Management of Scorpion Stings in Ayurveda

Scorpion sting is a devastating & an endemic public health problem in some part of the India. Approximately 1,400 species of the Scorpion are found worldwide. 50 species out of 700, in India, can cause serious illness. Ayurveda has explained numerous medicinal preparations in the management of Vrishchika Damsha, (Scorpion sting) but so far very little statistical data is available regarding the efficacy of these medicines. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate comparative effect of Vilwadi gutika with Dashanga Agada in reducing the cardinal signs and symptoms arising due to Scorpion sting. A comparative clinical study was conducted in Pappinissery Visha Chikitsa Kendra, Kannur. Total 20 subjects suffering from Scorpion sting were selected and divided randomly in two groups and treated with Vilwadi Gutika and Dashanga Agada respectively. The study showed the compound preparations were highly significant in managing the situations. The study was adjudged for Kerala Ayurveda Research Award 2007.