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== Concept of basonym and synonym ==
== Concept of basonym and synonym ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">The basonym is defined as the earliest validly published name of a taxon.<ref name="ref1">Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Basonym. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basonym</ref> 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.<ref name="ref2">Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Synonym. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synonym</ref> 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.<ref name="ref3">Sastry J L N. Dravyaguna Vijnana, Part - 1.Varanasi: Chaukambha orientalia.2009 Reprint</ref> 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. <br/>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<ref name="ref4">Satish Pai: Glory of Synonyms of Plants In Ayurveda With Special Reference to Namarupa Vijnanam- A Review ayurpub; III(5): 1105-1110</ref>. Acharya Priyavrat Sharma (2000) has tried to prove the identity of 150 plants on the basis of synonyms, which is quite a new presentation.<ref name="ref5">Sharma PV. Namarupajnanam. 2 nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Vishwabharati, 2011; 9</ref> 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.<ref name="ref11">Available from : https://bsienvis.nic.in/</ref>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The basonym is defined as the earliest validly published name of a taxon.<ref name="ref1">Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Basonym. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basonym</ref> 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.<ref name="ref2">Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Synonym. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synonym</ref> 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.<ref name="ref3">Sastry J L N. Dravyaguna Vijnana, Part - 1.Varanasi: Chaukambha orientalia.2009 Reprint</ref> 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. <br/>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<ref name="ref4">Satish Pai: Glory of Synonyms of Plants In Ayurveda With Special Reference to Namarupa Vijnanam- A Review ayurpub; III(5): 1105-1110</ref>. Acharya Priyavrat Sharma (2000) has tried to prove the identity of 150 plants on the basis of synonyms, which is quite a new presentation.<ref name="ref5">Sharma PV. Namarupajnanam. 2 nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Vishwabharati, 2011; 9</ref> 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.<ref name="ref11">Available from : https://bsienvis.nic.in/</ref></p>
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Table: Basonyms and synonyms in Ayurvedic classical texts<ref name="ref6">Thakur SB, Chunekar KC. Glossary of Vegetable Drugs in Brihatrayi. Varanasi: Choukamba Barati publication, page. 1972; Page IX</ref>'''
!'''Sr. No.'''
!'''Name of classical text'''
!'''Total number of basonyms of herbs listed'''
!'''Total number of synonyms listed'''
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|1.
|Charak Samhita
|240
|1270
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|2.
|Sushrut Samhita
|370
|1100
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|3.
|Ashtanga Hridaya
|240
|1150
|}
== Different examples of nomenclature according to modern science and Ayurveda ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">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:</p>
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Table 1: Examples of synonym of herbs and their context'''
!'''Factor on which name is based'''
!'''Example'''
!'''Context'''
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Shape of plant or plant part'''
|Shrungi (''Aconitum heterophyllum'')
|Horn shaped root
|-
|Chakralakshanika (''Tinospora cordifolia'')
|Transverse section of stem resembling the appearance of wheel
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''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
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Taste'''
|''Rasona'' (''Allium sativum'')
|deficient of one rasa
|-
|''Swadu phala'' (''Vitis vinifera'')
|fruit with sweet taste`
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Smell'''
|''Ugragandha'' (''Acorus calamus'')
|intense smell
|-
|Madagandha (''Alstonia scholaris'')
|Flowers with intense intoxicating smell
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Appearance'''
|Raktachandana (''Pterocarpus santalinus'')
|Barks appears red in colour
|-
|Chitrabeeja (''Ricinus communis'').
|Seeds with mottled surface
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Touch'''
|Lajjalu (''Mimosa pudica'')
|sensitive to touch
|-
|Kharapatra (''Nyctanthus arbor-tristis'')
|rough leaves
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Leaf'''
|Saptaparna (''Alstonia scholaris'')
|pinnate leaf with 7 leaflets
|-
|Tarmapallava (''Saraca asoka'')
|young leaves are coppery
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Flower'''
|Shankapushpi (''Convulvulus pluricaulis'')
|Conch shell shaped flowers
|-
|Raktapushpi (''Butea monosperma'')
|Red coloured flowers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Fruits'''
|Kathinaphala (''Feronia limonia'')
|hard fruit
|-
|Brihatphala (''Benincasa hispida'')
|big fruit
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''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
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Disease causing'''
|Kesha hantri (''Prosopis cineraria'')
|causes hair fall
|-
|Arushkara and Shophakrit (''Semecarpus anacardium'').
|which causes blisters and edema over skin
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''Health promotion'''
|Arogyashimbi (''Sesbania grandiflora'')
|pod that safeguards health
|-
|Abhaya (''Terminalia chebula'')
|Which eliminates fear of diseases
|-
|Pathya (''Terminalia chebula'')
|Suitable for regular consumption
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Resembling body parts'''
|Amashayaphala (''Artocarpus heterophyllum'')
|fruits resembling the stomach
|-
|Hritpatree (''Digitalis purpurea'').
|leaf resembling the heart shape
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Resembling animals'''
|Vyaghrapuccha (inflorescence of ''Ricinus communis'')
|resembling the tail of tiger.
|-
|Matsyashakala (''Picrorhiza kurroa'')
|resembling the scales of fish
|}
=== Dr K. Nishteshwar states few more factors namely<ref name="ref7">K Nishteshwara. Dravyaguna vijnanam Part -1. Varanasi: Chaukambha publications. 2007.</ref>- ===
Weight, nodes, latex, spines etc. For instance-
<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">Weight:<span style="font-weight:normal">Akshaphala (<i>Terminalia bellerica</i>)- The Fruit weighs 1 Aksha or Karsha (10 gm)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Granthi (Nodes): <span style="font-weight:normal">Shadgranthi- 6 nodes rhizome of (<i>Acorus calamus</i>) and Shatagranthi- plant with with hundreds of nodes (<i>Cynodon dactylon</i>).</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Latex: <span style="font-weight:normal">Hemadugdha- with golden coloured latex (<i>Ficus racemosa</i>) and Payasaya i.e., with milky latex (<i>Ipomea digitata</i>)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Spines:<span style="font-weight:normal">Teekshnakantaka- sharp spines (<i>Balanites aeygyptica</i>) and Deerghakantaka- long thorns (<i>Acacia arabica</i>).</span></li></ul>
== Taxonomy and <i>nama rupa vijnana</i>- ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">Taxonomy is the scientific discipline dedicated to the systematic categorization, classification, and naming of living organisms. It serves as a fundamental framework for understanding and organizing the immense diversity of life on earth.<ref name="ref8">Guerra García JM, Espinosa Torre F, García Gómez JC. Trends in taxonomy today: an overview about the main topics in taxonomy. Zoológica baetica, 19, 15-49. 2008.</ref> Taxonomists are the scientists specializing in this field, classify organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. This hierarchical system groups organisms into categories, ranging from the broadest, such as domains and kingdoms, down to more specific levels, including phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. One of the most recognizable aspects of taxonomy is the use of binomial nomenclature, a standardized naming system introduced by Carl Linnaeus, which assigns each species a unique two-part scientific name. This meticulous organization enables effective communication among scientists, aids in the identification of species, and enhances our comprehension of the natural world. Taxonomy plays a pivotal role in various biological disciplines, from ecology and evolution to conservation and genetics, making it an essential tool for exploring the intricacies of life on our planet. </p>
== Relation between namarupa vijnana and taxonomy- ==
<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Classification and categorization:</li>
<ul><li>Both namarupa vijnana and taxonomy are concerned with the fundamental processes of classification and categorization. Taxonomy classifies living organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics, while namarupa vijnana explores how objects, concepts, and ideas are categorized within the context of language and thought.</li></ul>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Names and labels:</li>
<ul><li>Taxonomy uses scientific names (binomial nomenclature) to label and identify species. Namrupa vijnana, on the other hand, focuses on the interplay between names (namas) and the forms or concepts (rupas) they represent, emphasizing the significance of names in shaping our perception of the world and aiding in providing therapeutic intervention.</li></ul>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Hierarchical structure:</li>
<ul><li>Taxonomy employs a hierarchical system with various ranks, such as domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. Namarupa vijnana, while less structured, still involves hierarchical thinking when objects and concepts are categorized and named within language and cognition.</li></ul>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Interdisciplinary application:</li>
<ul><li>Both concepts have interdisciplinary applications. Taxonomy is used in biology to understand and communicate the diversity of life, while namarupa vijnana can be applied in philosophy, linguistics, cultural studies, and other fields to explore the role of language in categorization and perception.</li></ul>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Philosophical overlap:</li>
<ul><li>In philosophy, namarupa vijnana can be used to discuss how language and categorization shape our understanding of reality. This philosophical dimension overlaps with taxonomy, especially in terms of how we perceive and categorize the natural world and the implications of language on our comprehension of the biological realm.</li></ul>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Epistemological implications:</li>
<ul><li>Both taxonomy and namarupa vijnana have epistemological implications. Taxonomy contributes to our knowledge of the natural world by organizing and categorizing living organisms. Namrupa vijnana, in the context of philosophy, raises questions about how our cognitive processes and language influence our understanding of the world, including the classifications within taxonomy.</li></ul></ol>
== Principles of namarupa vijnana ==
<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Nomenclature and classification-<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Namarupa vijnana involves the systematic naming and categorization of diseases, herbs, and therapeutic methods. This classification helps in organizing knowledge and streamlining treatment approaches.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Understanding doshas: ayurveda identifies three fundamental doshas<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – that govern an individual's physical and mental constitution. Namarupa Vijnana plays a crucial role in identifying the doshic imbalances responsible for various health conditions. The different synonyms of the three dosha as well as the description of function of dosha is the application of nama-rupa vijnana for understanding the fundamental concepts.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Holistic approach:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Namarupa vijnana extends beyond the mere identification of symptoms and conditions. It considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that imbalances in one area can affect the whole.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Application in diagnosis:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Namarupa vijnana enables ayurvedic practitioners to diagnose illnesses by examining the patient's physical and mental attributes, including pulse diagnosis (nadi pariksha), tongue analysis (jihva pariksha), and facial features.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Application in treatment:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Once a diagnosis is made, ayurvedic treatments are customized based on the patient's unique constitution and the namarupa of the disease. This may involve dietary modifications, herbal remedies, yoga, and lifestyle adjustments.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Application in preventive healthcare:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">''Namarupa vijnana'' emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in one's doshas, diet, and lifestyle to prevent illness and promote overall well-being. It offers guidelines for daily routines (''dinacharya'') and seasonal practices (''ritucharya'').</span></li></ol>
== Contemporary relevance ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">In an era dominated by modern medicine and technology, Ayurveda, with its reliance on namarupa vijnana, continues to offer valuable insights into holistic healthcare. Integrative medicine approaches are increasingly recognizing the importance of considering mind, body, and spirit in healthcare, aligning with ayurvedic principles.<ref name="ref9">Mann M, Pathak SR. Chapter 12 - Ayurveda: A new dimension in the era of modern medicine. In: Tewari A, Tiwari S, editors. Synthesis of Medicinal Agents from Plants [Internet]. Elsevier; 2018 [cited 2023 Nov 22]. p. 283–303. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978008102071500012X</ref> <br/>The basis of nomenclature in ayurveda is rooted in a systematic and holistic approach to classifying and naming various elements within the natural world. Nomenclature in ayurveda plays a crucial role in understanding and effectively utilizing herbs, diseases, bodily constituents, and other components of this ancient system of medicine. Here, we will explore the fundamental principles and factors that underlie the nomenclature in ayurveda:</p>
<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Naming based on Sanskrit language:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Sanskrit is the primary language for nomenclature in ayurveda. It is a classical language with a rich vocabulary that allows precise and descriptive naming. The use of Sanskrit ensures consistency and clarity in communication among ayurvedic practitioners and scholars.</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Naming of herbs and plants:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Herbs and plants used in ayurvedic medicine are named according to their physical attributes, qualities, and actions. Descriptive names help in identifying the therapeutic properties of each herb. For example, "Tulasi" (Ocimum sanctum) is also known as Holy Basil. Its name "Tulasi" signifies its sacred and purifying nature.</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Rasa, virya, and vipaka:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The taste (rasa), potency (virya), and post-digestive effect (vipaka) of substances are considered in their nomenclature. These qualities provide insights into how a substance interacts with the body. For instance, a bitter-tasting herb with cooling potency and a post-digestive sweet effect may be used to pacify excess heat in the body. For instance, chilly is termed as katuveerya, Picrorhizza as katuka. </span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Classifying body constituents:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">In Ayurveda, the body is described in terms of its doshika composition and its physical and functional components, known as "dhatu" and "mala." Each of these components is named and classified according to its specific attributes. For example, "rakta" represents blood, and it is characterized by its red colour, liquid nature, and association with the pitta dosha.</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Nomenclature of ayurvedic therapies:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Various therapeutic procedures and therapies in ayurveda are named based on their techniques, effects, and the substances involved. For instance, "shirodhara" involves the continuous pouring of herbal oils or liquids onto the forehead (shira) and is used for relaxation and balancing the mind.</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Cultural and historical significance:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Many names in ayurveda carry cultural and historical significance. They indicate historical figures, ancient sages, or traditional practices. These names serve to connect ayurvedic knowledge to its cultural and historical roots.</span><li></ol>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In summary, nomenclature in ayurveda is a comprehensive system that combines linguistic precision, doshic considerations, qualities of substances, and clinical observations to name and classify elements within the realm of ayurvedic medicine. This systematic approach aids in effective communication, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment, contributing to the holistic and time-tested nature of ayurveda as a healthcare system.</p>
== Key aspects of plant nomenclature in ayurveda ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">The basis of nomenclature of plants in ayurveda is a systematic and holistic approach rooted in the Sanskrit language, which allows for precise and descriptive naming. The nomenclature of plants in ayurveda serves several essential purposes, including identification, classification, and understanding of the therapeutic properties of herbs and plants.</p>
# '''Sanskrit language''':
Sanskrit is the primary language used for naming plants in ayurveda. This classical language is chosen for its rich vocabulary, precision, and the ability to convey the qualities and actions of plants effectively. Sanskrit names are typically composed of various syllables that describe the plant's attributes and uses.
# '''Descriptive naming''':
Ayurvedic plant names are often descriptive, providing information about the plant's appearance, properties, or uses. This descriptive naming helps practitioners and herbalists identify herbs accurately and understand their therapeutic potential. For example:
· '''Ashwagandha''' (''Withania somnifera''): "Ashwa" means horse, and "Gandha" means smell, indicating that this herb has a horse-like odor when its roots are freshly dug.
· '''Amalaki''' (''Emblica officinalis''): "Amala" means sour, signifying the sour taste of this fruit.
# '''Qualities and actions''':
The qualities (guna) and actions (karma) of plants play a significant role in their nomenclature. Ayurvedic texts describe these aspects in detail, allowing for the classification of plants based on their therapeutic properties. For example:
· '''Trikatu''': "Tri" means three, and "katu" means pungent. Trikatu is a compound formula consisting of three pungent herbs: ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. Its name reflects its heating and digestive qualities.
'''4. Taste (rasa), potency (virya), and post-digestive effect (vipaka)''':
Ayurvedic plant nomenclature considers the taste, potency, and post-digestive effect of herbs. These attributes help in understanding how herbs interact with the body and mind. For example:
· '''Guduchi''' (''Tinospora cordifolia''): The synonym ''Tikta'' indicates a bitter taste (tikta rasa), ''Amrita'' which corresponds to its cooling potency (shita virya) and ''Madhurasa'' indicates post-digestive sweet effect (madhura vipaka).
# '''Doshika considerations''':
Ayurveda categorizes herbs based on their influence on the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). This classification helps in selecting herbs that balance specific doshika imbalances. For instance, Eranda (''Ricinus communis'') is termed as Vaatari (enemy of vata dosha) due to its potent ''vata'' pacifying actions.
# '''Historical and cultural references''':
Some plant names in ayurveda carry historical and cultural significance, often referencing historical figures, ancient sages, or traditional practices. These names connect ayurvedic knowledge to its cultural and historical roots. For instance, Pippali is termed as Vaidehi due to its abundant occurrence in Videha region.
# '''Common and regional names''':
While Sanskrit names are widely used, Ayurvedic professionals also need be familiar with common and regional names for herbs, as these names can vary across different languages and regions. Many local names are given based on some salient features like appearance, shape, size, habit, habitat, smell, taste, colour, utility, and other peculiar character, etc of the plants. These local or regional names are testament to traditional and ethnomedicinal use of such herbs for centuries.[i] For instance, Neem (in English) is termed as Nimba in Ayurveda texts while mentioned as Kadunimba in Marathi regional language
----[i] Patil DA, Vernacular plant names: Their origin and utility in Dhule district (Maharastra), Ethnobotany, 10 (1-2), 130-132
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