Abstract

A REVIEW ON ANTI- POISONOUS ARKA WITH REFERENCE TO ARKA PRAKASHA

Gazala Hussain*

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda has an ocean of various treatises, one such treatise is Arka Prakasha. Arka Prakasha is a treatise that has a collection of arka (distillates) of various drugs from plant origin, mineral origin, etc. Arka are distillates of the dravya that are extracted through the process of distillation using any distillation apparatus. Arka is said to be the most potent of the primary preparations explained in Ayurveda pharmaceutics. A literary search through it revealed that the arka mentioned are used in various disorders and many arka are mentioned to be useful in the management of poisons as well. It is not just indicated in management of plant and animal poisons but also in disorders caused due to poisons. The dose of arka is less and as it is said to be the most potent, it acts as an advantage in the management of poison. The arka mentioned in this book are indicated in various disorders, including in management of poisons too. This book puts light on the various single and compound drugs used in the management of plant and animal poisons.

Keywords: Arka, Distillates, Arka Prakasha, Vishaghna, Anti-poisonous.