Revisiting Medhya Dravyas of Kaiyyadeva Nighantu: A Textual Analysis with Neuropharmacological and Gender Specific Insights

Abstract

The classical Ayurvedic concept of Medhya Dravyas – herbs that enhance memory, intellect and mental clarity- represents an early attempt at understanding cognitive neurobiology through holistic principles. Kaiyyadeva Nighantu, a 15^th century Ayurvedic lexicon, identifies multiple cognition –promoting herbs within its Aushadha Varga. Despite their textual significance. their neuro-pharmacological mechanism and gender –specific effects remain poorly analyzed. Objectives: To integrate textual descriptions of 25 Medhya Dravyas from Kaiyyadeva Nighantu with modern phytochemical and neuro-endocrine evidence, highlighting gender-specific pharmacodynamics. Methods: Primary data were drawn from Kaiyyadeva Nighantu (Aushadha Varga, Chaukhambha Edition 1979). Secondary data were compiled from PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and AYUSH Research Portal (2000–2025). Only peer-reviewed studies reporting cognitive, adaptogenic, or endocrine actions of the listed herbs were included. Parameters extracted: Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka, Prabhava, phytochemical class, neuro-chemical mechanism, and reproductive influence. Results: Dominant compounds- flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins- demonstrated antioxidant, cholinergic, and neuro-endocrine activity. Phyto-estrogenic herbs (Shatavari, Nirgundi, Jeeraka) improved cognition in female models, whereas androgenic agents (Brahmi, Kushmanda, Badara) enhanced male performance and mitigated andropause. Conclusion: The integrated evidence affirms that Kaiyyadeva Nighantu’s Medhya Dravyas act through multi-layered neuro-chemical and hormonal pathways, providing an Ayurvedic prototype for gender-responsive, personalized neuro-therapeutics.