A Survey of Visha Dravya (Poisonous Plants) In and Around Belgaum District: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract
Poisonous plants for treating ailments are an age-old tradition in India after they are properly purified. Many compound formulations in AFI (Ayurvedic Formulary of India) contain them for their imperative action. Present study was planned, focusing to document the availability of Poisonous plants. An Opportunistic survey was conducted, in and around Belgaum which is located at 15.87°N 74.5°E situated in the northwestern parts of Karnataka by preparing a prelist. Calotropis gigantea Linn and Ricinus communis Linn had the highest citation among the prelisted drugs while others had tapering citation. Behaya(Ipomoea carnea Jace,) which was not in the prelist as it was not mentioned in Ayurvedic literature found in abundance at few places like Rakaskop. Gloriosa superba Linn was cited as lowest. Papaver somniferum Linn and Cannabis sativa Linn. not being found, as they come under strict narcotic acts. In some areas, the drugs having low citation is indicative of agriculture trend. The availability and existence of surveyed plants have two fold reasons, the first being naturally growing and second due to their multipurpose uses by human e.g. – Calotropis gigantea Linn – its flowers and leaves are used regularly as an obligation to Hindu Gods.
Key words: Behaya, opportunistic survey, poisonous plants