CONCEPT OF DUSHI VISHA (CUMULATIVE TOXICITY) IN MODERN ERA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

In present era, thousands of harmful toxins are accumulated in environment are taken by human beings in different forms. These harmful toxins cause cumulative toxicity in human being which results in symptoms that can be seen slowly after their long- term use. These harmful toxins may be of Sthavara Visha/plant origin (e.g. Fruits and vegetables contaminated with pesticides, ripening agents, infections, heavy metal toxicity in plants, Maida, Pollen grains, dust, Latex from plants) Jangama Visha/ animal origin (e.g. Animal dander, adulteration in milk and milk products, Sea food containing heavy metals such as Hg, PCBs) Kritrim Visha (e.g. Toxic ingredients in cosmetics, Food preservatives, Food Flavouring agents, Synthetic Colour Additives, Environmental Pollution, Agricultural poisons, Medications like aspirin etc.). This Cumulative toxicity is similar to Dushi Visha as described in Ayurveda. A poison, which is having fewer properties, which means less than ten classical properties that a poison should contain, or either the poison which is having lesser potency of all the ten properties, attains a latent stage in the body is called as Dushi Visha (latent poison). The aim and objectives of this study is to study the concept of Dushi Visha in modern era and its toxic effects on human body.