A compilation of herbal drugs processing Vishanut (Anti-toxicity) properties as stated in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Soubhagya R. Sarashetti

A compilation of herbal drugs processing Vishanut (Anti-toxicity) properties as stated in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

R. Sarashetti S.^1*

DOI:

^1* Soubhagya R. Sarashetti, Professor & HOD, Department of Agadatantra, SMVVs RKM AMCH & PGRC, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India.

The foundation of Ayurveda is based on 8 branches and in those one of the divisions is Agada Tantra or Visha Tantra. Visha Tantra means- "Vishopashamanee Tu Ya Saa Kriya".[1] so, it is the science dealing with anti-poisonous measures. We come across 24 such measures,[2] among them Aushadha / Dravya are having greater importance in the treatment of Visha. While explaining certain Dravyas we come across the terminologies such as Vishanut,[3] Vishapaham, Vishanashana, Vishajit etc. to explain their Vishaghna properties. Vishanut refers to "Visham Nudati Doorikaroti" (shabda chandrika) - that which pacify Vishokta Laxanas. Here, we are concentrating only on Vishanut Dravyas according to Bhavaprakasha Nighantu.

Keywords: Visha Tantra, Visha, Aushadhi Dravyas, Vishanut Dravyas, Anti-toxicity

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
Soubhagya R. Sarashetti, Professor & HOD, Department of Agadatantra, SMVVs RKM AMCH & PGRC, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India. Email:	Soubhagya R. Sarashetti, A compilation of herbal drugs processing Vishanut (Anti-toxicity) properties as stated in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(1):126-132. Available From https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2229

Introduction

Visha: the one which pervade the whole body immediately after ingestion.^[4] In classics there are certain Kashta Aushadhas, Rasa Aushadhas that may produce Vishokta Lakshana. Vishokta Lakshanas may be produced because of the Bheshaja which is used in the form of Apakva, Ashudha, Atimatra, Adhika Kala etc. Simultaneously to pacify this, treatment is given for the same. We are also having references which is noticed by the bite of different poisonous animals like Alarka, Luta, Vrischika, Mushika, Sarpa etc. Dravyas which pacify these Vishokta Lakshanas in the form of internal, Lepa, Anjana, Nasya, Dhuma etc. are beneficial.

A physician or practitioner knows various treatment modalities in different diseases. It is necessary to know which Aushadha is to be given or Chikitsa to be done to pacify the Vishokta Lakshana.^[5] Hence, Acharya Bhavaprakasha has explained certain Dravyas with Vishanut properties, which can be used to treat the poisonous effects.

Vishanut Dravyas according to Bhavaprakasha^[6]
Chandana, Shankhapushpi, Yashtimadhu, Kumari, Katuparni, Moksha, Kasamarda, Kundam, Kasturi, Sthoola Ela, Renuka, Trayamana, Rakta shali, Rasanjana.

Materials and Methods

Drug name
1. Chandana^[7]

Properties: Cooling, drying, bitter in taste, pleasing and is light in action. It cures tiresomeness, wasting, poisonous effects, Kapha diseases, thirst, haemorrhages and burning sensation.

Chemistry: Heart wood and roots contain tannins, ketosantalic acid, exonorbicyclockasantalal. Leaves contain wax, betulinic acid, beta sitosterol, glucose, fructose and sucrose.

Uses: Sandal wood oil is given internally to relieve burning micturation. The paste when applied cures itching, excess sweating and pimples. Relieves burning sensation in herpetic lesions.

2. Shankhapushpi^[^8]

Properties: Laxative, braintonic, aphrodisiac

and cures psychological diseases. It is astringent in taste, hot in potency, acts as a tissue vitalizer, boosts memory power, promotes lustre and vigour and is an appetizer. It alleviates, diseases of three doshas, epilepsy, evil spirits, poverty, skin diseases, worm infestation and poisonous effects.

Chemistry: Shankhapushpine, sitisterol, kaempferol, n-hexacosanol

Uses: Considered by Charaka as the best brain tonic in the form of paste of the whole plant. Solid extract used to promote sleep in anxiety neurosis. Juice or paste is given in distension and constipation.

3. Yashtimadhu^[9]

Properties: Yashti is cooling, heavy to digest, sweet in taste, good for eyes, provides strength, promotes complexion. It enhance secretions in the body, and increases the quantity of semen. It is a hair tonic, improves voice and reduces the problems of Pitta, Vata and Rakta. It cures the inflammatory edema, poisonous effects, vomitings, thirst, tiresomeness and wasting.

Chemistry: Glycyrrhizin - a mixture of potassium and calcium salts of glycyrrhizic acid, glabranin A and B, glycyrrhetol glabrolide, iroglabrolide, iroflavones like formononetin, glabrone, commarins like herniarine, umbelliferone, triterpene sterols like onocerin, beta - amyrin, stigmasterol.

Uses: Decoction is used with butter milk in peptic ulcers to heal them up. Powder with honey is used as a brain tonic. Powder is used in all types of respiratory tract diseases.

4. Kumari^[10]

Properties: Aloe - expels out hard faeces, cold in potency, bitter and sweet in taste, good for vision, nourishing, acts as a tonic, aphrodisiac and cures the effects of Vata and poisons. It cures intestinal growths, spleen and liver problems, fever due to Kapha, glandular enlargements, burns, eruptive skin diseases, diseases due to Pitta and Rakta and skin diseases.

Chemistry: Hydroxy anthraquinone derivatives i.e., aloin and 7 hydroxyaloin isomers. Aloe emodin, chrysophanol, chromone derivatives i.e., aloeresin B, with its P - coumaryl derivatives, aloe resins A and C and the aglycone aloesone.

Uses: Used as fresh juice or dried powder in Amenorrhoea, anaemia and constipation. Used as a laxative in small doses and in jaundice. Externally applied as a moisturizing agent and highly useful in burns and scalds.

5. Katuparni^[11]

Properties: This is purgative, bitter, removes the hardness of the faeces and gastric irritant. It brings relief from worms, itching sensation, poisonous effects, distension of abdomen, diseases due to Kapha, Pitta and Rakta and skin diseases.

Chemistry: Phenolic compounds

Uses: Latex is used as a purgative in ascites and other hapato-biliary conditions. Externally the latex is applied on inflammatory edema.

6. Moksha^[12]

Properties: It is pungent and bitter in taste, hot in potency, absorbent, cures the diseases of Kapha and Vata, alleviates poisons, body fats, intestinal growths itching, diseases of bladder, worm infestation and is antiviral.

Chemistry: Mannitol, fructose and digalactoside - swietenose, bark and leaves contain tannins.

Uses: Ghee prepared with the root of Mokshaka is useful in Kushta. Alkali or ash prepared from plant is considered the best. Bark is used as astringent and antiedematous. In unconsciousness, leaves are used for fumigation.

7. Kasamarda^[13]

Properties: The leaves of Kasamarda are sweet in taste, promote taste perception, aphrodisiac, pacify cough, poisonous effects, diseases of Rakta, Kapha and Vata, act as digestant and clear voice. The leaves are particularly useful in cough, control Pitta, absorb water and are light in action.

Chemistry: Cassiolin, chrysophanol, emodol, anthraquinones, phytosterol, physcion, occidentol 1 and 2, dianthronic heteroside, seeds - emodin, toxalbumin and chrysorobin.

Uses: Leaf juice is given with honey in all types of cough. Decoction of the entire plant is laxative. Leaf paste is applied externally in inflammatory edema.

8. Kundam^[14]

Properties: Kundam is cold in potency,

light in action and cures Kapha diseases, head ache, poisonous effects and vitiated Pitta.

Chemistry: Jasmultiside, friedelin, dupeol, betulin, geraniol, farnesol, eugenol, vaniline etc.

Uses: Flowers and pippali grinded are given in bronchitis. Leaves are made into a poulice and used in non healing ulcer.

9. Kasturi^[15]

Properties: It is pungent and bitter in taste, has Kshara property, hot in potency increases semen and is heavy. It eliminates Kapha, Vata, poisonous effects, vomiting, cold, bad smell of the body and tuberculosis.

Chemistry: Ammonia, oleine, cholesterin, fat, wax, muscone, steroids etc.

Uses: Acts as Nadi Balya, Mastishka Dourbalya and Aakshephara.

10. Sthula Ela^[16]

Properties: This drug is pungent in taste and post digestive effect, increases Vata and is light in action. It is drying hot in potency and cures Kapha diseases, haemorrhages, itching sensation, dyspnoea and thirst. It subsides regurgitation, poisonous effects and diseases of urinary bladder, oral cavity and upper clavicular areas. It controls vomiting and cough.

Chemistry: Cineol and terpenenes are present.

Uses: It's hot infusion is gargled to relieve gum diseases. Its seed powder is given along with cucumber seed in urinary calculi. Its powder is used to reduce hepatitis.

11. Renuka^[17]

Properties: It is pungent in post digestive effect, pungent and bitter in taste, neither hot nor cold in potency and is light in action. It increases Pitta, acts as an appetizer, brain tonic, digestant and abortifacient. It increases Kapha and Vata and reduces thirst. Itching sensation, poisonous effects and burning sensation.

Chemistry: Lactones sesquiterpenes, Umbelliprenine terpene alcohol.

Uses: One among the herbs used for Prayogika Dhumapana, also mentioned in the formulations such as Mrita Sanjivini Agada.

12. Trayamana^[18]

Properties: Trayanti is bitter and astringent in taste, laxative, pacify excess Pitta and Kapha and cure fever, cardiac problems, intestinal growths, haemorrhoids, vertigo, colic and poisonous effects.

Chemistry: Catapol and aucubin from roots and rhizomes.

Uses: Trayamana is boiled in milk and given in herpatic lesions. Powder is given with milk in fevers. Powder is given with honey in haemorrhoids and hepatomegaly.

13. Rakta Shali^[19]

Properties: Rakta Shali : out of all the varieties of rice, Raktashali is considered the best. It strengthens the body, enhances complexion, pacifies all the three Dosas, beneficial for vision, diuretic, improves voice and semen and cures thirst, fever, poisons, ulcers, dysnoea, cough and burning sensation and boosts the digestive capacity. All the other varieties of rice are inferior to it.

Chemistry: Rich source of antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc.

Uses: Kritanna Kalpana preparations can be made out of this drug.

14. Rasanjana^[20] - a solidified water extract of Daru Haridra.

Properties: Rasanjana is pungent and bitter in taste and pacifies Kapha, poisonous effects and eye diseases. It is heat generating, vitalizer, expectorant and cleanses and heals wound/ulcers.

Chemistry: Berberine, Karachine, Taxilamine, Palmatine, Jatrorrhizine, Oxycanthine.

Uses: Decoction of Daru Haridra and milk are to be boiled in equal quantity till solidification. Then, that substance is known as Rasanjanam which is very useful for eyes.

Pharmacological actions of the above mentioned drugs are discussed below. Depending upon the Visha Laxanas one can use the drugs which reduces the effects of Visha.

1. Chandana: Tannins - non nitrogenous constituents. Astringent and protective to mucous membranes. Betulinic acid - antiinflamatory. Glucose, fructose and sucrose.

2. Shankhapushpi: Antidepressant, carbohydrates. Alkaloid - Shankhapushpin. Sitosterol - acts on radiation induced toxicity. Kaempferol: acts as potent inhibitors of airway inflammation. n - hexacosanol - neurotrophic activities on cultured neurons and to attenuate the degeneration of cholinergic neurons after injury.

3. Yashtimadhu: Glacyrrhizin - pharyngeal demulcents - useful in cough due to irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa above the epiglotis. Glabranin - anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and antibacterial. Antitussive and expectorant. Anticoagulant, antiulcer, hepatoprotective and immunomodulator.

4. Kumari: mild laxative - anthraquenone, antioxidant, anti inflamatory, antiseptic, aloin and emodin act as analgesics.

5. Katuparni: phenolic compounds act as antimicrobial.

6. Moksha: Mannitol reduces intra cranial and intraocular pressure. Act as anti-glaucoma, promotes the urinary excretion of toxic materials and protects against nephrotoxic. Fructose act as anti-nausea.

7. Kasamarda: Chrysophanol - act as hepatoprotective, neuro protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and anti-microbial. Emodol - Act as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic etc. Anthraquinones act as anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, insecticidal, fungicidal, anti-viral and anti-cancer. Phytosterol act as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant. Also has anti-inflammatory action.

8. Kundam: Dupeol - anti cancer and anti-inflammatory, Betulin - anti-inflammatory, Geraniol - anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory, Eugenol - anti bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant.

9. Kasturi: used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, nausea, bad odor, strengthening cardiac muscles and respiratory diseases.

10. Sthula Ela: Cineol act as anti-inflammatory, Terpenenes act as anti-plasmodial.

11. Renuka: act as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

12. Trayamana: Catalpol is effective in Ischemic stroke. Aucubin act as Hepatoprotective, can protect liver from poison.

13. Rakta Shali: helps in regulating insulin level. It also gives pulmonary benefits.

14. Rasanjana: berberine - a natural isoquinoline alkaloid - shown efficacy in the treatment of mood disorders. It modulates neurotransmitters and their receptor system within the central nervous system.

Conclusion

When a person consumes Vishadravya or Visha accidentally or purposely, the main aim is to get rid from the effects of Visha through any of the Chaturvimashati Upakrama. The above discussed drugs can be used to pacify Visha Laxanas, if used by the Yukti of practitioner depending upon the Guna Karma of each Dravyas and thereby it free's from toxic effects. Thus, we can make use of different formulations prepared by the drugs named under Vishanut Dravyas according to Bhavaprakasha.

Reference

1. Ayodhya Prasad Achal. Agad Tantra, Text book of ayurveda toxicology, translated and revised by Dr. Jina Pattanaik, Edited by Deepak Yadav Premchand, Chaukhambha surbharati prakashana, Varanasi, p.01.

2. U. R. Sekhar Namburi. A text book of Agada Tantra illustrated, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana Varanasi, p.59.

3. Santosh Neelappa Belawadi, Prativisha and Visha chikitsa in Ayurveda, Vaishnavi Publications Gadag, Karnataka, p.45.

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Manuscript Received	Review Round 1	Review Round 2	Review Round 3	Accepted
2022-11-30	2022-12-02	2022-12-09	2022-12-16	2022-12-23
Conflict of Interest	Funding	Ethical Approval	Plagiarism X-checker	Note
Nil	Nil	Yes	17%

Review Article

Vishanut

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences