Abstract

RE-ENVISIONING AGADA TANTRA IN THE MODERN ERA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HERB-INDUCED LIVER INJURY AND HEAVY-METAL TOXICITY IN AYURVEDIC PRACTICE

Dr. Dixit Thakur*, Dr. Asha Yadav, Dr. P. K. Gupta, Dr. Jyoti M. Ganer,

Abstract

Agada Tantra, the classical branch of Ayurveda dealing with toxins, antidotes, and public health protection, holds significant contemporary relevance. Over the last decade, the increasing global use of Ayurvedic formulations has brought forward new clinical and regulatory challenges. Two areas of particular concern—herb-induced liver injury (HILI) and heavy-metal toxicity—have generated considerable discussion in scientific and regulatory communities. This review synthesizes current evidence, integrates classical toxicological concepts with modern biomedical understanding, and provides a framework for strengthening safety practices in Ayurvedic medicine. A narrative review methodology was adopted, sourcing peerreviewed publications, toxicology reports, regulatory documents, and classical Ayurvedic texts. Findings suggest that although the incidence of serious toxicity remains low relative to the scale of use, both HILI and metal toxicity events do occur, primarily linked to product contamination, inappropriate self-medication, or misidentification of herbs. Classical Agada Tantra offers conceptual alignment with modern pharmacovigilance— particularly in identifying risk factors, early symptom recognition, detoxification strategies, and preventive community practices. However, gaps remain in documentation, laboratory surveillance, manufacturing standards, and causality assessment. This review proposes a detailed model integrating Agada Tantra principles with contemporary pharmacovigilance, including reporting guidelines, analytical testing protocols, clinician training, and patient awareness. A future research agenda is also outlined for mechanistic studies, epidemiology, and quality-assurance innovations. The analysis highlights that preserving Ayurvedic therapeutic value and ensuring patient safety requires a harmonised approach combining traditional knowledge systems with modern regulatory and scientific methods.

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