⮚ Dr. Sandhya D S

• Designation: Professor & HOD
• Years of Experience: 20 Years
• NCISM teachers ID: AYDG00601
• RGUHS Teachers ID: A0170
• SAMC&H Employee ID: SAMC&H/T/034

⮚ Dr. Harish Babu H

• Designation: Professor
• Years of Experience: 10 Years
• NCISM teachers ID: AYAT00223
• RGUHS Teachers ID: A0172
• SAMC&H Employee ID: SAMC&H/T/026

⮚Dr. Swathi Sharma

• Designation: Assistant Professor
• Years of Experience: 4.11 Years
• NCISM teachers ID: AYAT00400
• RGUHS Teachers ID: ———–
• SAMC&H Employee ID: SAMC&H/T/060

⮚	Department Initiatives:
      1. Victoria Hospital Autopsy Postings: The Agada Tantra department provides students with hands-on experience through autopsy postings at Victoria Hospital. This initiative allows students to observe forensic investigations firsthand, enhancing their practical knowledge of medico-legal autopsies and the process of determining cause of death in various criminal cases.

     2. Court Visits: The department organizes regular court visits for students to observe real-world legal proceedings involving forensic and toxicological evidence. These visits help students understand the practical application of forensic medicine and medical jurisprudence in the judicial system, providing insights into the role of experts in court.

    3. Forensic Science Laboratories Visit: Students are exposed to forensic science labs where they can learn about various techniques used in forensic investigations, including evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation. These labs help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in solving criminal cases.

    4. CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute) Visit:

Collaborations with CFTRI allow students to explore the toxicological aspects of food safety, foodborne diseases, and contamination. This initiative provides valuable insights into the impact of food-related toxins and their legal implications.

    5. Snake Park: The department also utilizes local resources like the Snake Park (Bannergatta National Park)for educational purposes, offering students the opportunity to learn about venomous snakes, their identification, and the effects of their bites. This is particularly relevant for toxicology students to understand venomous substances and treatments for snakebite incidents.

These initiatives offer practical exposure to students, enhancing their knowledge and skills in forensic medicine, toxicology, and legal processes.

⮚	Department Activities: 

       1. Demonstration of Live Snakes under supervision: As part of the curriculum, the Agada Tantra Department organizes live snake demonstrations for students under the guidance of experts. These demonstrations help students identify various venomous and non-venomous snakes, understand the toxicology of snake venom, and learn about the treatment of snakebites. It offers valuable practical insights into the field of toxicology and medical jurisprudence.

      2. Adulteration Tests: The department conducts practical sessions on adulteration tests, where students learn to detect adulterants in food, water, and other substances. These tests help students understand the significance of food safety and the legal implications of adulteration, preparing them to contribute to public health safety and regulatory efforts.

        3. Tests for Heavy Metals in Urine: The department trains students in performing tests for the presence of heavy metals in urine samples. These tests are vital in toxicology to diagnose poisoning due to heavy metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic. Students learn about the toxic effects, detection methods, and legal aspects surrounding such poisoning cases.

Guest Lectures:

The department regularly organizes guest lectures by experts in forensic medicine, toxicology, and legal medicine. These lectures provide students with insights from professionals, offering an opportunity to expand their knowledge in specialized areas and stay updated on current trends and advancements in the field.

Observation of National Days of Importance:

The Agada Tantra Department observes various national days related to health, safety, and environmental awareness, such as World Poison Prevention Day, National Forensic Science Day, and others. These observances include workshops, seminars, and awareness programs to promote the importance of forensic medicine, toxicology, and public health, as well as to honor the contributions of professionals in the field.

⮚	Research and Publications from the Department:

The department focuses on interdisciplinary research in collaboration with other institutions, which broadens the scope of its work. Through these research initiatives and publications, the department aims to contribute to the scientific community and improve practical applications in forensic science, toxicology, and health safety.

The following are the projects completed and ongoing

Publications of the department Include: 

• Herb-Drug Interactions: A Systematic Review. Indian J Ancien Med Yog. 2019;12 (4):153 157.
• A protocol to prevent and treat Corona Virus Disease 2019 – A pandemic in the perspective of Ayurveda with special reference to Charaka Samhita – A concept paper, Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine Volume-IX, Issue-I (Jan-Feb 2021).
• What is the molecular basis of Prakrti ? – an Ayurveda phenotype – A narrative review of evidence, Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine Volume-VIII, Issue-V (Sept.- Oct. 2020).
• A survey on the need for developing an Ayurveda based personality (TRIDOSHAPRAKRTI) INVENTORY-, Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine Volume-II, Issue I 2016
• Healthy life style prescriptions for different personality (TRIDOSHA PRAKRITI)- Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine Volume-I, IssueII2016
• Development of Sushrutha Prakrti Inventory , An Ayurveda based personality assessment tool- Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine Volume-II, IssueVIII 2017
• Review on Amruta Ghrita Agada (Visha Hara) Probable Action as Adjuvant Therapy during Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, European Journal Pharmaceutical and medical research, September 2021, Vol 8, Issue 9
• An Ayurvedic Approach to Acute Pancreatitis: A Case study, International Journal of Research and Analytical Research, August 2021, Vol 8, Issue 3
• Oothu Chikitsa (Blowing Therapy)-A Review on Crisis Management in Snake Bites International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga. Vol. 5 (6),82-87, June, 2022
• Vishahara (antitoxic) management in pesticide induced bilateral palmar dermatitis: A case report, JACR. Aug 2022
• A preliminary study on weight promoting action of a few indigenous herbal drugs (Brimhaniya mahakashaya). Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Vol.-XI, Issue-IX(Sept. 2023).
• A Preliminary Study on VranaropanaKarma(Wound Healing Action) Of Curcuma longaLinn. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Vol.-XI, Issue-X(Oct.2023)

⮚	Best Practices of Department (If Any)

The Agada Tantra Department follows best practices by engaging students in the preparation of agadas, where they learn traditional and modern techniques for crafting medicinal formulations used in toxicology. An analytical study of agadas is emphasized, enabling students to assess their chemical composition and efficacy through scientific methods such as chromatography and spectroscopy. Additionally, the department organizes awareness programs to educate the public on the importance of poison prevention, safe use of traditional remedies, and first aid in poisoning cases.