• Dr. Swatee A. Dangore
• Dr. Piyusha Vithal Sarode

Background: Sarpakshi is an Ayurvedic drug that the Nighantu literature describes as pungent and bitter (astringent in one entry), hot in potency and specifically indicated against visha (animal poisons, notably from snakes, spiders, scorpions and rodents), krimi (worm infestation) and vrana (wounds and ulcers). Its botanical identity remains disputed, and Ophiorrhiza mungos L. (Rubiaceae) is the most widely accepted source. Objective: To integrate classical Ayurvedic descriptions with botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological evidence, including recent studies, and to identify research gaps. Methods: A narrative review of Nighantu texts and commentaries, standard reference works and indexed experimental literature published up to September 2026. Findings: Classical sources give consistent rasa, virya and karma profiles for Sarpakshi and Nakuli. Modern work identifies camptothecin (297.94 µg/g dry weight in one variety; 890–3200 µg/g in hairy-root cultures) together with flavonoids such as luteolin-7-O-glucoside and other indole alkaloids. Preclinical data support antivenom, antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial activity and a role as a source of anticancer leads, and studies from 2023–2026 extend this to green nanotechnology and camptothecin-producing endophytes. No controlled human trial was identified. Conclusion: Classical claims on visha are partly supported by experimental data, whereas claims on krimi and vrana remain untested. Authentication, standardisation and safety studies should precede clinical claims.

Sarpakshi; Nakuli; Ophiorrhiza mungos; Nighantu; camptothecin; antivenom

"Sarpakshi (Nakuli) in Ayurveda: A Critical Review of Classical Perspectives, Botanical Identity, Phytochemistry and Contemporary Pharmacological Evidence", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no.b155-b162, October-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610118.pdf

"Sarpakshi (Nakuli) in Ayurveda: A Critical Review of Classical Perspectives, Botanical Identity, Phytochemistry and Contemporary Pharmacological Evidence", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no. ppb155-b162, October-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610118.pdf