A Quantitative Analytical Study of Effect of Ritu On Strychnine In Ashodhita And Shodhita Kuchala Beej Seeds of Strychnos Nux Vomica L

Abstract

Ayurveda includes medicinal substances (bheshaj dravya) and poisonous substances ( visha dravya) in the treatment of diseases. Ayurveda not only looks upon to treat toxic effects of poison, but also propagates to use poison as a therapeutic medicine in many diseases. This approach advantages the properties of both to achieve therapeutic effects when used correctly and in appropriate dosages. Although poisons are described as quotAbsolutely Harmful Substancequot (Ekantika Ahita dravya), it works as an excellent medicine when used appropriately. The toxic effects of poison are due of the active principles present in every poison. References regarding the seasonal variation in potency of poisonous plants are found in the Ayurveda texts. In this study, Kuchala was studied to find out the quantity of strychnine in raw and processed seeds in all the six ritu. This study also included the effect of season on detoxifying the poison. This would be the first study where seasonal detoxification of visha dravya was studied. The study found the effect of seasons on the seeds of Kuchala. Seasonal detoxification process reduced strychnine levels variedly in different seasons giving an indication to develop a SOP for detoxification of Kuchala seeds to have optimum reduction of strychnine.