Ancient Classification of Indian Medicinal Plants:

Charaka's System of medicinal plant classification:
The ancient Rishi Charaka, the Father of Ayurvedic System of medicine, classified medicinal plants based on their curative properties. He recognized 50 such groups.
Some of these groups are for the treatment or amelioration or for enhancing human faculties and appearance.
Some important groups:
lGroup 1 : Jeevaneeya gana ( drugs that helps in improving vitality and in giving long life )
Jeevaka ( Microstylis wallichi * l
Rishabha ( Microstylis muscifera )*
Meda (Polygonatum verticillatum )*
Mahameda (same as the above)*
Kakoli (Rosea procera ) *
Ksheera kakoli ( same as above ) *
Mudgaparni Phaseolus trilobus
Masha parni Teramnus labialis
Jeevanthi Holostemma adakodian / Leptadenia reticulata *
Madhuka Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Group 2: Byahaneeya gana : Drugs that are helpful in physical growth
. Ksheerani Mimusops hexandra
. Rajakhsvaka Euphorbia thymifolia
Vadasayani Sida alba, S. spinosa
Bhadrodini = Sida cordifolia
Bharadwaji Thespesia lampas
Payasya Ipomeapalmata/
Peuraria tuberosa
. Aswagandha Withania somnifera


Group 3: Lekhaneeya gana : Drugs that reduces obesity
. Mustha Cyperus rotundus
. Kustha Saussurea lappa
Haridra Curcuma longa
Daruharidra Berberis aristata
Vacha Acorus calamus
Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum
Sakuladini Picorrhiza kurroa
Chitra Plumbago rosea/ P. zeylanica
Chiribila Holoptelia integrifolia
Haimavathi Terminalia chebula
PN Ravindran
To be continued..