Analysis of Snuhi (Euphorbia Neriifolia) as a Poisonous Therapeutic Aid
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Critical Analysis of Snuhi - Euphorbia Neriifolia (Upavisha- Poisonous Plant) and its Application as a Therapeutic Aid
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Sorab Gaind
Associate Professor, Department of Agada Tantra, Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Nardani Bantalab, Jammu, J&K, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Critical Analysis of Snuhi - Euphorbia Neriifolia (Upavisha- Poisonous Plant) and its Application as a Therapeutic Aid
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i5.807
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, recognize the significant therapeutic potential of poisonous plants. One such plant, Snuhi or Euphorbia Neriifolia, classified as an Upavisha (poisonous plant), holds promise for the treatment of various ailments post-purification (Shodhana). This article critically analyzes the medicinal benefits of Snuhi, focusing on its chemical constituents and therapeutic applications, which may aid in addressing modern health challenges, including new diseases like Covid-19.
Therapeutic Potential of Snuhi
Snuhi is well-documented in Ayurvedic texts as having numerous medicinal properties, attributed both to its toxic effects and its ability to be transformed into beneficial therapeutics through proper purification. The plant contains various chemical constituents, such as euphol and triterpenes, that provide a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. Research has confirmed Snuhi's effectiveness in treating conditions like diabetes and infections, supporting its historical use in traditional medicine.
Safety and Efficacy Post-Purification
The purification process, known as Shodhana, is crucial in transforming toxic plants like Snuhi into safe medicinal products. Studies have shown that after undergoing Shodhana, the therapeutic efficacy of Snuhi significantly increases, rendering it safe for use in medical applications. Modern research supports Ayurveda's claim about the dual nature of such plants, emphasizing that when administered properly, they can provide substantial health benefits while minimizing the associated risks of toxicity.
Conclusion
The findings from this analysis underscore the need for further exploration of poisonous plants like Snuhi within the frameworks of modern pharmacology and herbal medicine. The successful integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary research can lead to the development of innovative therapies for various diseases. The critical use of purification methods in Ayurveda remains pertinent, ensuring that these potent plant-based medicines can be effectively and safely utilized in current healthcare practices. This research offers valuable insights for future studies and potential treatment formulations using Snuhi and similar plants.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Snuhi, and what are its therapeutic benefits?
Snuhi, scientifically known as Euphorbia Neriifolia, is a poisonous plant with medicinal properties. After proper purification, it is known for immunomodulatory, wound healing, anti-bacterial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, diuretic, anti-diabetic, and anti-carcinogenic activities.
How does the Ayurvedic system utilize poisonous plants like Snuhi?
Ayurveda incorporates poisonous plants in medicine after a process called Shodhana or purification. Once transformed, these plants can become safe and effective therapeutic agents, widely used for various ailments within the Ayurvedic tradition.
What safety measures are important when using plants like Snuhi?
Proper purification and dosage are crucial for using poisonous plants like Snuhi. Improper handling can lead to toxicity or fatal effects. Therefore, meticulous preparation and adherence to guidelines in Ayurveda are essential.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Analysis of Snuhi (Euphorbia Neriifolia) as a Poisonous Therapeutic Aid�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Snuhi:
Snuhi, botanically known as Euphorbia Neriifolia, is an Upavisha (poisonous plant) used in Ayurveda. Despite its toxic nature, after proper Shodhana (purification), it holds significant therapeutic value. It has been used traditionally in treating plethora of diseases such as ulcers, inflammation, and even diabetes.
2) Drug:
In the traditional system of medicine, a drug is any plant, mineral, or compound that is used for its therapeutic properties. Snuhi is prepared as a drug after purification and used for various ailments, demonstrating that even poisonous plants can be valuable therapeutic agents when handled correctly.
3) Upavisha (Upavisa):
Upavisha refers to a category of less severe poisonous plants used in Ayurveda, which require purification before being used therapeutically. Snuhi is one such Upavisha known for its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, making it an important element in Ayurvedic medicinal practices.
4) Disease:
Disease refers to any condition that causes discomfort or disorder to the body. Snuhi, after proper purification, has been utilized to treat numerous diseases, ranging from diabetes to cancer, proving the plant's extensive medicinal potential in both traditional and modern therapeutic contexts.
5) Medicine:
Medicine is any substance used to treat or prevent diseases. In Ayurveda, Snuhi is transformed into a medicine after Shodhana, despite its initial toxic properties, making it suitable for treating various health conditions like inflammation, ulcers, and cancer.
6) Varga:
Varga in Ayurvedic literature refers to a group or category of medicinal substances classified based on their therapeutic properties. Snuhi is placed in various Vargas including Sthavara Upavisha, indicating its grouped use and significance in traditional medicine based on its properties and effects.
7) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu are traditional Ayurvedic lexicons or glossaries listing medicinal plants and their uses. Texts like Dhanvantari-Nighantu and Bhavaprakasha-Nighantu include Snuhi, demonstrating its recognized importance and detailed documentation across various classical Ayurvedic references.
8) Purification:
[see source text or glossary: Purification]
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine in India, uses natural substances like plants and minerals for healing. Euphorbia Neriifolia, or Snuhi, is an Ayurvedic herb classified under Upavisha, demonstrating the system's method of converting toxic substances into useful medicinal agents through Shodhana.
10) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to the purification process in Ayurveda that converts toxic substances into therapeutically beneficial ones. For Snuhi, specific Shodhana methods are described to neutralize its poisonous properties, making it a potent and safe remedy for various ailments.
11) India:
India is the origin of many traditional medicines, including Ayurveda, which uses poisonous plants like Snuhi after purification for therapeutic purposes. Euphorbia Neriifolia, known in various Indian languages like Hindi (Sehunda) and Tamil (Kalli), highlights the plant's widespread recognition and application across the country.
12) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm organisms. Snuhi, classified as an Upavisha, demonstrates notable toxicity. However, after undergoing Shodhana (purification), its toxic properties are neutralized, allowing its safe use as a potent therapeutic agent in Ayurveda.
13) Visha (Visa):
[see source text or glossary: Visha]
14) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
15) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial activity refers to the ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Snuhi has shown anti-bacterial properties in studies, particularly its leaf extracts, which are effective against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, proving its utility in treating bacterial infections and promoting wound healing.
16) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are natural compounds produced by plants with potential health benefits. Snuhi contains several important phytochemicals, such as euphol and nerifoliol, which contribute to its various therapeutic properties like immuno-modulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities.
17) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Agada-tantra]
18) Swelling:
[see source text or glossary: Swelling]
19) Samhita:
Samhitas are classical Ayurvedic texts compiling medical knowledge. Snuhi finds mention in many Samhitas, highlighting its therapeutic significance. For instance, it is classified under Virechana Dravyas in Charaka Samhita, indicating its use as a purgative after proper purification processes.
20) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
21) Cancer:
Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal cell growth. Euphorbia Neriifolia (Snuhi) has exhibited anti-carcinogenic properties in modern research. Studies have shown the plant’s effectiveness against various cancer markers, demonstrating its potential use in cancer treatment protocols.
22) Powder:
[see source text or glossary: Powder]
23) Gana:
[see source text or glossary: Gana]
24) Kalpasthana (Kalpa-sthana):
Kalpasthana is a section in the Charaka Samhita focused on formulations and preparations. Snuhi is discussed in detail here under the Virechana Dravyas, indicating its role in purgative treatments and the importance of its proper purification for safe and effective therapeutic use.
25) Dushivisha (Dusivisa):
[see source text or glossary: Dushivisha]
26) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of the harmful effects of substances on living organisms. Snuhi, a toxic plant, is rigorously studied in toxicology to understand and mitigate its effects, which is essential before it can be safely used in medicinal formulations after proper Shodhana.
27) Knowledge:
Knowledge of plants like Euphorbia Neriifolia (Snuhi), their properties, and purification methods is essential for their safe and effective use in therapy. This knowledge is rooted in traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern research, which together enrich our understanding and application of such plants.
28) Sehunda:
[see source text or glossary: Sehunda]
29) Mineral:
[see source text or glossary: Mineral]
30) Shotha (Sotha):
[see source text or glossary: Shotha]
31) Family:
Family in botanical classification refers to a group of related plants. Euphorbia Neriifolia (Snuhi) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Understanding its family helps in identifying and classifying its botanical relatives, which could share similar therapeutic or toxic properties.
32) Animal:
[see source text or glossary: Animal]
33) Gulma:
[see source text or glossary: Gulma]
34) Ulcer:
[see source text or glossary: Ulcer]
35) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
36) Katu:
[see source text or glossary: Katu]
37) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: Tree]
38) Market place:
[see source text or glossary: Market place]
39) Bhavaprakashanighantu (Bhavaprakasanighantu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
[see source text or glossary: Bhavaprakasha-nighantu]
40) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantari-nighantu]
41) Kaiyadevanighantu (Kaiyadeva-nighantu):
[see source text or glossary: Kaiyadeva-nighantu]
42) Shalmalyadivarga (Salmalyadivarga, Shalmalyadi-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Shalmalyadi-varga]
43) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
[see source text or glossary: Sushruta-samhita]
44) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological properties refer to the effects of substances on the body and their mechanisms. Snuhi exhibits a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties, highlighting its diverse therapeutic potential when properly handled.
45) Kaphavataghna (Kaphavata-ghna):
[see source text or glossary: Kaphavataghna]
46) Inflammation:
[see source text or glossary: Inflammation]
47) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantari]
48) Kushthaghna (Kusthaghna):
[see source text or glossary: Kushthaghna]
49) Ksharasutra (Ksarasutra, Kshara-sutra):
[see source text or glossary: Ksharasutra]
50) Shalmalyadi (Shalmali-adi, Salmalyadi):
[see source text or glossary: Shalmalyadi]
51) Bahukantaka (Bahu-kantaka):
[see source text or glossary: Bahukantaka]
52) Bhagandara (Bhagamdara):
[see source text or glossary: Bhagandara]
53) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
[see source text or glossary: Shothahara]
54) Discussion:
The discussion section in scientific research provides an analysis and interpretation of the results. It highlights how Snuhi, after purification, shows effectiveness in various therapeutic applications, emphasizing the importance of proper dose and processing to convert toxic substances into beneficial medicines.
55) Vishaghna (Visaghna, Visha-ghna):
[see source text or glossary: Vishaghna]
56) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
[see source text or glossary: Vatarakta]
57) Udararoga (Udara-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Udararoga]
58) Flavonoid:
[see source text or glossary: Flavonoid]
59) Vagbhata:
[see source text or glossary: Vagbhata]
60) Shyamadi (Shyama-adi, Syamadi):
[see source text or glossary: Shyamadi]
61) Sthavara:
[see source text or glossary: Sthavara]
62) Ahiphena (Ahi-phena):
[see source text or glossary: Ahiphena]
63) Abhayadi:
[see source text or glossary: Abhayadi]
64) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
[see source text or glossary: Himalaya]
65) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
[see source text or glossary: Aushadhi]
66) Sanskrit:
[see source text or glossary: Sanskrit]
67) Cannabis:
[see source text or glossary: Cannabis]
68) Lekhana:
[see source text or glossary: Lekhana]
69) Marathi:
[see source text or glossary: Marathi]
70) Kushtha (Kustha):
[see source text or glossary: Kustha]
71) Bengali:
[see source text or glossary: Bengali]
72) Tikshna (Tiksna):
[see source text or glossary: Tikshna]
73) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]
74) Siddha:
[see source text or glossary: Siddha]
75) Kshira (Ksira):
[see source text or glossary: Kshira]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 116]
Other Science Concepts:
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Poisonous plant, Therapeutic effect, Shodhana purification, Adverse effect, Ayurvedic Science, Anti-inflammatory activity, World Health Organization, Antimicrobial activity, Immunomodulatory activity, Traditional System of Medicine, Wound Healing Property, Antidiabetic properties, Diuretic activity, Ayurveda Siddha Unani, Indigenous systems of medicine, Anticancer properties, Analgesic properties, Chemical constituent, Cytogenetic effect, Pharmaceutical agent, Modern pharmacopoeia.