Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Patha (Cyclea peltata) in Lootha visha lakshanas

Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Patha (Cyclea peltata) in Lootha visha lakshanas

Dr.Jyothilakshmi L.

2006-2009

Under the guidance of

Dr.M.K.Sasidharan MD. & Dr. S.R. Manju, MD(Ay), D.A.T. 

Abstract

Ayurveda, the Upaveda of Atharvaveda is the science of life inclusive of a complete medical system originated and developed in India. It is as holy as Indian culture. Ayurvedic medical practice is divided into eight branches, among which the sixth branch is Damshtra chikitsa or Agada thanthra. Agada thanthra deals with the bites of snakes, insects, spiders, scorpion, rats etc, their diagnosis, treatment and also the signs and symptoms of accidental and purposeful ingestion of poisons including Krithrima visha, Gara visha,and Dooshi visha. All the treatises describe spider poisoning and its management in detail. From the description in the treatises it is clear that spider poisoning was prevalent in those days. Even in the present era spider bites are not uncommon. Lutha visha (spider poisoning) is very common in Kerala especially in the lower socio economic group, specifically among people who are forced to live in colonies and old houses. Even today lots of false beliefs prevail about spider poisoning among common mass.

In this study a mode of treatment with a single drug which is very cheap and commonly available is tried. For this Patha (Cyclea peltata) is selected. Some texts mention this plant as a specific remedy for spider and other poisoning. Traditional practitioners in Kerala use this drug in the management of spider poisoning. The Patha root dried and finely powdered was used internally and externally with milk. The control group was given Neelithulasyadi kashaya internally and Vilwadi gulika internally and externally. The study was designed in such a way as to evaluate the efficacy of this single drug in Lutha visha lakshanas. Hence prior to administration of medicine only mild sodhana was done without any purvakarma. So the hypothetical conclusion was that Patha possesses antitoxic properties and is an effective drug for curing the signs and symptoms of Lutha visha.