ROLE OF VISHAGHNA DRAVYAS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF POISONING: AN AYURVEDIC LITERARY REVIEW

Dr. Pranali Dipak Dongare*, Dr. Houserao Patil

ABSTRACT

Background: Poisoning remains a significant global public health issue, contributing considerably to illness and mortality across all age groups. In Ayurveda, toxicology is comprehensively addressed under Agadatantra, one of the eight classical branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda, which describes the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various forms of poisoning. A key therapeutic concept within Agadatantra is the use of VishaghnaDravyas, medicinal substances traditionally recognized for their ability to counteract toxic effects and re-establish physiological equilibrium.[1–4] Objective: To critically review the therapeutic importance of Vishaghna Dravyas described in classical Ayurvedic literature and to correlate their traditional indications with available modern pharmacological evidence in the management of poisoning. Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using information retrieved from authoritative Ayurvedic classics along with peer-reviewed scientific publications. Data related to the Ayurvedic attributes, therapeutic applications, and experimentally reported pharmacological activities of VishaghnaDravyas were systematically collected, evaluated, and synthesized.[1–8] Results: Classical Ayurvedic texts identify several medicinal plants with established Vishaghna properties, including Albizialebbeck, Curcuma longa, Tinosporacordifolia, Azadirachtaindica, and Phyllanthusemblica. Contemporary pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that these plants possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, providing scientific support for many of their traditional therapeutic uses in toxicological conditions.[5–10] Conclusion: Vishaghna Dravyas continue to represent an essential component of Ayurvedic toxicology. Correlating classical Ayurvedic concepts with current scientific findings may facilitate the development of complementary therapeutic strategies for poisoning management. Nevertheless, additional experimental investigations and well-designed clinical studies are necessary to further establish their efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential.[1–10]

Keywords: Agadatantra, Vishaghna Dravya, Poisoning, Ayurveda, Toxicology, Herbal antidote.