The Effect of An Aloe-Based Polyherbal Formulation in Adults with Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Six-Months Clinical Follow-up Trial

The most common functional gastrointestinal problem in the world is functional constipation. "Ayarij-e-Faiqra (AF)" is a polyherbal formula that has been recommended by Persian Medicine as an efficent purgative agent . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of AF on functional constipation using a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. According to the Rome III classification, 79 adults with functional constipation were included in this trial. The diagnostic criteria were according to the Rome III classification. Patients with constipation symptoms who referred to the traditional medicine clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences from April 2014 to September 2016 were randomly allocated to the AF and placebo groups. The AF and placebo groups received AF and placebo for three months, respectively and followed up for another three months. During the study, the treatment efficacy was assessed by a questionnaire. AF treatment significantly decreased most of the symptoms by 84% at the end of the first month (p < 0.05) and by 90% at the end of the third month in comparison to placbo group (p < 0.001). However, three months after the end of the intervention, the frequency of constipation symptoms in both groups was not statistically significant. Based on the satisfaction questionnaire, the treatment satisfaction score during the intervention was increased to 9 in the AF group, but no significant difference was found between the two groups three months after the intervention (p > 0.005). Although AF could be beneficial for treating functional constipation without significant side effects, changing patients’ lifestyles has great importance in this process.

Chemical Standards and HPTLC Finger Print Profiles of a Siddha Polyherbal Formulation - Kadukkai Legiyam

To study physico-chemical, phytochemical and high performance thin layer chromatography of a Siddha drug “Kadukkai Legiyam” (KL). The prepared Kadukkai Legiyam (KL) was prepared as per the standard operating procedures mentioned in literature. Then the drug was subjected to physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatographic photo documentation (TLC), high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) finger print profile of hexane, chloroform, ethanol and hydro alcohol (1:1) extracts. Different extracts of the drug showed distinct TLC and HPTLC finger print patterns which will be unique to this drug. This study giving information about physiochemical and phytochemical analysis and HPTLC fingerprint profile of different extracts, the integration spectrum which will useful in standardizing the raw drugs and future comparison studies.

Digestive Activity of Pancha Harithakadi Churna

The traditional systems of medicine are really effective but the problem with them is they lack in quality assurance. Standardization is the need of the hour in ayurvedic system of medicine. PanchaHarithakadi Churna (PHC) is a traditional polyherbal formulation which consists of five household ingredients used for indigestion. It is mainly used for Constipation and Bloating. Churna’s will play a major role in gastro intestinal problems and they have greater bioavailability because of smaller particle size. It consists of fine powder (sieve 100 size) of ginger rhizomes, fennel fruits, myrobalan fruits, senna leaflets and pink rock salt in equal proportions (1:1:1:1:1) are mixed well. PHC was formulated by standard procedures and evaluated by microscopic characterization, inorganic analysis and digestive studies. Microscopical characters indicate the presence of genuine crude drugs used in the formulation. Inorganic analysis shows the presence of calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride and phosphate. The PHC showed pronounced amylolytic activity and trypsin activity whereas moderate lipolytic activity, proteolytic activity and pepsin activity, mild chymotrypsin activity in treating indigestion. In future we will carry out in vivo digestive studies.

Optimization and validation of polyherbal formulation by applying Box-Behnken design for the treatment of Inflammatory bowel disease in experimental animals.

Background: The use of herbal medicine in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had been increased significantly. Allopathic treatment of IBD leads too many side effects therefore use of the herbal formulation is promising. Aegle Marmelos, Bombax malabericum, and Hollarrhena antidysentrica plants have been used to treat IBD. Objective: To evaluate a designed polyherbal formulation in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats and To validate mathematical model derived by Box-Behnken experimental design for optimized polyherbal formulation for the treatment of IBD in experimental rats by checkpoint analysis. Method: Three-level Box-Behnken design was selected to optimize the dose. Polyherbal formulation consist of plant extract of Aegle Marmelos (X1), Bombax malabericum (X2), and Hollarrhena antidysentrica (X3) in different ratios were selected as independent variable. Polynomial equations were established based on Analysis of variance (ANOVA). To validate the chosen polynomial equation checkpoint analysis were performed. The percentage of predictive error is presented. Results: ANOVA reveals that X2 plant does not have any significant impact on the response surface. The checkpoint batch showed the experimental value of CMDI and Disease activity index (DAI) as 1.33 and 0.66 respectively. It is worthwhile to note that the observed values were quite close to the calculated values of CMDI. A little difference in the value of DAI may be attributed to the inherent variation observed in animal studies. Conclusion: From this study, it was concluded that a dose of Aegle marmelos 100 mg/kg, a dose of Bombax malabericum 300 mg/kg, and a dose of Holarrhena antidysentrica 200 mg/kg will always be effective in IBD patients.

18KHT01, a Potent Anti-Obesity Polyherbal Formulation

Obesity is a life-threatening metabolic disorder necessitating urgent development of safe and effective therapy. Currently, limited such therapeutic measures are available for obesity. The present study was designed to develop a novel, safe and effective herbal therapy for the management of obesity. A polyherbal formulation (18KHT01) was developed by homogeneously mixing a specific proportion of crude Quercus acutissima (acorn jelly powder), Camellia sinensis (dry leaf buds), and Geranium thunbergii (dry aerial part) along with Citrus limon (fruit juice). Synergistic antioxidant, antiadipogenic, and anti-obesity activities were evaluated by in vitro as well as in vivo studies. In vitro experiments revealed strong synergistic antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities of 18KHT01. Molecular assessment of 18KHT01 showed significant down-regulation of vital adipogenic factors such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2, SREBP-1c, FAS, and LPL. Based on the results of the preliminary toxicity study, 75 and 150 mg/kg, twice daily doses of 18KHT01 were administered to evaluate anti-obesity activity in diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6J mice model. The major obesity-related parameters such as body weight, weight gain, food efficiency ratio, as well as serum lipid profile were significantly reduced by 18KHT01 with potential synergism. Also, the high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance was suggestively alleviated by the formulation, and thus ameliorated fasting blood glucose. Histological evaluation of liver and white adipose tissue revealed that the significant reduction of fat depositions and thus reduction of these tissue weights. Synergy evaluation experiments exhibited that the 18KHT01 offered strong synergism by improving efficacy and reducing the toxicity of its ingredients. Overall results evidenced the 18KHT01 as a safe and potent anti-obesity herbal therapy.

EFFECT OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATION IN SHEETAPITTA (URTICARIA): A CASE STUDY

Aim: Urticaria is a common condition in children for which Paediatricians are consulted. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Sheetapitta which is a Tridoshaja vyadhi. The present study is aimed to show the effect of Polyherbal formulation in Sheetapitta (Urticaria) in children. Background: Urticaria is defined as a transient eruption of cir- cumscribed oedematous and usually itchy swellings of the dermis. As per Ayurveda, Urticaria can be correlated with Sheetapitta in terms of clinic features, causative factors and pathogenesis. Case Description: A 14-year-old female patient with her mother from Haridwar district came in OPD of Department of Kaumarbhritya, Rishikul Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Haridwar with the presenting complaints of red rashes all over the body along with itching, burning sensation and swelling since 2 years also having associated complaints like nasal con- gestion, sneezing and swelling B/L eyes from 2 months. On examining upper respiratory tract left-sided nasal hy- pertrophy, chapped lips, white-coated tongue, rt. sided slightly enlarged tonsils were found. On examining the In- tegumentary system, maculopapular lesions were present mainly over the upper limb, lower limb, chest and back. Swelling underneath B/L eyes was also present. The effect of the treatment was assessed on the basis of relief in itching and clearance of lesions. Conclusion: After the intervention of the polyherbal formulation for 45 days, there was a marked improvement in symptoms like Kandu, Vidaha and Shotha etc. So, it was concluded that internal use of Polyherbal formulation along with external use of Anu taila and the local application of Urtiplex lotion is highly effective in the management of Sheetapitta (Urticaria). Keywords: Urticaria, Sheetapitta, Kandu, Allergic disease