Abstract

Vd. Vivek Jingarwar* and Vd. Mrunalini Paturkar

ABSTRACT

„Visha? (poisonous substance) is that which causes „Visannatva? (distress) and/or visada (sadness) in the body. Thus Visha has been defined as substance which prove destructive to life and which possess Vyavayi (absorbed quickly), Vikasi, Ushna (hot potency), Tikshna (penetrating), Ruksha (dryness), Sukshma (can pass through sukshma srotas), Asukari (acts quickly), Anirdesya rasa (indistinct taste) and Apaki (not properly digested) properties. These poisonous/toxic plants are categorized as vi?a (poison) and upavi?a (toxic but not lethal for human health) in Ayurvedic texts and also listed in the schedule-E of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. Jayapala (Croton tiglium) is one among the upavishas and a well-known plant in Indian System of Medicine. The drugs which possess these properties are called Visas and those which are considered less toxic in comparison with the Mahavishas[2] are called Upavishas.