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Synopsis Abhidana Ratnamala popularly known as Shadrasa Nighantu is a Nighantu (Dictionary) of Synonyms of Drugs of all origins. As the work is divided into Six Skandas (chapters) based on the principle taste of the drugs it is so called as Shadras Nighantu. Author had given synonyms for the parts of the trees viz. root, bark, seed, leaf, etc. which are not normally included in other Nighantus. This book is popular in Andhra Pradesh in particular and South India in general.

As already said the drugs are categorized according to the principle taste of the drug. Synonyms only have been given. As usual few of the synonyms indicate the properties and the morphology too. It is difficult to find the botanical identity of few drugs. However, the translator has provided the vernacular names, from which the botanical identity can be assessed when the drug with that vernacular name is identified. It is well known that two three different drugs have the same synonym. When these synonyms are given for a drug, confusion prevails to which drug the synonym is given. There are few instances in this text and has been highlighted for easy reference to the readers.