Critical Analysis of Madatyaya (alcoholism) Lakshana in Classical Samhitas: A Comprehensive Review

Madatyaya (alcohol intoxication), resulting from excessive consumption of madya (alcoholic substances), is a well-described pathological condition in Ayurveda and corresponds closely to alcohol use disorder (AUD) described in modern medicine, which remains a significant public health concern in India.Ayurvedic literature provides detailed insights into alcohol consumption, including its benefits, adverse effects, disease manifestations, forms, symptoms, and management.Understanding Lakshana (symptoms) is essential for deeper comprehension of disease progression.Classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya present extensive yet varied descriptions of the etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of Madatyaya.This review conducts a comparative analysis of symptom descriptions across these classical sources to identify similarities, differences, and unique clinical contributions.The analysis reveals a shared core group of symptoms, including altered perception, impaired judgment, and physical debility, consistently described across texts, along with specific symptomatic nuances reflecting the theoretical and clinical orientations of individual authors.Synthesizing these classical perspectives will enhance understanding of Madatyaya and establishes a foundation for its application in contemporary clinical practice and research.The findings demonstrate that while classical Ayurvedic texts share a common conceptual framework, each contributes distinct clinical insights, collectively offering a comprehensive understanding of alcohol-related disorders.Integrating Ayurvedic descriptions with modern medical perspectives may strengthen current approaches to assessment and management of substance-related conditions and highlights the importance of integrative models grounded in traditional Ayurvedic wisdom.