Toxicology
Submitted by divine_sysop on October 23, 2009 - 05:33
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Introduction
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical science, is rapidly gaining global acceptance as a highly effective medical system. It is one of the most complex and intellectually challenging among professional pursuits, demanding an effective integration of one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine with the advancements and needs of the current era.
The department of Toxicology was so highly developed during the early ages that it was given primary importance as one among the eight branches of Ayurveda. It still continues to serve successfully to the rural public in India, especially in treating snake bites in areas where venom antidotes etc. are not available.
The foundation of Ayurveda is based on its eight branches and one of them is Toxicology, in Sanskrit called as Agada Tantra. The word “Agada” literally means antidote and “Tantra” means science. Agada Tantra means the Science of antidotes or Toxicology.
Historical References of Poison
- References in Atharvana Veda
We get references regarding the morbid conditions arising due to different types of poisons and their antidotes. For example, references about poisons of vegetable origin and poisons of animal origin are widely discussed in Atharvana Veda.
Atharvana Veda also explains about treating different poisons by reciting the sacred hymns and there is reference about “Garuda mantra” for treating snake poisons.
- References in Mahabharata
There are many references available in the epic Mahabharata, like Duryodana gave poison to Beema (mixing it with sweets).
- References in Samhita
There are chapters dedicated to toxicology in Charaka samhita, Susrutha Samhita, Ashtanga sangraha etc.
- References in Rasa Ratna samuchaya
The alchemy science has dedicated separate detailed chapters on toxicology. On the other hand, this department of Ayurveda explains about the utilization of these poisons as medicines for chronic and incurable diseases.
Derivation
The word Agada is formed by the combination of ‘A’- ache and ‘Gada’- disease, discomfort, pain or poison. Agada means the medicaments which are used as antidotes to combat these morbid conditions.
The science “Agada Tantra” deals with the study of poisons, their actions, detection and treatment.
According to classical Ayurvedic references, the word Agada Tantra deals with the management of poisoning, resulting from the bites of snakes, insects and worms, spiders, rodents etc. and various other poisons produced by improper combinations of substances or drugs.
Importance of knowing Toxicology in Ayurveda
As the field of Agada Tantra is very vast, there is need to understand its different aspects. The parameters described below will throw light for understanding of toxicology:
Classification: There is need to know the divisions and sub-divisions, their merits, demerits, qualities,properties, signs and symptoms of poison for concluding the diagnosis and the treatment principles.
The character or nature of the poison: It plays a vital role in making the physician understand not only about the nature of poison but also about its effects on sense organs. Here the physician has to be very keen in restoring the normal functions of vital organs by reducing the intensity of the poison at the earliest possible.
Clinical features: The effect of poison on the living beings with respect to its upsurge and post-upsurge signs, complications etc., which help to asses the stage and toxicity of the poison.
Diagnosis: It is very important to have a detailed study of different poisons and history of the poisoning to diagnose the case exactly without confusion, when similar toxic manifestations are observed.Diagnosis plays a key role for which it is mandatory for the physician to understand the duration,intensity of the signs and symptoms, stages of poison and the differential diagnosis. For example,arsenic poisoning is roughly the same as Cholera.
Management of Poison: The physician should be well aware of the signs and symptoms manifested by different types of poisons, their management, therapeutic uses, fatal dose, fatal period etc. for understanding whether the condition is treatable or not.
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