Abstract

CONTRIBUTION OF SUSHRUTA IN AGADATANTRA (TOXICOLOGY) W.S.R.T. KALPASTHANA

Indira Venu*, Reshmi Pushpan, Krishna Kishore Kumar and Reju Krishnan

Abstract

Sushruta samhita is one of the most ancient, encyclopedic and authoritative classical books of Ayurveda, written by Acharya Sushruta, considered the Father of Surgery. Sushruta samhita has six sections with 186 chapters covering eight branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda). Damstra chikitsa is one among these eight branches of Ayurveda dealing with the toxicological aspect of Ayurveda and this branch is dealt under eight chapters in Kalpasthana of Sushruta samhita. The contents include the source, nature, symptomatology and management of various poisons including the description about poisonous foods, drinks, vegetables, minerals, various Plant and Animal sources with symptoms and poisonous effect along with its treatment which includes various Agadas (anti-toxic formulations). The purpose of this study is to understand various special features mentioned in Kalpastana of Sushruta samhita.

Keywords: Sushruta samhita, Ashtanga Ayurveda, Kalpasthana, Ayurveda toxicology.