Formulation of Vishaharana Oil for External Application in Sarpavisha Chikitsa: A Study Based on Ayurveda and Traditional Medical Systems of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming remains a major public health concern in Sri Lanka, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Ayurveda and the Traditional Medical System of Sri Lanka offer a diverse range of therapeutic approaches for the management of snakebites, collectively known as Sarpavisha Chikitsa. The primary aim of this study was to identify a suitable external application for anti-venom therapy and to formulate a traditional medicinal oil—Vishaharana oil—as per the standards outlined in the Ayurveda Pharmacopeia. This research was conducted as a literature-based study. Primary Ayurvedic texts such as Vruddatraya, the Talpathe Piliyam series (traditional medical manuscripts), and the Ayurveda Aushada Sangrahaya were reviewed to identify existing treatment modalities for Sarpavisha. A total of 103 formulations were identified from Vruddatraya, of which 31 were external applications. From Talpathe Piliyam, 706 formulations were identified, including 338 external preparations used in Sarpavisha Chikitsa. The final formulation was selected based on its frequent usage in the Rathnapura Dodampe Veda Paramparawa (a prominent traditional healing lineage) and its inclusion of a majority of Vishaharana (anti-venom) ingredients. Vishaharana oil was chosen due to its mention in both classical texts and traditional practices. The formulation process included the selection, processing, and quality evaluation of raw materials, as well as an assessment of the pharmacological properties of its constituents. Preparation was conducted following the procedures described in Thaila paribhasha. Eighteen ingredients of herbal, mineral, and animal origin were incorporated, including key herbs such as Gmelina asiatica, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, and Caesalpinia bonduc, as well as mineral components like Gandhaka (sulfur) and Palmanikkam. These ingredients collectively exhibit pharmacodynamic properties such as Katu and Tikta rasa (pungent and bitter tastes), Laghu guna (light quality), Ushna veerya (hot potency), and Katu vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). The results suggest that Vishaharana oil is suitable for both external and internal application in treating various types of snake venom poisoning. Further toxicity studies and clinical trials are proposed to scientifically validate its efficacy and safety.