Abstract

SNUHI (EUPHORBIA NERIFOLIA LINN.) UPAVISHA – A REVIEW

Dr. Ravindra Anirudha Mirgane*

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Abstract

Ayurveda is an eternal medical science which is integral part of Atharva veda. In Ayurveda treatment is basically includes use of the different parts of medicinal plants to cure specific aliments. Ancient Samhitas of Ayurveda explained medicinal uses of poisonous plants also. In Ayurveda, Upavisa are the group of drugs which were less toxic in nature and not so lethal but produces certain toxic symptoms on consumptions or administration. Snuhi is one among the upavisa and a well-known plant in Indian system of medicine. According to Acharya: Charaka even an acute poison become an excellent drug if it is administered properly and similarly, even a drug if not administered properly becomes an acute poison. The drug snuhi is employed as an important ingredient of various classical preparations. Present review of Snuhi highlights a literature review regarding its vernacular names, synonyms, classification, geographical distributions, external morphology, phytochemistry, ayurvedic properties, pharmacological action, toxicological aspect, management, medico-legal aspect and therapeutic uses from different Ayurvedic Samitas, Nighantus and present modern sciences literature, books, peer viewed journals.

Keywords: Snuhi, Upavisha, Therapeutic uses, Toxicological aspect, Pharmacological action, Ayurvedic properties.