Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Seringe): A known Visha but potent medicine W.S.R. Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient science dominantly focuses on healthy living and mindful life in contrary to other medical sciences. Ayurveda specifically uses herbs and herbo-mineral combinations for the treatment. The herbs described in the classics also include some Vishadravya (poisonous plants) as potent medicine. Anything that results in "Vishannatva" (stress) or "Vishada" (sadness) in the body is "Visha" (poisonous material). Depending on the intensity of toxicity, Ayurvedic classics have classified all poisons into two categories: Mahavisha and Upavisha (less potent toxin). Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Seringe) is classified under the Sthavara Visha (poison of plant origin) and Mahavisha. It is the only Mahavisha that is still recognised and available. All Vishadravya should be used after some specific Shodhana (purification). While administering Vatsanabha in the form of Ayurvedic medicines, Shodhana (purification) is an effective technique for minimising its hazardous effects. Although it is Vishadravya, the compounds containing Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Seringe) are listed in ‘Essential Ayurveda Medication for Ayurvedic dispensaries, operated under centrally supported programmes of the Government of India. This enlistment affirms its significance in other ways. Nearly 17 percentage of the formulations mentioned in RRS have Vatsanabha as their constituent. Modern research has already proven the analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and many other activities of Vatsanabha. Thus, the present review is designed to extensively discuss and understand the safety profile of Vatsanabha and utility in various diseases, along with its probable mode of action.