Wankhede PR, Patil SM, Narode S - Comprehensive Study of Sthavar Visha Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia Neriifolia Linn.) and its Detoxification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN AND MEDICAL SCIENCES Review Article (www.ijrams.com) ISSN: 2582-2748 Vol. 2; Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2019 COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF STHAVAR VISHA SNUHI KSHEERA (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.) AND ITS DETOXIFICATION. Wankhede Priti Ramdas,1* Patil Sachin Madhav2, Narode Sagar.3 1. PG Scholar, Dept. of Tantra, Shree Saptashrungi Ayurveda College, Hirawadi, Nashik, MS, India. 2. M.D. (Agadtantra), Professor, HOD & PG Guide, Dept. of Agada Tantra, Shree Saptashrungi Ayurveda College, Hirawadi, Nashik, MS, India. 3. M.D. (Agadtantra), Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agada Tantra, Shree Saptashrungi Ayurveda College, Hirawadi, Nashik, MS, India.

Received on: 28/12/18; Revised on: 20/01/19; Accepted on: 23/01/19

ABSTRACT

Agadtantra deals with study of poisons and its treatment. Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.) is widely known poisonous medicinal plant in Ayurveda medicine. It is categorized as Sthavar Upavisha. Though it is a poi- sonous plant, it is the best medicine after its (detoxification) properly as per mentioned in classical texts. Its appropriate therapeutic dose and appropriate preparation is the key point. Snuhi Ksheera is widely used in preparation of Khsarsutra and other medicine. Poisonous plants show fast improvement in various dis- eases after its purification i.e. detoxification process given in Ayurveda literatures. This article comprises through information about Snuhi ksheera, its Vishakarmata (toxicological aspect), Chikitsa karma (management), medico-legal aspect, therapeutic uses, collection of ksheera and detoxification. The authors of this paper have stumbled upon several medicinal properties of high effectiveness in these types of natural re- sources, thus highlighting their extreme value for humans. The products which are left after processing these plants found to be of the same importance level and hence the authors suggest several future methodologies to explore this area deeper than its current state and recommends using them at different stages of medicine. Keywords: Snuhi ksheera, Therapeutic uses, Toxicological aspects, Collection and Shodhana (Detoxification)

1. INTRODUCTION combining different materials with an advice matter in a method that takes a form of rubbing, mixing, Agadtantra is one among the branches of steaming, etc. which leaves out the parts that are usu- Ashtang Ayurveda which narrates with detail study of ally harmful in nature. As a result, the end product is 1 Visha (poisons). Visha are classified into 2 types – 1. significantly detoxified which ultimately can be sub- 2 Sthavar and 2. Jangam. Sthavar Visha is again clas- stituted as a primary method for remedies at various sified into 2 subtypes – 1. Visha and 2. Upavisha. practices of modern medicine. According to this Snuhi is Sthavar Vanaspatik Upav- isha (Ksheera Visha).3 It has been well known fact 2. CONCEPTUAL REVIEW that vegetation has been fruitful source of natural yet effective products essential to human existence. All Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn), is a well- alternate man’s attempt to make product which could known medicinal plant in Ayurvedic system of medi- bring about similar rejuvenation has futile and waste cine. Sushruta has stated in his text that strong poi- of valuable resources. sons plant/substance is always the best medicine if it is used in appropriate dose and should be used only This paper tries to locate rare information after appropriate Shodhana (Detoxification). On the available to the man and rinse it to explore the best other side any medicine if not used in inappropriate possible resource for medicinal properties. Shodhana dose to inappropriate person will affect adversely.4 (a processing term for Detoxification) is the way of Rasaratnasammucchaya mentioned total 11 Upav-

*Corresponding Author: Wankhede Priti Ramdas. PG Scholar, Dept. of Agada Tantra, Shree Saptashrungi Ayurveda College, Hirawadi, Nashik, MS, India. Email – [email protected]. 40 Wankhede PR, Patil SM, Narode S - Comprehensive Study of Sthavar Visha Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia Neriifolia Linn.) and its Detoxification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA AND MEDICAL SCIENCES Review Article (www.ijrams.com) ISSN: 2582-2748 Vol. 2; Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2019 isha.5 As per Ayurvedic classical texts, Upavisha are 2.6. Plant description11 the comparatively less toxic group of drugs and not so lethal but certainly produce Visha lakshanas (toxic Large succulent shrub or a small tree or which symptoms) after it enters in the body. Snuhi is also grows up to 6-20 feet high, with jointed, cylindrical identified6 as Snuhi ksheera, Sudha ksheera, Sehunda or obscurely 5-angled branches bearing short stippled ksheera, Snuhi dugdha, Sudha dugdha and Sehunda thorns, more or less confluent in vertical or slightly dugdha. All these terms / words are used as the syno- spiral lines. Flowers – yellowish green or greenish nyms in the classical texts for the milky exudate of yellow in color. Leaves – fleshy, deciduous, 6 to12 Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia). inch long. Fruits – appearing three radiating follicles. Seeds – minute like rape seeds. Flowering and fruit- 2.1. Scientific classification7 ing time – plant becomes leafless during winter. Flowers begin to appear in springs and subsequently Scientific classification is shown in Table No. 1. plant bears fruits. 2.2. Vernacular name8 2.7. Major chemical constituent12  Sanskrit Name: Snuhi  Latex – Euphol, Neri foliol, neriifolene.  Hindi Name: Thuhara  English Name: Common milk hage 2.8. Part used13  Bengali: Manasa sija  Arabic: Jakum Latex, stem, leaf, and root. 2.9. Ayurvedic properties14 2.3. Classification  Rasa: Katu  Ayurveda: Sthavar Visha varga, Upavisha  Guna: Laghu, Teekshna  Modern: Organic Irritant poison of plant origin  Virya: Ushnah  Special categorization:  Vipak: Katu  Charaka: Virechana, sat shodhana vruksa,  Karma: Kapha-vatahara, Dipana, Rechana. ksheertraya.  Sushruta: Adhobhagahara, Shyamadi 2.10. Indications

 Vagbhata: Nikumbhadi (Virechana) Snuhi ksheera is widely used in preparation of Khsar- 2.4. Species9 (E = Euphorbia) sutra. Vatavyadhi (muculoskeletal diseases), Gulma, Udara, Shula, Shotha, Arshas, Kushta, Medoroga.  E. neriifolia linn – Patra Snuhi 15 2.11. Snuhi Uses  E. nivulia Buch – Ham  Arsha – Haridra and Apamarga Kshara  E. antiquorum linn – Tridhara Snuhi mixed with Ksheera of Snuhi is applied externally.  E. trigona – Tridhara Sehunda bheda  Krimidanta – Snuhi mula (root) is chewed.  E. royleana – Thuhar  Vrana – wounds are treated by applying Upanaha (the steamed Snuhi leaves) for 5-6 days.  E. tirucalli – Kanda Snuhi  10 Snuhimula churna – mixing it with Maricha 2.5. Distribution (black pepper) – Scorpion sting, Snake bite and used Orally and Locally. This has been abundantly found throughout greater parts of India and Bhutan. Thus, the distribution is 2.12. Toxic part well spread across Asian continent for this source to utilized at every place that could potentially make Snuhi Ksheera (Latex) – a white sticky liquid com- something better of this valuable resource. ing out of all branches of plant.

41 Wankhede PR, Patil SM, Narode S - Comprehensive Study of Sthavar Visha Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia Neriifolia Linn.) and its Detoxification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA AND MEDICAL SCIENCES Review Article (www.ijrams.com) ISSN: 2582-2748 Vol. 2; Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2019 2.13. Dosage16 According to Rasatarangini, collection of Snuhi Ksheera is done. Snuhiksheera is collected before Latex – a possible fatal dose is 25 to 30 ml and fatal sunrise by taking perpendicular incision (5mm) on period is about 3 days. stem or branch of Snuhi. Ksheera (liquid) comes out 2.14. Snuhi ksheera properties and that liquid is collected in airtight vessel. Sudha Snuhi ksheera mitigates vata and is 4. DETOXIFICATION useful in Gulma, Udara, Adhmana and in manage- ment of Jeerna Arsha (chronic haemorrhoidal mass). 2 Pala (96ml) of Snuhi ksheera is taken along with Also used to remove toxic effects of other Visha 2 tola (24ml) of filtered Chincha Patra swaras in a over body. clean wide mouthed container. The vessel is placed under sun and liquid get dried. When the liquid part 2.15. Ayurvedic Kalpa (formulations) of Snuhi17 gets dried, the dry powder is made and is stored an airtight container. Further Shudhha shuska Snuhi Jatyadi varti, Snuhidugdhadi varti, Snuhi Ghruta, ksheera is used in therapeutics as per need and indi- Jalodarari rasa. cation. (Chincha: Tamarindus indica.) 2.16. Toxic symptoms 5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS  Ingestion of Snuhi ksheera (latex) – Irritation, Snuhi is poisonous plant i.e. Upavisha. But Vomiting, Diarrhea, Burning in the abdomen, despite having bad categorization, its usefulness can Convulsions and Coma. not be ignored. With clear direction of usages to  On contact – Burning and Irritation of skin and make the sophisticated remedies, these types of nat- Vesicate. ural products can be extensively used at all branches of medicine. The cost effectiveness of such ubiqui-  Eye - Inflammation and congestion of eye and tous natural resource is underappreciated indeed. temporary blindness. Another aspect to note is, collection of Snuhi is much easier in the winter season than others as pre- 2.17. Treatment dicted by all the literatures that has been taken into account for this study. It is also to be noted that the  Wash contact part with running water. collection process specifically differs to be conven- ient in the morning period of the day than others.  Symptomatic treatment - On ingestion: Stomach wash / Gastric lavage (Amashaya dhawana) with The result of detoxification process results into a dry normal saline, Activated charcoal. powder and to think it would be worthless, the au- thors of this paper has found medicinal properties  On contact – Skin - Topical corticosteroids. similar to many preexisting natural sources thus making this byproduct also hard to be kept aside for  Eye- Antibiotic eye drops, Tears substitute, IOP consideration. (Intra ocular pressure) lowering medications. 6. CONCLUSION 2.18. Post Mortem Appearance Snuhi Ksheera is of Upavisha category. It Post Mortem reports after Snuhi ksheera poisoning can offer good improvement in various disease con- generally shows signs of inflammation over the part ditons with its internal use. But it’s uses without which came in contact. Stomach reflects gangrenous Shodhana (purification i.e. detoxification) cause patches and rotten spleen is seen. harmful effects. So, according to Acharya Charak an acute poison become an effective drug if it is admin- 2.19. Medico legal importance istered properly, similarly even an effective drug if not prescribed or administered appropriately be- Accidental poisoning is the very common way is ob- comes an acute poison. After detoxification Snuhi served. Homicidal and suicidal use of Snuhi ksheera Kheera shows best result, gives fast improvement in is very rare. It is also used for criminal abortions. various disease. 3. COLLECTION METHOD 7. REFERENCES

42 Wankhede PR, Patil SM, Narode S - Comprehensive Study of Sthavar Visha Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia Neriifolia Linn.) and its Detoxification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA AND MEDICAL SCIENCES Review Article (www.ijrams.com) ISSN: 2582-2748 Vol. 2; Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2019 1. Sushrut, Sushrut Samhita, Kalpasthana, edited by 9. Shastri J.L.N., Dravyaguna vignyana, Vol. 2, Anant Ram Sharma Dr., foreworded by Acharya Chaukhambha Orientaliya, Varanasi, Ed.2nd, Priya Vrat Sharma, Chaukhamba Surbharati Pra- 2005, page no.924. kashan,2006, verse 21, chapter 3, page no. 533. 10. Deshpande, Ranade, Dravyaguna Vignyana, vol.2, 2. Sushrut, Sushrut Samhita, Kalpasthana, edited by Anmol Prakashan, Pune-2, page.no.931. Anant Ram Sharma Dr., foreworded by Acharya Priya Vrat Sharma, Chaukhamba Surbharati Pra- 11. Dr. Aruna Naga Et Al: A Review On Upavisha - kashan, Varanasi, 2006, verse 3, chapter 2, page Snuhi (Euphorbia Nerifolia Linn). International no. 517. Ayurvedic medical Journal {online} 2016 {cited 2016 July} Available from: http://www.iamj.in/ 3. Sushrut, Sushrut Samhita, Kalpasthana, edited by posts/images/upload/1231_1234.pdf Anant Ram Sharma Dr., foreworded by Acharya Priya Vrat Sharma, Chaukhamba Surbharati Pra- 12. Shastri J.L.N., Dravyaguna vignyana, Vol 2, kashan, Varanasi, 2006, verse 5, chapter 2, page Chaukhambha Orientaliya, Varanasi, Ed.2nd, no. 518. 2005, page no.924. 4. Agnivesh, Charak Samhita, edited by Vaidya 13. Sharma P.V, Dravyaguna Vignyana, Vol.2, Yadavaji Trikamji Acharya, chaukhamba Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2008, sutrasthan, Ed.14th, 1993, page.No.432. chapter 1, verse 126, page no.48. 14. Shastri J.L.N., Dravyaguna vignyana, Vol 2, 5. Shastri Ambikadatta, Rasaratnasammucchaya, Chaukhambha Orientaliya, Varanasi, Ed.2nd, Chaukhambha Amarbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2005, page no.925. Ed.8th, 1988, page. no.170. 15. Nadakarni K A, Indian Materia Medica, Vol 1, 6. Sadanand Sharma Acharya, Rasatarangini, 11th Popular Prakashan Private LTD, Ed.3rd, Reprint Ed., New Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas Publishers, 1995, peg no.526/. 1982, Tarang 2, verse 45. 16. Modi′s Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, 7. Scientific classification given from -http:// 24th edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths; 2013, page en.m.wikipedia.org. no. 148. 8. Shastri J.L.N., Dravyaguna vignyana, Vol. 2, 17. Shastri J.L.N., Dravyaguna vignyana, Vol 2, Chaukhambha Orientaliya, Varanasi, Ed.2nd, Chaukhambha Orientaliya, Varanasi, Ed.2nd, 2005, page no.924. 2005, page no.925 8. TABLE Kingdom Plantae Angiosperms Order Malpighiales Family Euphorbiaceae

Subfamily Euphorbioideae Tribe Euphorbieae Genus Euphorbia Botanical name Euphorbia neriifolia Linn

Table No.1. Scientific classification of Snuhi Cite this article as: Wankhede PR, Patil SM, Narode S. Comprehensive Study of Sthavar Visha Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia Ne- riifolia Linn.) and its Detoxification. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Medical Sciences 2019; 2 (1): 40-43. Source of Support: Nil; Conflict of Interest: None declared. 43