Toxicological Aspect of Somala Dhatu Visha (Arsenic) and Its Recent Advances – A Review

Abstract

Human health is mainly depends on our surrounding environment. Arsenic is present in air, water, soil and food hence affecting many people across the world. Arsenic toxicity is now global health problem. The main source of arsenic toxicity is contaminated drinking water. In Ayurved Samhita Somala (Arsenic) is described as Sthawar Dhatu Visha. Acharya Sushruta first described Somala as Dhatu Visha. In Rasashastra Somala(Arsenic) is classified under Sadharana Rasa. Instead of highly toxic in nature Arsenic in proper dose act as medicine. It is use in many Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. Different compounds of Arsenic are used as insecticides, weedkiller, rodenticide, in flypaper, for sheep deep, as fruit spray, in medicine, as depilatory, colouring agent, and in industries. Arsenic trioxide is now used to treat acutepromyelocytic leukaemia. Arsenic is mainly use to treat syphilis since ancient time. Arsenic is often used as a part of extremely diluted homeopathic remedies. Its improper medical use leads to accidental poisoning hence it should be take in proper doses. Arsenic is easily available and cheap hence it is use as homicidal agent in India. Inorganic Arsenic is carcinogenic to humans. Most of population get indirectly exposed to Arsenic as it is accumulates in rice plants in large quantity and in drinking water. This study is design to elaborate toxicological properties of Arsenic, its various sources of poisoning so that everyone should aware of its lethal effect on human being and its recent advances.