Article: A REVIEW ON UNDERSTANDING DAILY CARCINOGEN EXPOSURE THROUGH AGAD TANTRA: INSIGHTS INTO GARAJANYA DUSHI VISHA, AND THEIR PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.165193

Pages: 170-173

Author: Ankush Sharma, Varsha R. Solanki *, Mohamed Muzzamel

Abstract: Agad Tantra, a specialized branch of Ayurveda focused on toxicology, offers an ancient yet insightful perspective on the health impacts of toxins. Central concepts like Visha (poison), Garavisha (artificial/cumulative toxins), and Dushivisha (residual/attenuated toxins) can be analogously applied to modern carcinogenic exposures arising from environment and lifestyle. An integrative literature review was conducted, analysing contemporary peer-reviewed studies on carcinogens alongside classical Ayurvedic texts to establish correlations between modern toxicants and Ayurvedic toxin classifications. Daily exposures to carcinogens—such as acrylamide and nitrites in processed foods—exhibit cumulative effects akin to Garavisha and Dushivisha. Environmental agents like UV radiation, air pollutants, and formaldehyde produce chronic cellular damage, aligning with Dushivisha. Substances with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties, including Bisphenol A, tobacco smoke, and PCBs, also reflect features of both Garavisha and Dushivisha. Lifestyle-related toxins, such as alcohol, manifest similar to chronic toxicity. Agadta Tatra approaches such as the use of Shodhana (detoxification) Agada Yogas (anti-toxic medicines), Prashamanam (pacification)and Rasayana therapies (Immune restoration) are employed to counteract the harmful effects of these carcinogens. The Ayurvedic framework of Agad Tantra offers a unique interpretative model for understanding carcinogenesis through chronic toxin exposure. Aushadhi (Murvadi Agada and Sanjeevani Agada), Prashamana (Patolakaturohinyadi kashayam and Avipathi churanam), and Rasayana (Kalyanaka ghrita, Ajeya ghrita and Dushivishari Agada) are examples of preventive and therapeutic techniques. Integrating Agad Tantra principles with modern carcinogen science provides a comprehensive model for cancer prevention, management, and supportive care. This integrative approach may reduce toxin-induced pathologies and promote systemic resilience and well-being.

Keyword: Bilwadi Agada, Carcinogens, Dushivisha, Garavisha