DOOSHI VISHA IN AYURVEDA AND ITS MODERN CORRELATION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS AND LIFESTYLE DISORDERS: A SPECIAL FOCUS ON POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE (PCOD)

Dooshi Visha — the classical Ayurvedic notion of an attenuated, latent poison — offers a useful framework to conceptualize chronic low-dose environmental and metabolic exposures that predispose to lifestyle disorders. Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD/PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine-metabolic disorder strongly linked to lifestyle, metabolic dysfunction, and increasing evidence of environmental toxicants (endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals). This review synthesizes classical descriptions of Dooshi Visha, maps them onto contemporary toxicology and endocrine disruption literature, and explores how Dooshi Visha–informed interventions (nidana-parivarjana, Panchakarma/Shodhana, Shamana herbs, Rasayana and lifestyle measures) may be integrated into management of PCOD. We summarize clinical and preclinical evidence linking bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals to PCOD phenotypes, This review evaluates Ayurvedic detoxification therapies (Virechana and Panchakarma) and selected herbal interventions (Asparagus/Shatavari, Guduchi, Triphala), and proposes a pragmatic, evidence-informed integrative approach for clinicians and researchers. Key research gaps are highlighted, and a prioritized agenda for mechanistic studies.