About Author

Correspondence Address

Near Sane Guruji Hospital, Malwadi Hadapsar Pune
Contact No. : 8408804123, Email : manaliwale@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 19 Sep 2025

Date of Publication : 29 Sep 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_141

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3301

Abstract

Medications with anti-toxic qualities are referred to as 'Agada'. They are used against gada, i.e., discomfort, pain, or pathological disorders brought on by poison of any kind. In Ayurvedic Samhita, numerous medicines with anti-toxic properties are recorded. According to Aacharya Vagbhata, Mandaragad is mentioned in the Ashtanghrudayam Uttarsthan Keetlootadivishpratishedham Adhyay. All forms of loota visha (spider bite) and keeta visha (bug bite) can benefit from this Agada. The treatment of spider venom is described in ancient writings. Thus, the current study provides insight into the therapeutic benefits of Mandaragad in lutavisha. Ayurvedic remedies such as Mandaragad could assist in treating spider bites. Additional studies are required to verify their efficacy against spider venom.

KEY WORDS:-  Lutavisha, Mandaragad, Spider venom, Antitoxic action

Introduction

Agadtantra is one of the branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda that places a strong emphasis on the description of visha (poison), as well as its classification, examination, and disorders, as well as various treatments and prevention strategies1. Agadtantra outlines different Agadas for the treatment of various forms of Jangam visha (animal poisons) and Sthavar Visha (vegetable and mineral poisons). Agadas that are elucidated in the ancient texts function against various forms of visha (toxins), like Sarpa visha, loota visha, keeta visha, Dooshivisha, etc. They are a polyherbal combination of antitoxic drugs that act against specific poisons. Many such Agadas are mentioned in Samhitas. One such Agada is Mandaragad, which is mentioned in Ashtang Hridayam in the treatment of spider bites.

Spider bites are commonly reported from many parts of the world. Most bites are harmless, but some cause symptoms ranging from simple local irritation and dermoneurotic lesions to potential lethal neurotoxicity and intravascular haemolysis. Spider venom consists of cysteine-rich peptides, enzymes and peptides which are neurotoxins, vasculotoxins and necrolytic enzymes. Mandaragad can be used as a remedy against this poison.2

Discussion

The venom of a spider bite is known to produce local swelling, pain, tenderness and also systemic symptoms like circulatory collapse, delirium and convulsions, etc. The contents of Mandaragad have ushna virya, and they might reduce the symptoms caused by vaat and kapha vitiation in spider bites. Contents like Apamarg, Gairik, Tagar, Marich and Hartala are proven scientifically to have Vishaghna properties. Also, other contents are described in texts in Shonitsthapan, Angmardprashaman, Daahprashaman, and Vranaropan Gana.

Conclusion

According to classical Ayurvedic literature, spider bites can be successfully treated if they fall under the category of Sadhya (easily treatable). This information highlights the significant potential of Ayurvedic remedies for addressing various ailments, including scorpion bites. When Mandaragad is utilised for spider bites, it is believed to possess therapeutic properties that can promote healing. Furthermore, the method of preparation and the corresponding action plan are straightforward and practical. Compared to synthetic drugs, it may offer a safer alternative..

References

1. Vd. Tripathi B., Ashtang Hridayam Sutrasthan with Nirmala Hindi Commentary, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan:Delhi, Ed-2014, Chap- 1, Verse 5,Pg No.5.
2. Vd. Krishna Gadre., Sarth Vagbhat, Vagbhatkrut Ashtang Hrudaya Marathi Translation, Rajesh Prakashan: Pune, Chap – 37 Verse 73, Pg. No. 472.
3. Dr. K.S.Narayan Reddy, The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ed.33 New Delhi : Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers(P) Ltd; 1973 Chap 29 Pg. No.567
4. Vd. Gadre Krishna., Sarth Vagbhat, Vagbhatkrut Ashtang Hrudaya Marathi Translation, Rajesh Prakashan: Pune, Chap – 37 Verse 48-50, Pg. No.470
5. Vd. Gadre Krishna., Sarth Vagbhat, Vagbhatkrut Ashtang Hrudaya Marathi Translation, Rajesh Prakashan: Pune, Chap – 37 Verse 53, Pg. No. 471
6. Vd. Gadre Krishna., Sarth Vagbhat, Vagbhatkrut Ashtang Hrudaya Marathi Translation, Rajesh Prakashan: Pune, Chap – 37 Verse 73, Pg. No. 472.
7. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi,Ed- 2022,Chap- Guduchyadi varga, Pg. No.399
8. Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita of Maharshi Sushrut.Varanasi : Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan: 2016.Pg 184 Su.38
9. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Haritakyadi varga, Pg. No.115
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0367326X12001190

11. Prof.Chunekar K.C, Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary,Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Guduchyadi varga, Pg. No.369

12.  https://dx.doi.org/10.21608/rpbs.2024.308067.1311

13. Prof. Mishra Siddhinandan , Rasratnasamucchaya of Acharya Vagbhat,with Siddhiprada Hindi Commentary, , Chaukhamba Orientalia:Varanasi, Ed 2021,Chap-3 Pg.No.68

14. Dr. Brahmnand Tripathi, Charak Samhita Elaborated by Dridbala with Charakachandrika Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan: Varanasi, Ed -2004,Su.Chap-6,Pg. 95    

15. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Karpuradi varga, Pg. No.191

16. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Karpuradi varga, Pg. No.213

17. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Haritakyadi varga, Pg. No.89

18. https://www.iscientific.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/14-IJCBS-15-8-14.pdf

19.  Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Haritakyadi varga, Pg. No.16

20. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary , Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Haritakyadi varga, Pg. No.63

21. www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd56289.pdf

22. Prof. Mishra Siddhinandan Rasratnasamucchaya of Acharya Vagbhat,with Siddhiprada Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Orientalia:Varanasi, Ed 2021,Chap-3 Pg.No.75

23. Prof. Mishra Siddhinandan Rasratnasamucchaya of Acharya Vagbhat,with Siddhiprada Hindi Commentary, , Chaukhamba Orientalia:Varanasi, Ed 2021,Chap-3 Pg.No.79

24. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Ghrit varga, Pg. No.759

25. Prof.Chunekar K.C Bhavprakashnighantu of Bhavmishra , with Hindi Commentary, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy: Varanasi, Ed-2022, Chap- Madhu varga, Pg. No.773