A pharmacodynamic study of Charaka Vishaghna Mahakashaya with its correlation with anti-oxidant activity

Background: Free radicals are by products of normal cellular metabolism. A balance of free radicals and antioxidants is required for proper physiological functioning. The balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defences in the body has important health implications. Aim & objective: to study the pharmacodynamics of Vishaghna Mahakashaya & the probable mode of action through which it can act as antioxidant.  Discussion: Vishaghna Mahakashaya includes 10 individual drugs which might act as Vishaghna. Vishaghna property can be understood as the property to act against Visha. Rasapanchaka of the Vishaghna Mahakashaya are predominantly Madhura, Tikta & Kashaya Rasa, Laghu & Ruksha Guna, Ushna Virya & Katu Vipaka and proved the concept of Vipritarthkari Chikitsa of Visha. Conclusion: Vishaghna Mahakashaya can have potential antioxidant activity. And can play an important role in counteracting the excess free radical. Further studies can be conducted to study its role as antioxidant.