अगदतन्त्र

व्यवहार आयुवेद
एवुुं ववविवैद्यक
PART A
 CHAPTER I: Agada-Tantra & Visha

 Agada-Tantra
Nirukti:
- Agada + Tantra = Agada-Tantra
- Agada is the antidote of Gada (poison).
- Tantra is a science.

Paribhasha & Scope of Agada-Tantra

अगदतन्त्रुं नाम सर्पकीटलू तामू षकावददु ष्टववषव्यञ्जनार्थं वववविववषसुंयोगोर्शमनार्थं च ॥
(सु - सू - १ / ८)
Agada-Tantra is intended for diagnosis and management of various poisonings such
as bites of sarpa (snake), kita (insects), luta (spiders), mushaka (rats), etc.

In modern science, it is known as Toxicology.

Scope of Agada-Tantra:
- Protection of healthy individuals from poisons.
- Management of individuals afflicted with poisons.

Prayayavachi:
- Agada = Bheshajam, Bhaishajyam, Aushadham, Jayuh
- Agada-Tantra = Damstra vijnana, Visha-tantra, Visha-gara-vairodhika prashamana,
Jangali
 Astanga Ayurveda:
Agada-Tantra is one of the 8 branches of Ayurveda.

तस्यायुवेदस्याङ्गान्यष्टौ तद्यर्था कायवचवकत्सा शालक्युं शल्यार्हततप कुं ववषगरवै रोविकप्रशमनुं

भू तववद्या कौमारभत त्यकुं रसायनुं वाजीकरणवमवत ॥ (च - सू - ३० / २८)

तद्यर्था शल्युं शालक्युं कायवचवकत्सा भू तववद्या कौमारभत त्यम् अगदतन्त्रुं सायनतन्त्रुं

वाजीकरणतन्त्रवमवत । (सु - सू - १ / ६)

कायबालग्रहोर्ध्प ङ्गशल्यदुं ष्टराजरावतषान् ।

अष्टावङ्गावन तस्याहुविवकत्सा येषु सुंविता ॥ (अ-हृ - सू - १ / ५)

Astanga Ayurveda 8 Branches of Ayurveda

Kaya Chikitsa General Medicine

Bala-Tantra / Bala Chikitsa / Kaumarabhritya Pediatrics

Graha-Vijnana / Bhutavidya Demonology

Urdhvanga-Chikitsa / Shalakya Medicine pertaining to supra-

clavicular region

Shalya-Tantra Surgery

Damshtra-Tantra / Visha-gara-vairodhika Toxicology

Prashamana

Jara-Vijnana / Rasayanam Rejuvenation Therapy

Vrisha-Vijnana / Vajikarana-Tantram Aphrodisiacs & Andrology

 Visha
Nirukti:
ववषादजननत्वाच्च ववषवमत्यवभिीयते ।
That which causes Vishada (fear / grief / distress) is known as Visha.

Paribhasha:
- Visha is the poison which induces toxic symptoms in the body when consumed in
unpurified form or improper quantity.

- Sthavara Visha is the poison present in tubers, roots, etc. such as Kalakuta,
Indravatsa, Shringi and Halahala.
Jangama Visha is the poison present in snakes, spiders, etc.
(अ-हृ - उ - ३५ / ४-५)

Prayayavachi: Kshveda, Garala, Gara, Gada, Kalakuta, Rasa, Tikshna, Jivitapaham,

Mugara, Amrita, Vatsanabha, Shringika, Sourastrika, Pradipana, Saktuka,
Brahmaputra, Mustaka

Visha Utpatti: (अ-हृ - उ - ३५ / १-३)

An individual dreadful in appearance with glowing luster, four teeth, brown hair and
fiery eyes was born before the Suras & Asuras churned the ocean of milk to obtain
the nectar (Amrita).
He was named ‘Visha’ as the whole world became distressed and afraid (Vishada)
after seeing him.
He discarded his real physical form and since then resides in his deceptive form in
inorganic (Sthavara) and organic (Jangama) substances, as he was cursed by Brahma.
Visha Prabhava:

 Visha Prabhava Bheda

A) Based on Karma:
a) Dahaka (Corrosives)
b) Kshobhaka (Irritants)
c) Vataprakopaka (Neurotics)
i) Mastishka prabhavaka (Cerebral poisons)
ii) Hridaya prabhvaka (Cardiac poisons)
iii) Phuphus prabhavaka (Pulmonary poisons)
iv) Mahasrotas prabhavaka (GIT poisons)
v) Pranastha-nadi prabhavaka (Peripheral poisons)
vi) Sushumna prabhavaka (Spinal poisons)

B) Based on Sthana:
a) Sthanika (Local)
b) Sarvadaihika (General)

योगादवर् ववषुं तीक्ष्णमु त्तमुं भे षजुं भवेत् ।

भे षजुं चावर् दु युपक्तुं तीक्ष्णुं सुंर्द्यते ववषम् ॥ १२६ ॥
तस्मान्न वभषजा युक्तुं युक्तक्तबाह्ये न भे षजम् ।
िीमता वकविदोदयुं जीववतारोग्यकाविणा ॥ (१२७) ॥ (च - सू - १)
A strong poison can become an excellent medicine if it is properly administered. On
the other hand, even a good medicine if not properly administered, becomes a
strong poison.
So, a wise patient who desires longevity & health, should not accept any medicine
prescribed by a physician ignorant of the principles governing its application.

Visha Pranaharana Kriya: (अ-हृ - उ - ३५ / ८-१०)

Visha Guna are opposite to that of Ojas and for a person having predominance of
Vata & Pitta, it is fatal.
The poison that enters the body, vitiates Rakta first, then Kapha, Pitta & Vata along
with their respective seats, finally invading the heart and leading to death of the
person.
Visha Guna: - 10
लघु रूक्षमाशु ववशदुं व्यवावय तीक्ष्णुं ववकावस सूक्षुं च ।
उष्णमवनदे श्यरसुं दशगुणमु क्तुं ववषुं तज्ज्ै ैः ॥ (च् - वच - २३ / २४)

रूक्षमु ष्णुं तर्था तीक्ष्णुं सूक्ष्ममशुव्यवावय च ॥ १९ ॥

ववकावश ववशदुं चै व लघ्वर्ावक च तत् स्मततम् । (सु - क - २ / १९-२०)

तीक्ष्णोष्णरूक्षववशदुं व्यवायाशुकरुं लघु ।

ववकावष सूक्ष्ममव्यक्तरसुं ववषमर्ावक च ॥ (अ-हृ - उ - ३५ / ७-८)

No. Visha Guna Visha Karma

1 Laghu Duchikitsya (difficult to treat)

2 Ruksha Vata prakopaka

3 Ashu / Ashukari (quick Destroys the tissues quickly

acting & destructive)

4 Vishada Does not adhere to any place

5 Vyavayi (pervading) Spreads within the whole

body quickly; before
undergoing digestion

6 Tikshna Causes Moha (delusion) and

breaks Marma-bhanda
(support of vital organs)

7 Vikasi (slackening) Slows & destroys functioning

of Dosha, Dhatu & Mala

8 Sukshma Enters into all the organs at

the minute level and causes
abnormalities

9 Ushna Pitta & Rakta prakopaka

10 Anirdesha / Avyakta Not perceivable due to

Rasa indistinctive taste / Difficult
(indistinct taste) / to expel due to indigestibility
Avipaki (indigestible)
Visha Gati:
जङ्गमुं स्यादिोभागमू र्ध्पभागुं तु मू लजम् ।
तस्माद्दुं ष्टराववषुं मौलुं हक्ति मौलुं च दुं ष्टरजम् ॥ १७ ॥ (च - वच - २३ / १७)
Jangama Visha moves downwards whereas Sthavara Visha moves upwards in the
alimentary canal. Therefore, Jangama Visha cures poisoning of Sthavara Visha, and
vice-versa.

Visha Vega:
Visha crossing over each of the seven Kalas (limitating membranes) successively,
situated in the midway region between two Dhatus, produces different phases of
effect. This is termed as Visha Vega (velocity of poison).

The interval which appears while poison is driven by Vayu from one Kala to another is
known as Vega-antara (interval between phases).

Number of Vegas:
Acharya Charaka Acharya Sushruta
Human Beings 8 7
Animals 4 4
Birds 3 3

Acharya Sushruta has mentioned only 7 Vegas for Humans. There are seven Kalas in
the body, and these Vegas (stages) appear when the Visha crosses the Kalas
successively. After Saptama Vega, the Visha which spread by bite, returns back to
Damshadesha (site of bite), and the Visha consumed orally returns to the Hridaya
(heart) to cause death of the patient as the final stage.
Thus, there is no contradiction between number of Vega of Acharya Charaka &
Acharya Sushruta.
Visha Vega Lakshana - Humans Chikitsa
Prathama Trishna, Moha, Dantaharsha (tingling Dahana karma; Rakta sravana;
Vega sensation in the teeth), Praseka Vamana karma;
(salivation), Chardi, Klama Shitambu sechana; Agada yoga with
Madhu & Ghrita

Dvitiya Vaivarnya, Bhrama, Murccha, Jrimbha, Virechana; Hridaya avacharana

Vega Anga cimicima (tingling sensation in the
limbs), Tamaka (dyspnoea)

Tritiya Mandala (circular eruptions), Kandu, Ksharagada with Madhu & Ambu;
Vega Shvayathu (oedema), Kotha (urticaria) Agada Dravya; Nasya; Anjana

Chaturtha Daha, Chardi, Angashula, Murccha Gomayarasa with Kapittha rasa,

Vega Madhu & Ghrita; Agada with Sneha

Panchama Nila Darshana or Tamasa Darshana Ashchotana; Anjana; Nasya with

Vega Kakanda and Shirisha rasa; Agada
with Madhuka kvatha & Madhu

Sastha Hikka Sajnasthapana; Atisara chikitsa

Vega
Saptama Skandha Bhanga (dislocation of Use of Sthavara Visha in case of
Vega shoulder girdle) Jangama Visha;
Use of Jangama Visha in case of
Sthavara Visha; Avapidana Nasya

Astama Marana (death) If patient seems to be dead, but is

Vega not: Palasha beeja with Shikhi-Pitta.

Visha Vega Lakshana - Animals Lakshana – Birds

Prathama Vega Depression, Bhrama Depression

Dvitiya Vega Vepana (trembling) Bhrama

Tritiya Vega Shunya (feeling of Srasta-anga (sluggishness of

emptiness), the limbs), Marana
Manda-ahara
Chaturtha Shvasa, Respiratory failure, ---
Marana
Visha-Sankata:
- Visha-prakriti = Vata-Pitta
- Visha-kala = Grishma & Varsha Ritu
- Anna = Tikta & Katu Rasa
- Dosha = Vata-Pitta
- Dushya = Rakta
The combination of the above mentioned factors results in the event called Visha-
Sankata, which is an emergency situation of poisoning, and only one out of hundred
reaching this stage survives.

Shanka-Visha: (च - वच - २३ / २२१-२२३)
When a person is bitten by something (non-poisonous) in the pitch darkness, the fear
or suspicion (Shanka) of being bitten by a poisonous creature causes manifestation of
symptoms such as Jvara, Chardi, Murccha, Daha, Glani, Moha & Atisara.
This condition is called Shanka-Visha.

For the treatment of this ailment, the wise physician should console the patient.
He should be given Sharkara, Shuddha Gandhaka, Draksha, Payasya, Madhuka and
Madhu along with Mantraputa Ambu (incanted water). The water should also be
sprinkled over the patient’s body. He should be consoled and made cheerful.

Samanya Visha Chikitsa:

- Visha-Vega Chikitsa -> Refer to Visha Vega

- Vishopakrama -> Refer to Chapter VI

- Vishaghna Dravya: (Ch. Su. 4)

Haridra, Manjistha, Rasna, Sukshma Ela, Trivrit, Chandana, Kathaka, Shirisha,
Nirgundi, Shleshmataka

- Amashaya Prakshalana, Sadyovamana

- Administration of Jangama Visha treats poisoning due to Sthavara Visha.

- Administration of Sthavara Visha treats poisoning due to Jangama VIsha.
 CHAPTER II: Toxicology & poisons

 Toxicology
Definition:
Toxicology is the science of poisons which deals with their source, toxicity & lethal
dose, chemical composition, action, treatment and antidotes.

Branches of Toxicology:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacological Toxicology
- Clinical Toxicology
- Regulatory Toxicology

 Poisons
Definition:
A poison is a substance which, on ingestion, inhalation, absorption, application or
injection produces injury to the body by its chemical action.

“All substances are poisons, there is none which is not a poison.

The right dose differentiates a poison from a remedy.”
- Paracelsus (1493-1549), “Father of Toxicology”

Suicidal & Homicidal Poison:

Poisons used for suicidal purpose are organophosphates, opium, barbiturates,
potassium cyanide, copper sulphate, etc.
A suicidal poison is easily accessible, cheap, might be tasteless and easy to administer
in drinks and food items.
Suicidal poisons are quick in action and difficult to diagnose.

Poisons used for homicidal purpose are aconite, arsenic, oleander, madar, etc.
Opium is sometimes used to kill children.
A homicidal poison is easily accessible, might be colourless, odourless, tasteless and
is therefore easy to administer in drinks and food items.
Homicidal poisons are quick in action and difficult to diagnose.
Classification of Poisons:
A) Medico-legal Classification
i) Suicidal
ii) Homicidal
iii) Cattle
iv) Drug dependence
v) Accidental
vi) Abortifacients
vii) Stupefying
viii) Food poisoning

B) Symptomatic Classification
i) Corrosives - Mineral acids, Organic acids, Vegetable acids
ii) Irritants - Inorganic (metallic & non-metallic)
- Organic (vegetable & animal)
- Mechanical
iii) Neurotics - Cerebral, Spinal, Peripheral
iv) Cardiac poisons
v) Asphyxia
vi) Miscellaneous - Analgesics, Antipyretics, Antihistamines, Tranquilizers,
Antidepressants, Stimulants, Street & Designer drugs

i) Corrosives
Corrosive poisons are highly active irritants which produce both inflammation
and ulceration of tissues. This group consists of strong acids and alkalis.

ii) Irritants
Irritant poisons produce symptoms of pain in the abdomen, vomiting and
purging.

iii) Neurotics
Neurotic poisons act on CNS & PNS. Symptoms usually consist of headache,
drowsiness, giddiness, delirium, stupor, coma, and convulsion.

iv) Cardiac poisons

Cardiac poisons act on the heart and may cause symptoms such as chest pain,
arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, fatigue, dyspnoea and swellings.

v) Asphyxia
Asphyxial poisons are inert gases or vapors that displace oxygen from air
when present in high concentrations. They mainly act on the Respiratory
System and may cause symptoms such as dizziness, dyspnoea, headache,
nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and stupor.
Action of poisons:
i) Local action = Poisons act directly on the tissues and cause corrosion, irritation and
inflammation (e.g.: Bhallataka)
ii) Remote action = Poison gets absorbed systematically and acts on CNS, heart, etc.
(e.g.: Snake bite / Scorpion sting)
iii) Combined action = Local & Remote

a) Acute = Immediate or within a short period

b) Chronic = Min. 3 months
c) Sub-acute = Neither acute nor chronic
d) Fulminant = Sudden & instable action, not on regular basis

The effects of poisons depend on the following factors:

- Dose & Quantity
- Form of poison
- Route of administration
- Condition of the body

Route of administration:
i) Enteral - Oral, Anal
ii) Parenteral - Intradermal, Intravenous, Intraosseous, Intra-arterial, Intramuscular,
Subcutaneous, Inhalation

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism & Excretion:

a) Absorption
Absorption may occur through the alimentary tract, skin, lungs, via the eye,
mammary gland, or uterus, as well as from sites of injection. Toxic effects may be
local, but the toxicant must be dissolved and absorbed to some extent to affect the
cell. Solubility is the primary factor affecting absorption. Insoluble salts and ionized
compounds are poorly absorbed, whereas lipid-soluble substances are generally
readily absorbed, even through skin.
b) Distribution
Distribution or translocation of a toxicant is via the bloodstream to reactive sites,
including storage depots. The liver receives the portal circulation and is the organ
most commonly involved with intoxication (and detoxification). The selective deposit
of foreign chemicals in various tissues depends on receptor sites. Ease of chemical
distribution depends largely on its water solubility. Polar or aqueous-soluble agents
tend to be excreted by the kidneys; lipid-soluble chemicals are more likely to be
excreted via the bile and accumulate in fat depots. The highest concentration of a
toxin within an animal is not necessarily found in the organ or tissue on which it
exerts its maximal effect (the target organ). Lead may be found in highest
concentrations in bone, which is neither a site for toxic effects nor a reliable tissue
for toxicological interpretation. Knowledge of the translocation characteristics of
toxicants is necessary for proper selection of organs for analysis.

c) Metabolism
Metabolism or biotransformation of toxicants by the body is an “attempt to
detoxify.”
There are two phases of metabolism. Phase I includes oxidation, reduction, and
hydrolysis mechanisms. These reactions, catalyzed by hepatic enzymes, generally
convert foreign compounds to derivatives for Phase II reactions.
Phase II principally involves conjugation or synthesis reactions. Usually, a fraction is
excreted unchanged, and the rest is excreted or stored as metabolites. Increased
tolerance to subsequent exposures of a toxicant, in some instances, is due to enzyme
induction initiated by the previous exposure.

d) Excretion
Excretion of most toxicants and their metabolites is by way of the kidneys. Some
excretion occurs in the digestive tract and some via milk.
Toxicants are removed in the kidney by glomerular filtration, tubular excretion by
passive diffusion, and active tubular secretion.
The damage to the kidney from the excretion of xenobiotic is specific to the anatomic
location where the excretion occurs. Excretion sites are proximal tubules, glomeruli,
medulla, papilla, and loop of Henle. The proximal convoluted tubule is the most
common site of toxicant-induced injury.
The elimination or disappearance (by metabolic change) of a chemical from an organ
or the body is expressed in terms of half-life (t½), defined as the amount of time
required for the disappearance of half of the compound. The rate of elimination
usually depends on the concentration of the compound, and different body
compartments will likely have different elimination rates.
Diagnosis of Poisoning:
Diagnosis of poisoning is important, not only from therapeutic perspective but also
from legal aspects. The fast investigation regarding identification, dosage and route
of administration of the poison helps in better application of therapeutic measures.
Saving the patient’s life is a physician’s prime concern; additionally, the purpose of
poisoning - whether accidental, suicidal or homicidal - should be investigated.

i) Diagnosis of Poisoning in the Living:

Poisoning in the living can be individualized or of a larger group. Mass poisoning can
be induced through liquor, drugs, meals, drinks, etc. in which all the victims show
similar symptoms.

a) Acute poisoning:
Manifestation of signs & symptoms is within a short time and attains complicated
features.
General symptoms of acute poisoning: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Convulsions, Fainting,
Acute colic, Borborygmi, Excessive salivation, Deformed pupils,
Buzzing in the ears, Hyperthermia, Sweating, Delirium,
Neurological symptoms, Bluish discolouration, Anxiety,
Respiratory distress, Coldness of body-parts, Restlessness

b) Chronic poisoning:
Signs & symptoms develop gradually and at times remain concealed.
Sometimes the course of chronic poisoning is so slow that its signs & symptoms
represent themselves very mildly or as symptoms of another disease. Due to the
mildness, diagnosis of chronic poisoning is completely missed.
Common symptoms of chronic poisoning: Ill-being, Restlessness, Anxiety, Weakness,
Loss of weight, On & off presentation of gastro-intestinal symptoms

ii) Diagnosis of Poisoning in the Dead:

Diagnosis of poisoning in the dead is done by the following 4 measures:
a) Post-mortem examination (external & internal examination)
b) Chemical analysis
c) Experiments on animals
d) Mortal & circumstantial evidences
General principles of treatment:
i) Resuscitation:
a) Revival
- Maintenance of cardiac activity & blood circulation
- Oral and oro-pharyngeal secretions should be removed by suction.
- In case of respiratory failure, artificial respiration should be adopted.

b) Ventilation
- Any crowd of people should be removed.
- Room should be well ventilated.
- Clothes of the patients should be loosened.
- Artificial or supportive respiratory measures

c) Treatment of hypotension
- If the systolic blood pressure falls below 99 mmHg, then the physician should
immediately arrange for artificial respiratory measures.
- Head-low position of patient
- Dopamine injection to enhance renal blood flow if required.

ii) Removal of unabsorbed poison:

The rate of absorption for poison depends upon the nature and route of
administration. The poison should be removed before it gets absorbed completely or
at least the absorption process should be slowed down.

A) Contact poisons – Wash the area with clean water; Use of antidote if the
poison is known.
B) Inhaled poisons – Shifting the patient to fresh air; Sufficient ventilation;
Artificial respiration
C) Injected poisons – Application of tourniquet near the site of injection;
Application of ice packs; Incision & suction
D) Ingested poisons – Induction of vomiting; Gastric lavage

a) Induction of vomiting
- Indicated during the initial few (5-6) hours of ingestion of poison.
- Contraindicated in case of corrosive poisons, unconsciousness, children,
pregnancy
- Commonly used emetic drugs / agents:
▪ Ipecac powder (1-2 gm) in one glass water
▪ Ipecac syrup (30 ml)
▪ Zinc sulphate (1-2 gm) in one glass water
▪ Ammonium carbonate (1-2 gm) in one glass water
 b) Gastric lavage (stomach wash)
- Gastric lavage is washing away of upper part of gastric tract for the removal
of ingested poisons.
- Gastric lavage tube / Boa’s tube / Ewald’s tube:
It is a rubber tube; length = 1 – 1.5 m; breadth = 12.7 mm
- For children = Ryle’s tube
- Indicated in ingested poisoning
- Contraindicated in case of corrosive poisoning, convulsions,
comatose patient, upper alimentary tract illness

If considerable time has not lapsed, in case of ingested poisoning, then

induction of vomiting proves more productive than gastric lavage as the first line of
treatment. However, even if the patient has vomited, stomach wash should be
performed to wash out the traces of poisons that may still be present in the gastric
cavity.

iii) Antidotes:
- Antidotes are the substances that counteract or neutralize the effects of poisons.
- Types = Mechanical / Physical; Chemical; Physiological; Universal

 Universal antidote:
Charcoal + Magnesium oxide (MgO) + Tannic acid
Ratio = 2:1:1

iv) Elimination of absorbed poison:

If more than six hours have passed from time of poisoning and other counter
measures have not proved efficient, then it should be understood that large amount
of poison has been absorbed already.
This poison should be removed through diuresis or sudation.

v) Treatment of symptoms & other complications:

Symptomatic treatment also plays a vital role in management of poisoning. In cases
where the source of poison is not established, only the basic symptoms should be
treated.
- Pain = Analgesics; Morphine, Pethidine
- Pyrexia = Antipyretics; Ibuprofen
- Respiratory failure = Artificial respiration, oxygen therapy
- Fall of BP = Cardio-stimulants
- Fall of temperature = Non-pharmacological measures; warm room, blankets, etc.
- Convulsions = Barbiturates
- Dehydration = Fluids, IV fluids, ORT
vi) Maintenance of general health of the patient:
- Body temperature, functioning of vital organs, strength and consciousness should
be assessed at regular intervals.
- Counselling for optimum recovery of the patient after poisoning.
- In case of suicidal poisoning, after recovering from the poison the patient should be
counselled and psychological & medical support should be given.

Duties of a medical practitioner in case of suspected poisoning:

▪ Prompt diagnosis of the poison. Care & treatment of the patient.
In case of doubt, the physician should stick to general line of treatment and manage
the patient symptomatically.

▪ Taking care of legal proceedings. The physician should not the name, address, sex,
age, occupation, date & time of arrival, accompanying members and complete
history of the patient. In case of a dying patient, the dying declaration should be
noted immediately.

▪ In case of sudden or accidental poisoning, if the physician feels that there can be a
mass poisoning, then he should promptly inform the concerned authorities about the
same.

▪ In case of suspected homicidal poisoning, the physician should immediately consult

an expert Toxicologist and Forensic Science experts.
On confirmation of homicidal poisoning, the physician should inform the police and
other concerned authorities.

▪ The patient should be immediately removed from the location of poisoning and it is
always judicious to admit him in a hospital.

▪ All the documents and evidences carefully preserved. Gastric contents, vomitus,
fecal matter, blood samples, etc. should be stored in containers and appropriately
labeled.

▪ If the patient dies, death certificate must not be issued.

▪ In case of poisoning, medical officers of Government and public hospitals should

immediately inform the legal authorities.
CHAPTER IiI: Origin & classification of
visha

 Visha Yoni
Classification of Visha on the basis of its source / origin:

A) According to Charaka & Sushruta Samhita

i) Jangama Visha (Animal poison)
ii) Sthavara Visha (Plant & mineral poison)
iii) Samyogaja Visha (Poison due to combination)
a) Gara Visha (Poison by combination of 2 non-poisonous Dravya)
b) Kritrima Visha (Artificial poison by combination of 2 poisonous
Dravya)

B) According to Astanga Hridaya

C) According to Sharangadhara Samhita

D) According to Rasatarangini
 Visha Vargikarana
 Yoni / Utpatti Bheda
Refer to Visha Yoni

 Prabhava Bheda
Classification of Visha on the basis of its effect:
A) Based on Karma:
i) Dahaka (Corrosives)
ii) Kshobhaka (Irritants)
iii) Vataprakopaka (Neurotics)
a) Mastishka prabhavaka (Cerebral poisons)
b) Hridaya prabhavaka (Cardiac poisons)
c) Phuphus prabhavaka (Pulmonary poisons)
d) Mahasrotas prabhavaka (GIT poisons)
e) Pranastha-nadi prabhavaka (Peripheral poisons)
f) Sushumna prabhavaka (Spinal poisons)

B) Based on Sthana:
i) Sthanika (Local)
ii) Sarvadaihika (General)

 Adhisthana Bheda
Classification of Visha on the basis of its location:
A) Sthavara Adhisthana
i) Puspa (Flour)
ii) Phala (Fruit)
iii) Patra (Leave)
iv) Moola (Root)
v) Tvak (Bark)
vi) Beeja (Seeds)
vii) Kanda (Stem)
viii) Sara (Essence)
ix) Niryasa / Ksheera (Exudate / Latex)
x) Khanija (Metals / Minerals)

A) Jangama Adhisthana
i) Nishvasa (Exhalation) ix) Mukha (Mouth)
ii) Damstra (Teeth/Tusk) x) Sandamsha (Proboscis/Pincers)
iii) Nakha (Claws) xi) Vishardhita (Flatus)
iv) Mutra (Urine) xii) Tunda (Beak)
v) Purisha (Feaces) xiii) Asthi (Bones)
vi) Shukra (Semen) xiv) Pitta (Bile)
vii) Lala (Saliva) xv) Shuka (Bristles/Hair)
viii) Artava (Menstrual blood) xvi) Shava (Cadaver)
 Visha – Madya – Ojas Guna
"लघु रूक्षमाशु ववशदुं व्यवावय तीक्ष्णुं ववकावस सूक्षुं च ।
उष्णमवनदे श्यरसुं दशगुणमु क्तुं ववषुं तज्ज्ै ैः ॥" (च् - वच – २३ / २४)

"लघूष्णतीक्ष्णसूक्ष्माम्लव्यवाय्याशुगमे व च ।
रूक्षुं ववकावश ववशदुं मद्युं दशगुणुं स्मततम् ॥ ३० ॥" (च - वच – २४ / ३०)

"गुरु शीतुं मत दु श्लक्ष्णुं बहलुं मिु रुं क्तथर्थरम् ।

प्रसन्नुं वर्क्तिलुं विग्धमोजो दशगुणुं स्मततम् ॥ ३१ ॥" (च - वच – २४ / ३१)

No. Visha Guna Madya Ojas Guna

Guna
1 Laghu Laghu Guru

2 Ruksha Ruksha Snigdha

3 Ashu (quick acting & Ashu Prasanna

destructive) (favourable)

4 Vishada Vishada Picchila

5 Vyavayi (pervading) Vyavayi Sthira

6 Tikshna Tikshna Mridu

7 Vikasi (slackening) Vikasi Shlakshna

8 Sukshma Sukshma Bahala (dense)

9 Ushna Ushna Shita

10 Anirdesha Rasa Amla Madhura

(indistinct taste)
 Visha Upadrava
Visha Upadrava are the complications which may occur due to poisoning.

Jvara, Kasa, Shvasa, Hikka, Chardi, Trishna, Murccha, Anaha, Bastiruja, Shirashoola,
Shotha, Putidamshatva, Raktasrava, Vataprakopa, etc.
(Astanga Sangraha, Uttara Sthana, 57)

 Visha Mukta Lakshana

Vishamukta is a person who got relief from poison.
Visha Mukta Lakshana are the signs indicating relieve of poisoning.

- Prasanna Dosha (Pure / Favourable / Normal Dosha)

- Prakritistha Dhatu (Normalcy of Dhatu)
- Annabhikanksha (Desire for food)
- Sama Mutra & Jihva (Normal urine & tongue)
- Prasanna Varna, Indriya, Chitta & Chesta (Pure / Favourable / Normal complexion,
sense organs, state of mind & activites)
 CHAPTER Iv: Detection of visha

 Visha Pariksha
Methods for the diagnosis of Visha are as follows:

1. Agniparikshana
2. Panchbhautika parikshana
3. Pariksha of animals and birds
4. Bhautika parikshana
5. Lakshananusara parikshana
a. Lakshana of Sthavara and Jangama Visha
b. Lakshana according to mode of administration
c. Lakshana according to site of poison
d. Lakshana according to use of poisoned material
e. Lakshana of Garvisha & Dushivisha

6. Ashumrut parikshana

1. Agniparikshana
Poisoned materials burn with single point flame (not with normal spreading flame),
become like peacock’s neck, interrupted and slow emit flames of different colours
like rainbow, and gives out cracking sound. The emerged smoke has cadaveric smell.

2. Indriya parikshana
▪ Shabda parikshana: poisoned food burns making loud cracks.
▪ Sparsha parikshana: contact with poisoned food causes burning sensation and nails
falling of hands.
▪ Rupa parikshana: when cast into the fire, poisoned material acquires the colours of
peacock’s neck.
▪ Rasa parikshana: lack of its natural taste.
▪ Gandha parikshana: on burning poisoned material emits irritating fumes which
smells like a cadaver.

3. Pariksha of animals and birds

Voice of kokila (cuckoo) changed, gait of swan gets altered, bhringraja bird (domestic
crane) becomes excited, karkavaku (cock) hoots loudly, suka (green parakeet) and
sarika (mynah) makes long loud sounds. Chamikara vomits. Karandava (white
breasted goose) fly away. Birds either dies or faints. Nakula (moongoose) gets
horripilation. Vanara (monkey) eliminates faeces. Prushta (spotted deer) weeps.
Mayoora (peacock) gets elated.
4. Bhautika parikshana
▪ Poisoned foods:
Food mixed with poison requires long time to cook. Cooked one becomes stale. Loses
its natural odour, colour, smell, taste. It becomes hard. Also it becomes very moist
and appears to be full of glistening particles. Condiments mixed with poison dried
very quickly. Poisoned materials burn with single point flame (not with normal
spreading flame).

▪ Layers from liquid materials:

Poisoned liquids show the following characteristics: Kvatha becomes dark, black or
blue colored. Poisoned water gets distorted with more or less of the natural features,
mirror images do not appear at all. Accumulation of foam, appearance of dividing
lines and different kinds of striae confirms poisoning. Appearance of blue lines in
mamsa rasa (meat soup), coppery red lines in dugdha (milk), black lines in madya
(alcohol), bluish lines in takra (buttermilk), green lines in madhu (honey), light brown
lines in ghrita (ghee), light red lines in taila (oil) confirms the poisoning in respected
materials.

5. Lakshananusara parikshana
a. Lakshana of Sthavara and Jangama Visha
▪ Sthavara Visha: Jvara, Hikka, Dantaharsha, Galagraha, Phena, Vamana,
Aruchi, Shvasa, Murccha
▪ Jangama Visha: Nidra, Tandra, Klama, Daha, Paka, Lomaharshana, Shopha,
Atisara

b. Lakshana according to mode of administration

▪ Vishdhuma (poisonous fumes): inhalation of poisonous fumes or smoke
causes fainting, watering of eyes and mouth, headache, running nose and
disturbances of the vision.
▪ Vapour of poisoned food: cardiac pain, abnormal movement of eyes and
headache.
▪ Vishjushta dantkashta (poisoned tooth brush): causes dryness and swelling
of palate, teeth, tongue and lips.
▪ Vishjushta anjana (poisoned collyrium): application causes accumulation of
dirt in eyes, redness, pain, distortion of vision and even blindness.
▪ Vishjushta nasyamdhum (poisoned snuff and smoke): causes headache,
discharge of Kapha (watery fluid), bleeding through the natural orifices (nose,
mouth and eyes).
▪ Poisoned ear drops: causes swelling, pain, ulcers and defects of hearing.
▪ Smelling poisoned flowers: causes headache, tears in the eyes and loss of
sensation of smell.
 c. Lakshana according to site of poison
▪ Visha in mouth (ingestion): causes tingling sensation in lips, burning
sensation inside the mouth, hardness at the root of tongue, lockjaw, more
salivation, loss of sensation of taste, pricking pain.
▪ Visha in amashaya (poisoned food in stomach): causes perspiration,
toxicity, fainting, vomiting, discolouration, distention of abdomen, burning
sensation, loss of appetite, appearance of rashes (spots) all over the body.
Flatulence, trembling and abnormality of sense organs.
▪ Visha in pakvashaya (poisoned food in intestine): causes thirst, burning
sensation, fainting, diarrhoea, gurgling noise in the abdomen, stupor, loss of
strength, emaciation, pallor and enlargement of the abdomen.

d. Lakshana according to use of poisoned material

▪ Vishjushta taila (poisoned oil): used for oil bath produce burning
sensation in the skin, perspiration, ulcers, bleed and lacerations.
▪ Poisoned oil for application on head: produce headache, appearance of
nodules, and falling of hairs.
▪ Poisoned comb: causes falling of hair, headache, bleeding from passage
and appearance of cysts on head.
▪ Poisoned wooden foot wear: causes inflammation, discharge, numbness,
and eruption of boils in feet.
▪ Poisoned ornaments: causes burning sensation, suppuration and tearing of
poisoned material.

e. Lakshana of Garvisha & Dushivisha

▪ Garavisha (artificially mixed poison): Garavisha is prepared by mixing more
than a single poisonous or nonpoisonous drugs. It may produce swelling,
anaemia, enlargement of abdomen, insanity, piles etc.
▪ Dushivisha (weak/chronic poison): this is the weak and latent poison. One
suffering from Dushivisha passes liquid stool of abnormal colour, has foul
smell, tasteless sensation in mouth, thirst, fainting, vomiting and other
symptoms of toxicity.

6. Ashumrut parikshana
▪ External and internal findings (sings) confirms the diagnosis of poisoning. For the
homicidal purpose, poison was ingested with mixing in food materials. Black coloured
hands, legs, teeth and nails in the dead body confirms it.
▪ Improper posture, scattered cloths and the number of episodes of diarrhoea
occurred confirms death by Dhattura poisoning.
▪ Discharge of blood from bite site, indicates snake bite.
▪ Food materials found in the dead was subjected to birds for the confirmation of the
poisoning.
 Visha Data Lakshana
Visha Data Lakshana are the features of the person who intends to poison or
poisoned food, drinks, etc.

A) Accord to Astanga Hridaya (A.H. Su. 7)

The face of the person who has maliciously poisoned food will be dark, his mouth will
be dry, he will look aimlessly here and there, he will sweat profusely, shiver, remain
stupefied with fear, stumbles while walking, stammers and yawns frequently.

B) Accord to Charaka Samhita (Cha. Chi. 23)

A person who behaves in an extremely suspicious manner, who is garrulous or who
speaks very little, who has lost lustre of his face and who exhibits changes in his
characteristics is a poison-giver (Visha Data).

C) According to Sushruta Samhita (Su. Ka. 1)

The intelligent physician who can understand the intention of others by their speech,
action and facial expressions should recognize the person who puts poison (to foods,
drinks, etc.) by the following features:
He who does not reply when questioned, becomes disillusioned while talking, speaks
irrelevantly and enigmatically or like an idiot, makes sound with his fingers, scratches
the ground, falls on the ground, trembles with fear, becomes thin, discoloured face,
tears something with his nails, pulls his hair often, tries to go out through the wrong
door, looks around again and again, behaves in all opposite manners and becomes
unconscious.

 Visha Peeta Lakshana

Visha Peeta Lakshana are the features of the person who has consumed poison.

According to Sushruta Samhita (Su. Ka. 3)

- Atisara & Savata
- Adhmana
- Atyartha Ushna Asrika
- Vivarna
- Angasada
- Phena vamana
 Modern Toxicological Methods for the Detection of Poison:
Various highly developed analytical methods have been used for diagnosis of
poisoning. In the modern science mainly used methods for the diagnosis of poisoning
are as follows:

1. Signs and symptoms in poisoned

2. Chemical screening tests
3. Chromatographic screenings
4. Ultraviolet - visible Spectroscopy
5. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS
6. Voltammetry/Polarography (Trace metal analyzer)
7. Immunoassay
8. Breath Alcohol Analyzer

1. Signs and symptoms in poisoned

For some extent poisoning can be diagnosed by signs and symptoms in the poisoned
one. E.g., diagnosis of kerosene poisoning by kerosene smell, breathing difficulty,
pain and burning in abdomen, vomiting, loose motions etc.

2. Chemical screening tests

Analytical detection of the poison in the samples is the most important proof of
poisoning. Samples from the suspected case are screened with the help of specific
chemical reagents for the related poisons, e.g., diagnosis of barbiturates by cobaltous
acetate, 5% iso-propylamine solutions. These tests prove the presence of suspected
poisons in poisoned material. Hallucinogenic drugs like LSD are easily detected under
ultra- violet light. Many alkaloids can be detected by chemical reactions.

3. Chromatographic screenings
These methods are used for qualitative as well as quantitative determination of the
poison in the suspected samples. These are highly specific and fast acting techniques.
These can be used as corroborative evidence. These include followings:
a) Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC): This is only a qualitative test. This is very useful
in emergency to diagnose presence or absence of poison.
b) Liquid Chromatography (LC)
c) Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC)
LC & GLC techniques are used for identification and quantification of solid, liquid as
well as gaseous poisons. GLC is preferably used for analysis of volatile and thermo-
stable pesticides, e.g., organophosphates, organochlorides, etc.
d) High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): With the help of this technique
minute traces of organic components of various mixtures can be separated and
analyzed. This is widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipstick
smears, heroin amphetamine, LSD green, pesticides, herbicides, alcohols, snake
venoms, plant & animal poisons, etc.
4. Ultraviolet - visible Spectroscopy
This is a quick & inexpensive technique for qualitative and quantitative analysis of
drugs like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, morphine, tranquilizers, DDT, parathion,
strychnine, aconitene, etc.

5. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

This is used for qualitative & quantitative analysis of poisoned sample. By this
technique the quantity of a single poison can be determined in the mixture of
multiple poisons. So this is widely used for determination of various poisons in the
liquid materials.

6. Voltammetry/Polarography (Trace metal analyzer)

With the help of this technique trace amount of poisons can be determined with
their physical and chemical properties also. Ion concentrations of many corrosives
can be measured. Accuracy, precision, low quantification limit & low price makes it
very popular in poisons analysis.

7. Immunoassay
It is accepted as the most practical method for determination and measurement of
substances with high protein content and difficult to isolate. These are very simple
but rapid techniques which do not require any pre-treatment of samples. The
concentration of the suspected poison is measured by enzyme activity of the poison.
Insulin, barbiturate, benzodiazepine and opiate derivatives may be studied by this
method.

8. Breath Alcohol Analyzer

This breath alcohol analyzer is used to detect ethanol in breath air. With the help of
this the concentrations of alcohol in the blood can be calculated. For conversion of
breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) into blood alcohol concentration (BAC) constant
blood to breath ratio of alcohol (2000:1 or 2300:1) is assumed.
 CHAPTER v: environmental toxicology

Environment:
Environment includes the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant
operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna, humans and their
interrelation.

Types of Environment:
- Natural environment
- Man-made environment
- Social environment

Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the potential of a substance to produce an adverse or harmful effect on a
living organism.
A toxicant is an agent that can produce an adverse effect in a biological system, seriously
damaging its structure or function or causing death.

Toxins:
• Metals, therapeutic drugs, industrial chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, fuels,
herbicides and abused drugs (exogenous)
• Bacterial toxins, parasitic products, bile, hormones (endogenous)
• Substances that accumulate in the body producing toxicity, even accumulated
nutrients and drugs could be toxic (Toxicity depends on dose)
• Toxins cause several disorders and are also predisposing factors or component
causes of most of the diseases.
• Environmental toxins are cancer-causing chemicals and endocrine disruptors, both
human-made and naturally occurring, that can harm our health by disrupting
sensitive biological systems.

Environmental Toxicity:
Environmental Toxicology is a multidisciplinary field of science concerned with the study of
harmful effects of various chemical, biological and physical agents on living organisms.
There are many sources of environmental toxicity that can lead to the presence of toxicants
in our food, water and air.
Pollutants are the prime source for Environmental Toxicity.

Pollution:
Pollution may be defined as an addition of undesirable material into the environment as a
result of human activities.
A pollutant may be defined as a physical, chemical or biological substance, released into the
environment which is directly or indirectly harmful to human and other living organisms.
i) Air pollution: A major source of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels.
Vehicle and factory emissions are common sources of this type of air pollution. The burning
of fossil fuels contributes to the formation of smog, a dense layer of particulate matter that
hangs like a cloud over many major cities and industrial zones. Air pollution contributes to
respiratory problems such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and other lung
ailments. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides in the air contribute to acid rain, which is a form of
precipitation with a lower (more acidic) pH than normal. Acid rain harms forests, species that
live in water bodies, and degrades outdoor statues, monuments, and buildings.

ii) Water pollution: A major source of water pollution is runoff from agricultural fields,
industrial sites, or urban areas. Runoff disrupts the water body's natural balance. For
example, agricultural runoff typically includes fertilizer or toxic chemicals. Fertilizer can
cause algal blooms (an explosive growth of algae), choking out other plants and decreasing
the amount of available oxygen necessary for the survival of other species. Raw sewage is
another type of water pollutant. When sewage gets into the drinking water supply, serious
stomach and digestive issues may result, including the spread of diseases such as typhoid or
dysentery. A third source of water pollution is trash. Improperly disposed of items, such as
plastic bags, fishing line, and other materials may accumulate in the water and lead to the
premature death of animals that get tangled within the garbage.

ii) Soil pollution: Soil can become polluted by industrial sources or the improper disposal of
toxic chemical substances. Common sources of soil pollution include asbestos, lead, PCBs,
and overuse of pesticides/herbicides. Additionally, various compounds get into the soil from
the atmosphere, for instance with precipitation water, as well as by wind activity or other
types of soil disturbances, and from surface water bodies and shallow groundwater flowing
through the soil. Humans can be affected by soil pollution through the inhalation of gases
emitted from soils moving upward, or through the inhalation of matter that is disturbed and
transported by the wind because of the various human activities on the ground. Soil
pollution may cause a variety of health problems, starting with headaches, nausea, fatigue,
skin rash, eye irritation and potentially resulting in more serious conditions like
neuromuscular blockage, kidney and liver damage and various forms of cancer.

iv) Radioactive pollution: Radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living
organisms and their environment as a result of release of radioactive substances into the
environment due to factors such as nuclear explosions, testing of nuclear weapons, handling
and disposal of radioactive waste.

v) Light pollution: Light pollution refers to the large amount of light produced by most urban
and other heavily-populated areas. Light pollution prevents citizens from seeing features of
the night sky and has also been shown to impede the migration patterns of birds and the
activities of nocturnal animals.

vi) Noise pollution: Noise pollution typically refers to human-made noises that are either
very loud or disruptive in manner. This type of pollution has been shown to impact the
movement of sea mammals, such as dolphins and whales and also impacts the nesting
success of birds.
Chemical Warfare:
- Chemical warfare (CW) is defined as warfare that involves using of toxic properties of
chemical substances as weapons / ammunitions.
- Use of toxins such as ricine, botulinum toxin, etc. fall under this category.
- Nearly seventy different chemicals are marked as weapons for chemical warfare.
- Among the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), chemical warfare is probably one of the
most brutal created by mankind. CW agents are extremely toxic synthetic chemicals that can
be dispersed as a gas, liquid or aerosol or as agents adsorbed to particles to become a
powder.
- Ethyl bromoacetate and chloroacetone were used as chemical weapons during the First
World War.

Classification of CW Agents:
In general, classification in terms of physiological effects produced on humans by the CW
agents is as follows:
i) Nerve agents
ii) Vesicants (blistering agents)
iii) Bloods agents (cyanogenic agents)
iv) Choking agents (pulmonary agents)
v) Riot-control agents (tear gases)
vi) Psychomimetic agents
vii) Toxins

Nuclear Warfare:
- Nuclear warfare is a military battle or political stratagem in which nuclear weapons are
used to cause damage on the enemy.
- This kind of warfare can produce destruction in much shorter time-interval and have long
lasting effects.
- So far, two nuclear weapons have been used in the course of warfare, both by the United
States near the end of World War II.
i) August 6, 1945 a uranium gun-type device was detonated over Hiroshima, Japan.
ii) August 9, 1945 a plutonium implosion-type device was detonated over Nagasaki, Japan.
-> These two bombings killed nearly 125.000 individuals.
 CHAPTER vI: vishopakrama
(charaka Samhita)

In Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 23 - ववषवचवकक्तत्सतम् अध्याय,

the following aspects regarding Visha have been described:
i) उत्पवत्त (Origin)
ii) गुण (Qualities)
iii) योवन (Sources)
iv) वेग (Stages)
v) वलङ्ग (Symptoms)
vi) उर्क्रम (Treatment)

ववषोर्क्रम – These are the main therapeutic treatments for poisons which help to
slow down the poisonous effect & expel the poison from the body. These treatments
may work independently or as a supportive measure to cure the patient from Visha.
The following 24 ववषोर्क्रम have been described:
"मन्त्राररष्टोत्कतप नवनष्पीडनचू षणाविर्ररषेकाैः ।
अवगाहरक्तमोक्षणवमनववरे कोर्िानावन ॥ ३५ ॥
हृदयावरणाञ्जननस्यिू मले हौषिप्रशमनावन ।
प्रवतसारणुं प्रवतववषुं सुंज्ञासुंथर्थार्नुं ले र्ैः ॥ ३६ ॥
मत तसञ्जीवनमे व च ववुंशवतरे ते चतु वभप रविकाैः ।
स्युरुर्क्रमा यर्था ये यत्र योज्ाैः शृणु तर्था तान् ॥ ३७ ॥" (च - वच - २३ / ३५-३७)

उपक्रम Treatment उपक्रम Treatment

01) मन्त्र Chanting of Mantra 13) हृदयावरण Protection of heart
02) अररष्ट बन्धन Tourniquet 14) अञ्जन Collyrium
03) उत्कतप न Small incisions 15) नस्य Nasal medication
04) वनष्पीडन Squeezing 16) िू म Medical smoking
05) चू षण Sucking 17) ले ह Linctus
06) अवि Thermal cauterization 18) औषि Anti-poisonous drugs
07) र्ररषे क Affusion 19) प्रशमन Sedatives
08) अवगाह Therapeutic bath 20) प्रवतसारण Application of alkalies
09) रक्तमोक्षण Blood letting 21) प्रवतववष Antidotes
10) वमन Emesis 22) सज्ञासुंथर्थार्न Resuscitation
11) ववरे क Purgation 23) ले र् Local application of medicines
12) उर्िान Medication on incised scalp 24) मत तसञ्जीवन Revival

-> Refer to Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 23 for detailed description.
 Chapter vii: visha & Upavisha

 Vatsanabha – Kupilu – Langali – Gunja – Bhallataka – Dhattura – Arka –

Snuhi – Ahiphena
-> Refer to Agadatantra Journal

 Kareveera
 Latin name: Nerium indicum (Shveta)
Cerebra thevetia (Pita)

 Family: Apocynaceae
 English name: Indian oleander
 Synonyms: Hayari, Hayamara, Ashvamara, Ashvaha, Ashvaghna
 Types: Shveta, Pita
 Category: Hridaya prabhavaka (Cardiac poison)
 Active principles: Neriodorin, Neiodorein, Karabin
 Signs & Symptoms: Kostha tapa, Daruna shoola, Chardi, Atisara, Akshepa

 Fatal dose: Root: 15-20 gm

Leaves: 5-15 gm

 Fatal period: 24-36 hrs

 Treatment: Stomach wash (tannic acid), Morphine for sedation,
Symptomatic treatment, Sodium lactate

 Post-mortem app.: Petechial appearance on the heart, Visceral congestion

 Medico-legal aspects: Cattle, Suicidal, Homicidal poisoning, Abortifacient

 Formulations: Karaveeradi Taila

 Jayapala
 Latin name: Croton tiglium
 Family: Euphorbiaceae
 English name: Purging croton
 Synonyms: Dantabeeja, Dravantibeeja, Jepala, Rechaka
 Category: Kshobhaka prabhavaka (Irritant poison)
 Active principles: Crotonoleic acid, Crotonol

 Signs & Symptoms: Chardi, Bhrama, Rechana, Shoola, Atopa, Sveda,

Daurbalya

 Fatal dose: Adults: 4 seeds / 15-30 drops of oil

Children: 1 seed / 3-4 drops of oil

 Fatal period: 4-5 hrs

 Treatment: Dhanyaka + Sharkara + Dadhi
Stomach wash (KMnO4 solution 1:1000)
Demulcent, Symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Congestion, Inflammation and erosion of GIT mucosa

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal, Homicidal poisoning
 Formulations: Ashvakanchuki Rasa, Anjanabhairava Rasa,
Icchabhedi Rasa, Jalodarari Rasa, Jvarari Rasa

 Chitraka
 Latin name: Plumbago zeylanica
 Family: Plumbaginaceae
 English name: Ceylon leadwort / White leadwort
 Synonyms: Agnika, Deepaka, Ushana, Analanama
 Types: Shveta, Rakta
 Category: Kshobhaka prabhavaka (Irritant poison)
 Active principles: Plumbagin
 Signs & Symptoms: Dagda, Daha, Chardi, Atisara, Trishna
 Fatal dose: Uncertain
 Fatal period: Few days
 Treatment: Gastric lavage, Demulcents, Symptomatic treatment
 Post-mortem app.: Signs of gastro-enteritis, Congestion of internal organs
 Medico-legal aspects: Abortifacient, Homicidal poisoning
 Formulations: Arogyavardhini Vati, Chandraprabha Vati,
Chitrakadi Vati, Hemagarbha pottali Rasa
 Eranda
 Latin name: Ricinus communis
 Family: Euphorbiaceae
 English name: Castor plant
 Synonyms: Panchangula, Deerghadanda, Chitrabeeja, Vatari
 Category: Kshobhaka prabhavaka (Irritant poison)
 Active principles: Ricin

 Signs & Symptoms: Daha, Lala, Utklesha, Chardi, Atisara, Raktatisara,

Shoola, Trishna, Timira

 Fatal dose: 5-10 seeds

 Fatal period: 2-7 days
 Treatment: Gastric lavage, Demulcents, Symptomatic treatment
 Post-mortem app.: Congestion of GIT mucosa, Dilation of heart,
Hemorrhages in the pleura,
Oedematous liver, kidneys, etc.

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Homicidal poisoning

 Formulations: Erandamuladi Kashaya, Erandapaka, Gandharvaharitaki

 Hritpatri
 Latin name: Digitalis purpurea
 Family: Scrophulariaceae
 English name: Digitalis / Foxglove
 Category: Hridaya prabhavaka (Cardiac poison)
 Active principles: Digitoxin, Digitonin, Digoxin

 Signs & Symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Xanthopsia, Drooling,

Cardiac arrhythmias, Weakness, Dilated pupils, Tremors

 Fatal dose: 15-30 mg - Digitalin

4 mg - Digitoxin
2 gm - Leaf

 Fatal period: 1-24 hrs

 Treatment: Stomach wash, Bowel evacuation, Activated charcoal,
Potassium salts, Digoxin specific antibody fragments

 Post-mortem app.: Non-specific

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning
 Bhanga
 Latin name: Cannabis indica
 Family: Cannabinaceae
 English name: Indian hemp
 Synonyms: Buti, Siddhi, Bhangi, Matulani, Matuli, Matika, Vijaya
 Category: Deliriant poison
 Active principles: Cannabinol, Cannabidiol

 Signs & Symptoms: Timira, Manovibhrama, Apasmriti, Pralapa, Chardi,

Kanthashuskata

 Fatal dose: 10 gm / kg - Bhanga (dried leaves & fruits shoots)

8 gm / kg - Ganja (flower tops of the female plant)
2 gm / kg - Carasa (resin)
 Fatal period: 12-24 hrs
 Treatment: Shira-Snana Atishita jalena (Cold water head irrigation)
Go-dugdha with Sharkara
Stomach wash, Inducing vomiting, Strong tea or coffee,
Artificial respiration, Strychnine HCI

 Post-mortem app.: Signs of asphyxia

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning, Stupefying poison
 Formulations: Jatiphaladi Churna, Madanodaya Modaka,
Trailokyasammohana Rasa, Trailokyavijaya Vati

 Tambaku
 Latin name: Nicotina tabacum
 Family: Solanaceae
 English name: Tobacco
 Synonyms: Tamrapatra, Gucchapatra, Ksharapatra, Krimighna
 Category: Hridaya prabhavaka (Cardiac poison)
 Active principles: Nicotine

 Signs & Symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Excessive salivation, Abdominal pain,

Pallor, Sweating, Hypertension, Tachycardia, Ataxia

 Fatal dose: Adults: 0.5-1.0 mg / kg; Children: 0.1 mg / kg

 Fatal period: 5-15 min
Treatment: Activated charcoal, IV fluids, Respiratory support,
Control of seizures by benzodiazepine

 Post-mortem app.: Signs of asphyxia, Brownish froth, Congestion of GIT,

Pulmonary oedema
 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning, Malingering
 Parthenium Hysteriphorus
 Latin name: Parthenium Hysteriphorus
 Family: Asteraceae
 English name: Altamisa / Carrot grass / Bitter weed / Star weed
 Category: Cardiac poison, Cerebral poison
 Active principles: Parthenin, Phenolic acids

 Signs & Symptoms: Allergy, Dermatitis, Eczema, Respiratory malfunction,

Asthma, Allergic rhinitis, Burning, Blisters, Diarrhoea

 Fatal dose: Uncertain

 Fatal period: Uncertain
 Treatment: Treatment of allergy, Symptomatic treatment
 Post-mortem app.: Non-specific
 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning

 Cerbera Odollam
 Latin name: Cerbera Odollam
 Family: Apocynaceae
 English name: Suicide tree / Pong-pong / Othalanga
 Category: Cardiac poison
 Active principles: Cerberin (alkaloid toxin)

 Signs & Symptoms: Nausea, Severe retching, Vomiting, Abdominal pain,

Diarrhoea, Blurred vision, Bradycardia,
Irregular breathing

 Fatal dose: Kernel of one fruit

 Fatal period: 1-2 days
 Treatment: Stomach wash, Atropine, Management of hyperkalemia
 Post-mortem app.: Signs of asphyxia, Hemorrhages, Congestion of eyes,
lungs, etc.

 Medico-legal aspects: Suicidal, Homicidal poisoning

CHAPTER viii: garavisha, Dushivisha,
Viruddha ahara,
food Adulteration & Poisoning

 Garavisha
Garavisha is artificial poison obtained by combination of various substances. It is
classified under Kritrima Visha by Acharaya Vagbhata and Acharya Sushruta, and
under Samyogaja Visha by Acharya Charaka.

A) Astanga Hridaya (A.H. U. 35/48-59)

Garavisha is the artificial poison obtained by combination of parts of the bodies,
excreta of different animals, incompatible herbs, ashes and poisonous substances of
mild potency.

Garavisha Lakshana: Pandu, Karshya, Alpa-agni, Kasa, Shvasa, Jvara, Ardita,

Pratiloma Vayu gati, Ati-nidra, Ati-chinta, Yakritudara /
Pleehodara, Deena-vak (feeble voice), Durbala, Alasa,
Shopha, Adhmana, Shuska-pada-kara, Kshaya
Svapna: Dreams of jackal, cat, mongoose, snake, monkey, trees
and dry reservoirs.

The patient of Garavisha who is suffering from such Lakshana and several other
Upadrava, should be considered as one who has reached the fatal stage.

Garavisha Chikitsa:
- Vamana, Pathya-ahara
- Suvarna lehana to purify Hridaya.
- Lehana with Sharkara, Kshaudra, Tapya & Suvarna churna.
- Churna of Murva, Amrita, Nata, Kana, Patoli, Chavya, Chitraka, Vacha, Musta &
Vidanga with Takra / Ushnodaka / Mastu / Amlarasa
 B) According to Charaka Samhita (Cha. Chi. 23/14)
Garavisha is the type of poison which is prepared artificially by the mixture of various
substances. It produces diseases. Since it takes some time for this type of poison to
get metabolized and to produce its toxic effects, it does not cause instantaneous
death of a person.

Garavisha is of 2 types; the one which is produced by the combination of non-

poisonous Dravya, and the other which is produced by the combination of poisonous
Dravya.
However, according to Acharya Kashyapa, if Visha is produced due to combination of
non-poisonous Dravya, it is called Garavisha. If it is produced due to combination of
poisonous Dravya, it is called Kritrima Visha.

 Dushivisha
Dushivisha is slow poison which gradually develops over time. It is classified under
Kritrima Visha by Acharaya Vagbhata. Acharya Sushruta has described it as a variety
or complication of Sthavara, Jangama or Kritriam Visha.

A) According to Astanga Hridaya (A.H. U. 35/33-40)

"दु ष्टुं दू ष्यते िातू नतो दू षीववषुं स्मततम् ॥ ३७ ॥" (अ.हृ. - उ – ३५ / ३७)
Dushivisha is a poison which vitiates the Dhatus.
It can be made ineffective by Vishaghna Aushadha, dried by fire, breeze and sunlight.
It must not be neglected. It continues to exist in the body for several years getting
enveloped by Kapha, despite of being hot in potency.

Dushivisha Lakshana:
Liquid stool of different colours, Raktadusti, Trishna, Aruchi, Murccha, Chardi, Gudga-
vak (stammering), Dushi-udara, Kesha patana
Dushivisha in Amashaya causes Kapha-Vata Roga.
Dushivisha in Pakvashaya causes Vata-Pitta Roga.
Dushivisha in Dhatu causes various complications.

Dushivisha Prakopa:
Dushivisha gets aggravated by direct breeze, uncooked eatables, coldness, cloudy
weather, sleep during day, unsuitable eatables.

Dushivishari Agada:
The medicine or antidote (Agada) which is known as Dushivishari controls the
Dushivisha and other poisons.
It is prepared by making Kalka from Pippali, Dhyamaka, Jatamaamsi, Lodhra, Ela,
Suvarchika, Kutannata, Nata, Kustha, Yastimadhu, Chandana and Gairika.
It should be taken with Madhu.
 B) According to Sushruta Samhita
Poison, whether Sthavara, Jangama or Kritrima Visha, which has not gone out of the
body completely, that poison which is very old, inactivated by anti-poisonous drugs,
that which is evaporated partially by fire, wind and sun, that which by nature is poor
in its quality, that type of poison is known as Dushivisha (impotent / weak poison).
It is named so because it does not kill the person quickly and remains in the body for
many years, covered by Kapha.

Lakshana & Dushivisha prakopa: Same as described in Astanga Hridaya.

Dushivisha Purvarupa:
Nidra, Gurutva, Vijrimbha, Vishleshaharsha-Avatha (looseness of joints), Angamarda,
Ajeerna, Aruchi, Mandalakotha, Moha, Dhatukshaya, Pada-Kara Shopha, Udara,
Chardi, Atisara, Vaivarnya, Murccha, Vishamajvara, Trishna, Unmada, Adhovata,
Shukrakshaya, Gadga-vak, Kustha, etc.

Dushivisha Chikitsa:
The person suffering from effects of Dushivisha should undergo Svedana, Vamana &
Virechana. Then he should be give Agada Aushadha.

Dushivisha Agada:
Pippali, Dhyamaka, Jatamamsi, Lodhra, Paripelava, Suvarchika, Sukshma-ela, Valaka,
Kanakagairika – these should be processed to Churna or Kvatha and administered
with Madhu.

 Viruddha Ahara
Food substances which provoke the Doshas, but do not expel them out of the body
are known as Viruddha.
The person who takes Viruddha-Ahara should be subjected to either Shodhana or
Shamana karma with Dravya which have opposite Guna to the ingested Viruddha-
Ahara. (A.H. Su. 7)

Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Adhyaya 26

▪ Vairodhaka Ahara:
1) Kanichit Paraspara Guna Viruddhani
Some substances act against the health due to their mutually contradictory qualities.
2) Kanichit Samyogat
Some substances act against the health due to combination of 2 or more Dravyas.
3) Samskarat
Some substances act against the health due to the method of preparation.
4) Desha Kala Matradi
Some substances act against the health due to virtue of Desha, Kala & Matra.
5) Svabhavat
Some substances act against the health due to their inherent nature.
▪ Examples:
- Dugdha + Matsya
Fish should not be taken with milk. Both of them have Madhura Rasa, Madhura
Vipaka and are Maha Abhishyandi, but due to the contradiction in their potency
(Dugdha = Sheeta; Matsya = Ushna), they produce Shonita Dusti and Marga
Uparodha.
It is known as Dravya Prabhava Viruddha.

- Dugdha should not be taken after the intake of Mulaka, Lashuna, Shigru, Arjaka,
Sumukha, Surasa, etc. because it may cause Kustha.

- Hingu patra should not be taken with Madhu and Dugdha because it may cause
Uparodha, Bala-Varna-Teja-Veerya Nasha, and other serious diseases which may lead
to death.

- Dugdha should not be taken with Amla Rasa such as: Amra, Amrataka, Matulunga,
Nikuccha, Karamarda, Mocha, Kapittha, Panasa, Dadima, Amalaka, etc.

- Dugdha should not be taken with Kangu, Vanaka, Kulattha, Masha, Nishpava, etc.

- Meat of Haritala (bird) fried with Sarshapa Taila is Ahita and leads to severe
aggravation of Pitta.

- Pippali prepared with Matsya and Kakamachi mixed with Madhu causes death.

- Ushna Madhu or intake of Madhu by a person afflicted with Ushna causes death.

- Madhu & Sarpi or Madhu & Antariksha Jala in equal quanitity

- Madhu with Kamala beeja or Ushnodaka

- Bhallataka with Ushnoda

▪ Modification of Viruddha:
Viruddha is modified and does not act contradictory in particular cases such as:
- Lashuna Ksheera Paka
- Mulaka Svarasa with Dugdha
- Madhu with Vamana Dravya

▪ Definition of Ahita:
All food and drugs which dislodge the Dosha from their proper place, but do not
expel them out of the body are to be regarded as Ahita (unwholesome).
▪ Viruddha Bheda: - 18

1) Desha Viruddha Intake of Ruksha & Tikshna Dravya in Jangala Desha.

Intake of Sheeta & Snigdha Dravya in Anupa Desha.

2) Kala Viruddha Intake of Sheeta & Ruksha Dravya in Sheeta Kala (Ritu).
Intake of Katu & Ushna Dravya in Ushna Kala (Ritu).

3) Agni Viruddha Intake of Guru Ahara in case of Mandagni.

Intake of Laghu Ahara in case of Tikshnagni.
Irregular intake of Ahara in case of Vishama- / Samagni.

4) Matra Viruddha Intake of Madhu & Ghrita in equal quantity.

5) Satmya Viruddha Intake of Madhura & Sheeta Ahara if accustomed to

Katu & Ushna Ahara.

6) Dosha Viruddha Ahara, Aushadha or Vihara similar to Dosha which are

opposite the person’s practice.

7) Samskara Viruddha Ahara and Aushadha prepared in a particular way which

produces poisonous effect like Pippali prepared with
Matsya and Kakamachi mixed with Madhu.

8) Veerya Viruddha Intake of Sheeta Veerya with Ushna Veerya Dravya;

e.g.: Dugdha with Matsya

9) Kostha Viruddha Administration of Sukha-Virechana in a small dose for a

person with Krura-Kostha; administration of Tikshna-
Virechana for a person with Mridu-Kostha.

10) Avastha Viruddha Intake of Vata aggravating Dravya in case of Shrama or

after Vyayama or Vyavaya.
Intake of Kapha aggravating Drava in case of Ati-Nidra
or Alasya.

11) Krama Viruddha Intake of Ahara before his bowel or urinary bladder is
clear; or intake of Ahara when there is no appetite or
appetite is highly aggravated.

12) Parihara Viruddha Intake of Ushna Dravya after intake of pork, etc.

13) Upachara Viruddha Intake of Sheeta Dravya after intake of ghee, etc.
14) Paka Viruddha Intake of Ahara which is prepared with bad/rotten food,
frozen food or preparation process includes excessive
coldness or heat.

15) Samyoga Viruddha Caused by combination of 2 or more Dravya.

The specific toxic properties are produced by
combination of Dravyas, which cannot be manifested
by the individual substance.
E.g.: Dugdha with Amla Dravya.

16) Hridaya Viruddha Intake of Ahara which is not pleasing to the Mana.

17) Sampat Viruddha Intake of Ahara which is not matured, over-matured or

putrefied.

18) Vidhi Viruddha Intake of Ahara not according to Vidhi-Vidhana.

E.g.: Intake of food in unhygienic place or while talking
or laughing, etc.

▪ Viruddha Ahara Janya Vyadhi:

Napumsaka (sterility), Andhya (blindness), Visarpa, Dakodara (ascites), Visphota
(europtions), Unmada, Bhaganda (fistula), Murccha, Mada, Adhmana, Galagraha,
Pandu, Amavisha, Kilasa, Kustha, Grahani gada, Shotha, Amlapitta, Jvara, Pinasa,
Santana Dosha (foetal diseases), Mrityu

Viruddha Ahara does not produce any effect or only little effect in following cases:
- Satmyata Habitual intake
- Alpataya Less quantity
- Diptagni Strong digestive fire
- Taruna Youth / Young age
- Snigdha Who has taken oleation
- Vyayama Regular physical exercise
- Balavana Strong person

▪ Chikitsa
The diseases caused by Viruddha Ahara are managed by Virechana, Vamana,
Shamana and Purva Hitasevana (prophylaxis).
 Food Adulteration
- An adulterant is a chemical substance which should not be contained within other
substances (e.g. food, beverages, and fuels) for legal or other reasons.
- The addition of adulterants is called adulteration.
- The word is appropriate only when the additions are unwanted by the recipient.
Otherwise the expression would be food additive.
- Adulterants when used in illicit drugs are called cutting agents, while deliberate
addition of toxic adulterants to food or other products for human consumption is
known as poisoning.

Food is said to be adulterated if:

• the article sold by a vendor is not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by
the purchaser;
• the article contains any other substance which affects the nature, substance or
quality;
• any inferior or cheaper substance has been substituted;
• the article had been prepared, packed or kept under insanitary conditions whereby
it has become contaminated or injurious to health;
• the article consists wholly or in part of any filthy, putrid, rotten, decomposed or
diseased animal or vegetable substance or is insect-infested or is otherwise unfit for
human consumption;
• the article is obtained from a diseased animal;
• the article contains any poisonous or other ingredient which renders it injurious to
health;
• the container of the article is composed of any poisonous or deleterious substance
which renders its contents injurious to health;
• any coloring matter other than that prescribed is present in the article;
• the article contains any prohibited preservative or permitted preservative in excess
of the prescribed limits.

Different Types of Food Adulteration:

1) Intentional: Sand, marble chips, stones, mud, other filth, talc, chalk powder,
water, mineral oil

2) Incidental: Pesticide residues tin from can, droppings of rodents, larvae in foods

3) Metallic contamination: Arsenic from pesticides, lead from water, mercury from
effluent, from chemical industries, tins from cans

4) Packaging Hazards: Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and allied compounds are

used to produce flexible packaging material
Some Adulterated Foods:
Turmeric, dals and pulses
• Adulterant: Metanil, Yellow and Kesari Dal
• Health hazard: highly carcinogenic, stomach disorders

Green chilies, green peas & other vegetable

• Adulterant: Malachite Green, Argemone seeds
• Health hazard: carcinogenic if consumed over a long period of time

Mustard seeds and mustard oil

• Adulterant: Argemone seeds, Papaya seeds
• Health hazard: epidemic dropsy and severe glaucoma

Paneer, khoya, condensed milk and milk

• Adulterant: Starch and water
• Health hazard: stomach disorder

Ice cream
• Adulterant: Pepperonil, Ethylacetate, Butraldehyde, Nitrate, Washing powder, etc.
• Health hazard: Pepperonil is used as a pesticide and ethyl acetate causes diseases
affecting lungs, kidneys and heart

Coffee powder
• Adulterant: Tamarind seeds, chicory powder
• Health hazard: diarrhea, stomach disorders, giddiness and severe joint pain

Some other adulterants:

- Cream is adulterated with gelatin, and formaldehyde is employed as a preservative
for it.
- Butter is adulterated to an enormous extent with oleomargarine, a product of beef
fat.
- Brick dust in chili powder, coloured chalk powder in turmeric.
- In confectionery, dangerous colours, such as chrome yellow, prussian blue, copper
and arsenic compounds are employed.
- Pickles and canned vegetables are sometimes colored green with copper salts.
Tests for detecting adulteration:
a) Milk
Detection of water in milk:
Put a drop of milk on a polished slanting surface. Pure milk either stays or flows
slowly leaving a white trail behind. Milk adulterated with water will flow immediately
without leaving a mark.

Detection of detergent in milk:

Take 5 to 10 ml of sample with an equal amount of water. Shake the contents
thoroughly. If milk is adulterated with detergent, it forms dense lather. Pure milk will
form very thin foam layer due to agitation.

Detection of starch in milk and milk products (khoya, chenna, paneer):

Boil 2-3 ml of sample with 5 ml of water. Cool and add 2-3 drops of tincture of iodine.
Formation of blue color indicates the presence of starch. (In the case of milk, addition
of water and boiling is not required).

b) Honey
- Take a tablespoon of honey and put it in a glass of water. If the honey dissolves,
then it is not pure. Pure honey should stay together as a solid when submerged in
water.
- Take a bit of honey and mix it with water. Then place four or five drops of vinegar
into the solution. If it turns foamy, the honey might have been adulterated with
gypsum.
- Scoop a bit of honey into a spoon and let it fall from the spoon. Honey with high
water content will fall quickly. Mature honey of good quality will stay on the spoon or
fall very slowly.
- Light a match and try to burn some of the honey. If it lights and burns, then it is
pure. Impure or low-quality honey often contains extra water that keeps it from
burning.
- Take some honey, mix it with water, and add a few drops of iodine. If the solution
turns blue, then the honey has been adulterated with some sort of starch or flour.
- Take a small piece of old, hard bread and submerge it in the honey. After removing
it 10 minutes later, if the bread is still hard, then the honey is pure. If there is a lot of
water in the honey, the bread will soften.

c) Coconut oil
Detection of other oils in coconut oil:
Coconut solidifies when cooled and this property can be used to check the
adulteration of other oils in it. Take a transparent glass and keep in the refrigerator.
After a few hours, the coconut layer will solidify and there will be a separate layer if it
has adulteration of other oils.
d) Sugar
Detection of chalk powder in sugar:
Take a glass of water and add a spoonful of sugar. Sugar will dissolve in water and
chalk powder being heavier will settle down.

e) Spices
Detection of colour in red chili powder:
Artificial colour will leave a streak the moment red chili powder is added to water
and the pure one will just float on the surface leaving no immediate streak.

Detection of colour in turmeric:

Pure turmeric, when added to water will settle down leaving light yellow colour while
synthetically coloured turmeric powder will leave a streak of dark yellow colour.

Detection of papaya seeds in black pepper:

Papaya seeds are lighter and will float. Take a glass of water and add a spoonful of
pepper seeds. Black pepper will settle down and papaya seeds will come up to the
surface.
 Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is characterized by a group of symptoms or illnesses caused by
ingestion of contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food articles.

▪ Classification:
1) Non-bacterial food poisoning a) Irrational consumption of food
b) Metallic contamination
c) Food allergy

2) Bacterial food poisoning a) Infection

b) Toxins

1) Non-bacterial food poisoning

a) Irrational consumption of food:
-> Refer to Viruddha Ahara

b) Metallic contamination:
Metallic contamination of food articles is not uncommon. It generally occurs due to
cooking or storing food in copper, bronze, aluminum, and other metallic vessels.
Ready to cook food items, canned food articles, bottles used for storing fruit juices
and cold drinks, packaging of chocolates, etc. multiply the incidence of metallic
contamination of food.

c) Food allergy:
Some individuals are allergic to certain food articles. Ingestion of these food articles
causes immediate allergic reaction that is manifested through nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, transient joint swelling, arthralgia, urticarial, etc.
In some cases, laryngo-pharyngeal oedema and asthma-like attacks also occur.

2) Bacterial food poisoning

a) Infection:
Causative agents: Salmonella group of organisms: S. enteritidis,
S. newport, S. thompson, etc.
Shigella

Signs & Symptoms: Variaton from person to person and depending on the
causative agent.
General: Diarrhoea, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Fever,
Colic pain, Shivering, Malaise

Treatment: Gastric lavage, Colonic irrigation, Bed rest, Antibiotics,

Fluids, Symptomatic treatment
b) Toxins:
Causative agents: Enterotoxins formed by Staphylococcus, E. coli, Vibrio

Incubation period: 1-6 hrs

Signs & Symptoms: Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Coma

Treatment: Gastric lavage, Fluids, Bed rest, Antibiotics, Symptomatic

treatment

Post-mortem app.: Congestion of all organs

Medico-legal aspects: Usually affecting a group, Sporadic poisoning

▪ Detection of poisoned food:

-> Refer to Chapter IV
 CHAPTER ix: jangama visha

 Sarpa Visha
-> Refer to Agadatantra Journal

 Snakes
 Features of Non-poisonous Snakes:
- Scales on the head are large.
- Scales on the belly are small to moderately large in size and they fall short or
cover the whole belly.
- Round pupils.
- Fangs are short and solid.
- Teeth are numerous but small.
- Tail is not markedly compressed.
- Not nocturnal in nature.
- Bite marks – numerous teeth in a row.

 Features of Poisonous Snakes:

- Scales on the head are small to large with conspicuous pit between the eyes
and nostrils. Third labial touches the eyes and the nasal shields.
- Scales on the belly are large and they envelop the whole extent of the belly.
- Slit pupils.
- Fangs are long, grooved or canalized.
- Teeth – 2 long fangs
- Tail is compressed
- Nocturnal in nature
- Bite marks – 2 marks of fans with or without
marks of other smaller teeth,
appears V-shaped.

 Poisonous Snakes:
1) Elapid (Neurotoxic)
2) Viper (Vasculotoxic)
3) Sea Snakes (Myotoxic)

 Poisonous Snakes commonly found in India:

- Himalayan Viper, Russell’s Viper
- King Cobra
- Indian Krait
- Rat Snake
- Black-tailed Python
  Snake Venom:
Snake venom is highly modified saliva of the snake. It is yellowish in colour,
transparent, clear, viscous and slightly sticky in nature.
Snake venom facilitates the immobilization and digestion of the prey, and also
defends against a threat.
Types: Hemotoxic, Cardiotoxic, Neurotoxic, Myotoxic, Cytotoxic

Contents of Snake Venom Effect

Proteolytic enzymes Tissue digestion
Phosphotidase Hemolysis
Neurotoxins Paralysis
Hyaluronidase Petrification
Lecithinase Cell breaking

 Antivenom
Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum, and antivenom
immunoglobulin, is a medication made from antibodies that is used to treat
certain venomous bites and stings. Antivenoms are recommended only if there
is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity. It is given by injection.

Side effects may be severe. They include serum sickness, shortness of breath,
and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Antivenom is made by collecting
venom from the relevant animal and injecting small amounts of it into a
domestic animal. The antibodies that form are collected from the domestic
animal's blood and purified.

Conditions in which Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) should be administered:

- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Spontaneous local bleeding
- Hypotension / Hypertension
- Bradycardia
- Symptoms related to cardiac or neuro-system
- Unconsciousness
- Increased anasarca
(Anasarca is general swelling of the whole body that can occur when the tissues of the
body retain too much fluid. The condition is also known as extreme generalized
edema.)

 Vrishchika Visha
-> Refer to Agadatantra Journal

 Scorpions
- There are more than 1250 species of scorpions.
- Scorpions are more poisonous than snakes.
- Scorpion venom is neurotoxic & hemotoxic.
 Keeta Visha
- According to Acharya Charka, insects (Keetas) are called so because they are
procreated from the Keetas or waste products like stool and urine of the snakes.

- Acharya Sushruta has described Keeta in his treatise after the chapters on snakes
and rodents. According to definition, Keeta may or may not be seen with naked eye.
Therefore, they can even be interpreted as insects, worms and even microbes. The
Pada may be legs, flagella or cilia; it can even be a part of single cell itself. When
considering unicellular animals.

- According to Vachaspatya, Keeta is a variety of Krimi with macroscopic body. Krimi

are animate things, which use their individual legs independently for movements.

- Keetas are generally accepted as type of Krimi, which can be visualized by

the naked eye.

- Most of the Keeta are neurotoxic. Some are vasculotoxic and some causes allergies.

Origin of Keeta: Keeta are born from the putrefied urine, feaces, semen, eggs, and
cadaver of snakes.

Classification of Keeta:
A) According to Acharya Charka
i) Dooshivisha Keeta (Chronic poison)
ii) Pranahara Keeta (Acute fatal poison)

B) Acharya Sushruta
a) Based on Dosha:
i) Vatika
ii) Paittika
iii) Shaishmika
iv) Sannipataja

b) Based on origin:
i) Shukra (Semen)
ii) Vit (Feaces)
iii) Mutra (Urine)
iv) Puti (Cadaver)
v) Anda (Eggs)

Total No. of Keeta: - 67

i) Vatika 18
ii) Paittika 24
iii) Shlaishmika 13
iv) Sannipataja 12
Symptoms of Keeta Visha in General:
- According to Acharya Charaka:
a) Dooshivisha Keeta:
Red, white, black or brownish black coloration of the part of the body, which is
bitten, and the area becomes covered with pimples. Itching and burning sensation,
erysipelas, suppuration and sloughing. Intense thirst and anorexia.

b) Pranahara Keeta:
Expanding oedema, as it happens in snakebite, associated with strong odour and
bleeding. Pain, heaviness of the eyes, fainting and dyspnoea.

- According to Acharya Sushruta the poisonous Keeta cause Jvara, Angamarda,

Chardi, Atisara, Trishna, Daha, Murccha, Jrimbha, Kampa, Shwasa, Hikka, Atisheeta,
Shopha, Mandala, Dadru, Visarpa, etc.

- Acharya Vagbhata said that in all types of Keeta Damsha, Karnika, Sopha, Jwara,
Kandu and Arochaka will be prominent.

- Vataja Visha:
Heart pain, pain in joints and bones, tremors, dyspnoea, colour of the skin becomes
black, stiffness.

- In Pittaja Visha:
Heart burn, loss of sensation, bitterness of mouth, muscle fatigue, tenderness of
tissues, red and yellow colour

- Kaphaja Visha:
Vomiting, anorexia, coldness, sweetness of mouth, salivation etc.

Treatment Principle of Keeta Damsha: Vitiation of Doshas is to be understood from

the symptoms and treatment should be with drugs that have opposing properties of
the involving Dosha.
- Vataja:
Application of Tila beeja on the site, application of Taila, Nadisvedana or
Pottalisvedana with cooked rice, Brimhana Ahara

- Pittaja:
Sheeta parisheka, Sheeta veerya lepana

- Kaphaja:
Lekhana, Tikshna Svedan, Vamana
 Luta Visha
Luta Visha (bit of venomous spider) is extremely severe, difficult to comprehend and
difficult to treat by a Mandabhuddhi Bhishak (physician with low intelligence).

 Day-wise Signs & Symptoms:

Luta Visha takes seven days to manifest itself completely and kill the victim:

Day Symptoms
1 Isat Kandu (mild itching), Kotha (rash), Avyakta (unmanifested)
2 Pravyakta rupa (more manifested), Kotha is swollen in the peripheral area
and depressed in the center.
3 Rupa darshana (clearly manifested)
4 Kopa (aggravation)
5 Visha prakopaja vikara (diseases due to poison)
6 Prasara (dispersion), Avarana (enveloping) of marma-pradesha
7 Atipravriddha (severely aggravated), Whole body is afflicted, Mrityu (death)

 Classification & Symptoms of Luta:

Luta Visha Bheda Luta Nama Luta Visha Lakshana

1) Kricchrasadhya 1. Trimandala Shiroduhka (Headache)
2. Shveta Kandu (Itching)
3. Kapila Vedana (Pain)
4. Peetika Shlaishmika & Vatika Vyadhi
5. Alavisha
6. Mutravisha
7. Rakta
8. Kasana

2) Asadhya 1. Sauvarnika Damshakotha (Putrefaction)

2. Lajavarna Kshatajasya pravrittih (Bleeding)
3. Jalini Jvara (Fever)
4. Enipadi Daha (Burning sensation)
5. Krishnavarna Atisara (Diarrhoea)
6. Agnivarna Pidaka (Boils)
7. Kakanda Mahan Mandala (Large circular patches)
8. Malaguna Shopha (Oedema)
Mridu (Soft)
Rakta (Reddish)
Shyava (Blackish)
Chala (Shifting)
Tridoshaja Vyadhi
  Induction of Visha by Loota & related Symptoms:

Induction Symptoms
i) Shvasa Shotha with Jvara & Daha
(Breath)
ii) Damstra Vivarna, Kathina, Sthira, Gambhira Shopha, Toda, Vedana, Daha
(Bite / Sting)
iii) Shakrit Shopha, Durgandha, Daha, Kandu, Chimichima (tingling sensation),
(Feaces) Ashu pachana (quick ripening), Pandu varna (when pakva avastha)

iv) Mutra Shopha with Raktaparyanta (reddish margins), Krishna Madhya

(Urine) (blackish in the middle), Puti, Daha, spreading outwards

v) Shukra Granthi, Kathina, Tivra vedana

(Semen)
vi) Lala Shotha, Alpamoola, Alparuja, Kotha, Kandu, Mridu
(Saliva)
vii) Nakha Toda, Pitaka (blisters), Kandu
(Claws)
viii) Artava Varna resembling Kimshukodara, shaped like a Chanchumala (garland)
(Menstrual blood)

 Treatment:
- Nasya, Anjana, Abhyanga, Pana, Dhumapana, Avapidana, Kavala, Vamana,
Virechana, Raktamokshana
- In all kinds of Luta Visha, Shleshmataka Tvak and Akshiva-pippala should be
administered.
- Useful Dravya: Arkaparni, Karpasa, Raktachandana, Shaivala, Sariva,
Svarnaksheeri, Tvak, Vaikamkata, Hribera
- Pralepa with Manjistha, Gajakeshara, Patra, Rajani
- Alepa with Rajani, Daruharidra, Pattanga, Manjistha, Nagakeshara,
Sheetambu

 Spiders
- Spider venoms are either cytotoxic or neurotoxic.
- Spider bite is known as arachnidism.

 Signs & Symptoms: Localized swelling, pain & redness, Muscle cramps,
Delirium, Convulsions

 Treatment: Antivenin, Adrenaline, Antihistamines, Analgesics,

Symptomatic treatment
 Mooshika Visha
Mooshika Visha (rat poison) is one of Jangama Visha.
Its Visha resides in Shukra.

 Synonyms: Mushaka, Pinga, Akhu, Unduruka, Nakhi, Nakhi,

Khanaka, Vilakara, Dhanyari, Bahupraja

 Types: -18 Lalana, Putraka, Krishna, Hamsira, Chikvira,

Chucchundara, Alasa, Kasayadashana, Kulinga, Ajita,
Chapala, Kapila, Kokila, Aruna, Mahakrishna,
Mahashveta, Mahakapila, Kapotabha

 Visha Sthana: Mooshika Visha resides in Shukra of the rat. Contact

with Shukra or with nails, teeth or any other body part
covered with Shukra can cause poisoning effect.

 Lakshana: Pandu Shonita, Mandala, Jvara, Aruchi, Lomaharsha,

Daha, Granthi, Shopha, Pidaka, Visarpa, Parvabheda,
Tivra ruja, Murccha, Angasadana, Shvasa, Vamathu
Asadhya Lakshana: Murccha, Damsashotha, Vaivarnya, Kleda, Jvara,
Shabdashruti, Shirogaurava, Lalasrava, Rakta-chardi

 Treatment: Siravedha, Dahanakarma, Lepana, Vamana, Virechana,

Shirovirechana, Anjana
Useful Dravya: Ashphota, Ingudi, Kakadani, Kakamachi, Koshataki,
Saireyaka, Sharapunkha, Sindhuvara, Shirisha, Tilaka,
Tanduliya, Vacha
Lehana Dravya: Kapittha Rasa / Gomaya Rasa & Madhu,
Kalka with Rasanjana, Haridra, Indrayava, Katvi, Ativisha,
Sarpi with Moola of Tanduliyaka / Ashphota
Formulations: Ashvakanchuki Rasa, Brihad Yogaraja Guggulu,
Akhuvishantaka Rasa, Mrityupashacchedi Ghrita

 Rat-bite Fever
Rat-bite fever is a disease caused by infected rodents.

 Causes: Bacteria found in the mouths of rodents:

Streptobacillus moniliformis, Spirillum minus

 Signs & Symptoms: Fever with chills, Arthralgia, Rash, Redness & swelling
at the site of bite, Lymphadenopathy near the site
of bite

 Treatment: Antibitotics (Penicillin / Tetracyclines)

 Alarka Visha
In general, Alarka Visha is used to describe bite by rabid dogs; on a larger scale, it
includes bites by all kinds of canines. In modern medicine, Alarka Visha is compared
with Rabies / Lyssa / Hydrophobia.
Bites of dogs are generally non-poisonous unless the dog itself is afflicted by toxicity.
Doshas, with predominance of Shleshma, invade the Sajnavaha srota of the Shuna
(dog) and derange his Sajna (senses) along with Atidaruna Kshobha (intense
disruption) of Dhatus. Such a dog runs all over with dribbling saliva, blindness,
deafness and hides its tail and jaw and shoulder are bent down.

 Synonyms: Jalasantrasa, Jalatrasa

 Signs & Symptoms: Suptata (numbness), Krishna varna, Asrikasrava,

Hridruja, Shiroruja, Jvara, Stambha, Trishna, Murccha

 Jalasantrasa: One who gets horrified abruptly and continually by

(Hydrophobia) sight or touch of Jala; this is a sign of imminent death.

 Treatment: Visravana (draining), Dahanakarma, Agada Ghrita,

Purana Ghrita pana, Vishodhana with Arkaksheera,
Shveta Punarnava + Dhattura, Palala + Tila Taila +
Paya + Guda, Medhya Rasayana

Useful Dravya: Dhattura, Jalavetasa, Kakodumbara, Nala,

Svarnaksheeri, Vamsha

Formulations: Dhatturadi Yoga, Kakodumbarika Yoga,

Asanamoola-dhattura Yoga

Lepa: Tila, Guggulu, Durva, Dadima & Guda

Nala Moola & Jala used for Lepana or Pana.

Siddha Ghrita: Ghrita processed with Patra, Tvak, Jalavetasa Moola

used for Pana, Nasya, Abhyanga, Lepana in Jalatrasa.
 Rabies / Lyssa
- Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and
other warm-blooded animals.
- Rabies also known as Hydrophobia is an acute, highly fatal viral disease of the
Central Nervous System caused by Rabid Animal Bite that is transmitted by infected
secretions. Most commonly, transmission to humans takes place through exposure to
saliva during a bite by an infected animal.
- World rabies day = 28th September

 Causes: Bacteria found in the mouths of rodents:

Streptobacillus moniliformis, Spirillum minus

 Incubation period: Generally: 20-30 days

Fulminant cases: 5-6 days
1-3% of cases: 6 months or more

 Transmission: Saliva of infected animals

 Signs & Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, Anxiety, Insomnia, Mental confusion,

Agitation, Altered behaviour, Paranoia, Hallucinations,
Delirium, Hydrophobia

 Hydrophobia: It is fear of water. It includes a set of symptoms that

manifest in the later stages of rabies infection:
Dysphagia, Panic when given liquids, Failure to quench
thirst

 Treatment: Washing of the bite site with soap and water

Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) injections

 Personal Safety Against Rabies:

- Do not touch animal bite wounds with bare hands.
- Do not touch the fomites viz. chain, food plate, etc. of an animal suspected or
proven of rabies.
- Do not touch stray or sick animal.
- Take pre-exposure vaccination if you are in constant touch with animals.
- Avoid contact with saliva, urine, tears, semen and vaginal secretions of a
rabies patient.
- Provide pre-exposure prophylaxis to medical, nursing and ancillary staff who
regularly attends to hydrophobia patients and to public health personnel
removing rabid and stray animals.
- Veterinarians shall always be on pre-exposure prophylaxis, wear gloves,
glasses, masks and long sleeved overall while examining rabid animals.
 CHAPTER x: poisoning due to acids,
alkalis, metals, non-metals,
asphyxiants, etc.

A) Acid & Alkali Poisons

 Carbolic Acid
-> Refer to Agadatantra Journal

 Sulphuric Acid
 Chemical Formula: H2SO4
 Synonym: Oil of Vitrol
 Type: Inorganic acid
 Physical appearance: Heavy, oily, colourless, non-fuming

 Signs & Symptoms: Swollen tongue with white coating, Chalky white teeth,
Swollen & exfoliated lips, Severe burning sensation in
the oral cavity, Dysphagia, Epigastric pain, Brown / Black
vomit, Brown / Black streaks over the cheeks, chin, etc.;

 Fatal dose: Adults: 10-15 ml

Children: 1.5-1.75 ml

 Fatal period: 18-24 hrs

 Treatment: Stomach wash and emesis are strictly contraindicated
Milk of magnesia, Demulcents
Lime water / Wood ash / Soap and water
Symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Corrosion of lips, cheeks, chins, etc.; Dilated pupils,

Cloth stained with brownish colour, GIT – black, swollen,
dried and charred in appearance, Stomach perforation

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning

 Hydrochloric Acid
 Chemical Formula: HCI
 Synonym: Muriatic acid / Spirit of salts
 Type: Inorganic acid
 Physical appearance: Pungent, colourless, fuming liquid

 Signs & Symptoms: Irritation of larynx & air passages, Salivation, Convulsion,
Delirium, Paralysis, Nausea, Epigastric pain

 Fatal dose: 15-20 ml

 Fatal period: 30 hrs
 Treatment: Stomach wash and emesis are strictly contraindicated
Milk of magnesia, Demulcents
Lime water / Wood ash / Soap and water
Symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Brownish fluid in the stomach, Inflammation of

respiratory passage & lung tissue

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning

 Nitric Acid
 Chemical Formula: HNO3
 Synonym: Aqua forties
 Type: Inorganic acid
 Physical appearance: Clear, colourless, fuming, heavy liquid; choking odour

 Signs & Symptoms: Yellowish discolouration of tissues, yellowish teeth,

Lacrimation, Photophobia, Eructations, Dyspnoea

 Fatal dose: 10-15 ml

 Fatal period: 18-24 hrs
 Treatment: Oxygenation
Stomach wash and emesis are strictly contraindicated
Milk of magnesia, Demulcents
Lime water / Wood ash / Soap and water
Symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Yellowish staining of tissues & clothes, Congestion of

larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, Odematous lungs

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning

 Hydrocyanic Acid
 Chemical Formula: HCN
 Synonym: Prussic acid
 Type: Organic acid
 Physical appearance: Pale blue or colorless transparent liquid

 Signs & Symptoms: Most rapid of all the poisons, Loss of consciousness,
Respiratory arrest

 Fatal dose: 50-60 mg

 Fatal period: Immediate
 Treatment: Ventilation, Oxygenation, Cardiac monitoring, IV fluids,
Amyl nitrite, Sodium nitrite, Sodium thiosulphate

 Post-mortem app.: Bright, glistening & prominent eyes, Dilated pupils,

Froth from mouth, Pulmonary oedema,
Cerebral oedema, Brick-red coloured skin

 Medico-legal aspects: Suicidal, Homicidal poisoning

 Oxalic Acid
 Chemical Formula: C2H2O4
 Synonym: Acid of sugar
 Type: Organic acid
 Physical appearance: Colourless, odourless, prismatic crystals, bitter taste

 Signs & Symptoms: Burning sensation, Dysphagia, Vomiting, Diarrhoea,

Convulsions, Bradycardia, Oxalura

 Fatal dose: 15-20 gm

 Fatal period: 1h
 Treatment: Stomach wash, Calcium gluconate IV, Demulcents,
Supportive & symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Whitish coloured corroded mucosa

Congestion of brain, liver and kidneys

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental (common), Suicidal poisoning

 Formic Acid
 Chemical Formula: CH2O2
 Synonym: Formylic acid / Methanoic acid
 Type: Organic acid
 Physical appearance: Colourless, pungent with penetrating odour

 Signs & Symptoms: Burning sensation, Vomiting, Drowsiness, Salivation,

Ulceration, Dilation of pupils, Hemolysis

 Fatal dose: 50-200 ml

 Fatal period: 10-24 hrs
 Treatment: Gastric lavage, Ventilation, Emesis, Activated charcoal,
Dialysis, Supportive & symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Blackish discolouration of mucosa, Pulmonary oedema

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning

 Alkalis
 Commonly used: Ammonium hydroxide, Sodium carbonate, Potassium
carbonate, Sodium hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide

 Physical appearance: White / Colourless powders

 Signs & Symptoms: Corrosion of tissues or mucosa, Dysphagia, Vomiting,

Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Hematemesis, Tenesmus

 Fatal dose: 10-15 ml

 Fatal period: 12-24 hrs
 Treatment: Endotracheal tubing, Oxygenation, Demulcents,
Irrigation, Supportive & symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Brownish / Greyish staining of skin tissues,

Inflammation of tissues, Congestion of respiratory tract

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning, Occupational hazard

 B) Metallic Poisons

 Arsenic – Lead – Copper

-> Refer to Agadatantra Journal

 Mercury
Sanskrit Name = Parada
English Name = Mercury
Latin Name = Hydrargyrum
Symbol = Hg
Atomic Number = 80
Atomic weight = 200.6
Specific gravity = 13.6
Boiling point = 357°C
Freezing point = -39°C

 Synonyms: Quicksilver, Rasa, Rasendra, Suta, Parada, Mishraka,

Raseshvara, Chapala, Rasaraja, Khechara, Divyarasa,
Mukunda, Shivabeeja, Rudra-teja, Jatra, Maharasa,
Suvarna, Mahateja, Chala, Sukshma, Amrita, Rasayana,
Shrestha-rasayana

 Category: Sthavara Visha (metallic poison)

 Physical appearance: Liquid metal in room temperature, silver, shining, heavy,
unstable

 Signs & Symptoms:

Acute poisoning: 1st phase: Acrid metallic taste in mouth, Sense of
choking, Dyspnoea, Swelling & greyish-white coating of
mouth, Burning sensation in GIT
2nd phase: Glossitis, Ulcerative gingivitis, Loosening of
teeth, Necrosis of jaw & renal tubules

Chronic poisoning: Continuous metallic taste in mouth, Same as 2nd phase

acute poisoning, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Colic
pain, Anorexia, Anemia, Weight loss, Lymphocytosis,
Mercurial tremors, Erethism, Papular eruptions,
Mercuria lentis

 Fatal dose: Mercuric chloride: 85-250 mg

Mercuric cyanide: 650-1300 mg
Mercuric nitrite: 1-2 gm
Mercurous chloride: 400-600 mg
 Fatal period: 3-5 days
  Treatment: Gastric lavage, Protein rich substances (Egg albumin,
milk, etc.) to protect the gastric mucosa, Activated
charcoal, Hemodialysis, BAL or dimercaprol,
Symptomatic treatment, Gandhaka rasayana,
Parpatadya-arista, Sarivadya-asava

 Post-mortem app.: Tongue is white and swollen, Mouth is greyish-white,

Inflammation, corrosion, congestion of GIT mucosa,
Intense inflammation & ulceration of large intestine,
Liver necrosis & congestion, Splenic congestion, Fatty
degeneration and hemorrhage in heart, Emaciated body

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Homicidal poisoning, Abortifacient

 Tin
Sanskrit Name = Vanga
English Name = Tin
Latin Name = Stannum
Symbol = Sn
Atomic Number = 50
Atomic weight = 118.7
Specific gravity = 7.3
Melting point = 232°C
Boiling point = 270.2°C

 Synonyms: Vangaka, Ranga, Rangaka, Shukraloha, Kurupya, Trapu

 Category: Sthavara Visha (metallic poison)

 Physical appearance: Silver-white, Shining, Capable of being shaped or bent
into extremely thin sheets

 Signs & Symptoms: Vaivarnya, Shvitra, Gulma, Prameha, Hridroga, Shoola,

Arsharoga, Kasa, Shvasa, Chardi, Kshaya, Panduroga,
Shotha, Shukrashmari

 Fatal dose: Uncertain

 Fatal period: Uncertain

 Treatment: Stomach wash, Demulcents, Emetics, Stimulants,

Meshashringi with Sitopala for 3 days

 Post-mortem app.: Signs of gastro-enteritis

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning
 Zinc
Sanskrit Name = Yashada
English Name = Zinc
Latin Name = Zincum
Symbol = Zn
Atomic Number = 30
Atomic weight = 65.4
Specific gravity = 7.1
Melting point = 429°C
Boiling point = 980°C

 Synonyms: Jashada, Jasada, Ritihetu, Kharparaja, Rangasankasha

 Category: Sthavara Visha (metallic poison)

 Physical appearance: Steel-grey colourd crystalline, garlic-like odour

 Signs & Symptoms: Gulma, Prameha, Kshaya, Kustha, Shoola, Chardi,

Atisara, Jvara, Shvasa

 Fatal dose: 5 gm
 Fatal period: 24 hrs
 Treatment: Stomach wash, Purgatives, Demulcents, Symptomatic
treatment, Bala & Haritaki with Sitopala for 3 days

 Post-mortem app.: Garlic-like odour from gastric contents, Cherry-red

coloured blood, Congestion and oedema of the lungs

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning, Abortifacient

 C) Non-metallic Poisons

 Phosphorus
 Chemical Formula: P4
 Type: Inorganic
 Varieties: White / Crystalline, Red / Amorphous
 Physical appearance: White: Waxy, crystalline, solid, garlicky odour
Red: Reddish-brown, amorphous, odourless

 Signs & Symptoms:

Acute poisoning: 1st stage – upto 8 hrs; Burning sensation in throat &
abdomen, Profuse thirst, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea,
Severe abdominal pain, garlicky odour in breath &
feaces
2nd stage – upto 2-3 days; Symptom free
3rd stage – Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Hematemesis,
Hepatic tenderness, Jaundice, Pruritus

Fulminant poisoning: More than 1 gm – Restlessness, Delirium, Thirst,

Nausea, Vomiting, Retching, Death within 12 hrs

Chronic poisoning: Toothache, Bone necrosis, Sequestration,

Osteomyelitis of jaw

 Fatal dose: 60-120 mg

 Fatal period: 2-8 days
 Treatment: Gastric lavage, Activated charcoal, Vitamin K IV,
Bowel evacuation by magnesium sulphate,
Symptomatic treatment
Avoid oil & fat

 Post-mortem app.: Garlicky odour of mouth, Jaundice, Sub-cutaneous

hemorrhage, Congestion of affected parts, Enlargement
and fatty degeneration of liver, Fossy jaw / Glass jaw

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal, Homicidal poisoning

 Iodine
 Chemical Formula: I
 Type: Organic
 Physical appearance: Bluish-black, soft and scaly crystal with metallic lustre
and unpleasant taste

 Signs & Symptoms: Burning sensation in the GIT, Rhinorrhoea, Cough,

Conjunctivitis, Salivation, Metallic taste, Vomiting,
Diarrhoea, Yellowish discolouration of stool, skin &
mucous membrane

 Fatal dose: 2-4 gm

 Fatal period: 1-5 days
 Treatment: Stomach wash, Irrigation of eyes, Activated charcoal,
Sodium bicarbonate, Symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Inflamed, excoriated and brownish mucosa,

Fatty degeneration of heart, liver, kidneys,
Oedematous brain

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning, Iodism (chronic poisoning),

Occupational hazard
 D) Asphyxial Poisons

 Carbon Dioxide
-> Refer to Agadatantra Journal

 Carbon Monoxide
 Chemical Formula: CO
 Appearance: Colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-irritating gas

 Signs & Symptoms: Respiratory distress, Circulatory distress, Anemia,

Mild headache, Nausea, Vomiting

 Fatal dose: 70% or more

 Fatal period: Death occurs rapidly due to respiratory arrest
 Treatment: Respiratory care, Blood transfusion, i.v. Mannitol,
s.c. Adrenaline & Coramine

 Post-mortem app.: Bright cherry-red skin & viscera, Froth from mouth &
nose, Hemorrhages in lungs, heart, brain, GIT

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning

 Hydrogen Sulphide
 Chemical Formula: H2S
 Appearance: Colourless, heavy, rotten egg-like smell, flammable gas

 Signs & Symptoms: Dullness, Giddiness, Cough, Nausea, Photophobia,

Laboured breathing, Lacrimation

 Fatal dose: 0.1-0.2%

 Fatal period: Immediate
 Treatment: Shifting into fresh air, Artificial respiration, Oxygenation

 Post-mortem app.: Signs of asphyxia

Greenish-purple coloured blood & viscera

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental poisoning (sewer gas)

 E) Other Poisons

 Household Poisons
1) Domestic household poisons: Boric acid, DDT, Naphthalene, Lead (toys),
Arsenic-copper-lead (crayons), Antimony
(matches), Zinc phosphide (rate paste),
Acetone (nail polish remover), sodium
hydroxide (drain cleaner), turpentine
(furniture polish), Kerosene (fuel), etc.

2) Domestic therapeutic poisons: Iodine (antiseptic), Codeine (cough remedies),

Aspirin (headache remedies), Anti-depressants,
Tranquillizers, etc.

3) Garden poisons: Organic mercuriols (fungicides),

Organophosphorus compounds (insecticides),
Arsenious oxide (herbicides), etc.

 Petroleum & Kerosene

Kerosene is an oil used as a fuel for lamps, as well as heating and cooking. It is an oil
distillate commonly extracted from refined petroleum.

 Signs & Symptoms: Burning sensation in the throat, Nausea, Vomiting,

Colic pain, Diarrhoea, Slow respiration, Cyanosis,
Bronchi pneumonia, Pulmonary oedema, Giddiness,
Convulsions, Coma

 Fatal dose: 10-15 ml

 Fatal period: 3-24 hrs
 Treatment: Liquid paraffin (250 ml) orally, followed by saline
cathartic, Antibiotics,
Stomach wash with sodium bicarbonate water

 Post-mortem app.: Odour of the material may be observed in the contents

of stomach & lungs.

 Medico-legal aspects: Suicidal poisoning, Homicidal attempts by pouring

kerosene on clothes and igniting them.
 Organophosphorus Compounds
Commonly used organophosphorus compounds:
- Hexaethyl tetraphosphate (HETP)
- Tetraethylpyrophosphate (TEPP)
- Oclamethyl pyrophosphoramide (OMP)
- Malathion
- Parathion
- Diazinon

Organophosphorus compounds which are developed as insecticides have introduced

several dangerous new poisons. They are proven to be more toxic to human beings
than to rodents. Poisoning can occur from inhalation, congestion and absorption
through the unbroken skin.

 Signs & Symptoms: Respiratory or gastro-intestinal symptoms are dominant

Nausea, Abdominal cramps, Vomiting, Diarrhoea,
Profuse sweating, Salivation, Muscular twitching,
Chromogenic tears (red tears), Convulsions, Pulmonary
oedema, Headache, Malaise, Constriction of the chest,
Pinpoint pupil, Photophobia, Coma

 Fatal dose: HETP – 160 mg (T.V. or I.M.) 175 mg orally

OMP – 175 mg orally
TEPP – 25 mg orally
Parathion – 125-175 mg orally
Diazinon – 1 gm (ingestion)
Malathian – 1gm

 Fatal period: ½ - 3 hrs; may extend up to 30-72 hrs

 Treatment: Removal of air-way obstruction, Atrophine antidote,
Mercurial derivatives, Barbiturates,
Gastric lavage with sodium sulphate,
Patient must be removed from the source of exposure

 Post-mortem app.: Face is cyanosed, Froth (may be blood stained) at nose

and mouth, Kerosene-like smell, Stomach contents are
blood stained, Pulmonary oedema

 Medico-legal aspects: Suicidal, Homicidal poisoning

 Organochlorine Compounds
The term organochlorine refers to a wide range of chemicals that contain carbon,
chlorine and, sometimes, several other elements. A range of organochlorine
compounds have been produced including many herbicides, insecticides, fungicides
as well as industrial chemicals.
D.D.T. and Endrin are organochlorine compounds.

D.D.T. - Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
 Appearance: White, crystalline powder with aromatic odour,
almost insoluble in water

 Signs & Symptoms: D.D.T. acts chiefly on the cerebellum and motor cortex.
Salivation, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Irritation
of eyes, nose and throat, Dilated pupils, Blurred vision,
Cough, Pulmonary oedema, Incoordination, Tremors,
Spasms, Convulsions, Paralysis, Collapse, Cyanosis,
Laboured respiration
Chronic toxicity: Anorexia, Emaciation, Anemia,
Liver & kidney damage

 Fatal dose: 150-1000 mg / kg

 Fatal period: 1h
 Treatment: Gastric lavage, Saline cathartics, Fats & oils should be
avoided, Artificial respiration, Oxygenation, Washing
with soap, Symptomatic treatment

 Post-mortem app.: Asphyxia, Gastric mucosa is congested, Stomach gives

smell of kerosene, Pulmonary oedema
Necrosis of liver& kidneys in chronic toxicity

 Medico-legal aspects: Accidental, Suicidal poisoning

 Endrin
Endrin is the most toxic chlorinated compound.
It belongs to the group of cyclodine insecticides.
It is also called plant penicillin because of its broad spectrum of activity against
various insect pests.

 Signs & Symptoms: Salivation, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain,

Hoarseness of voice, Coughing, Froth at mouth and
nose, Dyspnoea, Headache, Giddiness, Restlessness,
Irritability, Dilated pupils, Incoordination, Ataxia, Mental
confusion, Tremors, Convulsions, Coma, Asphyxia

 Fatal dose: 5-6 gm

 Fatal period: 1-5 hours
 Treatment: Gastric lavage, Emesis, Activated charcoal, Respiratory
support, Dextrose, Naloxone, Thiamine, Affected skin is
washed with soap

 Post-mortem app.: Mouth and stomach contents smell like kerosene,

Signs of asphyxia

 Medico-legal aspects: Suicide poisoning

 Aluminum Phosphate
Aluminum Phosphate is an odourless, white crystalline solid which is often used in
liquid or gel form. It is used in ceramics, dental cements, cosmetics, paints, paper and
pharmaceuticals.

 Chemical Formula: AIPO4

 Signs & Symptoms: Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
Inhaling Aluminum Phosphate can irritate the nose,
throat and lungs.

 First Aid:
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with large amounts of cool water. Continue for
at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact
lenses, if worn, while rinsing. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
Skin Contact: Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
Inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Begin rescue breathing (using
universal precautions) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has
stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
 CHAPTER xi: madya & madatyaya

 Madya & Madatyaya

-> Refer to Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Adhyaya 24 & Agadatantra Journal

 Alcohol
Alcohol is a colourless, volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural
fermentation of sugars.
The term alcohol originally refers to ethanol, the intoxicating constituent in alcoholic
beverages such as spirits, wine, champagne and beer.
It is classified as a CNS Depressant.

Alcohol Content in Beverages

- Spirits (whisky, brandy, rum, gin, vodka) = 35-50%
- Wine = 10-15%
- Champagne = 10-13%
- Beers = 4-8%

 Drunkenness / Alcohol intoxication

It is a condition which results from excessive intake of alcohol.

General signs:
- Loss of self-control
- Inability to perform duties
- Danger to himself and others

Diagnosis:
i) Walk-and-Turn Test
ii) Horizontal Nystagmus Test (HGN)
iii) One-leg Stand Test
iv) Romberg Balance Test
v) Finger-to-Nose Test
When a person consumes alcohol, the full effects may take some time to become apparent.
Depending on a number of factors such as: Consumed amount, rate of consumption, gender,
body weight, empty or full stomach; there are somewhat predictable stages of alcohol
intoxication through which the individual may progress as their drinking continues.
Stage 1: Sobriety (Subclinical Intoxication)
Stage 2: Euphoria
Stage 3: Excitement

Stage 4: Confusion
Stage 5: Stupor
Stage 6: Coma
Stage 7: Death

Stage 1: Sobriety (Subclinical Intoxication)

At a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.01-0.05, the individual is unlikely to appear
intoxicated, though certain tests may detect impairment. Depending on the individual,
judgment and reaction time may be slightly impaired.
One drink will generally result in a BAC within this range for both males and females.

Stage 2: Euphoria
The second stage of intoxication, referred to as euphoria, occurs between 0.03-0.12 BAC
(which may correspond to roughly 1-4 drinks for a woman or 2-5 for a man, depending on
size).
In this stage, the individual may feel more confident, may be more talkative and animated,
and may feel slightly euphoric. Inhibitions also begin to decline. Most people refer to this
stage as being “tipsy”.
While many of the effects of alcohol may be pleasurable to the drinker, the negative effects
of alcohol, such as impaired judgment, memory, and coordination begin to appear at this
time, as well. In this stage, a person’s motor responses may be significantly more delayed
than at a lower BAC.

Stage 3: Excitement
Having a BAC between 0.09-0.25. The individual may begin to experience emotional
instability, a lack of critical judgment, and a significant delay in reaction time. Slurred speech,
impaired perception and memory may also occur. Loss of balance. Drowsiness. Nausea and
vomiting.

Those around the person will likely notice that he / she is visibly drunk.
Stage 4: Confusion
Someone with a BAC level of 0.18 to 0.30 is in the confusion stage, characterized by
emotional upheaval and disorientation. Coordination is markedly impaired, to the extent
that the person may not be able to stand up, may stagger if walking, and may be very dizzy.
Those in this stage of intoxication are highly likely to forget things that happen to or around
them. “Blacking out” (losing memory of events that occurred while drinking) without actually
passing out can happen at this stage. In addition, a person may have and markedly increased
pain threshold, meaning they could injure themselves and not feel the effects until later.

Stage 5: Stupor
Stupor can occur at a BAC between approximately 0.25 and 0.40. Someone in this stage is
extremely intoxicated and in dangerous territory, as they are at great risk of alcohol
poisoning and death. They have likely lost a significant amount of motor function, are not
responding to stimuli (or responding very slowly) and may be unable to stand or walk,
stuporous or completely passed out, unable to voluntarily control certain bodily functions,
vomiting.
Someone in this stage should get medical help. Individuals left to “sleep it off” may end up
suffering from slowed breathing or respiratory arrest or may choke on their own vomit.
Other risks include hypothermia, arrhythmia, and seizures.

Stage 6: Coma
A person who has reached 0.35-0.45 BAC is at significant risk of lapsing into a
coma. Respiration and circulation are severely depressed, motor response and reflexes are
markedly decreased, and the person’s body temperature drops. The person who has
reached this stage is at risk of death.

Stage 7: Death
At about 0.45 BAC or above, many are unable to sustain their vital life functions, and the risk
of respiratory arrest and death is significant. Death may also be possible at lower BACs.
Treatment for Acute Alcoholism:
- Patient must be kept warm to treat hypothermia.
- Patient is made to lie on the side to prevent aspiration.
- Gastric lavage with alkaline solution within 2 hours of ingestion.
- One litre of normal saline or 10% glucose with 15 units of insulin to check hypoglycemia.
- Thiamine 100 mg to prevent neuropathy.
- Respiratory support.
- Dialysis may be required.

Systemic Effect of Chronic Alcoholism:

a) Physical: Lack of personal hygiene, gastroenteritis, wasting, loss of appetite, neuropathy,
sterility, impotency, cirrhosis, fatty changes in heart and liver, tremors, insomnia,
intermittent infections

b) Mental: Loss of memory and impaired power of judgement

c) Moral: It manifests as crime, domestic violence, suicides

Treatment for Chronic Alcoholism and its Symptoms:

- Withdrawal of alcoholic drinks
- Antabuse treatment: Disulfiram; Dose = 250-500 mg/day for 1-2 weeks followed by
maintenance dose of 250 mg/day at bed time
- Metronidazole
- Nutrients and vitamins; Thiamine 50-100 mg daily for a week
- Diazepam; 40-80 mg/day in divided dose
 Ethanol poisoning / Severe Alcohol Intoxication
- Ethanol / Alcohol poisoning is a serious, sometimes deadly consequence of
drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.

- Alcohol poisoning can also occur when adults or children accidentally or

intentionally drink household products that contain alcohol.

- A person with alcohol poisoning needs immediate medical attention.

- Alcohol in the form of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is found in alcoholic beverages,

mouthwash, cooking extracts, some medications and certain household
products. Ethyl alcohol poisoning generally results from drinking too many
alcoholic beverages, especially in a short period of time.

- Binge drinking: A major cause of alcohol poisoning is binge drinking; a pattern

of heavy drinking when a male rapidly consumes five or more alcoholic drinks
within two hours, or a female rapidly consumes at least four drinks within two
hours. An alcohol binge can occur over hours or last up to several days.

Risk factors:
A number of factors can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, including:
- Size & weight, Overall health, Individual tolerance level
- Recent food intake / Empty stomach
- Combination of alcohol with other drugs, Percentage of alcohol in the
consumed drinks, Rate and amount of alcohol consumption

Signs & Symptoms:

- Confusion, Vomiting, Seizures, Hypothermia
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
- Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
- Cyanosis, Pallor, Unconsciousness

Complications:
- An unconscious person should not be left alone. Alcohol poisoning affects the
way the gag reflex works, someone with alcohol poisoning may choke on his /
her own vomit and not be able to breathe.
- Severe dehydration. Vomiting can result in severe dehydration, leading to
dangerously low blood pressure and fast heart rate.
- Seizures. Blood sugar level may drop low enough to cause seizures.
- Hypothermia. Body temperature may drop so low that it leads to cardiac
arrest.
- Irregular heartbeat. Alcohol poisoning can cause the heart to beat irregularly
or even stop.
- Brain damage. Heavy drinking may cause irreversible brain damage.
- Death. Any of the issues above can lead to death.
 Methanol Poisoning
- Methanol poisoning is a toxicity due to methanol.

- Methanol poisoning most commonly occurs following the drinking of

windshield washer fluid. This may be accidental or done purposefully in an
attempt to die by suicide.
Methanol toxicity may also rarely occur through extensive skin exposure or
breathing in fumes.

- Methanol has a high toxicity in humans.

As little as 10 mL of pure methanol when drunk is metabolized into formic
acid, which can cause permanent blindness by destruction of the optic nerve.
15 mL is potentially fatal, although the median lethal dose is typically 100 mL)
(i.e. 1–2 mL/kg body weight of pure methanol).

- Ethanol is sometimes denatured (adulterated), and made poisonous, by the

addition of methanol. The result is known as methylated spirit, "meths"
(British use) or "metho" (Australian slang).

Signs & Symptoms:

The initial symptoms of methanol intoxication include:
- CNS depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, confusion
- Sufficiently large doses cause unconsciousness or even death.

The initial symptoms of methanol exposure are usually less severe than the
symptoms from the ingestion of a similar quantity of ethanol.
Once the initial symptoms have passed, a second set of symptoms arises, from
10-30 hours after the initial exposure, they may include:
- Blurring or complete loss of vision, acidosis
- Putaminal hemorrhages (uncommon but serious complication)

These symptoms result from the accumulation of toxic levels of formate in the
blood, and may progress to death by respiratory failure.

Treatment:
Methanol poisoning can be treated with fomepizole, or if unavailable, ethanol.
Ethanol is considered as antidote for methanol. Both drugs act to reduce the
action of alcohol dehydrogenase on methanol by means of competitive
inhibition. Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages, acts as a
competitive inhibitor by more effectively binding and saturating the alcohol
dehydrogenase enzyme in the liver, thus blocking the binding of methanol.
Methanol is excreted by the kidneys without being converted into the very
toxic metabolites formaldehyde and formic acid. Alcohol dehydrogenase
instead enzymatically converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, a much less toxic
organic molecule.
 CHAPTER xiI: Important acts

 Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940 & 1945

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA), 1940 is an Act of the Parliament of India which
regulates the import, manufacture and distribution of drugs in India.

The primary objective of the act is to ensure that the drugs and cosmetics sold in
India are safe, effective and conform to state quality standards.

The central and the state governments are charged with the responsibility of
providing the drug of desired quality to the patients. Therefore, it is essential to root
out adulterated, spurious and misbranded drugs from the market.

The term "drug" as defined in the act includes a wide variety of substance, diagnostic
and medical devices. The act defines "cosmetic" as any product that is meant to be
applied to the human body for the purpose of beautifying or cleansing. The definition
however excludes soaps. In 1964, the act was amended to include Ayurveda and
Unani drugs.

The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 are the set of rules under the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940 which contains provisions for classification of drugs under given
schedules and there are guidelines for the storage, sale, display and prescription of
each schedule.

Chapters of Drug & Cosmetic Act, 1945:

Chapter I Introduction
Chapter II The Drugs Technical Advisory Board
The Central Drugs Laboratory & The Drugs Consultative
Committee
Chapter III Import of Drugs & Cosmetics
Chapter IV Manufacture, Sale & Distribution of Drugs & Cosmetics
Provisions relating to Ayurvedic, Siddha & Unani Drugs
Chapter V Miscellaneous
Adulterated Drugs
A drug may be deemed as adulterated in following cases:
- If it consists, in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance.
- If it has been prepared, packed or stored under unsanitary conditions whereby it
may have been contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered
injurious to health.
- If its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous or deleterious
substance that may render the contents injurious to health.
- If it bears or contains, for purposes of colouring only, a colour other than one that is
prescribed.
- If it contains any harmful or toxic substance which may render it injurious to health.
- If any substance has been mixed therewith so as to reduce its quality or strength.

Spurious Drugs
A drug may be deemed as spurious in following cases:
- If it is imported under a name which belongs to another drug.
- If it is an imitation of, or a substitute for, another drug or resembles another drug in
a manner likely to deceive or bears upon it or upon its label or container the name of
another drug unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to reveal its true
character and its lack of identity with such other drug.
- If the label or the container bears the name of an individual or company purporting
to be the manufacturer of the drug, which individual or company is fictitious does not
exist; or if it has been substituted wholly or in part by another drug or substance.
- If it purports to be the product of a manufacturer of whom it is not truly a product.

Misbranded Drugs
A drug may be deemed as misbranded in following cases:
- If it is coloured, coated, powdered or polished in such a way that any damage is
concealed.
- If it is made to appear of better or greater therapeutic value than it really is.
- If it is not labeled in the prescribed manner.
- If its label or container or anything accompanying the drug bears any statement,
design or device which makes any false claim for the drug or which gives false or
misleading information.
 Pharmacy Act, 1948
In India there was no restriction to practise the profession of pharmacy. One could
practice this profession as any other profession. Persons, having no knowledge and
having no education in pharmacy or pharmaceutical chemistry or pharmacology,
were engaged in this profession. Hundreds of cases were brought to the notice of the
Government wherein the compounding, mixing, or dispensing of medicines was
being done by persons who were not adequately educated in this line. The system
was causing great harm to the health of people by wrong compounding, mixing or
dispensing. It was found necessary to enact a law for the regulation of the profession
and practice of pharmacy. To achieve this goal, the Pharmacy Act, 1948 was
introduced.

Only persons who have attained a minimum standard of professional education

should be permitted to practice the Profession of Pharmacy. It is accordingly
proposed to establish a Central Council of Pharmacy, which will prescribe the
minimum standards of education and approve courses of study and examinations for
Pharmacists, and Provincial Pharmacy Councils, which will be responsible for the
maintenance of provincial registers of qualified pharmacists.
It is further proposed to prohibit the dispensing of medicine on the prescription of a
medical practitioner other than by / under the direct and personal supervision of a
registered pharmacist.

 Drugs Control Act, 1950

The Drugs Control Act, 1950 is an Act of the Parliament of India which regulates the
pricing of drugs. It allows the government to fix the maximum price of any drug.

The Act allows the Government of India to control the sales, supply and distribution
of any drug in India. The government can set maximum selling price, maximum
quantity to be possessed by dealer and maximum quantity to be sold to one person.
The government can impose various restriction of sale.

The Act require any retailer to give a cash memorandum to the customer for any
purchase above ₹5, and in case the purchase is below ₹5 the retailer must give a
memo if the customer demands.

The violation of the Act carries a maximum of 3 years with or without fine. In case of
corporate violators, every director, manager, secretary, agent or other officer or
person concerned with the management may be prosecuted unless the offence
occurred without his/her knowledge.
 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 is an Act of the
Parliament of India that prohibits a person to produce/manufacture/cultivate,
possess, sell, purchase, transport, store, and/or consume any narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance.
The Act extends to the whole of India and it applies also to all Indian citizens outside
India and to all persons on ships and aircraft registered in India.

Anyone who contravenes the NDPS Act will face punishment based on the quantity
of the banned substance.
- where the contravention involves a small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for
a term which may extend to 1 year, or with a fine which may extend to ₹10,000
(US$140) or both;

- where the contravention involves a quantity lesser than commercial quantity but
greater than a small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may
extend to 10 years and with fine which may extend to ₹1 lakh (US$1,400);

- where the contravention involves a commercial quantity, with rigorous

imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend
to 20 years and also a fine which shall not be less than ₹1 lakh (US$1,400) but which
may extend to ₹2 lakhs (US$2,800).

India had no legislation regarding narcotics until 1985. Cannabis smoking in India has
been known since at least 2000 BC and is first mentioned in the Atharvaveda, which
dates back a few hundred years BC.
The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, an Indo-British study of cannabis usage in India
appointed in 1893, found that the "moderate" use of hemp drugs was "practically
attended by no evil results at all", "produces no injurious effects on the mind" and
"no moral injury whatever".
Regarding "excessive" use of the drug, the Commission concluded that it "may
certainly be accepted as very injurious, though it must be admitted that in many
excessive consumers the injury is not clearly marked".

Cannabis and its derivatives (marijuana, hashish/charas and bhang) were legally sold
in India until 1985, and their recreational use was commonplace. Consumption of
cannabis was not seen as socially deviant behaviour, and was viewed as being similar
to the consumption of alcohol. Ganja and charas were considered by upper class
Indians as the poor man's intoxicant, although the rich consumed bhang during Holi.