Introduction

Toxicology, or Agadatantra, is a part of Ashtang Ayurveda that deals with poisons. The discipline of Agada tantra has a long history. It came from Kashyapa, also known as Vriddhakashyapa, the famous saint and medical practitioner, who built and ran a toxicology school. Students at the Kashyapa School of Toxicology went on to become royal vaidyas (doctors) in various kingdoms, and their job was to keep the royal families safe from poisoning. They were also sometimes used to poison the enemies of their ruler. Different lineages of Vishavaidyas (poison physicians) who claim to be specialists in toxicology continue to practise toxicology in various regions of the Indian subcontinent. The Aganda Tantra, also known as Visha Chikitsa, deals with various techniques of cleansing the body of poisons and prescribes antidotes for certain poisons. It deals with a wide spectrum of natural poisons that come from animals, birds, and insects in the outdoors. [1,2]

Insects are also known as keetas, according to Acharya Charka, since they are made from the waste products of snakes, such as excrement and urine. Keeta is characterised as a variation of Krimi having a macroscopic body, according to Vachaspatya. Krimis are alive creatures who move about using their unique legs. After the chapters on snakes (Sarpa danshta visha vigyaniya) and rodents, Acharya Sushruta describes Keeta in his book (Mooshika kalpa). These may or may not be visible to the naked eye, according to definitions. As a result, they might be mistaken for insects, worms, or even bacteria. The Pada can take the form of legs, flagella, or cilia, or it can even be a single cell. When it comes to unicellular creatures, their ability to change from place to place qualifies them as Jangama, and since Jangama is included under live beings (Chetana Dravya), Acharyas may be aware that these minute entities can also be included under life. Keetas are often acknowledged as a form of Krimi that can be seen with the naked eye (Sthoola). [3,4]

The term Keeta refers to all living creatures that are small in size but visible, have two or more legs, with or without wings, some living in soil, some moving in air, some in crevices of buildings, roofs, walls, etc., some on trees, have various shapes and colours, some crawl, some fly, some sting, some scratch the skin with their claws, and some urinate on man's body and thus inflict assaults in a variety of ways. The complete insect listed in the preceding verses has yet to be identified. The first is Dushivisha keeta, and the second is Pranhara keeta, according to Acharya Charaka. Acharya Sushrut has mentioned sixty-seven varieties of keeta under four groups, their poisoning and treatment in Kalpa sthan. Four groups of Keeta divided as Vayavya, Agneya, Saumya, Sannipataka.[5,6]

Aim:To learn about the several varieties of Keeta described in our Ayurvedic literature.

• To assess and explain Keeta visha and its signs, symptoms, and effects on the body.

Material and methods:

The research of Keeta visha and its effects on human bodies was conducted using Ayurvedic textbooks, particularly Sushruta samhita, as well as conceptual and summarised material from several current publications and review papers.

Genesis of insects

Keeta visha is described in Sushruta Samhita as Kalpa sthana. Keetas are said to be born from snakes' sperm, excreta, urine, foul odour, and eggs, according to Sushruta. They have characteristics of air, fire, water, and a variety of other elements. Keeta is said to come from the faces and urine of snakes, according to Charak.

Classification

According to Acharya Charak

• Dushi visha (chronic poison)
• Pranhara (deadly poison)

Dushi Visha -The portion turns red, white, blackish, covered with boils, connected with itching, burning, spreading, and inflammation, and becomes necrosed when bitten by Dushivisha insects.

Pranhara Keeta - As with a snake bite, the swelling grows, the bitten area includes blood with a strong odour, there is heaviness in the eyes, fainting, discomfort, dyspnoea, thirst, and anorexia.

According to Acharya Sushruta [7-11]

• Vayavya Keeta
• Agneya Keeta
• Saumya Keeta
• Sannipataka Keeta

Vayavya Keeta

There are eighteen different varieties of these, and bites from them cause Vataja illness. The eighteen insect classes known as the Kumbhi- nasa, Tundikeri, Shringi, Shata-Kuliraka, Uccitinga, Agninama, Chiccitinga, Mayurika, Avartaka, Urabhra, Sarika-mukha, Vaidala, Sharava-kurda, Abhiraji, Parusha, Citra-shirshaka, Shata bahu and the Rakta-raji are possessed of a Vataja temperament and their poison tends to aggravate and derange the bodily Vayu and produce the specific diseases.

Agneya Keeta

Their bites induce disease due to Pitta aggravation. The twenty-four families of insects known as the Kaundilyaka, Kanabhaka, Varati (asp), Patra-vrishchika, Vinasika, Brahmanika, Vindula, Bhramara, Vahyaki, Piccita, Kumbhi, Varchah-kita, Arimedaka, Padma-kita, Dundubhika, Makara, Shata-padaka (centipede), Pancalaka, Paka-matsya, Krishna-tunda, Gardabhi, Klita, Krimi-Sarai and the Utkleshaka are of a fiery i.e. Pittaja temperament and their poison tends to derange and aggravate the bodily Pitta and produce the specific diseases due to the derangement of that Dosha.[12,13]

Saumya Keeta

They exacerbate Kapha in the body, and their bite causes Kapha-related sickness. The thirteen families of insects known as the Vishvambhara, Panca-shukla, Panca-krishna, Kokila, Saireyaka Prachalaka, Valabha, Kitima, Suchi-mukha, Krishna- Godha, Kashaya-Vasika, Kita-gardabhaka and the Trotaka have a Saumya, or Kaphaja temperament, and their poison aggravates and deranges the Kapha, resulting in particular ailments that are caused by that deranged condition. [14,15]

Sannipataka Keeta

These twelve kinds of insects known as the Tungi-nasa, Vichilaka, Talaka, Vahaka, Koshthagari, Krimikara, Mandala-Pucchaka, Tunga-nabha, Sarsha- pika, Avalguli, Shambuka and the Angi-kita are dangerously fatal in their bite. The phases and symptoms of a human or animal bitten by one of these poisonous insects are similar to those of a snake bite, and their venom tends to derange and exacerbate the three Doshas (Sannipatika) in the body, producing the particular symptoms. The bite site mimics the location of a caustic alkali burn.

Symptoms of their bite

Sharp-poisoned insects are distinguished by a red, yellow, white, or vermillion-colored biting seat that seems to be on fire or burned with powerful alkali. Fever, thirst, a burning sensation in the body, loss of consciousness, yawning, shaking of the limbs, difficulty breathing, hic-cough, eruption of pustules, swelling (in the affected locality), appearance of nodular glands (Granthi), circular erythematous patches (Mandala) on the skin, ring-worm, Erysipelas, breaking and agonising pain (in the limbs), horripilation, and vomiting are symptoms that emerge throughout the course of the poisoning or in cases of their bites.[14,15,16]

By comparing the symptoms of Dushi-Visha aggravation, the other characteristics of the poison of these (fatal and strong-poisoned) insects should be quickly determined (consequent thereon).

Salivation (Praseka), an aversion to eating, vomiting, heaviness in the head, a small sense of cold, and the emergence of pustules and urticaria according to the disordered Dosha intensified by the type of biting insect are the characteristics of the mildly poisoned.

The Kanabha class of Insects (Wasp)

The Trikantaka, Kuni, Hasti-kaksha, and Aparajita are four types of Kanabha insects that bite and cause swelling, aching in the limbs, heaviness in the body, and a black appearance at the bite site.

Pipilika (Ants)

The Sthula-shirsha, Samvahika, Brahmanika, Angulika, Kapilika, and Citra-varna are the six types of Pipilika (ants). Any of these bites cause inflammatory swelling and a burning feeling (in the bite's seat) similar to those caused by contact with fire.

Makshika (stinging flies)

The Kantarika, Krishna, Pingalika, Madhulika, Kashayi, and Sthalika are the six species of flies (Makshika). Any bite from one of these results in swelling and a burning feeling. A bite from one of the Sthalika or Kashayi species, on the other hand, is characterised by the symptoms listed above, as well as the emergence of pustules (Pidaka) and other symptoms.

Gaudheyaka

The Gaudheyaka class includes the Prati-surya, Pinga-bhasa, Bahu-varna, Maha-shiras, and Nirupama, which are five different types of insects. The phases and symptoms of a bitten by a member of this family are commonly mistaken for those of a snake bite, with all of the agony and the formation of terrible Granthis (nodular glands) of various colours.

Gala-goli, Shveta-krishna, Rakta-raji, Rakta-mandala, Sarva-shveta, and Sarshapika are all members of the same species. A bite from any of these insects, save the Sarshapika, causes a burning feeling, slimy exudation, and swelling at the bite site, with the Sarshapika causing dysentery (Atisara) and heart trouble.

Shata-padi (centipede)

The Parusha (rough), Krishna (black), Citra (variegated colours), Kapilika (tawny brown), Pitaka (yellow), Rakta (red), Shveta (white) and Agni-prabha species of Shata-padi (centipede) are the eight types of centipedes. Swelling, discomfort, and a burning sensation in the heart after bitten from any of these insects. All of the above symptoms, as well as severe epileptic fits, an unpleasant burning feeling, and white pustule eruptions, are associated with a bite from one of the Sveta or Agni-prabha species (Pidaka).[17]

Mashakas (Mosquitoes)

The Samudra, Pari-mandala, Hasti-mashaka, Krishna, and Parvatiya are the five kinds of mosquitoes (Mashakas). When scratched by the fingernails, a mosquito (Mashaka) bite causes severe itching and swelling of the affected area, whereas the symptoms of a Parvatiya bite are similar to those of a fatally venomous insect bite, and a sting of the points of their antenne is followed by the appearance of pustules (Pidaka) with a burning sensation and suppuration.[18]

Scorpions [7,8, 19,20]

Scorpions are classified into three groups: those with a light poison (Manda-visha), those with a poison that is neither mild nor powerful (Madhya-visha), and those with a severe poison (Madhya-visha) (Maha-visha). Manda-visha are scorpions that germinate from cow dung or other decaying materials. Madhya-visha (with poison neither moderate nor powerful) germinates from (decomposed) wood or (decayed) bricks, whereas Tikshna-visha germinates from the decomposed carcase of a snake or any other deadly putrid organic waste (strong-poisoned). There are twelve different species of scorpions in the first group, three in the second, and fifteen in the third and fourth groups, reaching thirty species.

Mild-poisoned Scorpions - Scorpions that are black (Krishna) or dark-brown (Shyava) or variegated (Karbura) or yellow (Pandu) or greenish (Shadvala) or red mixed with white (Rakta-shveta) or have hair on their bodies (Romasha) are regarded as mild poisoned ones. A scorpion bite from this species causes pain (at the bite site), shivering, numbness in the limbs, and a flow of blackish blood (from the punctures of the bite). A bite to either of the extremities causes pain to rise, along with a burning feeling, sweat, swelling of the affected area, and fever.

Madhya-visha Scorpions - Madhya-visha (mild-poisoned) scorpions are red (Rakta), yellow (Pita), or tawny in colour (Kapila). All of them have three joints or links in their bellies and are ash-colored. They sprout from the faeces, excreta, eggs, and rotten carcases of the three (aforementioned) snake families, and take on the character of the serpent whose faeces, etc. they come from. A scorpion bite from this species causes enlargement of the tongue, inability to deglutition, and intense epileptic episodes.

Tikshna-visha Scorpions - The poisonous (Tikshna-visha) scorpions are three-jointed, one-jointed, two-jointed, or jointless, and are either white or parti-colored (Citra) or blackish (Shyamala). The poison of this category of scorpions, which comes in a variety of colours and shapes, is exceedingly dangerous and should be regarded as a life robber. They germinate from any poisoned animal's putrified dead body. The many stages of a snake bite are marked by physiological changes in the victims' bodies, including pustular eruptions (Sphota) on the skin, vertigo, a burning feeling (in the body), fever, and a profuse flow of black-colored blood from the channels (mouth and nostrils, etc.). As a result, their bite is lethal so rapidly.

According to Acharya Vagbhatta[21-22]

• Vatolavana
• Pittolavana
• Kapholavana
• Sannipatolavana

The majority of insects including Keeta are neurotoxic. Some are vascular toxins, while others induce allergies. Spider bites are more vasculotoxic, resulting in severe inflammatory responses. As a result, Pitta Kaphaja Vikaras is believed to occur. Because scorpions are more neurotoxic and produce serious neurological symptoms, it is known as Vaata Kopna. As a result, their harmful consequences are detailed. All of the other insects are mildly toxic. They are a moderate type of neurotoxic, vasculotoxic, and allergenic substances.

According To Kriyakoumudi

Some more types of Keeta are mentioned they are as follows

• Brahmanik (Arana)
• Teratta
• Tottarotti
• Njandu (crab)
• Vettalan
• Karimbada
• Koora (Americana periplanata)

Treatment of Keeta visha

According to Dosha

Vataj - Applying Tila (Sesamum seeds) to the affected area, anointing with oil, and fomenting with a steam pipe or a ball of cooked rice, as well as nourishing meals.

Pittaj - Cold irrigation and topical treatments with low efficacy.

Kaphaj - Scraping, incising fomentation, and emetics administration

According to Keeta and their symptoms

• Makshika - Application of Lepa of Krishna valmeeka, Gomootra or Tagara + Nagara + Nagakesara, Maricha for Pana and Lepana.
• Mashaka - Krishna valmeeka mixed with Gomutra for Lepa.
• Shatapadi - Guduchiadi kashayam, Kashayam, Dasanga gutika, vilwadi gutika internally. Sathdoutaghritam, varachurnam externally.
• Pipilika - Black salt along with salt, Shunti, chillie along with Karpoora tulasi swarasa- for lepa. Also, Pana and Lepa of Pippali, Maricha, Shunti, Haridra taken in equal quantities and ground with tamarine cures ant bites.
• Kanabha - Lepa or paste made of mukkuti and butter. Both types of Neelitulasi as Lepa. Dronapushpi swarasa with Ghrita along with Kadaliphala.

Apart from the medicines mentioned above, commonly used drugs such as Dooshivishari agada, Vilwadi gulika, Dashanga gulika, and others can be used internally, while Ksheerivriksha twak, Raktachandana, Vilwadi, Shatadhauta ghtita, Shigrupunarnavadi choorna, Lodrasevyadi, and others can be used externally depending on the condition. [23,24]

Discussion

Semen, faeces, urine, rotten eggs, and putrid carcasses of serpents with Vataja, Pittaja (agneya), and Kaphaja (Ambuja) temperaments spawn many types of worms and insects (Kita). Because the poisons of these rodents, which are little more than insects (Kita), are acted upon by the Doshas, they are likely to be the deadliest in the long term. Keetkalpa is split into Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, and Sannipataj, according to Sushruta samhita. Insects (Keeta) are divided into four categories based on Dosha dominance: three with unique dosha characteristics, and the fourth with all of them together. Pricking and pain are greatly increased when bitten by insects (Keeta) with a Vaayu (Vata) predominance; when bitten by Pitta predominant insects, there is less exudation, but more burning sensation, redness, spreading, and appears like a ripe fruit of coffee (Peelu) or Kharjoora (Phoenix dactilifera); when bitten by Kapha predominant insects, there is mild (Ficus glomerata). There is extensive exudation and the presence of all symptoms when bitten by those of all doshas, and such instances should be disregarded. Insects belonging to the mild chronic (Dooshi Visha) group, according to Acharya Charka, produce red, white, black, or brownish black colouring of the bodily parts. The bitten region develops rashes, which cover the entire area. Itching and burning sensations, erysipelas, suppuration, and sloughing are all present in the patient. Sopha, Jwara, Kandu, and Arochaka would be prevalent in all sorts of Keeta Damsha Karnika, according to Acharya Vagbhatta.[21-22] The vitiation of Doshas must be understood from the symptoms exhibited in order to cure Keeta bite. The disturbed Doshas should be treated with medications that have the opposite qualities. Application of Tila (sesamum seeds) on the affected area, anointing with oil, fomentation with a steam pipe or a ball of cooked rice, and nourishing meals are the best remedies for Vata poisoning. Cold irrigation and cold potency topical treatments should be used to control Pitta's poison.Scraping, incising fomentation, and emetics should be used to cure poisons that are mostly Kapha. After doing Sansodhana, a person bitten by the Visha Keeta should use lepa made from the bark of Kshiri vrikshas (Vata, Pippal, Gullara, Pakkar, Paras Pippal) to cure poisoning. [20,22,23,25]

Conclusion

Keetas are little animals that can cause toxic illnesses in humans. They can be found in our surroundings. These can be visible with the naked eye or not. As a result, they might be mistaken for insects, worms, or even bacteria. Jawara, Angamarda, Romanch, Chhardi, Atisara, Trishana, Daha, Murchha, Jrimbha, Kampanna, Swasa, Hikka, Atisheeta, Shopha, Mandala, Dadru, Karnika, Visarpa, Kitibha, and other diseases can be caused by the toxic Keeta. On the basis of Dosha vitiation, Acharyas have characterised the security of prognosis for Keeta envenomation, stating that the poison that vitiates the greatest number of Doshas has a poor prognosis. The therapy regimens for reducing Dosha aggravation have been indicated by Acharyas, resulting in an improved prognosis. Flexible regimens based on Dosha predominance are also provided by the therapy methods. Thus, by employing all of the ways given in the Samhitas, one can successfully cure Keeta visha.