Abstract

Since the time immemorial, the plants have provided the basis for medicines. Many a times, it is seen that a plant growing nearby, turns out to be a source of a great medicine Adhatoda vasica Nees. – a very common plant growing in the surroundings contains an important quinazoline alkaloid Vasicine from which Bromhexine is derived. According to Ayurveda, every plant on the earth is medicinal. This reminds the Sanskrit quote “namūlam anauṣadham”. But, the way it narrates the pharmacological action is pretty different from other contemporary sciences. Sometimes, the indication of a plant in Ayurveda matches with the indication of that plant`s metabolite or derivatives of metabolite by modern medicine. But, many a times, its indication is beyond the thought of the active principle. Exploring a medicinal plant with its diverse uses can provide a basis for the better understanding of that plant. This is possible when literary information on a medicinal plant along with its different formulations is compiled and studied. The best source for such activity is a compendium known as Bhava prakasha samhita- a link between medicinal plant, formulations and indications. Present review is an earnest attempt to report the diversified aspect of vasa .The result of this study is intended to take a new step in preparing the formulations containing vasa.