A comparative clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Swarasa and Kashaya of Nimba, Amrita, Bhumyamalaki, Bhringaraja and Katuki (NABBK) in the management of Kostashakhashrita Kamala vis-à-vis Viral Hepatitis

Kamala is a one among the Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara, where there is aversion towards all desires. Two types of Kamala are mentioned in Ayurvedic classics viz Kostashakhashrita Kamala and Shakhashrita Kamala. Kostashakhashrita Kamala in its definition includes the condition which is mentioned as viral hepatitis in western system of medicine. The treatment modalities described in Ayurveda for Kostashakhashrita Kamala include both Shodhana and Shamana. This study is an attempt to evaluate the efficacy of Nimba, Amrita, Bhumyamalaki, Bhringaraja and Katuki (NABBK) Kashaya and compare its efficacy with that of Nimba, Amrita, Bhumyamalaki, Bhringaraja (NABB) Swarasa with Katuki Churna in Kostashakhashrita Kamala vis-à-vis Viral Hepatitis. Overall difference between two groups showed statistically non-significant result with ‘p’ value 0.953.

A randomized, comparative, open clinical trial for evaluating the efficacy of PP/JLN/107/09-10 Syrup in the management of Functional Constipation

Context: Functional constipation which has no underlying organic causes is difficult to be allopathic treatment for long term due to its side effects and undeniable effect, thus a natural balanced and compatible formulation needs to be validated. Objectives: Current study aimed to assess a poly-herbal formulation in management of functional constipation. Material and Methods: This study was 28 days, two armed, randomized, open labeled, prospective clinical study. 60 clinically confirmed cases of functional constipation patients randomized to receive orally either 2 teaspoonful of PP/JLN/107/09-10 Syrup or 1 teaspoonful of 5- 6 gm of Isabgol powder. Results were analyzed as per Rome II criteria and other associated symptoms like headache, acidity, belching, barborgysmy, flatulence and abdominal dis tension or bloating which are recorded on VAS score. Results: PP/JLN/107/09-10 scored over Isabgol on four out of six parameters of Rome II Criteria viz., frequency of bowel movement, straining at defecation, lumpy I har dstool formation, feeling of incomplete evacuation, feeling of ano-rectal blockage and manual maneuvers (p less than 0.001). Trial drugs showed comparable effects (p > 0.05) in reducing the mean scores of associated symptoms like headache, acidity, belching, borgorgysmy, flatulence and abdominal distension. However, trial drug was found to perform statistically significant result in more number of parameters in comparison to Isabgol. Conclusion: PP/JLN/107/09-10 was found to be effective and safe in reliving functional constipation.

Comparative clinical study of Alambushadi Churna and Dwipanchmuladya Tail Basti in the management of Amavata vis-a–vis Rheumatoid Arthritis

In Ayurvedic text book, Amavata symptom is mentioned as swelling, joint pain, numbness, appetite loss, indigestion and fever. In Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, Amavata is mentioned as a syndrome called Vatavyadhi, a diverse group of symptoms that are organized according to the systemic and local manifestations of Vata Dosha. According to the Charaka Samhita of Vatavyadhi, when Vata affects the Asthi and Majja there is painful swelling and immobility of the joints. Hence clinical study is planned to evaluate effect of Alambushadi Churna and in the Management of Amavata for that 60 Patients having classical symptomatology of Amavata have been selected from Kayachikitsa OPD and IPD of Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and divided in two groups. Results of study shows that the sign and symptoms e.g., Loss of appetite, Angamarda, Alasya etc. due to derangement of Aam are observed to be improved in by Alambushadi Churna oral dose compared to Methotrexate.

Correlation of Griva Parinaah (GP) in Anguli Praman and BMI in Medovriddhi (Obesity) w.s.r. to Cardiovascular Risk

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in India is increasing faster than the world average Medovriddhi (obesity) shows the symptoms as increased size of buttocks, breast and abdomen, Shwasa (breathlessness) after slight movement also. Acharya Bhavprakash added one more symptom the oversize of the neck (Griva). Acharya Sushruta mentioned the Griva measurement should be 20 Angul for both males and females with their fingers (self-finger unit). In modern science, body mass index (BMI) is used to find out obesity. Obesity is the foremost cause of cardiovascular diseases. BMI is the generalized metric way but Grivaparinaah in Swangulpramaan is a personalized quantifying anthropometric measurement. Individuals of Medovriddhi having an age group of 20 to 70 years were selected. So, intending to the height the importance of Grivaparinaah described in Medodhatu Vruddhi correlation study having been carried out. A positive correlation was found in GP with BMI in both genders having r-value of 0.3533 (p less than 0.05) for males and 0.3137 (p less than 0.05) for females. Using ROC curve analysis GP is >21.63 Angul for males and females were determined to be the best cut-off level for identifying a subject with BMI as cardiovascular risk.

Pharmaceutico-analytical study of Mayurpiccha Bhasma - An Ayurvedic preparation

Background: Mayurpiccha Bhasma is a classical Ayurvedic kalpa prepare from peacock feathers, which is commonly used for treatment of Vomiting, Hiccups, Respiratory illness etc. Method of preparation of Mayurpiccha Bhasma is mentioned in Siddhayog sangraha and Bhaishyajya Samhita. Material and Methods: Mayurpiccha Bhasma was prepared by procedure mentioned in Siddhayog sangraha i.e. Peacock feathers are burn on ghee flame and finished product was subjected to various Physico-chemical analysis like Moisture content, Ash value, Chemical components etc. Observations: Observations were noted while testing of finish product. Result and Conclusion: Various observations and reports of tests were noted.

Clinical Study of Nirgundi Ghana Vati with Nirgundi Patra Panda Sweda in the management on Amavata

Today as man is climbing the step of success, he is moving away from health abnormal food habits, style of living, greed, anger have become a part of his life. The sedentary life style has given birth to number of diseases. Amavata is one of the challenging diseases for the physicians due to its chronicity, incurability, complications and morbidity. Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) the term desires from the words as “Ama ” and “Vata” the word Ama is the condition which in various ailments in system due to its toxic effect. The Ama when combines with Vatadosha and occupies in Shleshmasthana (Asthi Sandhi) results painful disease „Amavata‟ The disease is characterized by various features like Sandhishoola in the nature of Toda, swelling inability of joints movements etc. In this research work 16 patients were registered, these patients were given Nirgundi Ghan Vati in the doses of 500gm two Vati three times a day for 30 days, along with Nirgundi Patra Pinda Sweda in 28 days. Results show that significant decrease in the symptoms of Amavata after treatment regimen.

An experimental study to evaluate the antidotal activity of Neeli Moola (Indigofera tinctoria) Kalka w.s.r to haematological parameters in Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox ) induced toxicity

Background: Vatsanabha is a potent cardiac poison comes under the category of Mahavisha with its main active principles aconitine, picraconine and pseudaconine. In the literatures there are descriptions about toxicants and in some traditional Malayalam textbooks antidotes has been explained under the concept “Prathyoushadha”. Neeli Moola has been mentioned as a Prathyoushadha for Vatsanabha poisoning in a renowned textbook „Visha Vaidya Jyotsnika‟. Hence to evaluate the antidotal activity in Vatsanabha poisoning, Neeli Moola Kalka has been used and the haematological parameters were analyzed to screen the results. Methods: Wistar strain albino rats were used in this study which were divided into 3 groups, normal control, toxic control and the test drug group. The duration of the study was 28 days .The data generated was mentioned as Mean±SEM. Difference among the groups was assessed by employing one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet‟s mul tiple „t‟ test. Results: Reversible action has been observed after the administration of Neeli Moola Kalka in the hematological parameters which has shown toxicity changes due to administration of Vatsanabha. Conclusion: Neeli Moola Kalka is having mild to moderate antidote effect in Vatsanbha induced toxicity.

A clinical study to evaluate the combined effect of Yavaksharayukta Swarnamakshika with Varanadi Kashaya in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the adenomatous hyperplasia of the periurethral part of the prostate gland that occurs especially in men over 50 years old and that tends to obstruct urination by constricting the urethra. Overall nearly 80% of men will develop BPH, and as many as 30% will receive treatment for it. The present study was a clinical validation and standardization of Ayurvedic medicines which can provide an improved response to the disease as the present conventional practices are not satisfactory. The study design was interventional. Twenty patients satisfying the selection criteria were selected from the OPD of Government Ayurveda College, Trivandrum. 125 mg of Swarnamakshika and Yavakshara were advised to take with Madhu, followed by 48 ml of Varanadikashaya for a period of 45 days. Assessments were done before and after the study using assessment criteria. The study was statistically significant in symptomatic relief. The study therefore concludes that the combination is effective in the management of BPH.

Assessment of relation between Dhatusarata and Dehabala w.s.r. to Harvard Step Test

The growth and existence of the human body is dependent on these seven Dhatus. These seven Dhatus are composed of five elements or Panchmahabhutas. Dhatu Sarata or Tissue excellence is a quality assessment of seven Dhatu. Examination of Dhatu Sarata is done at physical and psychological level. For determining the Dhatu Sarata, when the positive features are present above 75 %, it will be considered as best tissue quality (Uttam Sarata). When the positive features are present between 75 % and 25 %, it will be considered as moderate tissue quality (Madhyam Sarata). When positive features are present below 25 %, it will be labeled as poor tissue quality (Heen Sarata). The bodily movements which are meant for producing firmness and strength in the body are known as Vyayama or physical exercises. „Dehabala’ (Physical fitness) of subjects will be determined by Harvard step test. “Harvard Step Test” is a practical application of Ayurvedic Principal that “Bala should be measured by Vyamshakti” (Balam Vyayamshakty Parikshet). The person should be examined with reference to his capacity for exercise which is determined by one‟s ability to perform work. Therefore this study will estimate Dehabala and study the Dhatusarata and their association between them.

Pharmaceutical standardization of Palashakshara

Standardization of herbal drugs is essential to certify their quality and purity. Kshara (alkaline substance) of Palasha (Butea monosperma) is an important constituent in many Ayurvedic formulations, but its standard manufacturing process (SMP) is not attempted till date. This study is aimed to establish SMP for Palashakshara. In pharmaceutical process; generally, the sediments of ash obtained at the end of washes will be discarded. However, in the study, we attempted to wash the sediments repeatedly by adding water to extract more Kshara. Palasha was collected from the local area and authenticated. Kshara was prepared by following standard methods and the preliminary physicochemical profile was developed. It is observed that the ash yields Kshara even in the consecutive washes. First wash yielded 21.23% w/w Kshara, while the second and third washes yielded 9.38% w/w and 4.76% w/w, respectively. Repeated washes yield more Kshara. Hence, it is advocated to wash the ashes repeatedly. As the findings are encouraging, similar experiments can be extended to all other Kshara preparations.