Abstract

EFFECTS OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION ON GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT IN RELATION TO MAHASTROTASA - A REVIEW

Vd. Poonam B. Raut* and Vd. Kalpana R. Chavhan

Abstract

Mahastrotas represents a tubular tract extending from cavity of mouth to the terminal part of anal opening. Chewing of tobacco in any form for a longer time hazardously affects the GIT. Tobacco is derived from two main species Nicotiana Tobaccum and Nicotiana rustica. Tobacco contains a volatile alkaloid Nicotine which is one of the most addictive and stimulant drug. Smokeless Tobacco use has many side effects including Oral Cancer, Leucoplakia, Erythroplakia, Oral sub mucous fibrosis, loss of periodontal support and staining of teeth. In this paper I am going to review the consequences of tobacco chewing on GIT health and role of Ayurveda in their reduction.

Keywords: Tobacco; Toxicity; Mahastrotasa; Gastrointestinal Tract.