A Review on Therapeutic Uses of Cantella Asiatica (Mandukparni) with its Pharmacological Actions

The drug Cantella had been described by the legends of ancient India. All of them have mentioned Drug as a “Karana” (instrument) among the ten entities which should be very well examined by every physician before proceeding for some action, to get the desired fruit and subsequent benefit in that without any great effort. By this, we can understand that how important it is to know about a drug for performing a research work. Acharya Charaka has later on given the method for its examination, in respect of nature (natural composition), properties, actions, habit, time and mode of collection, storage, processing, dosage, indication for use, the constitution of the patient, and the effect on disorder, whether eliminates it or pacifies it, any other drug of this type should have the same characters. In general, there are various drugs; used in various conditions, in various forms from long time, among them Mandukaparni is one, which is well known for its Medhya property (Increases intelligence). Since long time it has been used traditionally as a remedy for several skin disorders, it is used by the cosmetic industries in preparing skin care products but this aspect is still untouched by Ayuvedic researchers. So in this chapter, we will give the literary description of Mandukaparni so that we can know our drug very well. Miraculous applications in neurology include nerve growth factor enhancement and applications in neurological degenerative conditions.