Abstract

LEAD TOXICITY IN THE LIGHT OF DUSHI VISHA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

*Dr. Sagar Bansal

Abstract

Background: Lead is a major environmental and occupational toxicant associated with multisystem morbidity worldwide. Chronic exposure to lead occurs through contaminated water, industrial emissions, paints, cosmetics, batteries, and food products. Despite advancements in toxicology, lead poisoning continues to remain a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Ayurveda describes chronic cumulative toxic states under the concepts of Dushi Visha and Gara Visha explained in Agad Tantra. Aim: To critically analyze chronic lead toxicity from modern toxicological and Ayurvedic perspectives and to establish its conceptual correlation with Dushi Visha. Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic literature including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya was reviewed along with contemporary literature on lead toxicity, environmental health, and heavy metal poisoning obtained from standard toxicology textbooks and scientific databases. Discussion: Lead toxicity produces chronic progressive tissue damage involving the nervous, hematopoietic, renal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. The cumulative nature, latent manifestation, and multisystem involvement of lead poisoning show similarities with Dushi Visha described in Ayurveda. Concepts such as Agnimandya, Dhatu Dushti, Srotodushti, and Ama formation may help in understanding the systemic manifestations of chronic lead exposure. Ayurvedic principles including Nidana Parivarjana, Vishaghna Dravyas, Rasayana therapy, and Panchakarma may have supportive relevance in chronic toxic states. Conclusion: Chronic lead toxicity demonstrates significant conceptual similarity with Dushi Visha. Integrative understanding of Ayurvedic toxicology and modern environmental medicine may provide broader insight into chronic poisoning conditions. Further interdisciplinary and evidence-based studies are required to validate Ayurvedic approaches in heavy metal toxicity.

Keywords: Lead toxicity, Dushi Visha, Gara Visha, Agad Tantra, Heavy metal poisoning, Environmental toxicity.