Concept of Dundubiswaniya in indoor air pollution on microbial load – An experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: In Ayurveda, Visha means something which simultaneously vitiates the tridosha and leads to death. In the olden days, there were many ways of poisoning the environment, with the intention of killing or harming the person, which may lead to many complications ranging from minor external manifestations to fatal conditions. It can be closely correlated with present-day environmental pollution, which is one of the most challenging issues worldwide. Due to this pollution or poisons, people are suffering from many diseases and also new diseases are arising out of that. Methods: In this study, we conducted Dundubiswaniya, a classical method of air purification with three different trials, each trial was conducted for 7 days with a gap of 10 days for each. Dundubiswaniya method, that is the application of Agadas (antipoisons drugs) on Dundubi (drums), was played in a controlled room environment for the reduction of indoor pollution with respect to microbial load. Before and after the procedure, microbial samples were collected from the study room, and also on the 3rd day and 7th day after the procedure, microbial samples were collected to estimate its effect. Samples were collected using the settle plate method and swabs. Results: As per the statistical analysis, there was a reduction in 1st trial compared to other trials, air samples showed a reduction in microbial load than the wall samples. However, there was no complete reduction of microbial load. Here, environmental factors should be considered as they are the major factors responsible for microbial growth. Conclusion: As Acharyas explained the Dundubiswaniya method in outdoor pollution, hence it may give better results in outdoor pollution than in indoor pollution.

Keywords

• dundubiswaniya concept
• environmental pollution
• microbial load
• visha