A PROJECT BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON THE WORKS OF Dr. R. REMADEVI (CUMULATIVE TOXICITY OF HERBAL DRUGS) AND GUPTA BIJAY KUMAR (CUMULATIVE TOXICITY OF HERBO-MINERAL PREPARATIONS , IAMJ)

1. CUMULATIVE
TOXICITY OF
HERBAL DRUGS
JAYAKRISHNANK;
VAIDYARATNAM AYURVEDA COLLEGE
AGADATHANTHRA COMPILATION

2. Page | 1
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. ETYMOLOGY
III. DERIVATION
IV. ADVERSE DRUG REACTION(ADR)
V. CAUSES OF TOXICITY: A
PERSPECTIVE OF CUMULATIVE
TOXICITY
VI. CAUSES OF TOXCITY IN
HERBOMINERAL PREPARATIONS
VII. FACTORS OF CUMULATIVE
TOXICITY:
i. EXTRINSIC FACTORS
ii. INTRINSIC FACTORS
VIII. HERBAL DRUGS WITH
CUMULATIVE TOXICITY:
i. कारस्कर- Strychnos nux-vomica
ii. सर्पगन्ध- Rauwolfia serpentina
iii. तमाखु-Nicotiana tubacum

3. Page | 2
iv. भल्लातक- Semicarpus anacardium
v. वत्सनाभभ- Aconitum ferox
vi. ईश्वरमूली- Aristolochia indica
vii. ननत्यकल्याणि- Vinca rosea
viii. ताम्बूल- Betel leaves
ix. Food items and drugs containing
Hydrocyanic acid
IX. CONCLUSION

4. Page | 3
INTRODUCTION
In the present day scenario people are more
prone to different types of poisons like slow
acting poisons of cumulative nature. It is not
necessary that cumulative poison results only
from direct intake of poisonous materials; It
can also be formed by poisoned environment.
Polluted air, water, land and the increased
exposure to electromagnetic radiations
through mobile phones, computers etc., faulty
food habits, stressful lifestyle, continuous
usage of any particular medications, high use
of pesticides even वेगधारिcan cause
cumulative toxicity.
As a result of present-day trends in lifestyle,
eating habit, stressful working condition
cumulative toxicity is becoming more and
more common.

5. Page | 4
ETYMOLOGY
The word cumulative toxicity comprises of two words
cumulative, toxicity.
Cumulative comes from the Latin word ‘cumulatus’for "to heap."
If something is cumulative, it is heaped together so it can be
counted up to get a total number.
In other way we can say
Increasing or growing by accumulation or successive additions.
Formed by or resulting from accumulation or the addition of
successive elements
Toxicity is the quality, state, or relative degree of being toxic or
poisonous.

6. Page | 5
DERIVATION
Cumulative toxicity is the adverse effect produced by
the accumulated poisons. Toxin from different sources
such as food, drugs and environment may cause
cumulative toxicity. This type of poison mainly depends
on absorption, biotransformation and excretion of
drugs. The adverse reactions of drugs may be
predictable or unpredictable. But cumulative toxicity is
the predictable adverse reactions. Any drug will
cumulate in the body if the rate of administration is
more than rate of elimination. That means if a drug is
excreted slowly, its repeated administration may build
up a sufficiently high concentration in the body to
produce toxicity e.g. Digoxin, emetine and heavy
metals. Substances like lead can remain deposited in
bones without producing toxic effects. This is called
passive cumulation. It can produce the toxic
manifestations as soon as it is released into the blood.

7. Page | 6
AYURVEDIC CONCEPT
AGADATANTRA [अगदतन्र], one of the 8 branches of
Ayurveda and is very significant, which deals with
different types of poisons, symptoms of poisoning and
their treatment. The term AGADA [अगद] has the
general meaning as treatment.
According to Samhithas,ववषmay be divided into two
viz. natural [प्रकृ त] and artificial [कृ त्ररम].
Natural poisons are those of poisonous creatures
[जङ्गमम्] or toxic plants and minerals [स्थावर].
स्थावरम् जङ्गमम् च इनत ववषम् प्रोक्तमकृत्ररमम् ।
कृत्ररमम् गरसंञं तु क्रियते ववववधौषधैः ॥
हन्न्त योगवशेनाशु चचरात् चचरतरात् च तत् ।
शोफर्ाण्डूदरोन्माद दुनापमादीन् करोनत वा ॥
[अ. हृ. उ. 35/4,6]

8. Page | 7
Compounded poisons, made from nonpoisonous
materials are termed as गर .
नानाप्राणि अङ्गशमल ववरुद्धौषचध भस्मनाम् ।
ववषािाम् च अल्र् वीयापिाम् योगो गर इनत स्मृतैः ॥
[ अ.हृ.उ. 35/49]
Denatured poisons are termed as दूषीववष . They have
delayed action. It is this class of poison which shows
major cumulative effect and is influenced by other
factors.
जीिपम् ववषघ्नौषचधभभहपतम् वा दावान्ननवातातर्शोवषतम् वा ।
स्वभावतो वा स्वगुि न युक्तम् ववषम् हह दूषीववषताम् उर्नत
॥
वीयापल्र् भावात् अववभाव्यम् एतत् कफावृतम् वषपगिानुबन्न्ध
॥
[सु.कल्र्. 2/23,24]

9. Page | 8
ADVERSE DRUG REACTION (ADR)
Adverse drug reaction is defined as "any response to a
drug that is noxious and unintended and that occurs at
doses used in man for prophylaxis, diagnosis or
therapy".
The drug toxicity in man may he of two types; Systemic
and Local.
Systemic drug toxicity is serious and usually produces
an exaggerated pharmacological action of the drug.
The following are some of the major adverse effects:
Drug intolerance —
Here the drug produces hyper-responses for normal
doses, precipitateabnormal reactions to drug due to the
presence of some enzymes, and hyper-sensitivity
reactions due to antigen-antibody reactions.
E.g. Psoralia cordylifolia [सोमराजी],
Semi carpus anacardium [भल्लातक],

10. Page | 9
Mucuna pruriens [कवर्कच्छु ].
Hepatotoxicity:
Certain drugs when used for a long time or used in
poorly processed form causes Liver toxicity.
E.g. Gloriosa superba [लाङ्गली]
Semicarpus anacardium [भल्लातक].
Hemopoietic toxicity —
The use of drug causes blood related symptoms like
anemia. aplastic anemia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis,
bleeding etc. are produced.
E.g. Vinca rosea [ननत्यकल्याणि].
Saponin containing drugs like Sapindus, Luffa,
trichosanthes.
Nephrotoxicity —
Symptoms include albuminuria, hematuria, tubular
necrosis, renal calculi etc.
E.g. Aristolochia indica [ईश्वरमूली]
Behavioral toxicity —
It includes suicidal tendency, disorientation, confusion,
restlessness etc.
E.g. Rauwolfia serpentina [सर्पगन्ध],
Celastrus paniculatus [ज्योनतष्मती],

11. Page | 10
Vinca rosea [ननत्यकल्याणि].
Unmasking and aggravation of diseases —
Some drugs unmask a latent disease or aggravate an
existing one.
E.g. Rauwolfia serpentina [सर्पगन्ध]aggravates peptic
ulcer and epilepsy.
Iatrogenic disease —
The drugs themselves produce pathological symptoms,
E.g. Rauwolfia serpentina [सर्पगन्ध] produces
Parkinsonism.
Electrolyte disturbances —
It includes sodium retention. hypokalemia, edema etc.
E.g. Rauwolfia serpentina [सर्पगन्ध],
Drugs containing cortisone like Dioscorea.
Endocrine disturbances —
The use of certain drugscause menstrual irregularities,
goiter, Cushing's syndrome, arrest of lactation etc.
E,.g. Rauwolfia serpentina [सर्पगन्ध], Dioscorea
bulbifera [वराही]

12. Page | 11
Skin toxicity —
It causes skin rashes and blisters over the skin.
E.g. Semicarpus anacardium [भल्लातक],
Commiphora muktil [गुनगुलु].
Drug interaction toxicity —
when two or more drugs are administered to a patient
some untoward effects may be produced.
E.g. mercury preparation along with Semicarpus or
Smilax.
Carcinogenesis —
The continuous use of some drugs are carcinogenic.
E.g. Aristolochia indica [ईश्वरमूली]
Nicotiana tabacum [tobacco –तमाखु].
Teratogenicity —
The use of certain drugs lead to congenital anomalies
which are passed on from generation to generation.
E.g. Vinca rosea [ननत्यकल्याणि]
Drug dependence —
It means addiction and dependence.

13. Page | 12
E.g. Opium, tobacco, Ricinus comunnis [एरण्ड]
Cumulative toxicity is the adverse effect produced by
the accumulated toxins. Toxins from different sources
such as food, drugs and environment may cause
cumulativetoxicity. This type of toxic reaction mainly
depends on the absorption, biotransformation and
excretion of the drug.
Absorption —
Systemic effects may occur after metabolism of the
ingested drug. Drugs for local application and other
environmental poisons like pesticides and fumes also
may produce local irritation and systemic effects on
continuous use.
Metabolism —
Some drugs are converted to active or even toxic
compounds during the stages of metabolism.

14. Page | 13
Drug storage —
Drugs may be stored in varioustissues and organs like
bone, liver, body fat etc. Such substances may cause
chronic toxicity on further exposure.
Excretion —
Usuallydrugsare excreted through a route other than
the route of administration. The absorbed drug is
excreted through kidneys, lungs, skin, bile, intestine,
breast milk and saliva.
The Indigenous medicine of India mainly depends on
natural drugs. Among them a large number of
traditionally used herbal medicine can produce toxic
effects. This toxicity is attributed to the drug due to
some extrinsic or intrinsic factors.

15. Page | 14
CAUSES OF TOXICITY : A PERSPECTIVE OF
CUMULATIVE TOXICITY
Most of the Ayurvedic preparations prescribed
contain herbal, minerals and metals. These preparations
are believed to be fast acting and disease specific.
Non purified heavy metals have been known for their
toxicity. The possible heavy metal related toxicity
arising from the use of herbo-mineral preparation
is the subject of interest but historically there is no
consensus on a scientifically validation regarding toxic
effectof heavy metals used in herbo-mineral
preparation.
There is a layman tendency, unsupported by facts to
assume that all these so called heavy metal and their
compounds are highly toxic.

16. Page | 15
This is not 100% accurate as all the metals present on
the Earth’s crust and enter our bodies continually at
lower levels.
The multimillion Ayurvedic drug industries are
attracting so many pharmaceutical companies and
thousands of products are being marketed per year.
Unfortunately, none of them have given emphasis on
the toxic effect
of herbo-mineral preparation. This leads to decrease in
the projected efficacy, even though they are
combination or modification of classical formulations.
This may be due to following reasons:
 Improper purification of heavy metals used in
herbo-mineral preparation
 The selected formulation may not be suitable for a
specified clinical condition of that person
 Inappropriate form for the finished product
 Method of modification for a classical drug or
method of preparation of new drug may be incorrect
 Failure of determining the accurate dose.
Out of the above said factors the improper purification
plays a key role in developing toxicity in formulations
containing mineral drugs. The incidence of cumulative

17. Page | 16
toxicity is related to the concentration of toxic
chemicals
in the body. In the living organism, local, systemic,
short term, delayed, reversible or irreversible toxicity
may be precipitated.
Many chemicals are toxic because they are bio
transformed into more toxic chemicals. In this situation
effective measures should be taken to inhibit
biotransformation, to decrease the toxicity of compound
preparations.
CAUSES OF TOXOCITY IN HERBOMINERAL
PREPARATIONS
Improper identification of crude drugs-
Ayurvedic products most commonly has multiple
ingredients. Before taking any crude drug to a
formulation
they should properly get identified. If the drug is
wrongly identified then this may lead to unwanted
effects.
Adulteration/ substitution-
This is another serious problem associated with
Ayurvedic formulation. Most of the Ayurvedic

18. Page | 17
manufacturers are purchasing the crude drugs from
commercial suppliers. Some times the price of crude
drug may be very high. It is here, that the profit motive
commercial suppliers may increase the bulk of the drug
by adding adulterants or sometimes entirely replacing
the crude drug with some other substances.
Manufacturing under unhygienic conditions-
In India apart from few big companies most of the
Ayurvedic manufacturers are from small scale unit. The
hygienic conditions of these units are very poor. Many
times the store rooms are the thriving areas of many
rodents and they will make the raw material further
unhygienic.
Lack of technically qualified persons:
Like other manufacturing industries Ayurvedic
manufacturing units also require technically qualified
persons, unfortunately not common in India.
Improper quality control checks-
At least at the state level of government laboratory
should be established for the exclusive testing of
Ayurvedic drugs.
Inadequacy of the present laws-

19. Page | 18
The laws relating to manufacturing of Ayurvedic
products are very weak and it enables a simple way to
get license for their manufacturing. These laws should
be made strict so that no product should be marketed
without proper standardization.
FACTORS OF CUMULATIVE TOXICITY
The cumulative toxicity is attributed to the drug due to
some extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
EXTRINSIC FACTORS:
 Pesticide residue e.g. Agrochemicals, DDT
Fumigants e.g. Methyl bromide
Contamination of general environment with toxic
metals.
e.g. Increased industrial and traffic emissions,
agricultural expedients, fungicides, insecticides etc.
Exotic herbal remedies: - Some of these Preparations
have been reported to contain toxic levels of heavy
metals or arsenic

20. Page | 19
 Adulteration of accidental mixing with more toxic
plant
INTRINSIC FACTORS
Chemical constituents such as toxalbumins,
hydrocyanic acid, certain alkaloids, saponins,
glycosides, volatile oils, etc.
Many drugs of plant origin traditionally used by
Ayurveda, are having some toxic effects due to the
above-mentioned factors. But the method of
preparation, combined usage with other drugs and the
care taken in prescriptionskeep them harmless and safe.
The dose is the important factor related to toxicity. A
common and safe drug may sometimes cause toxicity if
it is ingested in a higher dose. So confirming the dose is
very important for the success of the treatment. Over
dosage is always discouraged by Ayurveda.
अनतमारम् र्ुनैः सवापन् आशु दोषान् प्रकोर्येत ् ।
[अ.हृ.सू 8/4]
योगादवर् ववषम् तीक्ष्िम् उत्तमम् भेषजम् भवेत ् ।
भभषजम् च अवर् दुयुपक्तम् तीक्ष्िम् सम्र्द्यते ववषम् ॥
[च.सू.1/126]

21. Page | 20
With reference to Ayurvedic herbal drugs, we can
consider the cumulative toxicity as the adverse reaction
occurring by long-term use. चरकसंहहता specified that
some drugs should not be used in excess without
specific rejuvenation regimens [रसायन].Long pepper
[वर्प्र्ली] alkalis [क्षार] and salts [लवि] are examples.
अथ खलु रीणि द्रव्याणि नात्युर्युञ्जीताचधकम् अन्येभ्यो
द्रव्येभ्यैः, तद्यथा वर्प्र्ली,क्षारैः, लविम् इनत ।
[च.वव.1/15]
Generally the use of these drugs, in higher doses or for
long term is prohibited. Long pepper is hot [उष्ि],
alkalis are sharp [तीक्ष्ि] and dry [रूक्ष] and many salts
cause fluid retention [प्रक्लेदन]. Thus these drugs may
produce some untoward effects if used in excess. These
examples warn us about the possibility of adverse
effects with other drugs like [भल्लातक], Plumbago
zeylanica [चचरक] , black pepper [मररच] garlic [लशुन]
and [सोमराजी] having hot, sharp and dry properties.

22. Page | 21
The analytical studies of crude drugs by chemical,
pharmacological and clinical assays also give strong
evidences to prove this ancient principle.
HERBAL DRUGS WITH CUMULATIVE TOXICITY
KAARASKARA –कारस्कर - (Strychnos nuxvomica)
This contains strychnine, brucin, loganin, vomicin etc.
Among, these strychnine is the most toxic ingredient. It
is used largely as an insecticide and animal poison.
Nux-vomica is one of the drugs used for the diseases of
nervous system. It has tonic, stimulant, febrifuge and
aphrodisiac action. The absorption of strychnineis rapid
from stomach and intestine and elimination is through
urine, bile, sweat, saliva and milk. Complete

23. Page | 22
elimination takes place only in three to eight days, and
also it shows a tendency to inhibit the elimination by
constricting the renal arteries. It produces cumulative
toxicity.
Habitual use of nux-vomica seeds produces drug
tolerance. It causes ulceration of gastro intestinal
Mucosa, stiffness of neck and face, and twitching of
muscles. Strychnine is antagonistic to glycine, a
postsynapticinhibitory transmitter. In small doses it has
no direct effect on skeletal muscles or cardiovascular
system. Large doses of strychnine produce convulsions
and death as a result of asphyxia.
It is reported that Bacopa [ब्रह्मी] could be used instead
of nux-vomica for nervous breakdown as evidenced by
experimental studies. Bacopa did not produce reflex
irritation and is less toxic.
SARPAGANDHA – सर्पगन्ध - (Rauwolfia serpentina)
Root of Rauwolfia is in medicinal use by different
systems of medicines for hypertension, insomnia and
insanity. It is used for snake poisoning also. The main
chemical ingredients are alkaloids namely reserpine,

24. Page | 23
rescinnamine. deserpidine and ajmaline. Reserpine is
the most potent hypotensive alkaloid. The lowering of
the blood pressure is effected by the depletion of
noradrenaline in the peripheral sympathetic nerve
endings including those of heart.
Initially it acts reversibly but later irreversibly. The
drug also inhibits the release of renin. The central and
peripheral effects are slow and maintained for a long
time even after the complete elimination of the drug.
Because of this characterreserpine producescumulative
toxicity.
Adverse effects are:
Weight gain due to increased appetite and retention of
sodium.
Mental depression —nightmares, insomnia and suicidal
tendencies.
Parkinsonism — reserpine induced Parkinsonism can be
controlled by using anti-parkinsonian drugs in
combination.
Endocrine disorders — gynecomastia and impotence in
males and infertility in females.

25. Page | 24
The adverse effects may be minimized by prescribing
सर्पगन्ध along with other preparations trice दशमूल
हरीतकी and त्ररफला चूिप. Anyway सर्पगन्ध should be
taken under strict medical supervision and only for a
short term.
TAMAAKHU – तमाखु - (Nicotiana tabacum)
Nicotine is the alkaloid contained in the leaves of
tobacco, which is a ganglion-stimulating agent. In small
doses it produces euphorea, relieves anxiety and
suppresses anger. It stimulates CNS and causes reflex
stimulation of respiration. It induces the release of
antidiuretic hormone.
The dried leaves are used widely for smoking, chewing
and snuffing. Passive toxicity is caused in persons
working in tobacco processing industries or in workers
making and spraying nicotine containing insecticides
like decoction of tobacco. Those who are subjected to
direct or passive toxicity for long term may suffer the
cumulative toxic effects. Main symptoms of cumulative
toxicity are cough, bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema,
bronchial asthma and thrombo angitis obliterance
(TAO). An increased incidence of lung cancer is

26. Page | 25
attributed to the use of tobacco. Polonium 210
contained in tobacco smoke is carcinogenic. Chewing
leads to buccal mucosa cancer. Optic atrophy and
consequent loss of vision due to the use of tobacco is
termed as tobacco ambliopia. The incidence of
Ischaemic heart disease and angina pectoris is more in
smokers. Use of tobacco is to be discouraged rather
than treating for its ill effects.
मदवर्त्तभ्रमकरम् वमनम् रेचनम् स्मृतम् ।
दृन्ष्िमान्द्यकरम् चव तीक्ष्िम् शुिकरम् तथा ॥
तस्यव धूमर्ानम् तु हृत्शुक्लाहदहरम् र्रम् ।
देशान्तरप्रभेदेन तीक्ष्िम् चातपववर्त्तलम् ॥
[यो.र.1]
BHALLAATAKA – भल्लातक -(Semicarpus anacardium)
The pericarp of the nut contains tarry oil consisting of
anacardic acid 90% and a nonvolatile alcohol called
cardol 10%. Other isolated chemical constituents are
anacardol, semicarpol and bhilavanol. भल्लातक has
been used in some Ayurvedic preparations from ancient
period. This drug externally acts as a powerful irritant
and produces vesicles. So it is used in leprotic nodules

27. Page | 26
and clue to the counter irritant action in rheumatism.
Internally also this drug is irritant for gastric mucosa. If
taken in higher doses it producesblisters on the mucous
membrane of buccal cavity, throat, stomach and
intestines. Dyspnoea, hypotension, tachycardia are
some of the other symptoms. Over dosage causes death
within 24 hours.
The major adverse effect of this drug is that the
irritation could not he controlled and more often reaches
above the desired mark. There are clinical reports of the
adverse effects of भल्लातक during the treatment of
piles. After the administration of this
drug 32 patients developed hepatitis, albuminuria and
generalized urticaria.
The adverse effects may he anaphylactic or systemic.
The sudden skin rashes are produced in those who are
hypersensitive. The potent constituents cause the
irritation and other ill effects if used continuously for a
longer period. So this drug should be taken only under
medical supervision, after proper purification and only
for a limited short-term course.
The specific antidote for the toxicity of भल्लातकis
Terminalia belerica ववभीतकी. The decoction or powder

28. Page | 27
preparations with fruit rind or bark of Terminalia
belerica are effective for the sudden reactions and for
systemic effects. Drugs that mitigate वर्त्तैः like milk and
clarified butter and other drugs with cold potency may
also be used. In any case, further use of भल्लातक is
contraindicated.
VATSANAABHI – वत्सनाभी -(Aconitum ferox)
Aconite is a valuable and potent drug of Ayurveda and
Unani systems. The drug consists of the tuberous roots
of the plant. In Sanskrit this drug is termed as ववष
which means poison. After purification it is used in the
preparation of several ayurvedic medicines and is
effective in fever, rheumatism, cough, asthma and
neuralgia. Aconite contain: alkaloids namely aconitine,
bikhaconitine, pseudoaconitine, etc.
Pseudoaconitine is highly toxic and biologically more
active than aconitine. Aconitine is cardiac irritant. On
external application it stimulates peripheral sensory
nerves and produces tingling sensation and then
depression and numbness. When administered
internally11 stimulates vagus and slows heart rate. So it
is used as a cardiac depressant. Biological assays
revealed that purifying the drug causes only partial and

29. Page | 28
selective destruction of the toxins in the drug. As a
result of this incomplete purification aconite produces
stimulant action on heart instead of depression.
Ayurveda considers that the adverse effects can be
minimized by the proper purification of the drug.
Purification by soaking in cow's milk is reported to give
betterresult than in cow's urine. The dose and course of
the drug also should be minimum.
EESVARAMOOLEE -ईश्वरमूली- (Aristolochia indica)
The main active constituent of this plant is aristolochic
acid; alkaloid aristolochine, some sesquiterpinoid
compounds and traces camphor. The root is the
officinal part and is used medicinally for bowel
complaints, intermittent fevers, and arthritis. It is also
used as an antidote to snake and insect poisoning.
Aristolochic acid has cumulative tendency in human
body and is capable of producing nephrotoxicity. The
continuous administration may be a causative factor for
carcinomatous changes. According to the duration of
administration the carcinoma may extend to
papillomatous c. squamous cell c. Occurrence of
metastasis in lymph nodes, intestine, urinary bladder,

30. Page | 29
kidney and renal pelvis etc. were also observed from the
reports of experimental studies conducted earlier.
NITYAKALYAANI -ननत्यकल्याणि - (Vinca rosea)
The plant contains various alkaloids and the two active
ingredients namely Vinblastine sulphateand Vincristine
sulphate are effective against malignancy. The action is
effected by the inhibition of mitotic cell division.
Although they arrest the progressive development of
tumours, they produce some adverse reactions like the
other cytotoxic drugs. The adverse effects are mainly
bone marrow depression, alopacia, peripheral
neuropathy and mental depression on long-term use.
This drug also causes intestinal obstruction with
paralytic ileus and it has teratogenic toxic effects.
THAMBOOLA- ताम्बूल
In India chewing of 'pan' or betel is a common habit.
Pan morsel contains betel leaf, arecanut and lime. Betel
leaf and areca nut are considered as indigenous drugs.
Betel leaf is having antiseptic, antipyretic and
carminative actions. It is widely used as a medicine and
as an adjuvant. Areca nut is astringent, aromatic and

31. Page | 30
acrid. It has an anthelmintic effect and is capable of
producing similar actions like Pilocarpine and
Muscarine. It containsthe chemical constituentsnamely
arecainc, arecoline, arecaidine and guvacine. Arecoline
is highly toxic and causes inflammation to gums,
loosening of teeth and oral carcinoma due to constant
irritation. Excessive indulgence of pan leads to
pathological changes like dental troubles, oral sepsis,
dyspepsia, neurosis and palpitation. The chewing of
betel morsel causes chronic irritation of oral mucosa
resulting in epitheliomatous growths and even cancer of
mouth and lips. The alkaline juice of betel morsel
neutralizes the acidity of gastric sluice and produces an
astringent effect on gastric mucosa.
ताम्बूलम् नानत सेवेत ववररक्तो न बुभुक्षक्षतैः॥
देह हृत्क्लेश दन्तान्नन श्रोरविपबलक्षयैः ।
शोषवर्त्ताननलास्रम् स्यादनत ताम्बूल भक्षिात ् ॥
[यो.र. 1/158]

32. Page | 31
FOOD ITEMS AND DRUGS CONTAINING
HYDROCYANIC ACID
This is an important chemical constituent of a number
of plantsused as food and medicine. Potato, almonds,
tapioca, bamboo shoots, some of the members of pea
and rose families contain a glycoside - amygdaline that
is readily hydrolysed into HCN. Lepidium Sativam
[चन्द्रशूरैः], Linum usitatissimum [अतसी], Citrus medica
[मातुलुङ्गैः] and Ricinus Communis [एरण्डैः] are some of
the important drugs containingHCN. HCN produces
fatal results if ingested in large doses or continuously.
Symptoms of chronicpoisoning are headache,vertigo,
and loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, dyspnoeaand
anemia. Sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulphateare
regarded as the effective antidotesagainst HCN and
cyanide poisoning. Repeated washing and adopting
special methods of cooking may reduce the toxic effects
in food preparations.
CONCLUSION
Ayurveda has opened up before us a world of herbal
drugs and formulations from an ancient period itself,
However modern follow up research in this context,

33. Page | 32
A study to validate Ayurvedic perspectives is at a
staggering pace itself. Each and every plant has an
active ingredient, the use of that active ingredient alone
or of the whole plant, without proper analytical studies
has earned adverse reaction to the body.
From the Ayurvedic perspective, Adverse reaction may
be defined on the lines of excess use of one rasa. Our
drugs like तुलसी, ननम्बैः and हरीतकी etc. are said to
have the power to produce sterility on long term use.
Ayurvedically, It may be due to उष्िैः property and किु,
नतक्त, कषाय rasa of the same which leads to शुिक्षय.
Similarly किु रस, उष्िैः वीयप, तीक्ष्ि, रूक्ष गुि drugs
like सोमराजी, सषपर्ैः, स्नूहह, चचरक are capable of
producing Gastric irritation and peptic ulcer, Saponin
containing drugs may cause hemolysis and thereby
anemia.
वराही कन्दैः (dioscorea) is a natural source of cortisone
and so it has well proven adverse effects.
भशग्रू र्र स्वरस, when given for a long term causes
urinary discomfort like dysuria and hematuria.

34. Page | 33
However these are all researches on single dravya
drugs, The drugs used to combat long term diseases,
whose extensive use might be necessary, have been left
untouched, as is the area of combination of Drugs to
produce the effect as in different yogas has failed to
catch the researcher’s eye.
With Ayurvedic Institutes mushrooming and with larger
chances of accumulation of toxins, an extensive
research that stems from Ayurveda and is rooted in
Ayurveda is necessary for safeguarding its treasures.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

35. Page | 34
Cumulative Toxicity of Herbal Drugs –
Dr.R.Remadevi,
Toxicology : Aayurvedic Prespective.
Cumulative Toxicity of Herbo-mineral preparations–
Gupta Bijay Kumar, InternationalAyurvedic Medical
Journal, ISSN: 2320 5091