NATURE'S SHIELD: UNVEILING THE PROTECTIVE POWER OF SHARKARA YUKTA GAU-DUGDHA AS PRATIVISHA AGAINST DATURA METEL INDUCED TOXICITY IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS - A RESEARCH ARTICLE

Nidhi Porwal; Anup Kumar Gakkhar; Ramesh Chandra Tiwari; Bhawana Mittal; Bhanu Gupta

doi:10.29121/jahim.v3.i2.2023.33

Authors

Dr. Nidhi Porwal Post Graduate Scholar, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, Department of Agad Tantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2238-0879
Anup Kumar Gakkhar Registrar of Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, India
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari Professor and H.O.D, Department of Agad Tantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, India
Dr. Bhawana Mittal Assistant Professor, Department of Agad Tantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, India
Dr. Bhanu Gupta Post Graduate Scholar, Vaidya Yagya Dutta Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Department of Shalya Tantra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/jahim.v3.i2.2023.33

Keywords:

Datura, Sharkara, Gau- dugdha, Agad, Toxicity, Antidote

Abstract [English]

Datura (Datura metel) is recognized as a cerebrotoxic deliriant poison and is concurrently categorized as "Upavisha" within Ayurvedic principles. Ayurveda encompasses a spectrum of toxic substances along with their respective antidotes; however, the mechanisms underlying these antidotal effects remain unelaborated in the ancient texts. A segment in the "Rasa jal Nidhi" Part 3 (Chapter 8), titled "Dhusturbeejasya Shanti," delineates the potential antidote properties of Gau dugdha in a proportion of one prastha and sharkara (sugar) in a quantity of two pal, positing a potential counteraction against Datura toxicity. The objective of this study is to scientifically evaluate the efficacy of these antidotal agents in mitigating Datura seed-induced toxicity, so that it can be useful in emergencies. Methods: Albino Wistar rats are employed as the chosen animal model to investigate the antidotal effect of Sharkara Yuka Gau-dugdha against Datura beeja (seed) powder-induced toxicity. The assessment encompasses a comprehensive range of criteria encompassing alterations in weight, modifications in dietary and hydration habits, behavioral shifts, lethaginss, fluctuations in temperature, emergence of convulsive episodes, performance in the Radial Arm Test, Rotarod activity, locomotion, and mortality. Results: Following administration of Sharkara Yuka Gau-dugdha, discernible alleviation of the deleterious effects associated with Datura exposure is evident. Noteworthy observations encompass a reduction in responses during the Radial Arm Test, suggestive of a positive influence on cognitive faculties such as learning and memory. Additionally, an increase in time spent on the Rotarod apparatus signifies enhanced muscle strength and augmented motor function. Conclusion: The findings gleaned from this experimental study culminate in the conclusion that Sharkara Yuka Gau-dugdha holds moderate potential to ameliorate the extent of toxic manifestations elicited by Datura exposure.

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