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Introduction: Many Ayurvedic herbs of high therapeutic value, such as Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox), Kupilu (Strychnos nux-vomica), and Bhanga (Cannabis sativa), are inherently toxic in crude form. Ayurveda prescribes specialized purification procedures (Shodhana) to detoxify and render these herbs safe for therapeutic use. In modern pharmacology, safety validation involves rigorous toxicological assays. This review aims to critically analyze Ayurvedic Shodhana practices and correlate them with modern safety evaluations. Methods: A systematic review of classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Rasatarangini, Rasamrita, and Bhavaprakasha), pharmacognosy monographs, and modern scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH Research Portal) was conducted. Inclusion criteria comprised experimental, pharmacological, and toxicological studies on Shodhana of toxic herbs. Clinical reports and safety evaluations were also included. Results: Evidence indicates that Shodhana procedures—using media such as cow’s urine, cow’s milk, herbal decoctions, and lime water—chemically transform toxic alkaloids, reducing their toxicity while retaining therapeutic efficacy. For instance, aconitine content in Vatsanabha decreases significantly after purification with cow’s urine and cow’s milk. Similarly, strychnine and brucine levels in Kupilu reduce after Shodhana with cow’s milk or ginger juice. Modern studies confirm reduced LD₅₀ values and improved safety margins post-purification. However, controlled clinical trials and molecular mechanism studies remain limited. Discussion: Ayurvedic Shodhana aligns conceptually with detoxification and biotransformation principles in pharmacology. Modern validation supports the safety-enhancing effect but requires standardized protocols, chemical profiling, and rigorous toxicological assessments. Conclusion: Shodhana bridges traditional detoxification practices with modern toxicological safety validation. Integrating Ayurveda and pharmacology offers a promising model for safe utilization of toxic herbs, warranting further interdisciplinary research.

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, detoxification, pharmacological safety, Shodhana, toxic herbs