Abstract

VATSANABH (ACONITE)-A REVIEW

Karambelkar Sharadini A.* and Savrikar Shriram S.

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Abstract

Since years together use of poisonous drugs in Ayurveda is very common. Rasashastra is a separate branch which comprises of Rasaushadhies (ie. Herbomineral, metalo-mineral formulations) prepared from mrutalauha (metallic bhasmas), kandavisha (poisonous drugs) and sutam (mercurials). So use of poisonous drugs only after the peculiar therapeutic processing/sanskaras to enhance their therapeutic value at the same time reduce their toxicity is uniqueness of this branch of medicine. Though, Vatsanabh (Aconite) is one of the important poisonous drugs still it has been used very scientifically with all precautions which have to be undertaken. It is very interesting to note that use of its antidote is also mentioned in Ayurveda classics, which shows the keenness of Rasacharya (ancient scientists) regarding thorough knowledge of the drug. Necessity to search for antidote indicated previous therapeutic utility of Aconite. It is not bound to the use of Aconite only but every drug is used very systematically and cientifically in Ayurveda whether it is poisonous or non poisonous. Every drug had been classified as per its therapeutic action. Every drug has synonyms as per its morphology and pharmacology. In this review attempt has been made to collect each and every minute information regarding this important poisonous drug.

Keywords: Vatsanabh, Antidote, Rasayana, Species.