Concept of Abhava Pratinidhi Dravyas, a Rational Substitution of Drugs- a Review

Abstract

Pratinidhi Dravyas are substitute drugs utilize for the drugs which are not available. It mainly deals with rational substitution intentionally selected of crude drugs required for medicinal purpose. This concept is referred from one of the Laghutrayi, Bhavapraksh written in 16th century A.D. As the list of substitute is first of its kind and this Nighantu is considered as latest among classical work in Dravyaguna Shastra. Substitution is based on Ayurveda principles, that both the drugs Abhava Pratinidhi should possess similar Guna i.e. Rasapanchak and proven on basis of pharmaco-therapeutically activity. Pratinidhi drugs serves to overcome the problem of un-available drugs due to scarcity, rare or difficult to procure. This in a way helps to produce good quality herbal products and lend a support in conservation and sustainability of medicinal plants. With proper revalidation of existing documented examples there is always a scope to find out new substitutes for Abhava Dravyas of todays time.