Dr. Polepalli Mallikarjuna Rao, is an academician, clinician and author in Ayurveda subject. He is son of Sri Polepalli Sambasivudu and Sri Polepalli Varalakshmi, born at Giddalur Mandal, Parkasham district, Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao completed graduation from Dr. N.R.S. Govt. Ayurveda College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh (2000-2005). Post graduation from Dr. B.R.K.R Govt Ayurveda College, Hyderabad (2006-2009). He is presently working as Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Sri Adi Shiva Sadguru Alli Saheb Shivaryula Ayurvedic Medical College and Research centre, Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh. He has presented scientific papers in 27 National, 8 International seminars and is author of 11 books on various subjects of Ayurveda.

The book DRAVYAGUNAVIGYAN volume II, Second edition, is study of Indian Materia medica, was designed as per the New syllabus of Dravyaguņa subject of 2nd year B.A.M.S. Degree examinations, prescribed by NCISM, New Delhi 2023-24.

The writing style in this work is strictly followed the syllabus and I request readers not to measure this exclusively by the scales of ancient ācāryās.

I express my in-depth gratitude to my parents P.Sambasivudu and P. Varalakshmi, as they are my first gurus and every level guided me to complete this work.

I am beholden to Dr. M. Ramasundara rao sir, ex-principal of Dr. Nori Rama Shastri Government Avurveda College, Vijayawada, without his guidance, this work may not be completed and this dedication is a token of my gratitude to a great teacher.