SHORT SUMMARY OF PRAYOGASAMUCAYAM (A TOXIOLOGICAL TEXT)

Abstract

            Agadatantra (2) is the branch of poison treatment in Ᾱyurveda. This Strategy describes the symptoms and treatment methods of poisoning caused by animals, plants minerals and many other causes. In modern science, its known as Toxicology. Prayogasamucaya is a toxicology book written in Malayalam language. The author of this book is Kocuṇṇitampurān, of Kochi royal family. This book is written in verse form. The chapters are divided into Eleven Parichedhas. In the First Parichedha, Iṣhṭadevatavandanam, Sarpolpathi, cause of snakebite, Durdeṣamurmadeṣa and the symptoms of death due to poisoning are also described. In the next Eight Parichedas, the symptoms and treatment of venom from snakes such as Mūrkhan, Mandali and Rajila. Also describes the symptoms and treatment of poisoning from other organisms. The Dasamaparicheda Mainly describes the messenger sign. The Eakādasaparicheda deals with treatment rulings for Kaiviṣa treatment etc. None of the mantras commonly used in Kerala for poisoning are included in this book. The Avatārika for this published book is written by PuthezathRāmamenon. The book is considered to be the most authoritative text on Kerala toxicology.