A LITERARY REVIEW ON EFFECTS OF GUTHAKA – AS A GARVISHA

Tobacco is the most prevalent and preventable cause of disease and death. Guthaka is a composition of tobacco, betelnuts,catechu,lime,permitted spices and flavors.Guthaka also contains numerous toxic chemicals having adverse effectsvarying from minor throat irritation to Carcinogenesis. As Guthaka contains above material it acts as a slow poison orGarvisha which is described in Ayurveda. The toxic combination of two or more substances is called 'Garvisha'. Thiscombination includes two types of substances i.e.non-poisonous or poisonous which exerts toxic effect after interval ofsome time and such does not kill patient instantly. Guthaka is a composition of Savisha (poisonous) and Nirvisha (nonpoisonous) substances. It acts as a slow poison. It shows hazardous effects on human body. As mentioned in differentAyurvedic texts, the combination of above non-poisonous or poisonous substances are called as a Garvisha. Thesymptoms like Panduta,Mandagni,Kasa,Pratiloma Vayu particularly Apana Vayu,Anidra,Adhman,indications of liver andspleen enlargement, Durbalata, Alasya and Shotha are observed due to the Garvishaa. All these symptoms are alsoobserved in habitual Guthaka chewers.Although modern science researcher was found to be worked on the subjects related to Guthaka. But as a whole, incombination as present in Guthaka no one really focuses on their actions in human beings in Ayurvedic manner i.e.Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Strotas, Indriya, Avayava, Mana, Bala etc. The adverse effects of Guthaka and symptoms ofGarvisha are same.