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Introduction

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical science, emphasizes the therapeutic application of Dravya (medicinal herbs) through the science of Dravyaguna Vigyan. It is the study of properties, pharmacological actions, clinical use of Dravya. Classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Nighantus provide detailed descriptions, classification of various dravya used for the prevention and management of diseases. Hair (Kesha) is not only for cosmetic purposes but also a physiological indicator of the health. According to Charaka Samhita, hair is the Mala formed during the metabolic transformation of Asthi dhatu. Therefore, the health of the hair depends on the quality of nutrition reaching the Asthi dhatu and the balance of the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). The pathologies of hair are broadly classified into Khalitya (hair fall), Palitya (premature greying), Indralupta (Alopecia Areata), and Darunaka (Dandruff). While the classical Samhitas (Brihat Trayi) provide the etiological understanding and fundamental treatment principles, it is the Nighantus (glossaries or lexicons) that expanded the Dravya Guna properties. Dhanvantari Nighantu (D.N) holds a prestigious position as one of the earliest Nighantus. Dhanvantari Nighantu distributes dravya across seven Vargas (sections) based on their morphology and primary associations. This text is crucial because it preserves ancient knowledge about herbs like Gandhamansi, Kakadani and Nilini among others. A critical review of this text helps to understand different dravya mentioned as beneficial to hair – Keshya, and their properties (Raspanchak) along with modern research studies.

Need of study - Literature review of Keshya Dravyas in Dhanvantari Nighantu as it helps compile dravyas mentioned in this nighantu, support the development of effective herbal formulations for hair care, and provides a scientific basis for future pharmacological and cosmetic research. The study helps to provide detailed botanical and pharmacological profiles to ensure the correct identification of these ancient dravyas.

Observations and Results-

Dravya having keshya property mentioned in Dhanvantari Nigantu (DN):

1. Valakam [1]

The identity of Valakam has been disputed. Its identity has been compared with Ushira but Dhanvantari Nighantu and Raj Nighantu have mentioned both dravya separately. The current name is Vetiveria zizanoides (Linn.) Nash which is called as Sugandhi Vala in market places. The source of Sugandhi Vala in North India is Valeriana wallichii Dc. In South India source is Coleus vettiveroides K.C. Jacob.[2]

DN Reference: Guduchyadi varga

Action: Keshya (beneficial to hair, Promotes hair growth).

Botanical Description: Vetiveria zizanoides (Linn.) - belongs to the grass family Poaceae, vetiver is perineal growing grass that is indigenous to India. The grass has tall green stem, while the leaves are elongated, slender and somewhat firm. Flowers are of purplish color. Roots of this plant grow upto 2 to 4 metres deep.[3]

Valeriana wallichii Dc. - It belongs to Valerianaceae family. It is a hairy perennial herb, grows upto 45 cm tall growing in temperate Himalaya from Kashmir hills up to 3000m altitude. Leaves are ovate shaped with wavy edges having long petiole. Flowers are small pinkish white in color.[4]

Coleus vettiveroides K.C. Jacob - belongs to the Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae) family and the Plectranthus genus. It is a perennial plant having aromatic property. It grows to a height of 30–90 cm. Stems are thick and fleshy in appearance and leaves are succulent in nature, branched plant. Emits a distinctive fragrance.[5]

Modern research- Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Vetiver grass root extract in aqueous form for the treatment and prevention of hair loss and for promoting hair regeneration through the topical administration. These findings of Porras and Francisco gained a patent for the invention of associating the vetiver grass extract for increasing growth of hair and restoring or preventing excessive loss of hair.[6]

Valeriana wallichii Dc essential oil composition was analyzed by GC–MS, identifying seven major components including β-vatirenene, β-patchoulene, patchoulic alcohol, and α-muurolene. Methanolic, aqueous, and chloroform root extracts were evaluated for polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity using DPPH and metal chelation assays. A positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and polyphenol/flavonoid levels. The methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, attributed to its rich polyphenol and flavonoid content, while the essential oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.[7]

Phytochemical screening of Coleus vettiveroides using different plant parts showed that the ethanol extract contained Terpenoids and sterols, while alkaloids and flavonoids varied depending on the plant part and solvent. Tannins and glycosides were absent. Ethanol proved effective in extracting saponins. The root essential oil contained 12 additional compounds, including sesquiterpenes (aromadendrene), diterpenoids (ferruginol), sterols (stigmasterol), and long-chain alkynes such as 1-octadecyne. Distinct bioactive compounds were also observed among different plant parts: leaves and roots showed varied chemical profiles, and the stem extract contained three compounds dimethyl-cyano-phosphine, tetramethylammonium borohydride, and 4-n-butylthiane. These bioactive compounds need further research for understanding its effect on hair follicles health and its efficacy in managing hair disorders.[8]

1. Bhibhitaki [9]

Botanical Name: Terminalia bellirica Gaertn.

Family: Combretaceae

DN Reference: Guduchyadi varga

Action: Keshyavruddhikara – hair growth promoting property

Botanical Description: It is a large deciduous tree, 10-12 m of height, it is found in plains and forest regions. Leaves are green simple, alternate, elliptical. Flowers are greenish in color. Trunk is greyish black, broad. Mature fruits brownish in color with slightly wrinkled appearance, rind of fruit shows variation in thickness from 3-5 mm [10]

Modern research-TBE (terminalia bellerica extract) alleviated the TS (testosterone)-induced suppression of hair growth in vitro and in vivo. The study investigated effects of TBE on TS-induced inhibition of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice and on HFDPC proliferation. TBE oral administration significantly induced hair growth when compared with Fina-treated C57BL/6 mice. In the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice, TBE increased hair growth marker expression (β-catenin, cyclin D1, PCNA, and Ki67) and increased hair follicles. [11]

1. Nilini[12]

Botanical Name: Indigofera tinctoria Linn.

Family: Leguminosae

DN Reference: Guduchyadi varga

Action: Keshya – beneficial to hair

Botanical Description: Indigofera tinctoria is a shrub like plant, 1.2- 1.8 m high, found in various regions in India. Leaves are green, alternate, compound in nature. Leaflets are 1-2.5 cm long and 0.3-1.2 cm wide, oblong or oblanceolate with very short mucronate tip. Outer surface of root is smooth with few lenticels, yellowish brown color. Flowers are small, papilionaceous with pinkish purple color. [13]

Modern research- Ethanolic extract of leaves of Indigofera tinctoria also showed presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and terpenoids beneficial in treating hair disorders. [14]

The natural dyes derived from L. inermis, C. ternatea, and I. tinctoria are viable, sustainable alternatives to chemical hair dyes. The combination was found to be effective in hair dyeing, resulting in a long-lasting color that is more stable for washing and light exposure compared to each individual extract. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated favourable safety profiles, with no damage to the hair cuticle, positioning them as a promising alternative to synthetic hair dyes.[15]

1. Saireyak [16]

Botanical Name: Barleria prionitis Linn.

Family: Acanthaceae

DN Reference:

Action: Keshya- beneficial to hair

Botanical Description: Saireyak is a prickly undershrub, with 0.6-1.5 m height. Found throughout the country. Roots are upto 1 cm thick at the top, cylindrical and tapering, bearing lateral branches and numerous rootlets; surface has dot-like lenticels, externally the color is brown. Inner part of root is cream in color. Stem – Erect, green, glabrous, nodes swollen, branching at nodes, mature stem cylindrical with scattered dot-like lenticels. Leaf - Dorsiventral, variable in size,6-9.5 cm long, 2.5 - 3.5 cm wide, simple, elliptic, acuminate, entire, acute, reticulate, unicostate, with short petiole. Flower – Yellow in color, funnel shaped five petals, sessile. It has four stamens 2 fertile and 2 staminodes. Filaments of the fertile stamens seen outside of flower. Fruit – Capsules, ovoid shape, 2 seeded. Seed- Compressed, 0.8 cm in diameter and clothed with silky fine glandular hairs.[17]

Modern research- Research study showed that the antioxidant capacity of methanolic extract of leaf and stem of barleria prionitis were founded highest as IC50 values were 63.41±0.32, 81.69±0.40 respectively. The reducing power was also highest in the methanol extract of both parts. The higher antioxidant as well as reducing power may be due to present phenolic contents. Antioxidants play important role in managing overall hair quality and hair health. Therefore, there is a potential to study further role of (Saireyak )barleria prionitis Linn.in to evaluate keshya properties.[18]

1. Mansi (Mansidwaya) [19]

Botanical Name: Nardostachys grandiflora / jatamansi DC

Family: Valerianaceae

DN Reference: Chandanadi varga

Action: Keshyamutamam – beneficial to hair

Botanical Description: Mansi is an erect perennial herb, 10-60 cm high growing at an altitude of 3000-5000 m on the sub-alpine Himalayan region. Dried rhizome dark brown, 2.5-7.5 cm long, cylindrical, covered with reddish brown fibres forming a network, internal colour reddish-brown colour, strongly aromatic. Leaves are Radical (from base) and cauline (on stem); radical leaves are long, stalked whereas cauline leaves are smaller. Flowers are Small, pinkish in color, bell-shaped. Fruits are small and hairy.[20]

Modern research- The hair growth promotion activity was studied by using in vivo animal model. The preliminary screening of the hexane extract of the rhizomes of N. jatamansi (N. grandiflora) showed positive response in hair growth promotion activity. The study showed that crude hexane extract required less time than pure compounds- nardin and jatamansic acid. Crude extracts or active fractions showed better activity than individual compounds.[21]

1. Gandhamansi (mansidwaya)[22]

Botanical Name: Corydalis govianana Wall

Family: Papaveraceae DN Reference: Chandanadi varga

Action: keshyamutamam – beneficial to hair

Botanical Description: Corydalis is an erect, perennial herb with height upto 15 to 70 cm. rootstock is thick covered with leaf bases. Leaves arise from the root. 1 to 2 leaves are present near base of stem. Flowers are in yellow color arranged in racemes having group of upto 25 flowers. These racemes extend upto 15 cm in length. This species is found in the Himalayan region at elevations of 2400–4800 m.[23]

Modern research- Research study was done on Corydalis govaniana Wall. and C. casimiriana Duthie and Prain ex Prain. One tetrahydroprotoberberine type alkaloid, govaniadine (1); and six other alkaloids, caseadine (2), caseamine (3), protopine (4), stylopine (5), apocavidine (6), and fagarine I (7) was isolated from these two medicinal plants. Caseamine showed the best anti-oxidant (DPPH radical scavenging) activity. Govaniadine while caseadine showed moderate antioxidant activity. Antioxidant property of this plant can prove to be beneficial in hair disorders and maintaining hair health.[24]

Mansi and Gandhamansi are both together referred as Mansidwaya in Dhanvantari nighantu. According to Dalhana, Gandhamansi is another variety of Mansi. [19]

1. Bhringaraja[25]

Botanical Name: Eclipta alba Hassk.             

Family: Asteraceae

DN Reference: Karviradi varga

Action: Kesha Ranjana - gives black color to hair

Botanical Description: It is an herbaceous annual plant. Its height ranges from 30 - 50 cm. Plant is much branched, often rooting at nodes. a common weed of moist places found throughout India ascending upto 1700 m. Leaves are green, opposite, hairy, lance-shaped. Small white or yellow daisy-like flowers.[26]

Modern research- Research study showed Methanol extract of Eclipta alba promotes hair growth by inducing anagen in telogen (resting) phase hair follicles. Animals treated with 3.2 mg/15 cm2 of methanol extract of Eclipta alba showed better efficacy as compared to lower doses.[27]

1. Kakadani [28]

Identity of this dravya has not been satisfactorily identified and the authors opinions differ widely. There is no mention of this dravya in Charaka Samhita. Acharya Vagbhat has mentioned its two types. Whereas, Dalhana has identified it with dravya like Himsra, Vayasatinduka, Krsnasriphalika and with a variety of Kakamici (Physalis minima Linn.), Kakamari (Anamirta cocculus Wi. & Arn.) and Gunja (Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn). According to Sushuruta samhita Avaguttha and Veganama are synonyms of Kakadani. Therefore, it is difficult to establish the identity of the dravya Kakadani mentioned as keshya dravya in Dhanvantari Nighantu.[29]

DN Reference: Karviradi varga

Action: Keshya – beneficial to hair

1. Tila [30]

Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum Linn.

Family: Pedaliaceae 

DN Reference: Suvarnadi varga

Action: Keshya beneficial to hair

Botanical Description: Tila is an annual plant extensively cultivated throughout the plains of India upto 1200 m for its seeds. Height is Usually 1 to 1.5 meters, but can reach 2 meters. Stem is green with fine hairs. Leaves are Opposite or alternate; lower leaves are often 3-lobed, while upper ones are lanceolate. Flowers: Bell-shaped found singly or in pairs in leaf axils, white. Seed are black, flattened ovate in shape, smooth or reticulate, 2.5 mm to 3mm long and 1.5 mm broad, one side slightly concave with faint marginal lines and an equally faint central line.[31]

Modern research- Sesamin, isolated from sesame seeds, shows antioxidant activity, 5α-reductase inhibition, and melanin induction. It has weak DPPH scavenging activity, sesamin exhibits strong lipid peroxidation inhibition and metal-ion chelating activity, which are linked to its significant 5α-reductase inhibitory effect, exceeding that of finasteride. Sesamin also increases melanin content and tyrosinase activity, supporting its traditional use in treating hair loss and premature greying.[32]

Keshya dravyas in Dhanvantari nighantu-

Discussion

Literature review of keshya dravyas in Dhanvantari Nighantu has provided insight into properties beneficial to hair (keshya). It is revealed that most of the keshya dravya described in are having Tikta, Kashaya and Madhura Rasa, Laghu, Ruksha Guna, Katu vipaka property. According to veerya of all dravyas it is seen both sheeta and ushna veerya dravyas are described to be having keshya properties. Dravya like Saireyak, Mansi, Gandhamansi and Tila are Tridoshahara. Most of the dravya are described in Guduchyadi varga. Vata dosha and Pitta dosha are responsible for palitya, khalitya vyadhi and vitiated Rakta dosha and Kapha dosha responsible for Indralupta and other kesha roga. Tikta, Kashaya and Madhura rasas are pitta shamaka. Ushna virya, Laghu, Ruksha Guna, Katu Vipaka are Kapha Shamaka. Madhura rasa and Ushna virya and in some Dravya Snigdha Guna have Vata Shamak effect. Hence these dravyas are helpful in management of Kesha Vyadhi (hair disorders). Dravya Valakam described as keshya in Dhanvantari Nigha??u. the modern research studies on vetiver roots support its role in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss through topical application. Bibhitaki also Exhibits strong hair growth–promoting activity by counteracting testosterone-induced hair loss and enhancing hair follicle proliferation markers. Nilini which is widely used in hair dyes is rich in flavonoids and saponins; supports hair health, helps manage hair disorders, and serves as a safe natural hair-dye agent. Mansi dravya demonstrates significant hair growth–promoting activity, with crude extracts showing better efficacy than isolated compounds. Bhringaraja is mentioned as Kesharanjana dravya and research studies done Prove to induce the anagen phase of hair follicles, promoting hair growth and imparting natural black coloration to hair. Tila (Sesamum indicum) – Sesamin from sesame seeds shows antioxidant, 5α-reductase inhibitory, and melanin-inducing activities, supporting its use in hair loss and premature greying. Dravyas like Saireyak, Gandhamansi have phytochemicals potentially beneficial to hair. However, there is a need of future research studies to evaluate its keshya properties Kakadani is mentioned as keshya in Dhanvantari Nighantu but its botanical identity remains controversial, necessitating further research for validation. Therefore, these dravyas can be used in form of single herb medication or in compound formulations like Lepa, Churna, Taila for topical use and Kashaya, Ghrita, Gulika, Asava, Arishta for internal use. Future studies in isolation of specific chemical constituents from these herbs which are beneficial for hair health can be done. Once its keshya property is proved then many formulations can be prepared in terms of different types of cosmetics. They can be used in classically mentioned forms like Taila, Lepa, Kashaya etc. Further clinical studies can be done to assess efficiency of these keshya dravyas.

Conclusion

The review of Keshya dravyas described in Dhanvantari Nighantu highlights their important role in maintaining and promoting hair health. In Dhanvantari nighantu nine dravya were found which are having direct reference as keshya property. Some dravyas like Bhringaraja, Valakam, Bibhitaki, Nilini, Mansi, Tila are proven scientifically and widely used in hair care. However, the identity of certain dravya Kakadani remains controversial, indicating the need for further Pharmacognostical and phytochemical validation. Future research studies can help to develop cosmetics using these dravya for hair health and also to treat hair related diseases like khalitya (hair loss), palitya (greying of hair). The integration of Ayurvedic textual evidence with modern experimental studies confirms that the keshya dravya mentioned in Dhanvantari Nigha??u possess therapeutic potential. These dravya hold strong potential for further standardization, in vivo studies, clinical research studies and formulation development for their effective clinical application

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported me during the completion of this research. I am sincerely grateful to my guide, Dr. Manoj Kadam, for his guidance, helpful suggestions, and continuous support throughout the work. His encouragement played an important role in completing this research successfully. I am also thankful to my friends and family for their constant motivation, understanding, and support during this journey. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to complete this work.