Prashant Bedarkar

Comparative Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of Navīna (fresh) and Purāṇa (old) Guggulu.

Objective: Guggulu (Commiphora wightii [Arn.] Bhandari) is a well-known anti-hyperlipidaemic drug. Guggulsterones are active components of this drug which are responsible for this effect. The activity of Guggulu may depend upon its nature, fresh samples are recommended for their bṛhmaṇa (body mass increasing) effect; while lekhana (scarificant) effect is attributed to the old one. The comparative Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of fresh and old samples has not been reported till date. Materials and Methods: Freshly collected and one year old samples of Guggulu were processed in gomūtra. Patients who satisfied inclusion criteria of Hyperlipidaemia were randomly distributed into two groups and the drug was administrated in a dose of 1 g with luke warm water twice a day for eight weeks. Results: Significant improvement was found in the symptoms of Medoroga and Lipid profile with treatment in both the groups. Fresh sample of Guggulu proved to have a better effect in lowering serum cholesterol (5.76%), triglyceride (17.17%), and very low density lipoprotein VLDL (18.36%) levels while old sample of Guggulu provided mild effect in lowering serum triglyceride (13.64%), VLDL (11.07%) and non-significant increase in serum HDL-cholesterol (0.94%). Old sample of Guggulu also provided significant decreases in body weight (7.69%) and BMI (7.82%). Conclusions: Old Guggulu showed better effect on body weight, BMI and cardinal symptoms along with significant lipid lowering effect whereas fresh Guggulu showed better result on lipid profile.

Review of research works done on Tamra Bhasma [Incinerated Copper] at Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar.

The metal, Tamra though mentioned in Ayurveda with a wide range of therapeutic utilities; is attributed with Ashta Maha Dosha. Hence, one should be cautious while using Tamra Bhasma. Considering the significance of Tamra in therapeutics, many studies have been carried out at different centers of India. Aim of the present study was to compile such available research works done on Tamra in the Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (RS and BK), IPGT and RA, Jamnagar and provide brief information about pharmaceutical, analytical, and pharmacological studies. Total eleven studies on Tamra Bhasma, which revalidated the impact of classical guidelines, safety issues, and therapeutic utilities, were screened from PG Department of RS and BK, Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. All studies revealed that Tamra Bhasma is safe clinically, experimentally at Therapeutic Equivalent Dose (TED) levels as no toxic hazards were reported during the treatment period. In all aspects (pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and clinical) Somnathi Tamra Bhasma has proven to be better than Tamra Bhasma. The clinical efficacy of Tamra Bhasma has been evaluated in Shvasa, Kasa, Yakrit Pliha Vriddhi, Grahani, etc. conditions. Satisfactory responses with a decrease in the intensity of signs and symptoms were reported in all the studies. Though certain limitations were observed in these researches, the results can be considered as a lead for further well stratified studies covering larger population. No adverse effects were reported in any of these studies.

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.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. belonging to Fabaceae family is an important endangered plant that has been therapeutically used to treat different pathological manifestations since ages. It is commonly known as Bakuchi in Sanskrit. Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its seed. A lot of adulterations are also present in the market. The present study is aimed towards evaluating pharmacognostical and histochemical characteristics of the seeds of P.corylifolia Linn. in detail. Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of seeds and histochemical studies were noted by following standard methods. Pharmacognostical evaluation of seed shows the presence of volatile oil, silica deposits and stone cells. The observations found in current work can be considered as reference standards in future studies.

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.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of Navaka Guggulu prepared with fresh (Naveena) and old (Purana) Guggulu: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Navaka Guggulu is a well-known polyherbal formulation containing Guggulu (Commiphora wightii Arn. Bhandari) as main ingredient. It is effectively used in Medoroga (hyperlipidemia), Sthaulya (obesity), and other Kaphaja roga. In classics, fresh (Naveena) Guggulu is attributed with Brimhana (body mass increasing) effect while old (Purana) with Atilekhana (scrapping). Earlier studies reported that 1-year-old Guggulu possesses better effect on body weight, body mass index, and cardinal symptoms of Medoroga along with significant lipid lowering effect against fresh Guggulu. It infers that old sample of Guggulu is beneficial. Aim: Considering the results of 1-year-old sample, an attempt has been made to evaluate comparative antihyperlipidemic effect of Navaka Guggulu prepared by old (3-year-old-Purana) Guggulu and fresh (Naveena) Guggulu. Materials and Methods: Navaka Guggulu was prepared by freshly collected and 3-year-old samples of Guggulu. Patients who satisfied inclusion criteria of hyperlipidemia were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, A and B and Navaka Guggulu was administrated at a dose of 2 g twice daily with lukewarm water during Prabhata and Nishi kala (1 h before meal) for 8 weeks. Results: Navaka Guggulu prepared from 3-year-old sample exhibited better results in reducing serum cholesterol (8.94%), serum triglycerides (22.76%), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) level (23.10%), wherein Navaka Guggulu prepared from Naveena sample, reduction was found 4.58% in serum cholesterol, 17.26% in serum triglycerides, and 17.76% in VLDL level. Conclusion: Navaka Guggulu prepared from 3-year-old (Purana) sample is better antihyperlipidemic agent against fresh (Naveena) sample.

Evidence-based safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic herbo-metallic preparations containing gold, iron, and mercury with special reference to pediatrics

Background: Safety and efficacy of herbo- metallic or mineral formulations in Ayurvedic therapeutics is subject of great concern in present era. Especially in paediatrics in which, a number of herbo-metallic formulations are found in practice for prevention as well as for the treatment of paediatric disorders. Among various herbo-metallic preparations mentioned in Ayurveda, gold, iron and mercurial formulations are more popular in paediatric practices. Present study has been conducted to highlight an evidence based safety and efficacy of metallic preparations in paediatrics. Material and Method: Subject related published research articles from reputed journals were searched through four online search engines Pubmed, Google scholar and Ayush research portal and DHARA online. The data of the articles were analysed to confirm their safety and efficacy in paediatrics. Results: Total 10 clinical studies showing safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic herbo-metallic preparations in paediatric disorders were compiled, which included 3 formulations of gold, 4 of iron and 3 mercurial formulations. Children suffering from Chronic tonsillitis, Iron deficiency anaemia, Sickle cell anaemia and Bronchial asthma were treated with significant effect and positive changes in haematological parameters. No any adverse or toxic effect of any of these formulations was noticed. Conclusion: Metallic preparations of gold, iron and mercury are found quite safe to the use in pediatric disorders with proper dose and adjuvant. They are also found effective in the diseases which are chronic and diffi cult to treat such as sickle cell anemia, seizure, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

COMPARATIVE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF ASHODHITA (RAW) AND SHODHITA CURCUMA LONGA LINN ON α -AMYLASE AND α-GLUCOSIDASE

Turmeric (Haridra) is one of the versatile herb for spices, condiment and antidiabetic activity in Indian System of medicine and tropical country. To compare the in-vitro enzymatic inhibitory effect (α-amylase and α-glycosidase) for supporting purified (shodhita) and raw turmeric samples. Authenticate unprocessed and processed (ayurvedic classic) turmeric powder extracts prepared by maceration with methanol and subjected (in different level concentration) to the anti-hyperglycemic selective enzymatic activity and colour reaction was measured by UV-VIS spectroscopy. This study proves the alteration in the inhibitory effect of raw and shodhita samples of Haridra on α-amylase of IC50 in decreasing order TZ (113.72) < TW (119.22) < TR (121.861) < TT (161.35) < TGM (218.85) and α-glycosidase TZ (121.32) < TW (139.48) < TR (145.29) < TT (185.51) < TGM (276.12) respectively. Purified turmeric samples gives better effect than raw sample. In that way shodhan effect established indirectly synergistic and supra additive effect of turmeric in context to antidiabetic.

CRITICAL REVIEW OF BHAISAJYA RATNAVALI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HARATALA

Rasa Shastra and Bhaisajya Kalpana is an elaborate branch that deals with Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals comprising of herbal, mineral and plant origin. Arsenicals, a group of minerals listed in Schedule E (1) of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, have been widely used in the Ayurvedic fraternity since long for the treatment of various diseases. Haratala, a component of arsenicals has mostly been used after certain purification and potentiating. It has been used for treating a number of diseases like Jwara (fever), Kustha (skin disorders), Netra Roga (ophthalmic diseases) etc. This present review has compiled the formulations containing Haratala from Bhaisajya Ratnavali along with the percentage in each formulation. The percent of Haratala used per dose has also been mentioned. Total 156 formulations contained Haratala. Out of these, maximum formulations (41) were used in the treatment of Jwara. The present work has been done to view the broad spectrum of therapeutic potentialities of Haratala and will be helpful in comprehending its contribution in the treatment of diverse diseases.

EFFECT OF CHURNAKRIYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SEVERAL LIFE STYLE DISORDERS: A REVIEW THROUGH RESEARCH WORKS CARRIED OUT AT RSBK DEPARTMENT, JAMNAGAR, INDIA

Churnakriya is a unique pharmaceutical process described in Ayurvedic science for potentiation of the herbal formulations. Present review depicts the comprehensive information of basic concepts of Churnakriya, with a focus on evidence based safety and efficacy of the formulation prepared with Churnakriya on various lifestyle disorders. Research works carried out at RSBK department, IPGT and RA showing impact of Churnakriya process on various lifestyle disorders were included in this review. Formulations prepared with Churnakriya Process such as Amalaki Rasayana, Guduchi Churnakriya and Rasayana Churnakriya showed statistically significant results in Ayurvedic and modern parameters of various life style disorders. Churnakriya processed formulations showed better results in compare to formulations prepared without Bhavana or with less number of Bhavana. Churnakriya process helps to potentiate the formulations. These potentiate formulations have found effective in treating various lifestyle disorders.