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Case Report

Bilwadi Agad

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 1 JANUARY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Action of Bilwadi Agad in management of Food Poisoning w.s.r. to Visuchika - A Case Study

Patil SS1*, Lambat RD2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.1.46

1* Sonal S Patil, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Agadtantra Evum Vidhivaidyak, Govt Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

2 Rajendra D Lambat, Head of Department, Dept of Agadtantra Evum Vidhivaidyak, Govt Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

Bilwadi Agada is a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. It is a choice of drug in acute toxico-pathological conditions. The 13 ingredients of Bilwadi Agad are Bilwa, Surasa, Karanja, Nata, Suvaha, Haridra, Daruharidra, Triphala, Trikatu. It is indicated in various conditions such as Sarpa Dansha, Loota Visha, Unduru Visha, Vrischika Visha, Visuchika, Ajeerna, Gara Visha, Jwara Bhoota Badha etc. Drugs found in Bilwadi Agad mostly have the qualities of Deepana, Pachana, Anulomana, Shoolhara, Krimighna, Jwaraghna, and Vishaghna and it acts on the Kapha-Vata. Visuchika is a condition in which vitiated Agni causes over-affection of Ama leading to expulsion of Doshas though both upper and lower passage. Food poisoning which is classified under acute gastroenteritis caused due to ingestion of food contaminated by either bacteria or nonbacterial toxins. It causes hypersecretion of fluid and electrolytes which is the underlying cause of watery consistency of stool in cases of food poisoning. This can be clinically corelated with the concept of Visuchika in ayurveda. Bilwadi Agad when used in such cases have seen to be effective in relieving the symptoms of food poisoning. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Bilwadi Agada as a treatment for Visuchika.

Keywords: Visuchika, Bilwadi Agad, Gastroenteritis, Vishaghna

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sonal S Patil, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Agadtantra Evum Vidhivaidyak, Govt Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Patil SS, Lambat RD, Action of Bilwadi Agad in management of Food Poisoning w.s.r. to Visuchika - A Case Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(1):293-298.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-12-16 2024-12-26 2025-01-06 2025-01-16 2025-01-25
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© 2025by Patil SS, Lambat RDand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesCase ReportMaterials and MethodsObservationsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Sonal SP et al. Action of Bilwadi Agad in management of Food Poisoning

Introduction

Food poisoning is a form of acute gastroenteritis caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. The contamination may result from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Cholera, E. coli, or Clostridium, or from nonbacterial toxins like enterotoxins or harmful substances in certain foods. Enterotoxins, which are produced by some bacteria, are especially significant in non-bacterial food poisoning. These toxins lead to the excessive secretion of fluids and electrolytes into the intestines, causing symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The increased fluid release is responsible for the watery stool commonly seen in food poisoning cases. Symptoms usually develop within 12 hours of ingestion of contaminated food. Symptoms differ as per the severity, Some common symptoms are - Loose or watery stool for more than 5-10 times, Presence of pus cells, mucus and sometimes blood, Tenesmus, pain in lower abdomen during defecation, Hyperpyrexia, Mucosal hyperemia due to mucosal invasion etc.[1]

Management of gastroenteritis by conventional medicines is essential as well as life saving in acute and fatal conditions, but the complication of Gastroenteritis as well as disturbance of gastric flora by antibiotics is sometimes causing patient trouble more than disease itself. Sometimes patient have irregular bowel habit even for more than six months. If such patients give additional support of Ayurvedic medicines, complication as well as toxic effects of conventional therapies can be minimized.

Visuchika is Amapradoshaja Vyadhi as described by Acharaya Charaka.[2] This condition indicates a severe disruption in the digestive process and the movement of Vata, which governs bodily functions such as digestion and waste elimination. Visuchika, refers to a condition characterized by sharp, pricking pain in the abdomen and other parts of the body, caused by an imbalance of Vata due to improper digestion. A defining feature of Visuchika is the simultaneous expulsion of undigested food through both the upper and lower gastrointestinal passages, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea along with Murchha, thirst, pain, Bhrama (vertigo), anorexia, headache occurring together. Visuchika is often triggered by the consumption of poorly prepared, stale,

or incompatible foods, as well as irregular and improper eating habits that disturb the normal functioning of Jatharagni and leading improper digestion of ingested food resulting the abnormal formation of the Rasa Dhatu. When this undigested or poorly digested substance, known as Ama Annarasa, undergoes fermentation it becomes toxic and harmful, referred to as Annavisha. The combination of Annavisha or Amarasa with vitiated Tridoshas in the Amashaya (stomach) and Pakvashaya (intestines) initially causes obstruction (Sanga) in their normal passage, followed by symptoms of Vimarga-Gamana (wrong movement) and Atipravritti (excessive flow), leading to vomiting and diarrhea, respectively. All three doshas are involved, with Vata predominating, which causes acute abdominal pain.[3]

Visuchika as a Disease

Samprapti: The aggravated Doshas affect the undigested food and get mixed up with it. This combination obstructs a part of stomach and rapidly moves through upward and downward tracts separately to produce Visuchika as per involvement of particular Dosha. Vata: produces colic pain, malaise, dryness of mouth, fainting, giddiness, irregular power of digestion, rigidity of sides, back and waist and contraction and hardening of vessels. Pitta: causes fever, diarrhea, internal burning sensation, thirst, intoxication, giddiness etc. Kapha: causes vomiting, anorexia, indigestion etc. Lakshanas: “Murchatisara Vamathu” i.e., fainting, diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, abdominal pain, giddiness, rigidity of extremities, more of yawning, burning sensation, shivering, pain in heart region and headache are the signs and symptoms of Visuchika.[4] Visuchika and acute gastroenteritis (food poisoning), both the diseases have similarities in their etiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentations. The specific characteristic of having acute abdominal pain along with diarrhea and vomiting is duly described under both the diseases. That is why food poisoning can be corelated with the ayurvedic concept of Visuchika.[5] Bilwadi Agad having Vishaghna, Jwaraghna, and Visuchikahara properties of the various ingredients in it is a drug of choice applicable to mitigate the symptoms of the condition in this case study. Treatment typically aims to restore balance to the doshas, enhance digestion, and alleviate symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea through dietary adjustments,


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herbal remedies, and therapeutic measures to calm Vata and support the digestive system.

Aim and Objectives

The main aim of this study is to document the effect of Bilwadi Agad in management of Food Poisoning w.s.r. to Visuchika

Case Report

A 29 yr male patient (IT Engineer- office job) with chief complains of- frequent loose stools (Drava Mala Pravrutti)- 7-8 times, vomiting (Chhardi)- 3-4 times, Abdominal pain (Udarshula), Headache, General weakness with Bhrama, Thirst, Anorexia since 3 days.

Past History

The patient has highly stressful work life with long work hours and has a habit of excessive eating of junk food with irregular sleep patterns. Patient had given H/O eating Chicken Manchurian and noodles a day before symptoms occurred 4days ago.

Personal History

Diet - Non vegetarian
Appetite - normal.
Bowel - irregular
Habits - No addiction.

Ashtavidha Parikshan

Nadi - Vata Pradhan Pitta.
Mala - Atipravrutti (7-8 times/day)
Mutra - Prakrut
Jivha - Saam
Shabda - Prakrut
Sparsha - sheet
Druka - Prakrut
Akruti - Madhyam.

Samanya Parikshan

General conditions - Fair, Afebrile.
Pulse - 94/min
Blood Pressure - 110/70 mm Hg
Respiratory rate - 20/min

Systemic Examination

RS - AEBE is Clear
CVS - S1S2-N
CNS - Conscious, Oriented to time, place, persons.

Investigations

  • Routine blood test: TLC = 7800/cumm, N74; L36; M02; E02; B05; Hbgm% = 12.6gm/dl, PLT = 2.1lakh/cumm.
  • RBS = 102gm/dl

Materials and Methods

Name of drugAushadhimatraAushadhikaal
Bilwadi Agad Gutika (500mg)1 Gutika twice a day (1 - 1)After food with Luke warm water

बिल्वादि गुटिका

बिल्वस्य मूलं सुरसस्य पुष्पं फलं करञ्जस्य नतं सुराह्वम् । फलत्रिकं व्योषनिशाद्वयं च बस्तस्य मूत्रेण सुसूक्ष्मपिष्टम्॥८४|| भुजङ्गलूतोन्दुर वृश्चिकाद्यैर्विषूचिकाजीर्ण गरज्वरैश्च । आर्तान्नरान् भूतविधर्षितांश्च स्वस्थीकरोत्यञ्जनपाननस्यैः॥८५|| (अष्टांगहृदय, उत्तरस्थान 36/84-85)[6]

1. Bilwadi Agad - Ingredients[7]

SNName of the drugSynonymBotanical namePart usedQuantity
1.BilwaMahakapitthaAegle marmelosMoola1 part
2.SurasaTulasiOcimum sanctumPushpam1 part
3.KaranjaNaktamalaPongamia pinnataPhala1 part
4.NatamTagaramValeriana wallichiMoola1 part
5.SurahwamDevadaruCedrus deodaraKandasara1 part
6.HaritakiAbhayaTerminalia chebulaPhala1 part
7.BibhitakiAkshaphalaTerminalia bellericaPhala1 part
8.AmalakiDhatriEmbica officinalisPhala1 part
9.ShuntiVishwabheshajaZingiber officinaleKanda1 part
10.MarichaVellajaPiper nigrumPhala1 part
11.PippaliKanaPiper longaPhala1 part
12.HaridraNishaCurcuma longumKanda1 part
13.DaruharidraDarunishaBerberis aristataKanda1 part
14.Basta mutraGoat urineQuantity sufficient

Bilwadi Agad

jaims_3968_01c.JPG
Rasa


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jaims_3968_01b.JPG
Vipaka

jaims_3968_01a.JPG
Guna

2. Bilwadi Agad - Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, Karma [8,9,10]

SNDrug NameRasaGunaViryaVipakaKarma
1.BilwaKashaya, TiktaLaghu RukshaUshnaKatuKapha-Vataghna, Vishamjwaraghna, Shothaghna, Balya, Raktasthambhak, Grahi, Hrudya.
2.KaranjaKatu, Kashaya, TiktaLaghu RukshaUshnaKatuKapha-Vata Shamaka, Krimighna, Janthughna, Raktashodhak, Kustaghna, Vishaghna, Shothaghna, Vedna Sthapana, Deepana, Pachana.
3.SurasaKatu, TiktaLaghu, RukshaUshnaKatuKapha-Vataghna, Vishaghna, Krimighna, Vishamjvaraghna, Deepana Pachana Anulomana, Janthughna, Shothaghna, Hrudya, Shwasakasahikka-Parshwashoolhara.
4.NatamTikta. Katu KashayaLaghu SnigdhaUshnaKatuKapha-Vatashamaka, Vishaghna,Vednasthapaka, Jwaraghna, Bootaghna, Madahara,Shirorogahara, Akshepahara, Saraka, Medhya.
5.SurawhaTiktaLaghu, SnigdhaUshnaKatuKapha-Vata Shamaka, Deepana, Kasashwasahikkahara, Shothahara, Kandughna, Jwaraghna, Tandrahara, Kushtaghna Bhootaghna, Krimighna, Raktaprasadana.
6.HaritakiPachrasa Lavan VarjitLaghu RukshaUshnaMadhuraTridoshahara, Anulomana, Rasayana, Hrudya, Indriya Prasadana, Medhya, Shothahara, Vednasthapana, Vrushya Krimighna, Kasashwasapliha-Rogahara, Vishamjwarahara.
7.BibhitakiKashayaLaghu, RukshaUshnaMadhuraTridoshahara, Krimighna, Shothhara, Raktasthambhana, Vednasthapana, Deepana, Anulomana, Jvaraghna, Shwasakasavamigara-Nashna.
8.AmalakiAmla Pradhan Lavana VarjitGuru RukshaSheetaMadhuraTridoshahara, Rasayana, Hrudya, Vyasthapana, Kanthya, Jwaraghna, Kasahara, Raktapittaghna, Shulaprashmana, Dahaprashmana, Deepana, Anulomana.
9.ShuntiKatuLaghu, SnigdhaUshnaMadhuraVata-Kaphahara, Deepana, Shothahara, Shoolaprashmana, Hrudaya, Atisarakasashwasa-Hikkahara, Vednasthapana, Naadi Utejaka. Jwarahara
10.MarichaKatuLaghu, TikshnaUshnaKatuVata-Kaphahara, Krimighna, Vishaghna, Bhootaghna Hrudya, Kasashwasahara, Deepana, Pachana, Shoolaprashmana.
11.PippaliKatuLaghu, Snigdha, TikshnaUshnaMadhuraKapha-Vata Shamaka, Kushtaghna, Balya Jwaraghna, Rasayana, Hrudya, Deepana Shoolaprashmana, Janthughna Hikkanigrahana, Pachana, Shwaskasa-Pliharogahara.
12.HaridraTikta KatuRuksha LaghuUshnaKatuKapha-Vata Shamaka, Kushtaghna, Jwaraghnavishaghna, Krimighna, Raktadoshahara, Pitta Rechaka, Shothahara, Vednasthapana.
13.Daru-haridraTikta, KashayaRuksha LaghuUshnaKatuKapha-Pitta Shamaka, Katu-Paushtika Netrya, Vishaghna, Varnya, Shothahara, Vednasthapana, Kandughna, Krimighna, Raktashodhaka, Vishamjvaraghna
14.Basta MutraKatu, LavanLaghu, Ruksha, TikshnaUshnaKatuKaphaghna, Vatakara, Kasashwasaghna, Shoophaghna, Pandughna

Pathya Ahara Vihara in food poisoning involves uses of light and easily digestible food, warm food, green gram, buttermilk, sufficient rest, consumption of lukewarm water, avoidance of overeating, maintenance of proper hygiene and conduction of dietary rules of Ayurveda. Simultaneously Rehydration therapy should be continued to avoid Dehydration and its complication.

Shamana Chikitsa is associated with utilization of drugs or herbs for treating condition of food poisoning such as Bilwadi Agad.

Observations

Patient is given a tablet of Bilwadi Agad of 500 mg twice a day after meal for 15 days.


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Symptoms are seen to be reduced from first day itself and disappeared completely after course of 15 days.

SNSymptomsBefore treatmentAfter treatment
Day 1Day 3Day 7Day 15
1.Loose motions. (Drava Mala Pravrutti)7-8 times4-5 times2-3 times1-2 time-
2.Vomiting. (Sa-anna Chardan)3-4 times2-3 times0 time0 time-
3.Abdominal pain. (Udarshool)++++++++++-
4.Generalized weakness++++++--

Discussion

The condition was diagnosed as Visuchika based on its history. The treatment plan was tailored according to the etiology and Dosha predominance. The patient was advised Vishghna Aushadha Pana along with Deepana and Pachana, which resulted in a prompt and favorable response. Bilwadi Agad is given after meal as there is Kaphanubandhatva in cases of Vishaktata (Annavisha in this case) and there is Kapha dominance after meal during Madhura Awasthapaka. Drugs present in Bilwadi Agad mostly act on the Kapha-Vata and possess the attributes of Katu, Tikta Rasa, Laghu, Tikshana, Ruksha Guna, Usna Virya, Madhura Vipaka, Deepana, Pachana, Anulomana, Rochana, Shoolhara, Krimighna, Jwaraghna, Triptighna, and Vishaghna.[11] The Vishaghna, Jwaraghna, and Visuchikahara properties of the several constituents in Bilwadi Agada may be utilized to alleviate the symptoms of the illness.

Action of Bilwadi Agad in case of Visuchika

KarmaBilwadi Gutika
DeepanaSurasa, Trikatu, Surahva, Triphala, Mootra
PachanaTriphala, Trikatu, Mootra,
GrahiTrikatu
AnulomanaTripahala
KrimighnaSurasa, Karanja, Surahva, Pippali, Maricha, Haridra, Mootra,
Vishaghna / GaranashanaSurasa, Karanja, Nata, Bibhitaki, Haridra
JwaraghnaSurahva, Haritaki, Amalaki, Shunti, Pippali.
Janthughna / BhootaghnaSurasa, Karanja, Nata, Devdaru, Maricha,Pippali

It has Tridoshghna property especially it is Kaphvatghna in action. 92.30 % of drugs of Bilwadi Agada has Ushna Veerya & 77% of drugs having Vaatghna and Kaphghna property.[12] It can give relief in Swelling, itching, Skin reactions, Burning & other signs and symptoms produced due to Visha.

Conclusion

The pharmacological activities of all the medications in Bilwadi Agad Yoga, which are Vishghna Shothaghna, Janthughna and Krimighna have been shown to be anti-microbial, antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-diarrheal, and anti-protozoal which are helpful in treating acute gastroenteritis in food poisoning.[13] An excellent Ayurvedic remedy for issues resulting from imbalance of the Kapha Dosha is Bilwadi Gulika. Bilwadi Agada's action stems from its Samyoga Visheshata i.e., its therapeutic effect resulting from the combination's uniqueness. The majority of the medications are Tikta-Katu Rasa Pradhan, which acts as a Kapha-Vatahara. Since most medications have Katu Vipaka and are Ushna Veerya, they might act on Visha as an antidote swiftly.

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