Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF MERCURY TOXICITY-A BRIEF REVIEW FROM AYURVEDIC CLASSICS

Dr. Prashant B. Bedarkar*

Abstract

Mercury toxicity is major health concern globally. A detailed exploratory knowledge of Mercury toxicity and toxicity due to improperly prepared and administered mercurial formulations has been mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic classics and ancient classics of Rasashastra. Principles, guidelines of management and regime, formulations for management of mercurial toxicity are mentioned in several Ayurvedic classics but compilatory work is lacking hence an attempt has been made to compile it. Principles and guidelines and regimes or modules mentioned for management of mercury toxicity reveals that, the management has been mentioned under heading “Rasajirna chikitsa” and even separate chapter for management of its toxicity has been mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali; text of 16th century AD. Principles and modules like “Dushi visha chikitsa”, “Bhakshana vidhana” or “Sevana samskara” including (Kshetrikarana, Kitapatana, Panchakarma, Rasayana), Pathya, Apathya, Anupana during consumption of mercurial may be used for management of mercurial toxicity. Ayurveda has unique concepts of management of mercurial toxicity apart from contemporary principle of chelation and cleansing. These principles of management and protocols have potential to prevent different complications (manifestations) of mercurial toxicity. Principles used for its management and its classical method of administration, may open new arena of management of mercury toxicity in contemporary age.

Keywords: Mercury toxicity, Chelation, Heavy metal, Rasaushadhi, Mercurial formulations.