Abstract
Abstract: Introduction: Bheshaja or drug is the tool for the physician and is described as the second most important factor for successful management of disease in Ayurvedic classical texts. In spite of having detailed description of numerous drugs along with their properties and therapeutic usage, still many of the medicinal plants are not included in Ayurvedic texts as they are large in number. Acharyas suggested utilizing Yukti (intellect) along with Anumana (Inference) to determine properties of undocumented drugs. Aim: To explore the classical principles regarding the determination of properties of Anukta (undocumented) Dravya. Material & Method: Brihattrayi with available commentaries and other literatures were referred and critically analyzed. Various scattered principles and methods providing the guideline on the evaluation of Anukta Dravya were synchronized and explored. Results and Discussion: Anukta Dravya may be used to verdict with four kinds of Pramana – Aaptopadeha, Pratyaksha, Anumana, and Yukti. Apart from this, properties of undocumented or extra-pharmacopeial drugs may be depended on many factors such as Chara (Desha), Sharira Avayava, Swabhava (constitution), Linga (sex) etc. Drug evaluation method described in Charaka Samhita emphasizes various aspects of new drug development such as morphological identification, analyzing inherent properties and conducting clinical trial for establishing safety and efficacy. Utilization of Pramana with other principles may provide the evaluation method of Anukta Dravyas. Conclusion: Classical principles and methods may contribute to present drug development guideline for the determination of Anukta Dravya (undocumented or unexplored medicinal plants).

Key words: Anukta Dravya, Dravya Pariksha Vidhi, Pramana, Yukti.