ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE POISONING: A REVIEW

Acute poisoning is a major medical emergency and a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Poisoning from pesticides, pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, heavy metals, poisonous plants, and animal envenomation remains a substantial public health challenge requiring rapid diagnosis and timely intervention. Contemporary management focuses on stabilization of airway, breathing, circulation, gastrointestinal decontamination, antidotal therapy, and supportive care. However, the increasing burden of poisoning, limited availability of specific antidotes, and complications associated with certain toxic exposures highlight the need for complementary therapeutic approaches. Ayurveda, through its specialized branch Agadtantra, provides a systematic framework for the identification, classification, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of poisoning. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe various categories of poisons, their pharmacodynamic properties, stages of toxicity, and therapeutic interventions including Vamana, Virechana, Agada Yoga, Prativisha, local therapies, dietary modifications, and rejuvenative measures. Several medicinal plants traditionally classified as Vishaghna Dravyas have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities in experimental studies. This narrative review critically examines the classical Ayurvedic principles of acute poisoning management, correlates them with contemporary toxicological concepts, and evaluates available scientific evidence supporting Ayurvedic interventions. The review also highlights current research gaps and future opportunities for integrating evidence-based Ayurvedic approaches into modern emergency toxicology.