M.M. Rao

Pharmacognostic, physicochemical and chromatographic characterization of Samasharkara Churna.

Background Samasharkara Churna, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation, is prescribed for treating various conditions such as asthma and cough. Literature review suggested that characterization parameters of Samasharkara Churna are not reported. Objective To report characteristic parameters of Samasharkara Churna to conform its identity, quality and purity. Materials and Methods Samasharkara Churna was evaluated for pharmacognostic, physicochemical, microbiological, and chromatographic parameters. Results The chromatographic analysis was able to showed presence of all ingredients in Samasharkara Churna. Conclusion The characterization parameters presented in this paper may serve as standard reference for the quality control analysis of Samasharkara Churna.

REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ARISHTA KALPANA WITH A GLANCE ON ARISHTA KALPAS OF BHAISHAJYA RATNAVALI

Arishta Kalpana is a type of Sandhana Kalpana comes under Madya Kalpana. It’s clearly mentioned that Arishtas are having superior quality as compared to Asavas because of Aushadh Dravya Sanskar Vishesh (decoction process). Arishta Kalpana has greater therapeutic value as compared to other Sandhana Kalpana. These self generated alcoholic preparations are retaining their pharmacological properties even if they become old; indicating their long shelf life and making these preparations more palatable, effective with superior pharmaceutical as well as great therapeutic point of view. Ushna, Teekshna, Sukshma, Vyavayee Gunas of these Arishtas are beneficial and having immediate action and effective in nature. Bhaishajya Ratnavali is the classical text; in which disease oriented treatment is given in collective dosage forms including primary Kashaya Kalpanas, secondary Bheshaj Kalpana including Sneha, Vati, Arishtas and Rasoushadhis. 27 Arishta Kalpas are mentioned in this classical book.

Uses of Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal (Ashwagandha) in Ayurveda and its Pharmacological Evidences

Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal commonly known as Ashwagandha belongs to the family Solanaceae (nightshade family) which has got 1250 species widely distributed in the warmer parts of the world. The genus Withania is reported to have 23 species and out of which Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal and Withania coagulans Dunal are of high medicinal value. Various preparations and forms of Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal (Ashwagandha) i.e. powder, decoction, oil, smoke, poultice etc. have been advised for the cure of various disorders such as skin disorders, nervous disorders, intestinal affections, venereal diseases, rheumatism, emaciation of children and as a tonic for all kinds of weakness and in geriatrics. It also promotes vigor and stamina and is regarded as aphrodisiac and rejuvenator. The plant is usually erect, branched, unarmed shrub, up to 1.25 meters height and grows throughout the drier parts and sub-tropical India. Mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and it has huge internal consumption in India and also being exported. It is prone to several pests and diseases which need to be take care during cultivation. Withaferin A and Withanolide D are two main withanolides contribute to the most of biological actions. It has pharmacological action in almost all systems of the human body. It has also some side effects and contraindication. Number of pharmacological studies have been conducted and a wide range of biological activities have been observed such as anti inflammatory property, hepato-protective activity, infertility activity, anti bacterial activity, psychotropic/anti anxiety activity, anti convulsant activity, skin care activity, healthy hair activity, immune-modulator activity, anti peroxidative action, anti ageing effect, macrophage activating effect, haemopoitic effect, antibiotic activity, antitumour activity, anti-hyperglycemic effect, morphine tolerance and dependence-inhibiting effect, cardio tonic activity, hypo lipidemic, anti-atherogenic activity, positive inotropic activity, hypoglycemic effect, anti-oxidant activity, anti-carcinogenic activity etc. This review presents morphology of the plant, geographical distribution, cultivation and market value, plant pathology, Ayurvedic properties, chemical ingredients, medicinal uses in Ayurveda, side effects and contraindications, pharmacological evidences of Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal (Ashwagandha).

Taila kalpana (Medicated Oil) in Ayurveda

Medicated oil/ghee is one of the important dosage form widely described in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Four types of Snehas (Fatty preparation) are described in Ayurvedic literature. These are ghrita, taila, vasa and majja. Among these taila(medicated oil) and ghrita (medicated ghee) are more popular in therapeutic uses. Taila murchhana is the first step of taila prepartation. This process has been adopted for enhancing the potency of oil and to remove the bad odour and amadosa. Researches show that murchana process decreases the acid value and increases saponification value. Reduced acid value indicates less percentage of free fatty acids and increased saponification value indicates higher content of low molecular weight fatty acids. Medicated oils containing low molecular fatty acids are absorbed fast. Fat/Water soluble active principles of drugs are extracted into medicated oil in this method. Medicated Taila are having more therapeutic potency and shelf life than crude Taila. Formulations prepared from the Taila enhance life, complexion, strength and anabolism of body. The water soluble as well as fat soluble active principles can be transformed into Taila media and this addition of properties of material made the Taila potent and effective.

Important Uses of Arka (Calotropis procera Linn) in Indian System of Medicine with Pharmacological Evidence

Herbal drugs constitute a major share of all the officially recognised systems of health in India viz. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. More than 70% of Indias 1.1 billion populations still use these drugs. Calotropis procera Linn. is one of the herb mentioned in all ancient scripts of Ayurveda. It is known as Arka in Ayurveda. Botanical texts of Ayurveda like Dhanwantari Nighantu, Madana pala Nighantu and Bhavaprakash have mentioned details about the plant. The various parts of the plant are being used in various traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of variety of ailments like in worms infestation, strangury and ulcer etc. The root bark has been used for cutaneous disease, intestinal worm, cough, ascites and anasarca. The root powered is useful in bronchitis, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, dysentery, piles, boils, scrotal enlargement, filariasis, and cancer. Considerable efforts have been made by researchers to verify its utility through scientific pharmacological screenings. Pharmacological studies have shown that Calotropis procera Linn. possesses a wide range of biological activities such as anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, anthelmintic, anti-candidial, wound healing, anti-convulsant, anti-tumor, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic. This reviews presents pharmacognostical, pharmacological and uses of Calotropis procera Linn. in Ayurveda.