Vanshatwakadi Agada in the management of Loota Visha (Spider bite poisoning): A narrative review.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v14i3.2560Keywords:
Agada, Agada Tantra, Jangama Visha, Loota Visha, narrative review, spider bite, spider venom, Vanshatwakadi AgadaAbstract
Background: In Ayurveda, 'Gada' refers to the disease or suffering, whereas 'Agada' refers to antidote which alleviates the effect of the disease or poison exposed locally or internally. There are various Agada or antidote formulations which are indicated to counteract both animate and inanimate poisons in Agada tantra (Clinical Toxicology). This branch is among the eight branches of Ayurveda and that is Ashtanga Ayurveda which commonly deal with bites and poison management. Vanshatwakadi Agada is one such formulation referenced from the Sushruta Samhita Kalpa-sthana (Sarpadashta Visha Chikitsa), indicated in Loota Visha (spider bite poison). The Agada combine eleven ingredients - Vansha twak (Bambusa arundinacea Willd.), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Kapitha (Feronia limonia Linn. Swingle), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Roxb.), Maricha (Piper nigrum Linn.), Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Hemavati (Acorus calamus Linn.), Karanja (Pongamia pinnata Linn Merr.), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC), Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck Bent.) with cow’s bile to alleviate sign and symptoms of Loota Visha. This article aims to discuss the role of Vanshatwakadi Agada as an antidote for reducing sign and symptoms of Loota Visha by analysing the pharmacological property and therapeutic utility of individual ingredients. Materials and methods: Several classical texts were referenced including Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridya, Ashtang Sangraha, Bhavapraksha Samhita, Sharangdhara Samhita and textbooks like Dravyaguna Vigyana and Agada Tantra. Jangama Visha, Loota Visha, Agada formulation, Chikitsa etc. were used as search terms in database search. Conclusion: The Vanshatwakadi Agada given in Sushruta Samhita have potential role in managing Loota Visha symptoms. The pharmacological characteristics and medicinal properties of Vanshatwakadi Agada are highlighted in this article in relation with contemporary concepts.
References
Cardoso P, Pekar S, Birkhofer K, Chuang A, Fukushima CS, Hebets EA, Henaut Y, Hesselberg T, Malumbres-Olarte J, Michalek O, Michalko R, Scott C, Wolff J, Mammola S. Ecosystem services provided by spiders. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2025 Dec;100(6):2217-2236. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.70044
Rahmani F, Banan Khojasteh SM, Bakhtavar HE, Rahmani F, Shahsavari Nia K, Faridaalaee G. Poisonous Spiders: Bites, Symptoms, and Treatment; an Educational Review. Emerg (Tehran). 2014;2(2):54-58.
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 54. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1172
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 48-50. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1172
Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shashtri (editor). Commentary: Ayurved tattava Sandipika on Sushruta, Samhita of Sushruta, Kalpasthana, chapter 8, verse no. 94. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018; 95
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 55-57. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1172
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 60-64. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1172-1173
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 58. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1172
Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shashtri (editor). Commentary: Ayurved tattava Sandipika on Sushruta, Samhita of Sushruta, Kalpasthana, chapter 5, verse no. 79. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018; 66
Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shashtri (editor). Commentary: Ayurved tattava Sandipika on Sushruta, Samhita of Sushruta, Kalpasthana, chapter 5, verse no. 79. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018; 66
Langenegger N, Nentwig W, Kuhn-Nentwig L. Spider Venom: Components, Modes of Action, and Novel Strategies in Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses. Toxins (Basel). 2019 Oct 22;11(10):611. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11100611
Rahmani F, Banan Khojasteh SM, Bakhtavar HE, Rahmani F, Shahsavari Nia K, Faridaalaee G. Poisonous Spiders: Bites, Symptoms, and Treatment; an Educational Review. Emerg (Tehran). 2014;2(2):54-58
Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shashtri (editor). Commentary: Ayurved tattava Sandipika on Sushruta, Samhita of Sushruta, Kalpasthana, chapter 5, verse no. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018; 99
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 81. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1175
Brahmanand Tripathi (editor). Commentary: Nirmala on Ashtang Hridyam of Vagbhata, Uttarsthana, chapter 37, verse no. 66-69. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2022; 1173-1174
Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shashtri (editor). Commentary: Ayurved tattava Sandipika on Sushruta, Samhita of Sushruta, Kalpasthana, chapter 5, verse no. 79. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018; 66
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 612
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015;773
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015;758
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 64
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 275
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 362
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 331
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 144
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 28
GS Pandey (editor). Commentory: Vidhyotini on Bhavprakasha Nighantu of Bhavamishra, Amradiphala varga, verse no. 74-77. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Academy; 2007; 550
Sharma PV. Textbook of Dravyaguna Vijnana, volume 2. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharati Prakashan; 2015; 572
Heena T, Mittal B, Tiwari R, Sharma P. (2026). Analgesic Evaluation of Pancha Shirishanama Agad: A Pharmacological Study Using Hot Plate Model in Mice. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. 2026 Jan; 10(12): 80-86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.10.12.13
Babu NP, Pandikumar P, Ignacimuthu S. Anti-inflammatory activity of Albizia lebbeck Benth., an ethnomedicinal plant, in acute and chronic animal models of inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;125(2):356-360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.02.041
Amog PU, Manjuprasanna VN, Yariswamy M, Nanjaraj Urs AN, Joshi V, Suvilesh KN, Nataraju A, Vishwanath BS, Gowda TV. Albizia lebbeck seed methanolic extract as a complementary therapy to manage local toxicity of Echis carinatus venom in a murine model. Pharm Biol. 2016 Nov;54(11):2568-2574.
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2016.1171882
Wagh SN, Dsilva S, Almeida G, Thakur P. Emblica officinalis (Amla) as an adjunct in the cobra snake envenomation. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2025;14(5):392-397. DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2025.v14.i5e.15597
Goel B, Pathak N, Nim DK, Singh SK, Dixit RK, Chaurasia R. 2017. Evaluation of analgesic activity of Emblica officinalis in albino rats. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 3, 2 (Jan. 2017), 365–368. Available from: https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/436
Sharma A, Sharma MK, Kumar M. Modulatory role of Emblica officinalis fruit extract against arsenic induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice. Chem Biol Interact., 2009; 180: 20-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2009.01.012
Golechha M, Sarangal V, Ojha S, Bhatia J, Arya DS. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Emblica officinalis in Rodent Models of Acute and Chronic Inflammation: Involvement of Possible Mechanisms. International journal of inflammation 2014; 2014:178408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/178408
Tyagi T, Sharma S. Pharmacological Actions of Valeriana Wallichii (Tagara): A Fundamental Analysis Supporting Traditional Benefits. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2022;1-7. https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v10iSuppl1.2468
Sridharan S, Mohankumar K, Jeepipalli SP, Sankaramourthy D, Ronsard L, Subramanian K, Thamilarasan M, Raja K, Chandra VK, Sadras SR. Neuroprotective effect of Valeriana wallichii rhizome extract against the neurotoxin MPTP in C57BL/6 mice. Neurotoxicology. 2015 Dec; 51:172-83. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.10.012
Kumari M, Ashok BK, Ravishankar B, Pandya TN, Acharya R. Anti-inflammatory activity of two varieties of Pippali (Piper longum Linn.). Ayu. 2012 Apr;33(2):307-10. DOI: 10.4103/0974-8520.105258
Mujumdar AM, Dhuley JN, Deshmukh VK, Raman PH, Naik SR. Anti-inflammatory activity of piperine. Jpn J Med Sci Biol. 1990 June; 43:95–100. DOI: 10.7883/yoken1952.43.95
Raji Y, Udoh US, Oluwadara OO, Akinsomisoye OS, Awobajo O, Adeshoga K. Anti-flammatory and analgesic properties of the rhizome extract of zingiber officinale. African Journal of Biomedical Research. 2010 April;5(3). DOI:10.4314/ajbr.v5i3.53999
Srinivasan K, Muruganandan S, Lal J, Chandra S, Tandan SK, Prakash VR. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Pongamia pinnata leaves in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology., 2001 Dec, 78(2-3);151-7. www.globalresearchonline.net
Saxena G, Taralekar S, Thatte M. EFFICACY OF KARANJ OIL IN WOUND HEALING IN WISTAR RATS. International Journal of Scientific Research. 2017 March; 6 (3): 403-405. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.36106/ijsr
Gupta C, Upadhaya A. A Clinical Study of Karanja (Pongamia Pinnata Pierre) With Special Reference to Vicharchika. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 2017 October; 8(5). 207-211. DOI:10.7897/2277-4343.085276
Kim H, Han T.H., Lee S.G. Anti-inflammatory activity of a water extract of Acorus calamus L. leaves on keratinocyte HaCaT cells. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2009 February; 122:149–156. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.12.011
Devi SA, Ganjewala D. Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Sweet-Flag (Acorus calamus) Leaves and Rhizomes. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants. 2011 March; 17(1), 1–11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10496475.2010.509659
VH Jayashree, Londonkar R. Comparative phytochemical studies and anti-microbial potential of fruit extracts of Feronia limonia Linn. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2014 January; 6(1):731-734
Damre AA, Damre AS, Saraf MN. Evaluation of sesquiterpene lactone fraction of Saussurea lappa on transudative, exudative and proliferative phases of inflammation. Phytotherapy Research. 2003 August; 17(7):722-725. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1152
Ahsan A, Miana G, Naureen H, Rehman M, Anum K, Malik I. Formulation, characterization and wound-healing potential of emulgel and in-situ gel containing root extract of Saussurea lappa Clarke (Asteraceae). Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2020 January; 19(1): 1-9.
Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v19i1.1
Kashinath Shastri and Gorakhnath Chaturvedi (editor). Commentory: Vidhyotini on Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Sutrasthana, chapter 26, verse no. 42. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharti Academy; 2017; 506
Kashinath Shastri and Gorakhnath Chaturvedi (editor). Commentory: Vidhyotini on Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Sutrasthana, chapter 26, verse no. 43. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharti Academy; 2017; 506
Kashinath Shastri and Gorakhnath Chaturvedi (editor). Commentory: Vidhyotini on Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Sutrasthana, chapter 25, verse no. 40. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharti Academy; 2017; 468
Sharma PV. Kaiyadeva Nighantu (Pathyaapathya Vibodhaka), Aushadi-varga, verse no.418. 1st edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Orientalis; 1979; 78
Sharma PV. Kaiyadeva Nighantu (Pathyaapathya Vibodhaka), Aushadi-varga, verse no.1319. 1st edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Orientalis; 1979; 244
Sharma PV. Kaiyadeva Nighantu (Pathyaapathya Vibodhaka), Aushadi-varga, verse no.975. 1st edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Orientalis; 1979; 180
Sharma PV. Kaiyadeva Nighantu (Pathyaapathya Vibodhaka), Aushadi-varga, verse no.1276. 1st edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Orientalis; 1979; 236
Murthy KRS. Sharangdhara Samhita of Sharangdhara, Prathama khanda, chapter 4, verse no.26. 2nd edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012; 20
Kashinath Shastri and Gorakhnath Chaturvedi (editor). Commentory: Vidhyotini on Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Vimanasthana, chapter 1, verse no. 16. Reprint edition, Varanasi; Chaukhamba Bharti Academy; 2017; 677
Lala LG, D'Mello PM, Naik SR. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies on interaction of "Trikatu" with diclofenac sodium. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2004 Apr;91(2-3):277-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2003.12.027
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Chitranshi Yadav , Prof. Anita Sharma
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors retain the copyright of their work and grant the Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM) the right of first publication. All published articles are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license, which permits non-commercial sharing, use, distribution, and adaptation with proper attribution and the same license terms.
JAHM ensures free, irrevocable, worldwide access to its content. Users may copy, distribute, display, and share published works for non-commercial purposes with appropriate credit to the author(s) and the journal. Limited printed copies for personal, non-commercial use are allowed under the same license.
If a submission is not accepted for publication, the author(s) will be notified.
By submitting, authors confirm that the work is original, that all listed authors have contributed and approved it, and that it does not infringe any third-party rights or duplicate work submitted elsewhere.
