Abstract

LUTA (SPIDER)- IN AYURVEDA AND ITS CONTEMPORARY KNOWLEDGE

*Dr. Baby Ganeriwala MD(AYU)

ABSTRACT

In Ayurveda Agadtantra deals with the knowledge of different types of Visha (Poison) of animal or plant origin. It also deals with the origin, types, signs and symptoms and management of poisoning resulting from the bites of Sarpa (snake), Mushika (rodents), Kita (insects) and Luta (spider). Acharya Sushruta, Acharya Vagbhatta and Acharya Bhava Misra have mentioned Luta Visha in detailed. More than 40,000 species of spiders have been identified in the world. Spider bite is a common problem among people, however few of them are harmful but delay in treatment can cause death. Since the spider bites are risk full to human, they should be taken seriously, especially in endemic areas. The Luta Visha is able to potently block a variety of receptors, channels, enzymes and other various target sites. Thus the peptides extracted from spider venom also possess substantial potential for therapeutic applications. The objective of this review is to study about Lutas (spiders) and find the out treatments of Luta Visha. At the same time this review also encompasses the potential applications of its venom as analgesics, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial agent, antiarrhythmic, neuroprotective and bio-insecticides.

Keywords: Keeta, Luta, Visha, spider.