A lexical review on Vishaghna Dravyas of Kaideva Nighantu

Agad Tantra being the unique branch that deals with toxicology and its management enlists several antitoxic drugs used for various poisonings. Ancient texts comprise the list of a wide range of traditional medicines, but they are not explored due to lack of incomprehension.

The review has been written with the aim to dig out the hidden knowledge of Vishaghna Dravyas (alexeterics) mentioned in Kaiydeva Nighantu.

This Nighantu was written in the 15^th century A. D. by Kaiydeva with the name "Pathya-Apathya-Vibodhaka" it comprising of total 514 Dravyas out of which 175 drugs possess Vishagna (anti-poisonous) property.

These Vishaghna Dravyas (alexeterics) have been distributed based on various Vargas (classes) which is described as 121 belonging to Ausghada Varga (drug class) as single drugs and four as groups, total of 16 from Dhatu Varga (metal class) as single drugs and one as compound or as a group, 9 from Dhanya Varga (cereal class) as a single drug, 15 in Dravya Varga as single drugs, and 5 as compound or as a group. Two each in Kritana Varga and Vihara Varga and one in Mansa Varga as compound or as a group. Out of all the 175 Vishagna Dravayas (alexeterics), 18 Dravyas (substances) are specific indications in combating particular types of envenomation or poisoning conditions.

All the abovementioned drugs are screened for the purpose of revalidation to bring out their therapeutic utility.