A REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC PLANTS USED

FOR VRISHCHIKA DAMSHA (SCORPION

STING)

1 2 3
Jatin Dhankhar Mohit Akash Yadav
123
U.G. Students , Department of Zoology
Hansraj College, University of Delhi

ABSTRACT
The management of scorpion bites poses a purported roles in addressing this issue,
significant challenge, particularly in regions necessitating further investigation.
like India, where over 1.23 million cases are
reported annually, resulting in more than Moreover, scorpion stings, termed Vrishchika
32,250 fatalities. This issue is exacerbated by Damsha in Ayurveda, represent a critical and
various barriers to effective treatment, overlooked public health challenge in tropical
including limited healthcare accessibility, regions, especially in India. Ayurvedic texts
transportation difficulties, entrenched offer a repository of treatment modalities,
traditional beliefs, and delays in administering including diverse therapeutic methods such as
anti-scorpion venom serum (AScVs). The Lepa, Vatika/Gutika, Dhupanam, Ushna-
clinical manifestations of scorpion stings swedan, Mantra Chikitsa, Parishek, and
encompass a spectrum of abnormalities, often specific dietary recommendations. This paper
culminating in multi-system failure and aims to comprehensively review these
fatalities. Despite AScVs being the primary Ayurvedic treatments and medications,
specific treatment available, its limitations— shedding light on their potential in managing
such as species specificity, availability, scorpion stings.
affordability, and storage conditions—
underscore the need for alternative approaches. This comprehensive review amalgamates
insights from contemporary pharmacological
This review consolidates insights into Indian research, traditional Ayurvedic practices, and
herbal plants utilized in scorpion bite ethnobotanical surveys, underscoring the
treatments, encompassing topical applications multifaceted approach required to address the
for local pain relief, oral formulations for pain challenges posed by scorpion bites. Further
alleviation and venom neutralization. exploration of medicinal plants and traditional
Traditional healers frequently employ locally knowledge could pave the way for novel
available medicinal plants, prompting interest therapeutic interventions and improved
in their pharmacological properties. While management strategies for scorpion
extensive research has evaluated numerous envenomation.
plant-derived active principles for their
potential in scorpion bite treatment, there
remains a wealth of unexplored plants with
INTRODUCTION
Scorpions, those enigmatic eight-legged presentations, triggering perturbations across
arthropods armed with a venomous sting poised major physiological systems, including the
at the tail's terminal joint, stand as emblematic cardiovascular, respiratory, autonomic, and
threats across the globe. Among the vast array metabolic domains. Tragically, many succumb
of approximately 1,500 known species, a subset to multi-system failure, highlighting the dire
of about 50 pose considerable peril to humans, need for effective treatments. Ayurvedic
with India boasting a diverse collection of 86 scriptures meticulously detail scorpion sting
species, notably including Mesobuthus tamulus management, proffering diverse therapeutic
(Indian red scorpion) and Heterometrus modalities such as Lepa, Vatika/Gutika,
swammerdami. Dhupanam, Ushna-swedan, Mantra Chikitsa,
and Parishek, presenting potential remedies
Their venom, a complex concoction featuring steeped in the richness of nature's offerings.
neurotoxins, cardiotoxins, nephrotoxins, and
hemolytic agents, wreaks havoc upon human While contemporary advancements present
physiology, inflicting acute and diverse anti-scorpion venom serum (AScVs) as the
toxicological consequences. In the annals of primary specific treatment, ongoing debates are
Ayurveda, scorpion envenomation is termed fueled by challenges spanning species
Vrishchika Visha, classified by Acharya specificity, availability, affordability, and ideal
Sushruta into three distinct categories—Mand storage conditions. This conundrum has
Visha (mildly poisonous), Madhya Visha sparked renewed interest in herbal remedies
(moderately poisonous), and Ugra Visha deeply rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom. Herbal
(highly poisonous)—each delineating varying treatments, embraced for their accessibility,
degrees of venom potency and guiding nuanced affordability, and holistic approaches aligning
treatment methodologies. with nature's equilibrium, offer promising
pathways forward.
India, amidst its rich biodiversity, grapples with
the significant burden of scorpion bites, Standing at the intersection of ancient wisdom
estimated to exceed 1.23 million cases annually, and modern challenges, the quest for effective
potentially culminating in over 32,250 remedies for scorpion envenomation beckons a
fatalities. Alas, comprehensive epidemiological comprehensive exploration that honors
data remains elusive, particularly in rural traditional healing principles while integrating
pockets where reliance on traditional healers rigorous contemporary scientific inquiry. This
hampers official documentation, resulting in pursuit not only promises holistic and
obscured incidence assessments and impeding accessible solutions rooted in the timeless
targeted interventions. wisdom of Ayurveda but also invites
collaboration between traditional knowledge
The venom injected during a scorpion sting and modern innovations, heralding hope for a
precipitates a diverse spectrum of clinical paradigm shift in scorpion bite management.

REASONS BEHIND THE USE

OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN
SCORPION BITE

The utilization of medicinal plants in the context where approximately 80% of the
treatment of scorpion bites stems from a deep- population continues to rely on herbal drugs for
rooted reliance on herbal remedies prevalent healthcare needs, India stands as a cradle of
across cultures and generations. In a global ancient medicinal practices, harnessing various
parts of numerous medicinal plants to address applications for local pain relief to oral
specific ailments. formulations aimed at pain alleviation and
venom neutralization.
The practice of using wild plants as medicinal
herbs transcends various cultural traditions and A meticulous literature survey underscores the
is woven into the fabric of medico-lore passed expansive potential of the plant kingdom in
down through generations worldwide. Among yielding novel compounds potentially effective
these applications, the treatment of scorpion as scorpion antivenin or as complements to
bites finds its place within the folk medicine anti-scorpion venom treatments. The review
repertoire. The inclination towards plant-based emphasizes the plethora of resources within the
remedies is primarily underpinned by several plant realm that remain untapped and warrant
factors: their perceived safety, effectiveness, exploration for their therapeutic potential
cultural preferences, cost-effectiveness, and against scorpion envenomation.
abundant availability throughout the year.
Notable plants used in treating scorpion bites,
The medicinal virtues of these plants often encompassing oral formulations for pain relief
surface through instinct, intuition, or through a and venom neutralization, as well as local
process of trial and error, where generations of applications for pain alleviation and wound
healers have identified their therapeutic healing, are documented in the literature.
properties. Traditional healers globally leverage Diverse sources, including indexed and non-
various medicinal plants for scorpion bite indexed Indian journals, the Indian Journal of
treatment, although this practice isn't always Traditional Knowledge, Life Sciences Leaflets,
fully acknowledged within modern medical and literature from PubMed issues, contribute
frameworks. valuable insights into these medicinal plants'
efficacy and usage. This comprehensive review
Bahekar et al., in the Mintage Journal of underscores the wealth of traditional
Pharmaceutical & Medical Sciences, highlight knowledge that could offer supplementary or
the endeavor to provide a comprehensive alternative remedies for managing scorpion
account of numerous Indian medicinal plants bites.
used in treating scorpion bites. These plants are
deployed in diverse forms, ranging from topical

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

In Ayurveda's quest to uncover natural remedies with modern medicine, and disseminating
for scorpion bites, the aim is clear: tapping into findings. These aims aim to bridge traditional
ancient wisdom to explore medicinal plants. knowledge with modern science, seeking potent
The objectives include delving into traditional herbal remedies for managing scorpion
texts, identifying effective plants, validating envenomation.
their use through literature, discovering new
compounds, integrating traditional wisdom

METHADOLOGY

The methodology employed in this paper draws The information gathered from these varied
from an extensive array of sources, sources forms the foundation for understanding
encompassing ancient Ayurvedic texts such as and compiling insights on the relevant topics
Samhitas and Nighantus, classical Ayurvedic pertaining to the management of scorpion bites
textbooks, modern literature on Ayurveda, as within the realm of Ayurveda.
well as relevant journals and diverse websites,
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF
SCORPION STINGS
(VRISHCHIKA DAMSHA)

The signs and symptoms of scorpion stings

(Vrishchika Damsha) can manifest both locally
and systemically

Local Effects: General Effects:

• Redness and Swelling: Immediate • Fever: Elevated body temperature.
redness and swelling at the sting site.
• Skin Reactions: Perspiration and
• Severe Pain: Intense radiating pain urticaria (hives).
extending upwards from the sting site.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Salivation,
• Sensory Changes: Paresthesia nausea, and vomiting.
(tingling, prickling sensations) and
hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to • Restlessness and Neurological
touch). Symptoms: Restlessness, headache,
blurred vision, slurred speech, and
• Lymph Node Swelling: Regional priapism (prolonged erection).
lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph
nodes in the affected area • Cardiovascular Effects: Hypertension
(high blood pressure).

• Muscle Cramps and Neurological

Manifestations: Cramps, convulsions,
and altered mental status leading to
coma.

• Respiratory Complications:
Respiratory depression, pulmonary
edema (fluid accumulation in the
lungs), and cardiac failure

Notably, in children, the progression of pulmonary edema and cardiac failure, which
symptoms can be more severe, potentially could ultimately result in fatality.
leading to respiratory distress from
MANAGEMENT OF SCORPION STING

General Treatment: Specific Treatment:

1. Swedana (Fomentation), Abhyanga 1. Moderate to Highly Venomous
(Massage), and Parishechan (Hot Scorpion Stings:
Sprinklings): Employ these therapies • Similar treatment approach to
to manage the sting site. that for snake bites is advised.

2. Intake of Ghrita or Ghrita-based 2. Local Therapies for Sting Site:

Food: Consumption of clarified butter • Foment the sting site
or food prepared with it is repeatedly.
recommended. • Gently rub the site with a
powder mixture of Rajani
(Curcuma longa Linn),
3. Special Therapies for Severe Saindhava (Rock salt), Vyosha
Poisoning: For severe scorpion (Combination of black pepper,
poisoning cases: ginger, and long pepper), along
• Drink a mixture of honey and with the seed and flower of
Ghrita. Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck).
• Consider Siravyadha • Apply leaves of Surasa
(venesection), Vaman (emesis), (Ocimum sanctum) mixed with
Anjana (collyrium application), the juice of Matulunga
and Nasya (nasal medication •
therapies). (Citrus medica) and cow's
urine.
• Use lukewarm fresh cow dung
for fomentation; administer
Ghrita mixed with honey or
milk with sugar as a drink.

3. Mildly Venomed Scorpion Stings:

• Wash the affected site with
Chakra oil or processed tepid
oil with Vidarigana.
• Apply an Utkarika (semi-solid)
preparation and a poultice of
anti-venomous drug (Shirisha).
• Administer treacle dissolved in
cold water with Chaturjata or
treacle dissolved in cold water
and milk.

4. Severe Poisoning Situations:

• As a last resort after other
therapies, smear and rub the
sting site with a suitable
Sthavar Visha (vegetable
poison) paste
External Applications
(Bahya Prayogarth) Description
Fumes from burnt peacock and cock feathers, rock salt, oil, and Ghrita rapidly
Burnt Feathers Fumes neutralize scorpion poison.
Compound fumes made from Kusumbha flower, Rajani, Kodrava straw, and Ghrita,
Fumes Compound burnt and applied at the anal region, swiftly counter venomous insect and scorpion
Application poisons.
Palasha Seeds Paste A paste of Palasha seeds and milky sap of Arka relieves pain at the sting site.
Pill with Hingu, Haritala, Matulunga juice, and collyrium applied externally
Pill Preparation for External effectively neutralizes scorpion poison. A paste of various flowers macerated with
Use Mastu is beneficial.
Herbal Pastes and Various herbal pastes applied externally, like the paste of Shirisha, Surasamanjri,
Applications Apamarga, and others with the solution of ash of Kutila for scorpion sting treatment.
Agad Preparation Agad prepared with Nagara, house pigeon excreta, Bijpur juice, Haritala, and
Application Saindhava applied at the sting site swiftly counteracts scorpion poison.
Prabhavati Vatika and Arka A paste of Prabhavati Vatika and Arka Ksheer applied at the sting site exhibits
Ksheer Application significant potential in neutralizing scorpion poison.
A lukewarm paste made from Jeerak, Ghrita, honey, and Saindhava used at the sting
Jirakadi Lepa site effectively neutralizes scorpion poison.
A paste made from Shirisha fruit and Peepal applied at the sting site using goat milk
Ajaksheeradi Yoga counteracts scorpion poison.
Grinding Karpasa leaves with Ghrita and applying at the sting site neutralizes scorpion
Karpas Patradi Yoga poison.
Jayapala Lepa A paste of Jayapala seeds applied locally rapidly neutralizes scorpion poison.
Navsagaradi Lepa Paste made from Navsadara and Haritala alleviates severe pain from scorpion stings.
Paste made from Shodhit Sankhiya visha and Neembu juice neutralizes scorpion
Ullipashana Lepa poison.
Lukewarm paste made from Shwet Jeerak, Saindhava, and Ghrita effectively
Vrishchika Vednahar Yoga counteracts pain from scorpion stings.
Seeds of Shirisha and Pippali powder rolled into pills and useful in scorpion
Shirishadi Agad poisoning.

Oral Administration
(Abhyantar Prayogartha) Description
Components include pigeon excrement, Matulunga (Citrus medica), Shirisha flower
juice (Albizia lebbeck), Shankhini (Calonyction muricatum), Arka latex (Calotropis
Blend Mixture procera), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Karanja (Pongamia pinnata), and honey.
Mix of Manohva, Saindhava (Rock salt), Hingu (Ferula narthex), Malati flower
Remedy Composition (Aganosma heynei), fresh cow dung juice formed into pills.
Blend of Lasuna (Allium sativum Linn.), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Hingu (Ferula
narthex), Surasa (Ocimum sanctum), Vishvabheshaja (Zingiber officinale) with Arka
Herbal Paste sap (Calotropis procera), shaped into pills for sting relief.
External and Internal
Medication (Bahya-
Abhyantar Prayogarth) Description

Equal parts of Manahshila, Kuth (Saussurea costus), Karanj (Pongamia pinnata)

seeds, Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck) seeds, and Gambhar (Gmelina arborea) seeds
Manahshiladi Gutika rolled into pills. Used orally and as a Lepa, effective against scorpion poisoning.

Equal parts (fruit, root, bark, flower, and leaf) of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck) made
into a paste and mixed with an equal quantity of Ghrita. Used orally and as a Lepa,
Panchashirisha Agad effective in neutralizing scorpion poison.

Grinding the root of Kakajangha (Peristrophe bicalyculata) with Aranala to create a

Kakajangha Root Paste paste, used for both Lepa and oral consumption to counteract scorpion poison.

Diet in Scorpion Sting

(Vrishchika Damsha) Description

Consuming Ghrita mixed with honey or milk with sugar or jaggery solution, each
Ghrita, Honey, Milk, Sugar, blended with Chaturjata powder (Cinnamomum verum, Elettaria cardamomum,
Chaturjata Powder Cinnamomum tamala, Mesua ferrea) in a very cold state.

Consumption of warm, unctuous, sour, sweet, and mitigating Anila (Vata) pacifying
Dietary Recommendations foods is recommended.
 Botanical & Vernacular Names Family name & Part Used &
S. No & Voucher number Habit Administration Medicinal Uses

Poultice of fresh leaves with

Acalypha indica L. (Kuppentaku) Euphorbiaceae garlic and pepper powder for
1. YS 16 (H) Leaf (Topical) scorpion sting treatment.

Root decoction for scorpion

Andrographis paniculata Root (Oral), Leaf sting, leaf juice with garlic
2. Nees.(Nelavemu) YS 57 Acanthaceae (H) (Oral) for snake bites.

Aristolochia indica Linn.(Nalla Aristolochiaceae Root decoction for scorpion

3. eswari)YS 10 (CL) Root (Oral) bites.

Root decoction for snake

Calotropis gigantea (L.) Asclepiadaceae Root (Oral), Leaf bites, leaf latex externally for
4. R.Br.(Tella jilledu) YS 64 (SH) latex (Topical) scorpion sting.

Citrullus colocynthis Hrad.(Veri Cucurbitaceae Fresh fruit pulp for snake bite
5. puccha) YS 56 (CR) Fruit (Oral) and scorpion sting.

Cleome viscosa L.(Kukka Crushed leaves poultice for

6. vominta) YS 22 Capparidaceae (H) Leaf (Topical) scorpion sting.

Holarrhena pubescens Stem bark powder for snake

7. (BuchHam.)(Kolamukhi) YS 17 Apocynaceae (T) Stem bark (Oral) bite and scorpion sting.

Kigelia Africana Lam.(Naga Root juice for snake bite and

8. malli) YS 21 Bignoniaceae (T) Root (Topical) scorpion sting.

Oroxylum indicum Vent.(Nemali Crushed leaves and garlic

9. chettu) YS 91 Bignoniaceae (T) Leaf (Topical) poultice for scorpion sting.

Leaf juice in hot gingelly oil

Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) Asclepiadaceae for inhalation and poultice for
10.. Chiov.(Jettipaku) YS 52 (CL) Leaf (Inhalation) scorpion sting.

Strychnos nuxvomica L.(Visha Seed paste for snake bites and

11. mushti) YS 111 Strychnacee (T) Seed (Topical) scorpion sting.

DISCUSSION simple to prepare and administer. Additionally,

certain food preparations are deemed suitable
The Ayurvedic approach to managing scorpion for managing scorpion poisoning.
stings, as described in ancient texts by
Acharyas, encompasses a range of practices and
remedies. These include chanting of potent The significance of mantras in this treatment is
mantras, external application of herbal pastes emphasized, suggesting their potency in halting
(Lepa), oral medications (Vatika/Gugika), the spread of venom. Herbal remedies like
fumigations (Dhupana), fomentation (Ushna Haridra, Manjishtha, Sukshma Ela, among
swedanam), and other specific treatments. This others, have been classified as anti-poisonous
study highlights 53 herbs, 6 animal-derived or antidotes. Cow's urine and Ghrita are also
ingredients, and 7 mineral-based drugs utilized employed in treatment, supported by their
in scorpion sting treatment. These remedies are proven analgesic and antioxidant properties.
easily accessible, cost-effective, and relatively
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4. Chippaux JP and Goyffon M.
Karanja, and Yashtimadhu exhibit anti-
Epidemiology of scorpionism: a global
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appraisal. Acta trop 2008; 107:71-9.
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Muscle spasms, respiratory distress, and Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Varanasi,
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6. Dr. Anita Sharma, Agad Tantra Vigyan,
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