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.
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