Contribution of Shankar Nighantu w.r.t. Vishahara Dravyas: A Review

Toxicity, which may be intentional, unintentional or accidental, is a grave problem throughout the world from ages. Advancements in the literature of Ayurveda address this problem by including the various treatments of toxicities, where Shankar Nighantu is one of them. Shankar Nighantu is a modern lexicon in Ayurvedic Materia Medica, originating in the 20th century and written by Shankar datta Gauda in the Hindi language. This lexicon based on Ayurvedic and Unani references, constructed in Hindi alphabetical order, is in three parts and contains vast information about the botanical characteristics, medicinal properties, and therapeutic indications of numerous plants, animals, and their products, as well as metals and minerals, aiding in the effective practice of this ancient healing tradition in contemporary times. Various Vishahara dravyas (Antivenom or Anti-toxic properties or Anti-poisonous drugs) are also listed highlighting the significance of toxicity treatment. Vishahara dravyas are elements that can prevent and eliminate toxins or poisons from the body. These elements play a crucial role in Ayurveda, which emphasises the importance of detoxification for maintaining health and treating diseases. Unani dravyas that are referred from ‘Makhjan’, are also mentioned as a unique entity as Vishahara property in this Nighantu. This Nighantu also includes various drugs used as folklore medicine. The author indicates various single drug as well as compound formulations to be used as antitoxic. Chuk, Hatthajodi, Chumbak patthar (Magnetic stone) are a few controversial and unexplored drugs that need further research for its antitoxic properties. This literary review aims to focus on the data found in Shankar Nighantu regarding various antitoxic drugs that is Vishahara dravyas. It will assist researchers and medical practitioners in gaining better insight about principle of treatment of toxicity.