A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF MANDARA AGADA IN LOOTA VISHA CHIKITSA: BRIDGING CLASSICAL WISDOM AND THERAPEUTIC INSIGHTS

Agada Tantra, the toxicology branch of Ayurveda, highlights the use of medicinal plants with strong antitoxic properties. In Ayurveda, Keeta Visha refers to poisoning caused by insect bites and is included under Jangama Visha. Acharya Vagbhata classified Loota (spider) under Keeta, thereby including spider envenomation within the scope of Keeta Visha. More than 40,000 species of spiders have been identified worldwide. Although most spider bites are harmless, some can produce serious complications and may even become fatal if treatment is delayed, especially in endemic regions. Mandara Agada is a classical Ayurvedic formulation traditionally indicated in different types of poisoning, particularly insect and related bites. It is a herbo-mineral formulation comprising eight herbal ingredients and three mineral components, which together contribute to its antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, and protective actions in the management of various forms of poisoning.