Abstract

A META-ANALYTICAL AND CONCEPTUAL REVIEW ON THE EFFICACY OF ŚIRĪṢĀDI AGADA IN VIṢA CIKITSĀ (TOXICOLOGY MANAGEMENT)

*Dr. Suryakant J. Patil and Dr. Vaishali Suryakant Patil

Abstract

Background: Śirīṣādi Agada is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation cited in classical texts for the treatment of various viṣa (toxic) conditions. Its constituents—Śirīṣa (Albizia lebbeck), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), and Haridrā (Curcuma longa)—have been individually studied for their anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis and conceptual review to evaluate the efficacy of Śirīṣādi Agada and its constituents in the management of viṣa-related conditions. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, AYUSH Portal, and ResearchGate. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 evaluating either Śirīṣādi Agada or its main constituents were included. Outcomes analyzed included anti-inflammatory effects, toxin neutralization, and immunomodulation. Effect sizes were calculated using standard mean differences (SMD), and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Results: A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant outcomes: reduction in edema (SMD: – 0.56, 95% CI: –0.72 to –0.39), suppression of histamine response (SMD: –0.48, 95% CI: – 0.65 to –0.31), and modulation of TNF-α (SMD: –0.62, 95% CI: –0.88 to –0.36). No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The conceptual and meta-analytical evidence supports the efficacy of Śirīṣādi Agada in the management of viṣa. Further clinical studies using standardized formulations are recommended.

Keywords: Śirīṣādi Agada, Meta-analysis, Ayurvedic Toxicology, Viṣaghna, Śirīṣa, Nimba, Haridrā.