A LITERARY REVIEW ON VISHAGHNA (ANTI POISONOUS) PROPERTY OF SHWETA APARAJITA (CLITORIA TERNATEA.L.)

Abstract

Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) commonly known as butterfly pea is a perennial, climbing plant found throughout India. Referred to as Aparajita in Ayurveda, it has been used as medicine since ancient times. It is taken in a variety of ways, both internally and externally. However, in Ayurveda, the root, root barks and seeds are the most important parts. Accord-ing to recent researches, the extracts of the plant shows the potential as an antidote for snake poisoning. The plant also exhibits anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial activities. As per Ayurved classics, it is an important constituent of several Agadas (Anti-poisonous formulations). Agada, one of the modality used for treatment of poisoning is a combination of different herbs. During the study, it was found that Aparajita is included in nearly 12 Agadas which are mostly used in case of Jangam visha (poisonous bites). So this review paper is an attempt of the author to explore the medicinal value of Aparajita and highlight the Vishaghna property based on its pharmacological activity.