Concepts of Pathology from Ancient India-A Review of Sanskrit Literature

Contribution by ancient physicians from the Indian subcontinent towards field of pathology has been largely unknown globally. This paper aims at providing a glimpse knowledge possessed Sanskrit scholars times (derived texts written originally between 1500 B.C. and A.D) regarding basis disease correlating their ideas with our present understanding concepts in Pathology. Ayurveda (traditional medicine) was developed India during Vedic age (approximately 1500-500 BC). The early ayurvedic practitioners gave due importance to etiopathogenesis diseases as separate called Nidana-shastra. (Nidāna means etiology or cause). Charaka emphasized that illness is caused imbalance three principles (doshas) - vata, pitta kapha, genetic defects are transmitted either sperm ovum. Sushruta depicted various modes communicable transmission physical contact, exhaled air, close fomites etc, Madhava classified based on pathogenesis (primary secondary), (endogenous exogenous) prognosis (curable, incurable, mild acute). Chakrapani propounded epidemics community occur deterioration factors common all who inhabit community- namely water, soil, food, etc. Vagabhatta personal hygiene proper nutrition for good health elaborated role contaminated river water several diseases. Agada tantra science poisons antidotes which founded Kashyapa.