Critical review on Samyoga Viruddha (combination incompatibility) with special emphasis on carcinogenic effect of combination of betel quid, areca nut and tobacco

BACKGROUND: The system of ancient Indian medicine is contributing in the global health since the time immemorial. Fast food and different types of addictions like tobacco etc. are becoming part of new lifestyles. Concept of Viruddha (hostility) is one such principle under the umbrella of which many such newly adopted faulty and harmful lifestyle combination could be placed. Samyoga Viruddha (combination incompatibility) is the term used to denote unwholesome effects of two or more combined things. Tobacco preparations or other addictions coming under the concept of Samyoga Viruddha may not show any hazardous effects initially due to Vitathatwa (futility). Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Samshamana (intervention to normalize vitiated body constituents and function), Samskara (pharmaceutical processing of a drug) and Padamshika Krama (gradual adoption and quitting) are some measures to deal with disorders produced by Samyoga Viruddha. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This article is aimed to elaborate the concept of Samyoga and Samyoga Viruddha with special emphasis on tobacco as an example. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data are collected from ancient texts and recent research articles, supported with discussion and presented. RESULTS: Article concludes that betel quid, which is a mixture of areca nut, betel leaf, slaked lime and tobacco is a perfect example of Samyoga Viruddha and its hazardous effects can be managed with principles of Viruddha Ahara (mutually contraindicated food).