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Chinese Traditional Medical Journal 

Identification of New Medicinal Plants Enumerated In Telugu 

Cantos of Basavarajeeyam 

Du Xiaoin, , Xu Li, Wan Liju, Heg Minli 
Department of Education, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin 

Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction 
internal evidence, it is possible to conclude 
that the work In terms of Ayurvedic material's 
development, 
The delineations of Charaka and Susruta were 
followed up to the 15th century in terms of 
medicine. During the ninth century A.D., 
Vrinda Madhava contained a small number of 
plants such as Parsikayavani, Babbul, and 
others[1]. Chopchini (Dwipantra Vacha) was 
added by Bhavamisra (16th AD) after a 
centuries-long absence. The author of 
'Basavarajeeyam,' Neelakanta Kotturu 

Basavaraju, was one of Andhra Pradesh's 
most distinguished professors. This book is a 
must-have for doctors in this portion of the 
nation. Basavaraju has contributed 14 plants 
to the existing Ayurvedic materia medica 
throughout his complete work. According to 
the author, he began writing this book after 
studying Charaka, Nithyanatheeyam (1360 
AD), Revanakalpam, Pujyapadiyamm, 
Bahatam, Kashikhandam (1435 AD), and other 
works. He has correctly replicated a passage 
from the Vaidyachintamani of the 15th 

century. On the basis of these, 

 Abstract 

Background: Basavarajeeyam is an essential manual for Andhra Pradesh's Ayurvedic 

physicians. It is a multilingual book that has information in both Sanskrit and Telugu. 

Aim: The plants detailed in the Telugu verses of Basavarajeeyam are seen to be 

significant contributions to the Indian medical system. With this in mind, a re -

identification of those plants was attempted. Materials and Procedures: To find and 

tabulate the herbs, the whole text was analysed and inspected. The results of this 

conceptual analysis were utilised in a subsequent field study. Botanical identification 

was performed using the data acquired during the field survey. The study was carried 

out in collaboration with regional research centres in the states of Andhra Pradesh and 

Karnataka, as well as the Coimbatore Botanical Survey Unit. Non-controversial source 

plants' Latin names were included and critically analysed. Results: There are a total of 

268 plants listed in the Telugu cantos, of which 29 are stated just once and are not 

repeated in Sanskrit or in parentheses. Conclusion: Basavaraju provided 14 new plants 

in total, 10 of which were listed in Telugu cantos and 4 of which were referenced 

elsewhere in the book.    

Keywords: Telugu Cantos, Basavarajeeyam, New Medicinal Plants 

 



 
 
 
 
 

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The Sanskrit lines were translated into Telugu. 

He has never defined the purpose of his 
Telugu poetry. In 1930, Pandit Sri Govardhan 
Sharma Changani, a non-Telugu speaker, 
translated these Telugu lyrics into Sanskrit for 
the first time in India. Pandit Changani has 
embarked on the arduous job of transcribing 
Basavarajeeyam into Sanskrit, which would 
greatly enhance the Ayurvedic physician's 
therapeutic arsenal [4].                                                                                        

Corresponding address: 

The purpose of this project was to identify the 
plants mentioned in the Telugu cantos of 
Basvarajeeyam and to re-identify the 
specimen by field investigation and botanical 
identification in collaboration with CCRAS and 
the Botanical Survey of India. The plants 
detailed in the Telugu verses of 
Basavarajeeyam are regarded as a valuable 
addition to the Indian medical system. The 
study's goal also involves gathering 
information on botanical sources, distribution, 
and vital local knowledge of the therapeutic 
properties of plants that Basavaraju had just 

presented. 

Materials and Procedures 

To count and tabulate the herbs, the 
complete text of Basavarajeeyam printed by 
Puvvada (1929) was analysed and evaluated in 
the first part of the research. The results of 
this conceptual analysis were utilised in a 
subsequent field study. Mehaboobnagar, 
Nalgonda, Bellari, Anatapura, Kaddapa, 
Kurnool, and Srikakulam were all visited for a 
field survey. A field trip was organised to 
confirm the plant names stated in the book. 
The author claims to have come from Koturu 
village, although there are other villages with 
that name in Karnataka's neighbouring 
districts. The Telugu verses included in the 
book are popular in Telangana and the 
Karnataka bordering states (Bellari, 

Anantapur, Cutappa and Kurnool). 

These regions' rural and tribal residents were 
questioned using a proforma that included 

the plant's vernacular name, therapeutic 
value, and technique of application. The 29 
species were discussed with all of the 
attendees. The information gathered by the 

 

A field research was conducted to verify the 
botanical origins. The study was carried out in 
collaboration with regional research centres 
in the states of Andhra Pradesh and 
Karnataka, as well as the Coimbatore 
Botanical Survey Unit. Appropriate Latin 
names for non-controversial source plants 

were used and evaluated critically. 

Observations and Findings 

There are a total of 268 herbs listed in the 
Telugu cantos, with 29 plants being 

referenced uniquely. 

Oddurti's botanical origins, according to A.W 
Lushington, is Celastrus paniculatus 
(Jyotishmati) (Vernacular list of trees, shrubs 
and woody climbers in the Madras 
presidency). Prof. K. Raghunathan believes 
that the botanical source of Oddurti is 
Dolichandrone falcata, which is known as 
Oddi in the Andhra area. However, Basavaraju 
mistook Oddi for Meshasringi and Vekkudu 
for Jyotishmati. Given these considerations, 
determining the botanical identification of 

Oddurtigadda[5] becomes very difficult.    

Results of filed study to analyse the 
distribution of 14 new plants & their 

therapeutic value 

(1) Regotti (Capparis grandis Linn) – Small 
tree with a wide distribution in Andhra 
Pradesh's deciduous woods and scrub jungles.  
Uses: The bark of the stem Sushkavata 
(paralysis) is treated with juice and maricha, 
whereas Vandhyatwa is treated with stem 
bark and ghrita (sterility)Jannangi (Chinnangi) 
(Cassia sophera Linn) - a common shrub in 
road side hedges and around the villages of 
Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and 

Rangareddy districts of Andhra Pradesh. 



 
 
 
 
 

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Uses: Drug possess expectorant properties, 
Seed powder/ bark infusion is used in 
diabetes, Leaf juice is used in burning 
urination, leucorrhea and jaundice. Leaves, 
seeds and bark are used in ringworm, bark is 

used in bronchitis, asthma and 

paste of leaves in piles. 

(2) Nallamukkada (Plieospermium alatum 

Wt&Arn) 

– Small tree with a height of up to 8 metres, 
found in wet deciduous or semi-evergreen 
forests up to 1250 metres, with lower 
altitudes on rare occasions, mostly in Andhra 
Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the 

Andaman Islands. 

Leaves and bark are used as fomentations in 
the treatment of rheumatic pain, and the juice 
is used as a Nasya in Peenasa (chronic 
rhinitis).Gollajiddaku (Ipomoea sepiaria 

Koenig ex. Roxb) 

Leaf juice+ (for male progeny), Leaf juice+ (for 
female progeny), Leaf juice+ (for female 

progeny), Leaf 

not repeat- Perennial shrub found in Andhra 
Pradesh's roadside hedges and surrounding 

villages. 

Leaf juice is used as a nasal drop in 
Pumsavana. 

 (either in Sanskrit or in Parentheses [5] 

method ed) 

Kusumaroga (Leucorrhoea) buffalo curd, leaf 

juice 

 (See Table 1) Ten of the 29 medications are 
novel additions to the Ayurvedic materia 

medica by Basavaraju [5]. (Table 2). 

The botanical origins of the plant 

Oddurtigadda is accurate. 

During the field research, no evidence of it 
was found (Table 1). Seeds as a cardiac 
depressant, hypotensive, spasmolytic, 
antidote to arsenic poisoning and as a 
diuretic, hypotensive, uterine tonic, antidote 

to arsenic poisoning. 

(3) Raktamandalapaku (Ventilago 

madraspatana 

Gaertn) – A big, woody climb with a lot of 
branches. Prof. Karra Nishteswar Head, Dept. 
of DravyagunaIPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved 

University, Jamnagar, 

Gujarat, India,Email: nishteswar@yahoo.co.i  

Andhra Pradesh's Telengana and Rayalseema 

forests are home to this species. 

Root bark is used as a carminative, stomachic, 
febrifuge, stimulant, atonic dyspepsia, and 
skin diseases. Bark powder + gingerly oil is 
used in Dadru (ringworm) Vicharchika 
(eczema), Leaf juice + curd in leucorrhea, Root 
bark is used as a carminative, stomachic, 
febrifuge, stimulant, atonic dyspepsia, and 

skin diseases. 

[Dalhana has linked Tamravalli to the herb 
Vamataruni, also known as Manjistha. 
Dalhana's Vamataruni might be Ventilago 

madraspatana or a Smilax species.] 

Illinda (Diospyros chloroxylon Roxb) - A tiny 
tree native to Andhra Pradesh's deciduous 

woods and scrub jungles. 

Illinda juice is utilised in Parshwashoola (anks 
discomfort) and stem bark powder is useful in 

Helminthes and diarrhoea. 

4) Ucchita (Solanum pubescens Willd) — A 
roadside plant found in Andhra Pradesh's 

Telengana and Rayalseema districts. 

 Sl. no 

1 
Telugu name [5] 

Regotti 
Sanskrit name 

- 
Botanical name & Family 

Capparis grandis Linn. Capparaceae 

 

2 Guvvaguttaku Adhapuspi Trichodesma indicum Br. Boraginaceae  

3 Baddakachaku Satakratulata Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn, 

   Sapandaceae. 

4 Brahmajemudu Snuhibheda Euphorbia antiquorum Linn, Euphorbiaceae. 



 
 
 
 
 

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5 Jinnangi  Cassia sophera Linn, Caesalpiniaceae  

6 Madanabudata Madanaghanti Borreria articularis (Linn.f.) F.N.Will,  

   Rubiaceae  

7 Kavvapugummadi Gopabhadra Gmelina asiatica Linn, Verbenaceae  

8 Phirangichekka Dwipanthara 

Vacha 

Smilax glabra Roxb, Liliaceae  

9 Sevatudiyaku Toota Morus alba Linn, Moraceae  

10 Arechekka Swetakanchanara Bauhinia racemosa Lamk, Caesalpinaceae  

11 Gollajiddiaku - Ipomoea sepiaria Koenig ex. Roxb,  

   Convolvulaceae.  

12 Pulicheraaku Krishna kamboji Phyllanthus reticulates Poir, Euphorbiaceae.  

13 Raktamandala  Ventilago madraspatana Gaertn, Rhamnaceae  

14 Sanapavali Laghulonika Portulaca quadrifida Linn, Portulacaceae  

15 Parighaku Vallibadara Ziziphus oenoplia (Linn) Mill, Rhamnaceae.  

16 Kalangpatra Bhavya Dillenia indica Linn, Dilleniaceae  

17 Nimmasara Swalapajambira Citrus aurantifolia Linn, Rutaceae  

18 Nalamukkada - Pleiospermium alatum (Wt.&Arn ) Swingle  

   (=Limoniaalata Wt & Arn), Rutaceae  

19 Ucchita - Solanum pubescens Linn, Solanaceae  

20 Barrebachchali - Cissus setosus Roxb, Vitaceae  

21 Tellavelaki - Gardenia turgid Roxb, Rubiaceae  

22 Galanelli Agnimanthabheda Premna latifolia Roxb, Verbenaceae  

23 Pullateegaveru Somavalli Sarcostemma brevistigma W &A, Asclepiadeceae  

24 Vidiveru Madhavi Hiptagema dablota Gaertn, Malpighiaceae  

25 Tundilapuchekka - Jatropha glandulifera Roxb, Euphorbiaceae  

26 Pullapavili Lonica Portulaca olaraceae Linn., Portulaceae 

27 Chenchali - Digera muricata (Linn) Mart, Amaranthaceae 

28 Korralu Kodrava Setaria italica (Linn) Beauv, Poaceae 

29 Oddurti - - 
     

Leaf juice is used to treat lack of appetite and 

jaundice, while Ucchita's medicinal oil Nasya 

is used to treat jaundice.  

Table 2: List of new herbs introduced by 

Basavaraju in Telugu cantos 

No. Herb name [5] Latin name 

1. Regotti Capparis grandis Linn. f 

2. Jinnangi Cassia sophera Linn 

3. Gollajiddak
u Ipomoea sepiaria Koenig ex. Roxb 

4. Raktamadal
apaku Ventilago madraspatana Gaertn 

5. Ucchita Solanum pubescens 
6. Barrebachc

hali Cissus setosus Roxb. 

7. Tellavelaki Gardenia turgid Roxb. 
8. Tundilipuch

ekka Jatropa glandulifera Roxb. 

9. Chenchali Digera muricata Linn Mart. 

10. Nallamukka
da Pleiospermium alatum (Wt.&Arn) Swingle 

u sed  in  Peen asa (ch ro n ic rh in itis).  

 

 

 

  
(
4) Berrebachchali (Cissus setosus Roxb) 
- Tendrillar climber observed on road sides 
and abandoned fields in Telengana and Andhra 
Pradesh's coastal areas. Leaf is used as a local 
stimulant, a poultice of leaf is used to 
stimulate suppuration, and it is used externally 
to help with guinea worm extraction. In 
Gandamala, root is utilised (cervical 
lymphadenopathy) 
(5) Tellavelaki (Gardenia turgid Roxb) - 
Small deciduous tree found in Andhra 
Pradesh's deciduous woods and scrub jungles. 
(6) Root powder is used in Gandamala to 
treat children's dyspepsia, while root decoction 
is used to treat piles and jaundice. Fruits are 
used to treat mammary gland infections. Fever 
is treated by applying fruit pulp to the 
forehead. To treat headaches, crushed root + 

water (lather) is applied to the head. 
(7) Tundilapuchekka (Jatropha 
glandulifera Roxb) - In the black cotton soils 
of Rayalseema, Telengana, and the Coastal 
regions of Andhra Pradesh, a tiny evergreen 
perennial shrub up to 1m high is a weed. 
(8) Purgative properties of the root and 
seed oil Oil is utilised as an anti-rheumatic, 
anti-paralytic, and anti-ringworm and anti-
chronic ulcer treatment. In piles, root powder 
is employed. Cough syrup is made from the 
juice of the leaves. Warts and tumours are 
treated with latex. 
(9) [In API, it is incorrectly perceived as a 
Dravanti, whereas it is a traditional medication 
presented by Basavaraju. Accepting Croton 
tiglium Linn. as Dravanti and its seeds as 
Jayapala] may not be controversial. 



 
 
 
 
 

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(10) Chenchali (Digera muricata Linn.) - 
An annual plant with a height of 30-60 cm that 
is often found in Andhra Pradesh's agricultural 
fields. 
 (11) Uses: Flowers and seeds are used as 
diuretic, urinary disorders. As antidote in Arka 
& Dugdha poison. 
 
(12) Nakkapeetaku (Lepidagathis cristata 
Willd.)- Mainly seen in Konkan and Andhra 
Pradesh. 
Uses: Leaf juice + Pippali is used in 
Prasutivata (Eclampsia), externally applied in 
Charmakeela (warts). Ethno-medicinal uses of 
leaf is in fever, itching & cough. 

 
(13) Teegamusidi (Tiliacora acuminate 
Lam.) – A woody climber, distributed 
throughout Andhra Pradesh more so in Coastal 
districts. 
Uses: Moola is used in Mandala Sarpa Visha 
(snakebite by vascular poisonous snakes) it 
also acts as spasmolytic & hypothermic 
. 
 
(14) Kasara (Momordica tuberosa Congn.) 
- Monoecious trailing tendrillar plant 
discovered as a weed in Andhra Pradesh's 
cotton and chilli fields. 
(15) Garbhasrava is made using 
Kasaramoola and water (abortion).  
(16) Discussion 
 (17) Basavarajeeyam was prepared by 
Basavaraju from a variety of sources, 
including references to the sources from which 
he gathered the material. He had also 
contributed from his important experiences 
and studies, all of which seem to be highly 
practical and result-oriented. He also included 
a collection of Telugu recipes, both prose and 
poetic. Basavaraju wrote 111 Telugu poems 
including 131 recipes, as well as Asadhya 
lakshans of specific Vyadhis, symptoms of 
death, and Beejaksharaprayoga in Vishas. In 
chapters 3, 10, 11, 12, 22, and 24, no Telugu 
verses were stated. There are a total of 268 
herbs listed in the Telugu cantos, of which 29 
are mentioned just once and are not repeated.  
 in Sanskrit or in Parentheses. The herbs 
introduced by Basavaraju in Telugu verses as 
well in parenthetical descriptions clearly 
indicate that he enriched the Ayurvedic 

material medica through his outstanding 
contributions. He contributed 10 new herbs to 
Ayurvedic materia medica in Telugu verses. 
Among these 10 drugs, Gollajiddaku and 
Raktamadalapaku are identi ed  as  Ipomoea  
sepiaria  Koenig  ex.  Roxb  and Ventilago 
madaraspatana Gaertn respectively. Takur 
Balwant singh while describing the source 
plants of Lakshmana mentioned Ipomea 
sepiaria as one of its possible source. 
Lakshmana is a herb used in Pumsavana 
Karma and it has been described as one 
looking like Bastagandha and having red blots 
simulating the gure of a male child. The 
human gure according to others, is presented 
in the shape of the tuber or root of the plant. It 
is  said  to  have  white  owers  and  fruits  
during 
References 
V r I n d a n d a n d a n d a n d a P.V.Tewari 
and Asha Kumari edited the book V r I n d a m 
a d h a v a. e d I t I o n e d I t I o n e d I t I o n 
Visvabharati; 2006:p.178. V a r n a s I C h o u 
k h a m b h a 
2. Bhavaprakasha Samhita, 11th ed., by 
Bhavamisra. V a r n a s I C h o u k h a m b h a 
B h a r t I Academy;2010:p. 47. 
Ayu. 2011;Vol 32(4): pp-458-460. 3. K. 
Nishteswar. Basavarajeeyam, A historical 
viewpoint. 
 
4. Basavaraju. Basavarajeeyam. Pt. Govardhan 
Sharma Changani is the translator. Pune: India 
Mudranalaya, 1930. 1st ed. 
 
Herbs in Vasavarajeeyam, 1st ed. Varanasi: 
Chaukhamba Surabharati Prakashan; 2003: p. 
59-91. 
 
6. Thakur Balwant Singh, Vegetable Glossary 
 
September and October are the appropriate 
months. Brhattrayi's medicines, 2nd edition, 
Varanasi: 
 
The plant was collected. Because both have 
been used independently for Pumsavana 
Karma[6], the white form of Solanum 
xanthocarpum Schrad and Wendl. has been 
substituted. The usage of Gollajiddaku leaf 
juice in Kusumaroga is mentioned by 
Basavaraju (leucorrhoea). Tamravalli has been 



 
 
 
 
 

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linked to the Vamataruni or Manjistha plant by 
Dalhana. The Vamataruni of Dalhana, 
according to Thakur Balwant Singh, might be 
Ventilago madraspatana or a Smilax species. 
Dineshavalli is the name for Ventilago 
madraspatana, which is widely used in Kerala. 
However, another plant, Alkanna tinctoria, is 
identified as Dineshavalli. Basavaraju's latest 
additions include Ipomea sepiaria and 
Ventilago madraspatana. Basavaraju's 
allegation about Arechekka 
(Swetakanchanara) government in 
Leucorrhoea is still popular in Andhra 
Pradesh's rural and agency regions. Despite 
numerous inquiries throughout the field study, 
the botanical source for the medication 
'Oddurti' could not be found. Identification of 
this will need further research. 
Conclusion 
Basavarajeeyam has made a significant 
addition to the Ayurvedic materia medica by 

introducing new herbs. Basavaraju added 14 
new plants in all, 10 of which were listed in 
Telugu cantos and four others throughout the 
remainder of the book. The botanical origins 
of the Oddurti plant has yet determined. More 
research is needed to determine the parent 
plant of Oddurti, and the activity of any 
discovered species need scientific 
confirmation via preclinical and controlled 
clinical studies. 
C h a u k h a m b h a A m a r a b h a r a t i 
prakashan;1999 :p. 177, 347 
 
  
How to cite the article: Nishteswar, New 
medicinal plants in the Telegu Cantos of 
Basavarajeeyam. J. Res. Trad. Medicine 
2015;1(1): 3-9 
Source of Support: Nil, Con ict of Interest: 
Nil 
  

Images of the plants: 

 

Fig 1: Regotti- Capparis grandis     
 Fig 2: Chinnangi-Cassi  

            a sophera 

 

 
 
 

 

Fig 3: Nallamukkadda – Pleiospermium alatum                           Fig 4: Gollajiddaku- Ipomoea sepiaria 



 
 
 
 
 

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Fig 5: Raktamandala- Ventilago madraspatana                          Fig 6: Illinda-Diospyros chloroxylon

  

  

Fig 11: Chenchali- Digera muricata                                               Fig 12: Nakkapeetaku – Lepidagathis 

cristata 

 

 

 

 



 
 
 
 
 

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Fig 9: Tellavelaki- Gardenia turgida                    Fig 10: Tundilapuchekka - Jatropha glandulifera 

 

Fig 11: Chenchali- Digera muricata                          Fig 12: Nakkapeetaku – Lepidagathis cristata 

 

Fig 13: Teegamusidi- Tiliacora acuminata              Fig 14: Kasara – Momodica tuberosa 

 

                                                                                            

 

 



 
 
 
 
 

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