Artificial Food Preservatives and Their Correlation to Gar Visha in the Present Era: An Integrative Analysis

Preservatives are additives that are used in a variety of products, including food, drinks, medicines, paints, biological samples, cosmetics, wood, and many others, to stop microbial growth or unfavorable chemical changes from causing the product to decompose. preservatives extend the shelf-life of food, cosmetics, and medications by preventing their spoilage. The increasing use of artificial food preservatives has revolutionized the global food industry. They are Antimicrobial (nitrites, nitrates, benzoates, and sulfur dioxide), Anti-oxidants (BHT), (BHA), and propyl gallate, and Anti-enzymatic (citric and erythorbic acids). Emerging studies suggest that chronic consumption of these additives may contribute  in major health risks like cancer, neurological damage, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis allergic reactions, asthma, hyperactivity, and hypersensitivity. which closely parallel the classical Ayurvedic concept of Gar Visha. Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine, offers a unique perspective on toxicity through the branch of Agad Tantra, which studies poisons (visha), long-term effects of toxic substances on physiological homeostasis, and their treatments. The concept of Gar Visha in Ayurveda describes the gradual accumulation of toxins resulting from incomplete or improper digestion. This leads to the formation of Ama a toxic residue that disrupts the balance of the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and compromises overall health. This article critically reviews the molecular mechanisms involved in preservative toxicity, identifies similarities with Gar Visha, and discusses mitigation strategies including modern regulatory measures and Ayurvedic detoxification protocols (e.g., Panchakarma). The review is supported by in‑text citations, data tables, and conceptual flowcharts. Future interdisciplinary research is recommended to integrate both modern toxicology and Ayurvedic insights for improved public health.