Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient storehouse of information encompassing every aspect of when it comes to the knowledge of medicinal plants. Along with the wisdom of Vaidya i.e., Yukti Pramana for the proper use of medicine, their safety and efficacy greatly depend upon their proper method of collection. Bruhat-trayee have provided many general and specific guidelines regarding the collection of medicinal plants. The objective of this attempt was to compile and study them in systematic and scientific manner. Many references for collection guidelines are found for specific drugs in Bharata Bhaishajya Ratnakara, which is the ultimate alphabetical compilation of therapeutic formulations from majority Chikitsa Grantha and Rasashastra texts including Bruhat-trayee. References of collection guidelines for drugs have been compiled category wise as general and specific, then tabulated with actual textual references. A total of 47 medicinal plants, along with their collection guidelines were found. Rationality of these guidelines has been analysed and sincere efforts have been taken to study them from every aspect of contemporary as well as classical allied sciences. This endeavour fulfils the gap of unavailability of specific drug collection guidelines in Ayurveda. Information obtained from these efforts will help practitioners, researchers and pharmacy stakeholders from Ayurveda in the form of in-hand guide regarding collection of medicinal plants.

Key words: Good Collection Practices, Dravya Sangraha, Drug Collection, Nakshatra