Galib Ruknuddin

Efficacy of Ayurvedic remedies in type 2 diabetes: A review through works done at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rapidly rising throughout the globe at an alarming rate, where India leads with largest number of diabetics and became diabetes capital of the world. Currently available conventional options for diabetes have certain limitations; considering which options from alternative resources are being searched to meet the need. Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian subcontinent hold huge number of remedies that can be useful in the treatment of diabetes and associated complications. To revalidate the actual efficacy of these formulations in DM (~Madhumeha); many studies have been carried out at different research centers of India. The current attempt is aimed to compile such works done at two Post Graduate institutes of Gujarat Ayurved University during 2000-2013. These studies aimed at establishing the impact of various Ayurvedic treatment modalities viz. Shodhana (purification/cleansing procedures) and Shamana (pacifying medicinal treatment) etc., in DM. These therapies were found to increase quality of life, significantly effective and clinically safe as no adverse drug reactions were reported during the treatment period.

Effect of tamra bhasma (calcined copper) on ponderal and biochemical parameters

Introduction: Tamra Bhasma (TB) and its forms like Somnathi Tamra Bhasma (STB), etc., are in vogue since centuries in Ayurveda. The present study is carried out to evaluate the effect of TB and STB in different dose levels on ponderal and biochemical parameters in wistar strain albino rats to provide scientific basis for its safety profile. Materials and Methods: TB and STB were prepared as per the classical guidelines and administered to wistar strain albino rats for 45 consecutive days. Blood was collected and rats were sacrificed on the 46 th day. Ponderal and biochemical parameters were studied. Results: Results showed significant decrease in serum cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Comparatively, all the differences in between the groups are insignificant and no pathological changes at ponderal and biochemical levels were observed. Conclusion: Based on these observations, it can be said that these formulations can be safely used in cases of hyperlipidemia.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Dashanga Ghana: An Ayurvedic compound formulation

Background and Objectives : Inflammation is the self-protective reaction of tissues towards infection, irritants, or foreign substances. Though it is a part of host defence mechanism, when it becomes severe, it turns out to be a hopeless condition which causes damage of tissues; hence control of inflammation becomes essential. In Ayurvedic texts, a number of medicinal preparations to combat inflammation have been found; among them, Dashanga Yoga is one, which is said to be significant in combating inflammation. To revalidate this claim, the present experimental study was undertaken. Materials and Methods : Wistar strain albino rats weighing 200 ± 20 g and Swiss albino mice (26 ± 2 g) of either sex were used in the study. Pharmacologically validated models were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Dashanga Yoga was administered at dose of 45 mg/kg and 65 mg/kg for rat and mouse, respectively. Results : Dashanga Yoga significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema ( P Conclusion : The results revealed that Dashanga Yoga has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Hence, it can be used in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions.

Anti-arthritic activity of Dashanga Ghana (an ayurvedic compound formulation) against Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis in Charles Foster albino rats

Introduction: Arthritis is the most common cause of disability, limiting the activities of adults throughout the world. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long-term usage of these drugs have resulted in adverse effects. Besides this, currently a number of medicinal plants are under scientific evaluation to develop a promising remedy in these cases. There is a need to investigate the complete therapeutic potential of these herbals for providing newer and safer treatment options with minimum side effects. Considering this, a polyherbal Ayurvedic compound formulation (Dashanga Ghana) has been studied in experimental animals to evaluate anti-arthritic activity. Materials and Methods: Dashanga Ghana has been prepared in the laboratory by following standard guidelines. Charles Foster albino rats were used to evaluate the activity through Freunds adjuvant induced arthritis model. Results and Conclusions: Dashanga Ghana is found to possess significant anti-arthritic activity. Further studies are required to identify and characterize exact active phyto-constituents and to elucidate the exact mechanism of action, which is responsible for the observed pharmacological profile.

Synoptic Review on Aṣṭāngavaleha - A Polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation for Bronchial Asthma

Introduction: Avaleha (Linctus) is a unique dosage form of Ayurveda that is frequently used in various disorders and as Rasāyana (Immunomodulators). Aṣṭāngavaleha is one such formulation being used for Śvāsa (Asthma), Jvara (Fever), Hikkā (Hiccup) and Kāsa (Cough). Aṣṭāngavaleha has not been mentioned in Brūhattrayī. It had been extensively reviewed from Vrndamādhava, Cakradatta, Vangasena, Ġadanigraha, Śārangadhara saṁhitā, Bhāvaprakāśa and Yogaratnākara. Screening through various texts revealed that Aṣṭāngavaleha has been mentioned in these treatises with few modifications like changes in Anupāna (vehicle) or few ingredients. Methods: An attempt has been made to compile scattered information about Aṣṭāngavaleha from the texts of 9th to 20th AD explaining its pharmacological potential in Śvāsa along with the pharmacological activities of its ingredients from Brūhattrayī and Nighaṇṭus. Results: Among these texts, Aṣṭāngavaleha had been mentioned by different name in four texts, with different Anupāna (adjuvant) in one text, its use for different disease in two texts, mentioned with different ingredients in two texts and with different preparation method and Anupāna in Ayurvedic Pharmacoepoeia of India. Conclusion: This work may prove a torch bearer for future research works on Aṣṭāngavaleha.

Pharmaceutical standardization and preliminary quality control parameters of Shirishavaleha prepared from two different liquid media

CONTEXT: The different dosage forms of Ayurveda are mostly prepared in the presence of Jala (water) as Drava dravya (extracting medium). Transfer of the medicinal properties of any Dravya (drug) is done on the virtue of Drava dravya (liquid medium). Screening through the classics reveal that seers used Drava such as Kshira (cows milk), Gomutra (cows urine) and Kanji (sour gruel) in preparing different formulations based on the necessity. These media are either used to get more extraction from the raw material or according to suitability and hence to increase the efficacy of the finished formulation. However, information on comparative profiles of a formulation prepared in the presence of different media is not available till date. AIM: Considering this, it is aimed to develop standard manufacturing procedure and possible analytical profiles of Shirishavaleha prepared from Kanji and water as media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The formulation was prepared in the presence of water and Kanji with the usage of Twak (bark) of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth.) in eight batches. The quality control parameters such as determination of pH, moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash value, alcohol-soluble extractive value, water-soluble extractive value, total fat, total solid content, total sugar estimation, total saponin, total alkaloids, total tannin estimation, microbial limit test and determination of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, and As) to develop preliminary analytical profiles and qualitative test for various functional groups and high-performance thin layer chromatography profile were also carried out by following the standard guidelines. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in pharmaceutical and analytical aspects of both the samples of Shirishavaleha. CONCLUSION: The current methods of preparation can be considered as standard in further studies. The absence of microbial contamination and heavy metals reflects the quality and safety aspects of both the formulations.

Role of Gandhaka Jarana in the Mercurial preparations of Indian Medicinal Alchemy (Rasashastra)

Background: Mercurial preparations are used as medicines in Ayurveda. Many procedures are mentioned in the texts to purify and detoxify mercury before its use as a medicine. Gandhaka Jarana viz. treating Parada with Gandhaka is one of them. It is claimed that, it not only implants the property of bioavailability to Parada but also increases its therapeutic efficacy. As per textual claims of Rasashastra, there is difference in the products of respective Gandhaka Jarana. To know details and rationality of Gandhaka Jarana, it was decided to screen and review the studies related with it. Materials and Methods: Few studies were carried out in the department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana of our institute like concept of Gandhaka Jarana, pharmaceutical procedures, chemical characterization, experimental and toxicity studies, study of therapeutic efficacy, etc for dissertation and thesis work. These studies were collected through departmental library, screened and reviewed. Along with this published research articles related with Gandhaka Jarana were reviewed. Results and Conclusion: Gandhaka Jarana having definite role in the mercurial preparations. The screened and reviewed studies showed that increase in number and quantity of Gandhaka Jarana induces major differences in the finished mercurial products. Rasasindura prepared Samaguna Gandhaka Jarana and Shadguna Gandhaka Jarana shows major difference in the analysis of finished product. Analytical studies of Makaradhwaja revealed that Makaradhwaja prepared by Triguna Balijarana shows 300.1 ppm of gold in finished product, whereas 12131 ppm of gold in Shadguna Balijarita Makaradhwaja. Scholars have also mentioned that increase in the number of Gandhaka Jarana of Makaradhwaja reduces the concentration of Parada (Mercury) in the finished product. Clinical and experimental studies of the same products also indicate that increase in number of Gandhaka Jarana increases the efficacy of product. All reviewed studies in different aspects viz. analytical, experimental, and clinical shows that Gandhaka Jarana has a definite role in the mercurial medicinal preparations.

Effect of Rasamanikya (an Arsenical Formulation) on Ponderal and Blood Parameters

Introduction: Presence of heavy metals (like Mercury, Arsenic, Lead etc.) in Ayurvedic formulations became a major concern in current scenario. Therapeutic use of these formulations since ages without any noticeable side effects is ultimate proof for their safety. Considering the growing concerns, it becomes necessity to prove their safety and efficacy to generate scientific evidences. This can also be possible through animal experiments. The present study is carried out to evaluate the effect of Rasamanikya (RM), an arsenical preparation, in different dose levels on ponderal, hematological and biochemical parameters in Charles foster strain albino rats. Methods: RM was prepared as per classical guidelines and administered to Charles foster albino rats at 12mg/kg and 24mg/kg for 90 consecutive days followed by 30 days recovery. Blood was collected and rats were sacrificed on 91th day. Ponderal, hematological and biochemical parameters were studied. Results: Results showed significant increase in eosinophil counts, decrease in HDL and albumin at both dose levels. Comparatively, all the differences in between the groups are insignificant and no pathological changes at ponderal, hematological and bio-chemical levels were observed. Conclusion: Rasamanikya has potential to generate hematological and biochemical alternations on long standing usage. Hence, mandatorily be used under strict supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.

Ethno medicinal values of Citrus genus: A review

Fruits of Citrus genus play an important role as a dietary supplement and therapeutic assent as well since ages. The present review summarizes some such attributes of Citrus genus. Literature review was done through published works to gather information on nutritional and ethnic values, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Citrus. Information about the plant and phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities were collected from the published reports. The plant was found to possess significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, and hypolipidemic properties. They are found to be significant antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, and hypoglycemic activity. The phytoconstituents which are present in the plant are mainly coumarins and flavonoids which are responsible for the actions. The phytochemical constituents and isolated bioactive compounds of Citrus can be investigated further to develop novel herbal drugs by using reverse pharmacological approaches especially in the treatment of liver diseases, arthritis, malignancies, and other inflammatory diseases.

Preliminary Pharmacognostical profile of Tuvaraka (Hydnocarpus laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer.) seeds

Background: Hydnocarpus laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer. of Flacourtiaceae family is one important herbal resource widely used in the treatment of intestinal worms, helminthiasis, infected wounds, skin diseases, fever, piles, wounds and inflammation. Different extracts of this plant have been studied for pharmacological activities such as anti-hyperglycemic activity, anti-hyperlipidemic activity etc. Though it is an important plant, till date, no reported pharmacognostical data are available on seeds. Aim: The present study is aimed towards evaluating in detail pharmacognostical characteristics of the seeds of H. laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer. Materials and Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of seeds were noted by following standard methods. Results: Pharmacognostical evaluation of seed shows the presence of crystalline masses of calcium carbonate, nonpitted sclereids and stone cells, spherical stone cells, aleurone grains, and fragment of tegmen. Conclusion: The current work appears to be first of its kind and can be considered as reference standards for future studies.