Role of “Astanga Samgraha” in Agadatantra (toxicology)
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Contribution of “astanga samgraha” in the field of agadatantra or visa vairodhikam (toxicology)
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, a comprehensive science of life, is historically divided into eight branches known as Astanga Ayurveda, encompassing various specialties, including Agadatantra or toxicology. The Astanga Samgraha, written by Vagbhata, offers crucial insights into these branches, specifically focusing on the concept of Agadatantra, which addresses the treatment of diseases caused by poisons from both plant and animal origins. This research aims to compile the scattered information pertaining to Agadatantra within the Astanga Samgraha to present a consolidated reference that can enhance the understanding and application of Ayurvedic toxicology in practitioners and researchers.
Poison Types and Treatment
One key concept discussed within Agadatantra is the classification of poisons into two categories: Sthavar (immobile or plant-derived) and Jangama (mobile or animal-derived). Poisons have distinct characteristics and symptoms. For instance, Acharya Charaka notes that certain poisons, like Gara, can produce cumulative toxicity. The text elaborates on various treatments for specific types of poisonings, detailing symptoms and suitable remedies. Treatments for Sthavar poisons include concoctions made from specific herbs and roots, such as Yavagu prepared with decoctions of Kosataki and Amrita, which are effective against numerous types of poison.
Treatment of Animal-Borne Poisons
In addition to plant-based toxicological insights, Agadatantra highlights the management of poisons from animal sources, such as snake bites and scorpion stings. The text refers to various snake species and their respective symptoms upon a bite, emphasizing the need for immediate remedies. Treatments include the application of specific pastes made from roots like Sinduvaraka and herbs mixed with honey, along with directives for dietary restrictions and purgatives. The breadth of knowledge in Agadatantra regarding animal poisonings underlines its importance as a critical resource for modern practitioners dealing with such emergencies.
Conclusion
In summary, Agadatantra within the Astanga Samgraha provides substantial knowledge on toxicology, covering a wide range of poisoning scenarios and their treatments. By reorganizing the information on Agadatantra into a manageable format, this research not only aids modern practitioners in effectively utilizing Ayurvedic toxicological principles but also highlights the relevance of Ayurveda in contemporary medical discourse. The insights gained from this compilation set the stage for further research and adaptation of Ayurvedic methods within the evolving landscape of medical science, promoting its acceptance and use in modern healthcare.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
*Sushil Debbarma
PG Scholar, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, Assam
Khagen Basumatary
Professor & HOD, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, Assam
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Contribution of “astanga samgraha” in the field of agadatantra or visa vairodhikam (toxicology)
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Agadatantra in Ayurveda?
Agadatantra, also known as Toxicology, is a vital branch of Ayurveda that deals with the treatment of various types of poisoning, including those from plant and animal sources, along with antidotes and protective measures.
How does Astanga Samgraha contribute to Agadatantra?
Astanga Samgraha contains scattered concepts of Agadatantra throughout its text. This research aims to compile and organize this information, helping practitioners and scholars to easily access crucial knowledge about toxicology in Ayurveda.
What are the main topics covered in Agadatantra?
Agadatantra covers topics such as types of poisons (Sthavar and Jangama), symptoms of poisoning, treatment protocols, and various antidotes for specific cases like snake bites, insect stings, and other toxic exposures.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of “Astanga Samgraha” in Agadatantra (toxicology)”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to the eight branches of Ayurveda, which are comprehensive in their coverage of different aspects of medical science as conceptualized in Ayurveda.[see source text or glossary: Astanga]
2) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
Agada-tantra, another term for Agadatantra, is the branch of Ayurveda dealing with toxicology and the treatment of various types of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Agada-tantra]
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that aims to balance the body, mind, and spirit to promote health and prevent illness. It includes eight branches, one of which is 'Agadatantra'.[see source text or glossary: Ayurveda]
4) Visha (Visa):
Visha, in Ayurvedic terms, represents poison. This can be of plant origin (Sthavar) or animal origin (Jangama) and involves treating the diseases caused by these poisons.[see source text or glossary: Visha]
5) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee is a form of clarified butter used in various Ayurvedic treatments, including for poisoning. For example, medicated ghee mixed with other ingredients can be drunk to counteract snake venom.[see source text or glossary: Ghee]
6) Pain:
Pain is a common symptom discussed extensively within Agadatantra in Ayurveda. It can arise from various types of poisoning and is treated using antidotes and other therapeutic measures.[see source text or glossary: Pain]
7) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Astanga Samgraha is a classical Ayurvedic text written by Vagbhata, which includes extensive discussions on various branches of Ayurveda, including Agadatantra or toxicology.[see source text or glossary: Astanga-samgraha]
8) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Samgraha refers to the compilation or collection of Ayurvedic knowledge. Astanga Samgraha, for instance, is a compilation of eight branches of Ayurveda.[see source text or glossary: Samgraha]
9) Toxicology:
Toxicology, or Agadatantra, is a branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the study and treatment of poisons. It includes various antidotes and treatments for poisonings by different sources.[see source text or glossary: Toxicology]
10) Agada:
Agada means antidote in Ayurveda. In Agadatantra, various Agadas are specified for the treatment of different types of poisonings, such as snake bites or food poisoning.[see source text or glossary: Agada]
11) Damshtra (Damstra):
Damstra, another term for Agadatantra, focuses on toxicology within Ayurveda. This branch deals with diagnosing and treating poison-related conditions.[see source text or glossary: Damstra]
12) Honey:
Honey is used in various Ayurvedic treatments and has anti-poisonous properties. For example, it can be mixed with medicinal ghee or herbs to treat poisoning.[see source text or glossary: Honey]
13) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom of poisoning that is extensively discussed in Agadatantra. Various treatments, including herbal preparations, are recommended to manage fever in poisoned individuals.[see source text or glossary: Fever]
14) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is a symptom of various poisonings discussed in Agadatantra. Different treatments involving cooling herbs and ghee are recommended to alleviate this symptom.[see source text or glossary: Burning sensation]
15) Fainting (Fainted):
Fainting is another symptom of poisoning. Various antidotes and treatments in Agadatantra are aimed at regaining consciousness and stabilizing the patient's condition.[see source text or glossary: Fainting]
16) Disease:
Disease caused by poisoning is a central topic in Agadatantra or toxicology, which discusses the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of such conditions.[see source text or glossary: Disease]
17) Powder:
Powdered herbs and other substances are commonly used in Agadatantra for treating various poisonings. For instance, powders may be mixed with ghee or honey to create antidotes.[see source text or glossary: Powder]
18) Milk:
Milk, often used in Ayurveda, can be part of antidotes (Agada) for treating poisonings. For example, medicated milk decoctions are mentioned for specific treatments in Agadatantra.[see source text or glossary: Milk]
19) Kapittha:
Kapittha is an anti-poisonous substance highlighted in Agadatantra. It is used in various formulations to counteract the effects of different poisons.[see source text or glossary: Kapittha]
20) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a treatment method in Agadatantra to expel poisons from the body. Inducing emesis is a common procedure in Ayurvedic toxicology to clear ingested poisons.[see source text or glossary: Vomiting]
21) Swelling:
Swelling is a symptom of various toxic conditions discussed in Agadatantra. Treatments often include the application of medicinal pastes and ingestion of anti-poisonous formulations to reduce swelling.[see source text or glossary: Swelling]
22) Scorpion:
Scorpion bites are described in Agadatantra, which provides detailed symptoms and treatments, including the use of various herbal and mineral antidotes.[see source text or glossary: Scorpion]
23) Animal:
Animal-derived poisons (Jangama) are extensively covered in Agadatantra. The text details symptoms, treatments, and antidotes for poisonings from various animals such as snakes and scorpions.[see source text or glossary: Animal]
24) Blood:
Bloodletting is a treatment method emphasized in Agadatantra for certain poisonings. Removal of blood from the site of snake or spider bites can help alleviate symptoms.[see source text or glossary: Blood]
25) Luta:
Luta refers to spiders in Agadatantra. The text discusses the symptoms and treatments for spider bites, including the types of spiders and appropriate antidotes.[see source text or glossary: Luta]
26) Pratishedha (Pratisedha):
Pratisedha means prevention or treatment. In Agadatantra, Visha Pratisedha refers to methods to neutralize or counteract poisons.[see source text or glossary: Pratisedha]
27) Medicine:
Medicine and antidotes are central to Agadatantra, which prescribes various herbal and mineral formulations to treat different kinds of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
28) Tree:
Certain trees and their parts are discussed in Agadatantra for their anti-poisonous properties. Procedures to treat poisoning from plant sources are detailed.[see source text or glossary: Tree]
29) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava is rock salt used in various Ayurvedic formulations, including those in Agadatantra, to treat poisonings and other conditions.[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
30) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
Manjistha is an herb mentioned in Agadatantra. It is used in various preparations for its anti-poisonous properties, especially in treating snake bites.[see source text or glossary: Manjistha]
31) Matulunga (Matulumga, Matulamga):
Matulanga is used in various formulations in Agadatantra to counteract poisonous effects. Its juice or paste can be incorporated into antidotes.[see source text or glossary: Matulanga]
32) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects of poisons. Agadatantra extensively discusses diagnosing and treating various toxic conditions using antidotes and therapies.[see source text or glossary: Toxicity]
33) Surasa (Su-rasa):
Surasa, also known as Tulasi or holy basil, is an anti-poisonous herb discussed in Agadatantra for its role in counteracting various types of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Surasa]
34) Sthana:
Sthana in Ayurveda refers to sections or chapters. In Agadatantra, various sthanas cover different poison-related treatments and remedies.[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
35) Amrita (Amrta):
Amrita, often identified as Guduchi, is used in Ayurvedic formulations to counteract poisons and is mentioned in Agadatantra for its medicinal properties.[see source text or glossary: Amrita]
36) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha is a plant used in various formulations in Agadatantra. It has anti-poisonous properties and is employed in treating snake bites and other poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Kustha]
37) Spider:
Spider bites and their treatments are extensively covered in Agadatantra. The text discusses the symptoms and antidotes for various types of spider venom.[see source text or glossary: Spider]
38) Insect:
Insect bites and their treatments are topics in Agadatantra. Specific symptoms and antidotes for different insect poisons are detailed, including scorpion and spider bites.[see source text or glossary: Insect]
39) Nata:
Nata is one of the herbs used in Agadatantra as part of formulations for treating poisons. It is mixed with other herbs to create antidotes.[see source text or glossary: Nata]
40) Food:
Food poisoning and its treatment are discussed in Agadatantra. Symptoms of poisoned food and antidotes to detoxify the body are provided.[see source text or glossary: Food]
41) Drug:
Drugs or medicinal formulations are central to Agadatantra. The text prescribes various herbal and mineral combinations to treat different types of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Drug]
42) Horripilation:
Horripilation, or goosebumps, can be a symptom of poisoning. Agadatantra discusses it in the context of vata aggravation and provides treatments to alleviate it.[see source text or glossary: Horripilation]
43) Sinduvaraka:
Sinduvaraka is an herb used in Agadatantra. It is part of various formulations to treat animal bites and other types of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Sinduvaraka]
44) Perception:
Disorders of sensory perception are symptoms of some poisonings discussed in Agadatantra. Treatments aim to restore normal sensory function.[see source text or glossary: Perception]
45) Snake-bite:
Snake bites are extensively discussed in Agadatantra. The text details symptoms, treatments, and antidotes for the venom of various types of snakes.[see source text or glossary: Snake-bite]
46) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts. Agadatantra is a part of these texts, providing comprehensive knowledge on treating poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
47) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali or long pepper is used in various Ayurvedic treatments, including those in Agadatantra, for its medicinal properties.[see source text or glossary: Pippali]
48) Trikatu (Tri-katu):
Trikatu, a combination of three spices, is used in Agadatantra for its therapeutic properties, specifically in treating poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Trikatu]
49) Tagara:
Tagara is an herb included in various formulations in Agadatantra for its anti-poisonous properties.[see source text or glossary: Tagara]
50) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter, is used in various Ayurvedic treatments as a medium for delivering herbal formulations, including in Agadatantra for treating poisons.[see source text or glossary: Ghrita]
51) Dadima:
Dadima or pomegranate is used in anti-poisonous treatments described in Agadatantra, often as part of medicinal pastes or decoctions.[see source text or glossary: Dadima]
52) Thirst:
Thirst is a symptom of certain poisonings, such as those caused by plant-based toxins. Agadatantra provides remedies to manage this symptom.[see source text or glossary: Thirst]
53) Taila:
Taila or oil is used in various treatments in Agadatantra for its medicinal properties, including treating poisonings by detoxifying the affected area.[see source text or glossary: Taila]
54) Damsha (Damsa):
Damsa refers to bites or stings from venomous creatures like snakes and insects, which are extensively discussed in Agadatantra.[see source text or glossary: Damsa]
55) Vyosha (Vyosa):
Vyosa is a herbal formulation used in various treatments in Agadatantra for its anti-poisonous properties.[see source text or glossary: Vyosa]
56) Bilva (Vilva):
Bilva, or bael, is used in Agadatantra for its anti-poisonous properties. Various parts of the tree are included in formulations to treat poisons.[see source text or glossary: Bilva]
57) Arka:
Arka is an herb used in Agadatantra for its anti-poisonous properties, such as in the treatment of dog bites and other venomous conditions.[see source text or glossary: Arka]
58) Gara:
Gara refers to cumulative toxicity due to the combination of incompatible substances. Agadatantra describes its symptoms and treatments.[see source text or glossary: Gara]
59) Kita:
Kita refers to insects in Agadatantra. The text contains information on symptoms and treatments for insect bites and stings.[see source text or glossary: Kita]
60) Rice (Rce):
Rice is mentioned in Agadatantra as part of dietary recommendations and in medicinal formulations for treating poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Rice]
61) Fire:
Fire, or Agnikarma, is a treatment method in Agadatantra involving cauterization to neutralize poisons from bites or stings.[see source text or glossary: Fire]
62) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Butter milk is used in various formulations in Agadatantra for its detoxifying properties and is part of the dietary recommendations to treat poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Butter milk]
63) Purification:
Purification methods in Agadatantra include detoxifying the body from poisons through emesis, purgation, and other means.[see source text or glossary: Purification]
64) Tanduliyaka (Tamduliyaka):
Tanduliyaka is an herb used in Ayurvedic treatments, including those in Agadatantra, for its medicinal properties.[see source text or glossary: Tanduliyaka]
65) Sarpavisha (Sarpavisa, Sarpa-visha):
Sarpavisha refers to snake venom. Agadatantra extensively discusses the symptoms and treatments for poisoning from snake bites.[see source text or glossary: Sarpavisha]
66) Salivation:
Excessive salivation can be a symptom of certain poisonings. Agadatantra provides treatments to manage this symptom.[see source text or glossary: Salivation]
67) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
Punarnava is an herb used in various formulations in Agadatantra to treat different types of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Punarnava]
68) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta refers to established principles or doctrines, such as those found in Agadatantra, to guide the treatment of poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Siddhanta]
69) Lutavisha (Lutavisa, Luta-visha):
Luta-visa refers to spider poison in Agadatantra. The text details symptoms and treatments for various spider bites.[see source text or glossary: Luta-visa]
70) Agnikarma (Agni-karma):
Agnikarma is a method of cauterization used in Agadatantra to neutralize toxins and treat venomous bites and stings.[see source text or glossary: Agnikarma]
71) Knowledge:
Knowledge of poisons and their treatments is crucial in Agadatantra. The text aims to compile this knowledge for effective management of toxic conditions.[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
72) Apamarga:
Apamarga is a herb mentioned in Agadatantra for its anti-poisonous properties, used in various formulations to treat poisonings.[see source text or glossary: Apamarga]
73) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala, a combination of three fruits, is used in detoxifying therapies in Agadatantra to treat various poisons.[see source text or glossary: Triphala]
74) Mridvika (Mrdvika):
Mridvika, or raisins, are used in formulations in Agadatantra for their medicinal properties, sometimes included in antidotes.[see source text or glossary: Mridvika]
75) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to symptoms. In Agadatantra, various symptoms of poisoning are meticulously detailed for diagnosis and treatment.[see source text or glossary: Lakshana]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 304]