ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY IN AGADTANTRA WITH CONTEMPORARY AND AYURVEDIC RELEVANCE - A REVIEW ARTICLE.

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Date of Acceptance : 19 Sep 2025

Date of Publication : 29 Sep 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_142

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3302

Abstract

Agadtantra, also known as Ayurvedic toxicology, is a specialised branch of Ayurveda that addresses the identification, classification, and management of poisons from natural and artificial sources. In the context of environmental toxicity, Agadtantra offers valuable insights into understanding and mitigating the adverse effects of pollutants on human health. As we know, pollution is one of the most dangerous environmental problems nowadays. To stop this, it is necessary that we start taking some actions to keep the environment safe and healthy. The idea of air, water, and land pollution has also been explored in a number of significant works of literature, and its contribution to diseases and the downfall of civilisations has been clarified. Dincharya, ritucharya, and janpadodhvansa are three ways in which our Acharyas have already described environmental wellness. The cumulative toxicity has also been included in the dooshi visha concept. By integrating ayurvedic principles with modern toxicological understanding, agadtantra offers holistic approaches to mitigate and manage the adverse impacts of environmental toxins on human health.

In this review article we are trying to identify answers to problems with growing environmental degradation and their management.

KEY WORDS:-  pollution, janapadodhvansa, dooshi visha, poisons, environmental toxins.

Introduction

In the face of escalating environmental pollution, traditional medical systems like Ayurveda provide valuable perspectives on health and disease. Agadtantra, one of the branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda, focuses on the study and management of poisons, encompassing natural toxins from plants, animals, and minerals, as well as artificial substances like pesticides and industrial chemicals. This branch emphasises the body's ability to eliminate toxins through various channels such as sweat, urine, and respiration, and advocates for treatments that support these natural detoxification processes. Key concepts within Agadtantra, such as Dooshivisha, highlight the importance of addressing cumulative toxicity resulting from prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants.

Furthermore, the principle of Janpadodhvansa illustrates how environmental degradation can lead to widespread health issues, reflecting the interconnection of ecological health and human well-being. As we review and integrate these ancient insights of Agadtantra, it offers a holistic approach to combating environmental toxicity, emphasising prevention, early detection, and personalised treatment strategies.

This article will concentrate on some of the ancient methods for treatment of environmental toxicity.

Discussion

Agadtantra is a branch of Ayurveda dealing with various types of toxicities and their management. In the modern world, environmental pollution significantly affects a person's health. It is a major contributing factor to the rise in epidemic diseases. Understanding how environmental pollution contributes to epidemics (Janopadodhwansa) is crucial for developing a comprehensive strategy for better managing epidemic diseases. Ayurvedic medicine offers strategies for managing epidemics that are both preventive and therapeutic. There are many Vishaghana dhrvyas mentioned in Ayurvedic literature that have proven their efficacy in eradicating various kinds of toxins by virtue of their pharmacodynamics. Lots of references regarding the Bhumi Shodana, Jala Shodana, and Vayu Shodana prove the effectiveness of different kinds of Aushdi Yogas in environmental toxicity.

Conclusion

If we look at today’s era, it leads to the gradual destruction of our ecosystem in the form of pollution, which is the most iconic problem for all the countries in the world. If this burning problem of pollution is not taken seriously, then it will create a frightening future. In ancient contemporary science, our Acharya Charak has described Janpadopdhavnasa, which is very effective in pollution-associated problems. Much experimental research can be done to designate the efficacy of these ayurvedic drugs and methods specified in the Ayurveda through which they will help in detoxifying the body and environment without causing any damage to other essential factors.

References

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