ROLE OF AGADTANTRA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AAHARA VISHAKTA: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Background: Food safety is a global concern, and the concept of Aahara Vishakta (food toxicity) described in Ayurveda has significant relevance in today’s context of food adulteration, pesticide use, and contamination. Agadtantra, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, specifically deals with poisons and their management, including those arising from food sources. Understanding its principles provides both preventive and therapeutic perspectives for tackling modern food-related health hazards. Aim: To review the role of Agadtantra in the prevention and management of Aahara Vishakta with special reference to classical Ayurvedic texts and modern food toxicology. Objectives: To explore classical references of Aahara Vishakta in Ayurvedic literature. To analyze preventive and curative measures from Agadtantra for managing food toxicity. To correlate Ayurvedic principles with modern scientific approaches to food safety and toxicology. Materials and Methods: This is a conceptual review based on classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya), commentaries, and contemporary research articles related to food safety and toxicology. Relevant Ayurvedic concepts were compared with modern literature to establish their significance in present-day contexts. Results: The review indicates that Agadtantra emphasizes preventive strategies such as the use of Pathya-Apathya Ahara, Shodhana (detoxification methods), and the administration of Vishaghna Dravyas. Therapeutically, measures like Vamana, Virechana, Dhoomapana, Agada Yoga and specific formulations have been described. These interventions align with modern approaches to detoxification, food safety regulations, and management of poisoning cases. Conclusion: Agadtantra provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing Aahara Vishakta. Its preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies remain relevant in addressing contemporary food toxicity issues. Integrating Ayurvedic knowledge with modern food toxicology can enhance public health approaches toward safe nutrition.