Efficacy of Anantmool as Medhya Dravya

In Ayurveda, term „Medhya‟ is described in a broad way. Medhya comprises of all three mental faculties -Dhee, Dhriti and Smriti and these are interrelated with each other. Memory is a combination of Power of grasping (Grahan), Retention (Dharan) and Recollection (Smaran). Neurologic and psychiatric disorders are generally associated with loss of memory. Psychiatric disorders have become a major public health problem today. Alzheimer‟s disease, Parkinson‟s disease are associated with impaired neurological functions. Acharya Sushruta has described Anantmool churna with madhu and ghruta for Lehan in children. Acharya kashyapa has mentioned that „Lehan‟ has medha vardhak property in lehan adhyaya. Hemidesmus indicus R .Br. commonly known as “Anantmool “in Marathi, “Sariva” in Sanskrit and Indian sarsaparilla in English. It is a most useful plant in the Indian system of medicine. Sariva is in possession of Madhur- Tikta rasa, Madhur Vipaka and Sheet Virya. Regular use of Madhur rasa from birth promotes the growth of all the dhatus and helps in achieving goodness and clearness in sense organs. Anantmool can act as a good brain tonic. It can be used in children with psychiatric disorders. The present study assesses the potential of an ayurvedic rasayana drug „Hemidesmus indicus R .Br.‟ roots as a memory enhancer. Anantmool churna is easily available throughout India and being cost effective, it can be affordable to people. This review shows the efficacy of Anantmool as Medhya dravya.