CRITICAL REVIEW ON SCORPION POISONING W.S.R. TO VARIOUS ANCIENT AYURVEDIC TEXTS

About Author

Correspondence Address

YMT Ayurved Medical College, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
Contact No. : 7972959237, Email : kndnmeshram@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 20 Sep 2024

Date of Publication : 27 Sep 2024

Article ID : SD-IJAY_115

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2024.2318

Abstract

In addition, the bite of a scorpion is a widespread and worldwide public health issue that is found to be connected with significant morbidity and mortality. It poses a risk to workers in the agricultural sector, particularly farmers, villages, migrant populations, and hunters, and it is especially prevalent in the agricultural sector. The annual number of incidents of scorpion stings in India is greater than 1.23 million, with approximately 32,250 of those cases having the potential to be lethal. This can be due to a number of obstacles that are present in the treatment of scorpion bites, such as inadequate health services, transportation facilities that are difficult and delayed, incorrect traditional beliefs, and delays in the administration of anti-scorpion venom, which ultimately results in a significant amount of mortality and morbidity. There are a number of pharmaceutical formulations that have been discussed by Ayurveda for the treatment of Vrishchika Damsha, also known as scorpion bite. Traditional practitioners of medicine make extensive use of these therapeutic herbs. A large number of references to therapeutic techniques and drugs that are discussed for the management of vrischikavisha may be found in Ayurvedic classics. Due to the fact that the information contained in these ancient classics is dispersed in a broad variety of places, it is necessary to investigate and discover the solutions. The purpose of this article is to make a modest attempt to highlight the many types of risk factors and treatment approaches that are detailed in these publications, as well as the specific symptoms that are associated with them.

KEY WORDS:-  Scorpion, Vrishchika, medicinal formulations.

Introduction

Venomous stings from scorpions pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in rural territories of India. Scorpions, particularly those that belong to the family Buthidae, are among the most poisonous animals in the world. There are approximately 25 species that have venom that is capable of killing a human being, but the majority of species do not pose a significant threat to human life itself. There are in total 1988 species of scorpions that are known to exist, with India being home to 113 legitimate species belonging to 25 different genera and six different families. 1. Mesobuthus tamulus and Palamneus swammer-dami—two of the 86 species of scorpions that can be found in India—are considered to be of significant medical relevance. 2. Regarding the treatment of scorpion stings, there are a variety of various options available. Vrichikas are numerous in nature, and as a result, the symptoms that are associated with each of them are distinct in nature. The treatment protocols that should be adopted for each vrichika visha-damshas must be specific according to the nature of the vrichika. Additionally, it is important to note that the majority of acharyas have described vrischikavisha as being vatolbana in nature, while some have described it as being vatapittolpana in nature. Scorpion bites are known to cause excruciating pain, a burning feeling, swelling, and erythema, which are similar to the symptoms of Vrischika Damsha, also known as scorpion sting, according to Ayurvedic medicine. A significant determinant in the decision to seek medical attention as soon as possible is the presence of excruciating pain at the location of the sting. According to the Ayurvedic Classics and Granthas, there are a number of external medicinal formulations that have been mentioned in order to treat acute symptoms. All of the many types of vrishchikas, as well as their signs and symptoms, consequences, and treatments, have been detailed by Acharyas in accordance with the severity of the condition. These topics will be further examined in the published review paper.

Discussion

Scorpion sting case fatality rate 3-22% was reported in India. Scorpion venom symptoms are mostly classified into two groups. Local and systemic, in local- swelling, sweating, and radiating pain along the involved dermatome. In systemic manifestations, vomiting, hypersalivation, midriasis, priapism, and hypotension are sine. Pulmonary oedema is a common cause of fatality. Scorpion anti-venom is one of the lines of treatment in India, though it is a specific antidote to venom action, but in the case of mesobuthus tamulus, since antivenin does not prevent or reverse the cardiovascular morbidity. So it is time to evaluate the anti-venom activity of ayurvedic medicinal plants. Since ancient times, many herbs have been used in the treatment of scorpion bite, and it is also scientifically proven. There are so many plants that have therapeutic value in the scorpion bite treatment. According to Dosha, Acharyas have mentioned several Dravyas and Yogas in the form of Pana, Lepa, Dhupana, Mantra Chikitsa, etc. for the treatment of Vrishchika Damsha.

Conclusion

The observation by the Acharyas can help us to manage the treatment of Vrishchika visha. Though in this article efforts have been made to compile the various types of Vrishchika, their classification, features to identify the various Vrishchikas, their clinical manifestation, and treatment. Further studies using modern techniques must be proceeded to establish the facts that are explained in our ancient literature.

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