9
- ↑ Available from : https://bsienvis.nic.in/
- ↑ Thakur SB, Chunekar KC. Glossary of Vegetable Drugs in Brihatrayi. Varanasi: Choukamba Barati publication, page. 1972; Page IX