A Literary Review on Mrigashringa – Antler or Horn

Abstract

Ayurveda is a science of life, deals with diseases in a holistic way so that once cured will never re-occur, as root cause is treated. The concept of using Bio-waste products was in practice since time immortal. Animal products are very commonly used in Ayurvedic preparations since vedic period, among them, Mrigashringa is one of controversial animal products. In Rasashastra, Iatro-chemistry and Ayurveda Pharmaceutics is a special branch of Ayurveda deals with identification and processing of various Minerals, Metals, Germ stones, Poisons, Silicate, Alkaline materials and Animal products. Mrigashringa was mentioned under one in sudha varga dravya and bio-waste product of Stag-deer having high medicinal values; Mrigashringabhasma is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus etc., carbonates and it is effective in treating heart disorders, respiratory tract infections and acid peptic disorders even in very minimal dose. The antler of stag deer is used to make handles to knives, walking sticks, interior decorations and believed to be rakshoghanam or bhutaghnam (controls viral infections, relieves of psychiatric disorders) in nature. As the demand for Mrigashringa is very high, vendors usually adulterate the sample by horns of other animals. To avoid all such uncertainty, an attempt was planned, compiled and presented lucid way in this literary review on Mrigashringa.