Sandigdha Dravyas in Ayurveda: A Critical Review of Identity, Substitutes, and Adulterants

Abstract

Sandigdha dravyas are Ayurvedic medicinal plants whose botanical identities remain ambiguous, disputed, or context-dependent, as repeatedly highlighted in classical Nighantus and later commentaries.  This uncertainty arises from multilayered causes, including complex Sanskrit nomenclature, loss or corruption of manuscripts, regional variation in vernacular usage, and ecological changes that have either endangered or eliminated original species from their traditional habitats.  In this background, the same Sanskrit name may correspond to multiple botanical taxa, while a single botanical species may be known by different traditional names in separate regions, creating scope for both genuine substitution and harmful adulteration.The present review revisits classical and contemporary literature on Sandigdha dravyas, with special reference to Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and related texts, and attempts to clarify: (1) the concept and causes of Sandigdhatva, (2) the legitimate framework of Abhava-Pratinidhi Dravya (substitution), and (3) the nature and methods of adulteration frequently encountered in the crude drug trade.  By differentiating Sandigdha dravyas from planned substitutes and economically driven adulterants, this work emphasizes the role of pharmacognostic tools—macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, physicochemical profiling, HPTLC/HPLC fingerprinting, and DNA barcoding—in resolving identity issues.  In addition, the importance of regulatory mechanisms under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, pharmacopoeial monographs, WHO quality norms, and good cultivation and collection practices is discussed as a foundation for safe and effective standardization of Ayurvedic formulations.