[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877) › c4.s1.31 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.31 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.31 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s1.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.31) Nine active or virulent poisons are mentioned by most writers, namely \*vatsanábha\*, \*háridra\*, \*saktu\*, \*pradipana\*, \*sauráshtrika sringi\*, \*kálakuṭa\*, \*haláhala\*, and \*brahmaputra\*. These cannot all be identified at present. Most of them are apparently varieties of aconite, (see page 97). The following seven drugs are described, as minor poisons, viz., opium, \*gunjá\* (seeds of \*Abrus precatorius\*), datura, roots of \*Nerium odorum\* (\*karavirá\*), and \*Gloriosa superba\* (\*lánguli\*) and the milky juices of \*Calotropis gigantea\* (\*arka\*) and \*Euphorbia neriifolia\* (\*snuhi\*). The mineral poisons mentioned in Susruta are \*phenásma bhasma\* or white arsenic, and \*haritála\* or orpiment. Of animal poisons, the poison of the serpent is the only one used in medicine. - [Previous: c4.s1.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.30) - [Next: c4.s2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s2.1) - [Up: c4.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.31) · Pramāṇa