Abstract

VISHAGHANA MAHAKASHAYA: A CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC DETOXIFICATION FORMULATION WITH CONTEMPORARY ANTIOXIDANT AND PHARMACODYNAMIC RELEVANCE

Dr. Akshita*, Prof. Vijay Chaudhary, Dr. Kulvinder Kaur

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes preventive and curative approaches through natural detoxification and rejuvenation therapies. Within this framework, Agada Tantra, the branch concerned with toxicology, explains the principles of counteracting toxins (Visha). Acharya Charaka enumerated Vishaghana Mahakashaya as one among the fifty Mahakashayas, a unique group of ten herbal drugs exhibiting potent Vishaghana (antitoxic) activity. Contemporary studies have suggested that the Vishaghana action may be correlated with antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms at the cellular level. Objective: This review aims to present an integrated analysis of the Ayurvedic and contemporary scientific perspectives on Vishaghana Mahakashaya, exploring its pharmacodynamics, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant potential with reference to toxicological and oxidative stress mechanisms. Methods: A thorough literature review was performed utilizing classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Sangraha, and Nighantus, in conjunction with contemporary pharmacological and biochemical research. Published data from journals and databases were compiled to interpret the antioxidant and detoxifying actions of the constituent herbs. Results: Vishaghana Mahakashaya comprises ten drugs. Haridra (Curcuma longa), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Suvaha (Pluchea lanceolata), Sukshma Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Palindi (Operculina turpethum), Chandana (Santalum album), Katak (Strychnos potatorum), Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck), Sinduvara (Vitex negundo), and Shleshmataka (Cordia dichotoma) possess predominantly Madhura, Tikta, and Kashaya Rasa, Laghu–Ruksha guna, Ushna Virya, and Katu Vipaka. These pharmacodynamic properties exhibit a counteracting potential against Visha Guna (toxic attributes such as Tikshna, Ushna, and Laghu). Modern evidence supports their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and antioxidant roles, with multiple phytoconstituents such as curcumin, alizarin, quercetin, β-sitosterol, and lupeol exhibiting free radical scavenging and detoxifying effects. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic concept of Vishaghana Mahakashaya can be scientifically correlated with antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms that prevent oxidative damage to biomolecules. Vishaghana Mahakashaya thus offers a promising multiherbal formulation for managing toxin-induced and oxidative stress–related disorders, justifying its relevance for further experimental validation and clinical research in ethnopharmacology.

Keywords: Vishaghana Mahakashaya, Agada Tantra, Antioxidant, free radicals, detoxification, Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, oxidative stress.