Shirishapushpadi Yoga in Sarpa Visha: A Review

Snake envenomation remains a major public health concern in India, particularly among rural & agricultural populations where snake encounters are more common. Agada tantra is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda that describes several traditional formulations for the management of various types of poisoning. Shirishapushpadi yoga is one such formulation which is explained in Agada tantra for treating Sarpa visha (snake envenomation). It is mentioned under Sarpa visha pratishedha adhyaya of Ashtanga Sangraha. It contains mainly 2 ingredients & described for administration in different dosage forms like Pana (oral administration), Nasya (nasal administration) & Anjana (collyrium). This review aims to explore the classical references, ingredients, properties & karma of Shirishapushpadi yoga. It further intends to examine the rationale behind its traditional use in Sarpa visha, discuss its potential relevance in the management of poisoning from an Ayurvedic perspective, and contribute to the scientific understanding of its traditional therapeutic applications.