Bhavaprakasa of Bhavamisra : Original Text Along With Commentary and Translation: Including Nighantu Portion: Vol. I

Bhavaprakasa is a land mark in the history of Ayurvedic Medicine. It is one of the three famous books on Ayurveda, together known as laghutrayi. The author Bhavmisra wrote this treatise in 16th century A.D. This was one of the best compilations of medical knowledge prevalent in medieval period on the use of medicinal plants and treatment of various diseases. This volume, the first part of purvardha, contains a lot of information on the basic concepts and five purificatory procedures pancakarma along with Nighantu lexicon. The Nighantu part clarifies many controversies on medicinal plants and exemplified many exotic plant species, making it an esteemed treatise for academicians of Ayurveda and Botany. Bhavamisra also added some new formulations and treatment methods, dwindling its importance.

The present commentary on the text is the first of its kind in English. A study of the plant drugs in terms of nomenclature, botanical identification, morphology and habitat is done elaborately. Updated phyto-chemistry and important therapeutic uses are included under the description of each plant. Latest scientific names including the varieties of plants are mentioned. Wherever necessary a notes is given, discussing the different opinions of various commentators and in many instances a co-ordinating solution is worked out. This is an informative and fundamental work useful for teachers, students researchers and pharmacists, written in an innovative, modern scientific manner. This commentary will be widely welcomed by students and practitioners of modern medicine and by scientists, interested in the vast extent and rich content of the pharmacopoeia of Ayurvedic science. A legible translation of the original text helps persons to understand the charm of Ayurvedic in the middle ages. (jacket)