Sanjivani or the Mratasanjivani is the wondrous herb famously procured by Hanuman Ji along with three other herbs (Vishalyakarani, Sandhanakarani, and Savarnyakarani) from the Dronagiri Mountain in the Himalayas to revive Lakshman Ji, who was battling death in Lanka after succumbing to attacks by Meghnad.
The quest for finding this Sanjeevani buti has been ongoing since. It is believed that this magical herb has a unique property of “bioluminescence” for its easy identification and is a “panacea” against all known and unknown diseases, which can give life even to a dying or dead person. The botanical identity of the Ramayana era Sanjeevani is unclear; however, there are some plants that are considered to be very close—Rudanthi (Cressa cretica), Sanjeevani Buti (Selaginella bryopteris), and Jeevaka (Desmotrichum fimbriatum).
According to Ayurveda, a plant with features or characteristics similar to an organ of the body can be used to treat the disease of that particular organ. The plant S. bryopteris is a highly drought-tolerant plant that lies ‘dead,’ dry, and inactive for months, and at the first rain, it comes ‘alive,’ turning green. If ‘similar cures similar,’ then S. bryopteris must be Sanjeevani.
Modern biological experiments, including current biochemical and cell biology methods carried out at the University of Hyderabad, have shown that S. bryopteris contains molecules that protect and help recover rat and insect cells from oxidative and ultraviolet stress. Traditional uses include relief from heat stroke, dysuria, irregular menstruation, and jaundice, but the effectiveness has not been scientifically validated. It is also useful for coma patients by way of inhalation.
There is no doubt that this plant has several important medicinal properties and has been worshipped among local people as a magical herb due to its medicinal properties; however, it still needs more exhaustive botanical and medicinal research to gain confirmation.
