Jayram Hazra

Adjunct therapy of Ayurvedic medicine with anti tubercular drugs on the therapeutic management of pulmonary tuberculosis

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is an age old disease described in Vedic Medicine as ‘Yakshma’. Later on, in Ayurveda it earned a prefix and found way into mythology as ‘Rajayakshma’. After the discovery of streptomycin, the therapeutic management of PTB received a major breakthrough. The treatment module changed remarkably with the formulation of newer anti-tubercular drugs (ATD) with appreciable success. Recent resurgence of PTB in developed countries like United States posed a threat to the medical community due to resistant strains. Consequently, WHO looked toward traditional medicine. Literature reveals that Ayurvedic treatment of PTB was in vogue in India before the introduction of ATD with limited success. Records show that 2766 patients of PTB were treated with Ayurvedic drugs in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata in the year 1933-1947. Objectives: To evaluate the toxicity reduction and early restoration by adjunct therapy of Ayurvedic drugs by increasing the bio-availability of ATDs. Materials and Methods: In the present study, treatment response of 99 patients treated with ATD as an adjunct with Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) and a multi-herbal formulation described in Chikitsa-sthana of Charaka samhita i.e. Chyawanprash were investigated. Hematological profile, sputum bacterial load count, immunoglobulin IgA and IgM, blood sugar, liver function test, serum creatinine were the assessed parameters besides blood isoniazid and pyrazinamide, repeated after 28 days of treatment. Results: The symptoms abated, body weight showed improvement, ESR values were normal, there was appreciable change in IgA and IgM patterns and significantly increased bioavailability of isoniazid and pyrazinamide were recorded. Conclusion: This innovative clinical study coupled with empowered research may turn out to be promising in finding a solution for the treatment of PTB.

Effect of α-tocopherol on salivary reactive oxygen species and trace elements in oral submucous fibrosis

Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating disease and a well-recognized, potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity associated with betel quid chewing. Betel quid chewing is a popular oral habit in India and shows strong association in the incidence of OSMF. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of trace elements, pro-oxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in saliva of betel quid chewers and OSMF patients, which may help in the diagnosis of cancer progression in the oral cavity. Methods A total of 35 cases of OSMF and 35 cases of healthy individuals were included in the present study. The salivary status of ROS, pro-oxidants and some trace elements was studied in OSMF patients and normal healthy individuals. Results The levels of lipid peroxides (P < 0.001), conjugated dienes (P < 0.01), hydroxyl radicals (P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), copper (P < 0.05), calcium (P < 0.01), magnesium (NS), potassium (P < 0.05) and iron (P < 0.05) in OSMF patients were elevated when compared with normal healthy individuals. The levels of hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.01) in OSMF patients were found to be decreased when compared with control subjects. A significant alteration was noticed after supplementing with α-tocopherol in oral precancerous patients. Conclusion These parameters may help in the detection of the severity of oral diseases.

Repeated dose oral toxicity of Trivanga Bhasma in Swiss albino mice

Trivanga Bhasma , a metallic preparation containing Bhasmas of Naga (lead), Vanga (tin) and Yashada (zinc), was studied for repeated dose toxicity in Swiss albino mice to estimate No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) or No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). A total of 80 Swiss albino mice of either sex with an average body weight of 28-30 g were equally divided into four groups (Group I, II, III, and IV). Group I served as control and was given vehicle (honey: water in 2:3 ratio) Group II, III, and IV received Trivanga Bhasma @ 7.8, 39.5, and 78 mg/kg body weight for 90 consecutive days. The effect of drug was assessed on body weight, feed and water consumption changes, hematological, and histopathological parameters . At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed and examined for gross pathological changes. Histopathological evaluation was performed for control and high dose group. Trivanga Bhasma was found to be safe. No significant clinical signs were noted in all groups studied. No major alterations were observed during histopathological evaluation. Hence, dose rate of 78 mg/kg body weight was established as NOAEL. It is suggested to carry out a toxicity study at possible higher doses and in a different species so as to establish target organ of toxicity.

Toxicological evaluation of Panchakola Avaleha, an Ayurvedic classical formulation, in albino rats

The present study was carried out to assess the safety of standardized Panchakola Avaleha on albino rats (Wistar strain). Animals were administered three doses of Panchakola Avaleha by oral routes, viz. higher (500 mg/kg/day), middle (250 mg/kg/day), and therapeutic dose (50 mg/ kg/ day) for 28 consecutive days. Effects of the test drug on hematological, biochemical, and histopathologic parameters were evaluated. This study revealed normal behavior, no mortality, and no significant changes in hematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations.

Spontaneous nonmetastatic choriocarcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, and teratoma in the testes of a swiss albino mouse.

A 12-week-old Swiss Albino mouse was presented with unilateral (left) testicular enlargement of approximately 1.5 cm in diameter and the right testicle mildly reduced in size and weight. Histopathology evaluation revealed three distinct neoplasms in the left testicle: choriocarcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, and embryonal carcinoma. Teratoma was diagnosed in the right testicle. The histomorphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumor are presented here. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous nonmetastasizing choriocarcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, and teratoma in testes of a Swiss albino mouse.

Effect of Indrayava (Holarrhena antidysenterica Seed) on Inpatient Uncomplicated Severe Hyperglycaemia: A Case Study

Indrayava (Holarrhena antidysenterica seed) has been used in bleeding piles, diarrhea, eczema, fever and colic as per Ayurveda. The folklore use of Indrayava for curing diabetes is reported as taking10 grams of Indrayava soaked overnight in 80 ml of water and then drinking the liquid. The Pharmacological study for anti-diabetic activities and acute toxicological studies of the Indrayava are well documented and LD50 is greater than 3000 mg/kg body weight. We are presenting a case of newly diagnosed diabetes with severe hyperglycemia (Post Prandial blood sugar >500 mg/dl), administrated 10 gm of Indrayava soaked overnight in 80ml water and advised to take water for a period of 48 days in I.P.D. The primary treatment outcomes were reduction of fasting and post prandial blood sugar with glycosylated hemoglobin. There was a reduction of elevated triglyceride level with marked clinical improvement also. There was no change in the pre and post treatment biochemical and hematological safety profile of the patient. Our case study opens a modality of treatment in uncomplicated severe hyperglycemic patients. Further randomized control clinical trial is suggested.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PROFILING ON THE LEAF OF VITEX PEDUNCULARIS WALL. EX SCHAUER (CHARAIGORH)

Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Schauer (family:Lamiaceae) is commonly known as ‘Charaigorh’ by the several ethnic groups of Odisha. The plant used by traditional healers in Malaria, Jaundice and menstrual disorders. The preliminary phytochemical analysis, HPTLC fingerprinting, and details pharmacognistical studies of its leaves revealed presence of distinctive characteristic, which help in identifying the specimen.

A CASE SERIES ON COMPLICATED PSORIASIS IN GERIATRICS: AN EXCELLENT TREATMENT RESPONSE THROUGH AYURVEDA

The present study is dealt the clinical excellence of Ayurvedic management at Geriatric Health Care Clinic with known cases of complicated plague psoriasis in geriatric age group. Ten diagnosed chronic cases suffering since last 12-30 years with multiple complications were treated with Ayurvedic consequence treatment regimen for the period of 66 days by means of immune-modulation mechanism. Indigenous treatment approach comprises the rejuvenation of physical and mental health, particularly in old aged sufferers with certain limitations like wrinkling skin, decreased blood supply, decreased elastin cell and collagen etc. This case report has established the efficacy and safety of treatment modality by evaluation subjective and objective parameters like PASI score, hepato-renal biochemical profiles, serum IgE, images etc. The serum IgE level is highly significant (p<0.001) when compared with before treatment value (618.2 ± 177.55, 86.5 ± 19.57) and the score value of PASI in the completion of treatment is highly significant (p<0.001) when compared with values of before treatment (59.53 ± 3.24, 6.78 ± 2.78). The photographic images of patients also established the excellence of the treatment.

ANTICANCER POTENTIAL OF SOME AYURVEDIC PLANTS OF NORTH EASTERN INDIA: A COMPREHENSIVE PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

The paper highlights some of the most important Ayurvedic medicinal plants of North Eastern India having anticancer potential. A brief review of distribution and pharmacological study (both in vivo and in vitro) of ten Ayurvedic medicinal plants of the region published by various researchers is illustrated in this paper. The medicinal plants discussed here are Enhydra Fluctuans Lour (Sanskrit: Hilamochika), Ageratum conizoides Linn. (Sanskrit: Visamustih), Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. (Sanskrit: Aksikiphala, Nagakesaram), Potentilla fulgens Wall. (Sanskrit: Bajradantii), Taxus baccata Linn. (Sanskrit name: Talispatra), Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (Sanskrit name: Krisnakeli), Xanthium strumarium Linn. (Sanskrit name: Sarpakshi), Dillenia indica Linn. (Dilleniaceae) (Sanskrit name: Avartaki), Alstonia scholaris R.Br. (Apocynaceae) (Sanskrit name: Saptaparna) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) (Sanskrit name: Nimba).

PHYTO-PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION AND HPTLC STUDY ON ANANTAMUL (HEMIDESMUS INDICUS R.Br.) ROOT

Plants are among the richest sources of bioactive compounds throughout the world for thousands of years and continue to provide new remedies to mankind. Roots of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. is an important plant drug which is used to cure leprosy, leucoderma, itching, skin disease, asthma, bronchitis, leucorrhoea, dysentery, piles, syphilis, paralysis, urinary disorders and diabetics. The present study focused on the pharmacognostical, phytochemical investigation as well as HPTLC study on Hemidesmus indicus root. Organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical features along with the HPTLC study were performed by taking different solvent extracts of Hemidesmus indicus root. This study highlights the first detailed HPTLC study on Hemidesmus indicus root by taking different solvent extracts with their increasing polarity which is a referential information for identification parameters and improves our confidence level of acceptability of herbal drugs.