Abstract

KINCHITCHAASHANIWAT SADYO MARAYATI WSR TO VATSANABHA

*Dr. Bishnupriya Mohanty, Pornima Vasudev Naik and Dr. Sangram Keshari Das

ABSTRACT

Vatsanabha or Mahavisha, Aconitum ferox is a species of monk’s hood from the family Ranunculaceae is a deciduous perennial with tall and erect stems crowned by racemes of large eye catching blue, purple, white zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Vatsanabha is also recognized as Vatsanaga, Ksweda, Visa and Amrita. A deciduous perennial plant, two to six feet high, 50 cm wide, belonging to family Ranunculaceae and rising in eastern temperate and sub-alpine areas of the Himalayas, eastwards of Uttarakhand, Nepal, Kashmir and Sikkim. All the parts of the plant are poisonous, the root existence most potent. The root is mostly used for medicinal purposes. As the synonym reveals, this toxic plant can also be useful as Amrita. The root of this plant is enormously poisonous but useful in the treatment of various diseases such as fever, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, hypertension and also acts as a Rasayana after Shodhana. Acharyacharaka said that if Vishadrava is taken in proper dose it acts as Medicine while if drugs are taken in more doses, it acts as poison. Formulations having aconitum roots as an ingredient are extremely effective in various diseases. If we give Vatsanabha or its preparation in the therapeutic dose, it acts as a medicine. Fatal doses of Vatsanabha root- 1gm, Extract or Juice of Vatsanabha- 250 mg & dose of Alkaloid-4mg. If we are treating the patients with Vatsanabha, We should take care of patients. If any toxic symptom appears, the preparation encompassing Vatsanabha should be instantly stopped and medicine to offset the toxic symptoms should be started instantly without any delay. The patient should also be conscious and not buy Ayurvedic Medicine over the counter and start self-medication.

Keywords: Aconitum ferox, Vatsanabh.