Kerala Journal of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease using the treatment principles of tamaka swasa - A case report

2024-12-07T22:33:18-07:00

Chronic respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can significantly lower a person's quality of life by limiting their ability to engage in daily activities such as work and leisure. In this era of increasing pollution and changing living habits this disease is been diagnosed in huge numbers. COPD patients are on lifelong medications and they are having very low quality of life. Even though the current available conventional management is commendable, there are certain limitations including side effects. Āyurveda offers more advantages, like improved quality of life with no known negative effects. Kāsa and śvāsa, the diseases caused by vitiation of prāṇavaha srotas. include detailed descriptions of symptoms comparable to those of COPD and how to manage it. This case study aims to investigate if an Ayurvedic treatment plan can effectively lessen the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An ex-smoker, 57-year male patient with Cough, Sputum Production and Difficulty in breathing was treated by protocol comprising of Deepana- pachana with panchakola churna, Snehapana with kantakari ghrita, Sodhana with vidangatanduladi churna and Pippali Vardhamana Rasayana and marked improvement was perceived.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PIPPALI AS VAMANOPAGA AND RASAYANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TAMAKA SWASA: A CASE REPORT

2024-12-02T09:15:12-07:00

Tamaka Swasa, commonly referred to as bronchial asthma, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by recurrent episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a Swasa Roga and primarily involves the vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas. The condition is often triggered by internal imbalances of dosas and external stimuli such as allergens, seasonal changes, and stress. Ayurvedic management focuses on addressing the root cause through a holistic approach that include medicines, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes. Pippali (Piper longum) which is kapha vata samana and a rasayana has mucolytic and bronchodilator properties.It is also agni deepana and has anti-inflamatory property.Panchakarma procedures such as Vamana and Virechana help in eliminating the vitiated dosas and reduces the frequency of occurrence.Along with this Pranayama enhance respiratory function and mental well-being.

This article is a case report on Tamaka swasa where the patient has frequent attack of swasa for the past 6 months post H1N1 infection.Patient tried conventional treatment methodologies which gave the patient temporary relief but the quality of life gradually got highly compromise.To reduce the frequency of exacerbating episodes and impart strength to the respitory organs patient opted Ayurvedic management.Here patient was advised with agnideepana,rukshana,snehapana,swedana,vamana,dhoomapana,virechana and rasayana modalities of treatment were adopted.The symptoms were assessed usingZeicester cough Questionare andSt.George Respiratory Questionare before and after the treatment.This would provide data regarding the changes in symptoms as well as quality of life.After the treatment patient showed significant improvement in the symptoms and quality of life.In addition a focal periosteal lesion which was noted in the previous HRCT was found reduced in the CT taken after the treatment. Removal of kapha from Vayumarga, by the application of Swasaroga chikitsa principle has been recognized in this case experience.

Effect of udwarthana and vamana in rigidity predominant Parkinson’s disease. -Case report

2024-12-11T05:00:40-07:00

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily caused by the destruction of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a critical area of the brain involved in movement control. The exact etiology remains unclear, though genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Pathologically, the disease is characterized by Lewy bodies i.e. abnormal protein aggregation within neurons. The classical symptoms of PD are resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. It can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life in the advanced stage. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be discussed in Ayurveda under the clinical spectrum of Vatavyadhi including Kampavata, Sirakampa, Vepathu, and Avarana Vata. The early presentation of symptoms—such as Rigidity(Sthamba), tremors (Kampa), impaired movement (Skhalitha Gati), and reduced activity (Chesta Hani)—can be considered as Kapha aavrtha vyana. So avaranahara and srothosodhana treatments such as Udwarthana and Vamana can be advocated to eliminate excess Kapha and normalise vyana vayu.

A male patient who is aged 65years who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease presented with resting tremors, rigidity, postural instability, and difficulty in performing daily activities. Following the concept of avarana chikitsa he was administerd udwarthana, kashayadhara, and Vamana. UPDR scale was used for the pre and post evaluation of each treatment. Notable changes were found in all domains of UPDR scale.Thus, this case illustrates that avaranahara treatment modalities such as udwarthana, kashayadhara, and vamana can be effectively used in the management of rigidity-predominant Parkinson’s disease.

A Narrative Review of Leech Therapy

2024-12-28T00:42:10-07:00

Leech therapy, or Jalaukavacharana in Ayurveda, is an ancient therapeutic practice utilizing medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to treat various ailments by drawing impure blood and promoting healing. This method, detailed in classical Ayurvedic texts like the Sushruta Samhita, has a long history of use for treating blood-related disorders (Raktaja) and inflammatory conditions. The therapeutic efficacy of leech therapy is attributed to the bioactive compounds secreted in leech saliva, such as hirudin (an anticoagulant), hyaluronidase (which enhances tissue permeability), and calin (a vasodilator). These compounds improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and facilitate wound healing. Contemporary applications of leech therapy have expanded beyond Ayurveda, finding utility in reconstructive plastic surgery, osteoarthritis, venous insufficiency, and chronic pain management. Compared to other bloodletting methods, leech therapy is minimally invasive, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable, especially with advancements in leech cultivation. This review examines the clinical benefits, bioactive components, and potential for integrating leech therapy into modern healthcare systems. Additionally, it explores the environmental and economic advantages of leech farming and compares leech therapy with other traditional treatments like poultice therapy (upanaham). Despite its ancient roots, leech therapy continues to show promise as an alternative, integrative treatment in both traditional and modern medical practices.

Cognitive decline during Rajonivrutti (Menopause) and the role of Mudga (Vigna radiata L.) in neuroprotection

2024-12-08T04:38:19-07:00

Perimenopause is the midlife transition state that encompasses reproductive senescence with the manifestation of several associated symptoms and is an important period in the neuroadaptive landscape of the aging female brain. These are the estrogen-regulated neuro-endocrinal systems, including sleep patterns and circadian rhythm, thermoregulation, cognition, memory, etc. Estrogen, with its functioning beyond that of a female sex hormone, is the master regulator of brain energy metabolism through the estrogen receptor network. The hypometabolic state of the brain in women during the menopausal transition adds to the cognitive decline due to aging. Hence, perimenopause renders women in a critical window period for pathological cognitive decline. Ayurveda is the science of life that adheres to its two root concepts: maintenance of health for an able-bodied person and pacification for the diseased one. For the maintenance of well-being, dietetics plays a major role, as advocated by the relevance of Pathya in various Samhitha. Rajonivrutti (menopause) is a Swabhavika Vyadhi with the predominance of Vata dosha manifested as disruption in the body's internal homeostasis in a woman that affects both physically and psychologically. Mudga is the dietary supplement mentioned in Nithyasevani Ahara dravya by Acharya Charaka. It can potentially reduce cognitive decline during this transition due to its rich phytoestrogen content,anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

The The role of Agni in epilepsy – A Scoping Review

2024-11-26T10:01:55-07:00

Ayurveda is the knowledge-based science of life or a rational way of living. Ayurveda explains several parameters like dosha, prakriti, agni, koshta, sara, etc., that have a significant role in health and disease. Agni pertains to the principle concerned with the generation of heat and the several processes of breakdown in the body, namely digestion and metabolism. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by repeated, episodic, paroxysmal, and involuntary clinical episodes that are linked to aberrant neuronal electrical activity. It may correlate with apasmara, which is one of the manasika roga mentioned in the Ayurveda. Basic translational research has revealed that there are intricate, two-way interactions between brain metabolism and epileptic seizures. This creates a harmful cycle that worsens the negative effects on the brain. A ketogenic diet is a good option for controlling seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy, believed to work by altering the metabolism. The four functional states of agni may be comparable to different states of metabolism. While considering the metabolic basis of epilepsy and agni as an agent in metabolism, an assumption about the influence of agni in epilepsy can be derived. Recent studies suggests that there is variation in gut microbiota among people with epilepsy compared to healthy controls. Also studies are available showing a healthy microbiome can boost the effectiveness of agni by enhancing nutrient absorption, regulating inflammation, and impacting metabolism, also supports the influence of agni in epilepsy. This article aims to make an attempt to review the status of agni in the disease epilepsy.

A REVIEW STUDY OF BRAHMI RASADI TAILA

2024-12-02T09:09:44-07:00

Kerala has its own traditional vishachikitsa sampradaya, including emergency management of bites and post-bite alignments. Many Malayalam visha chikitsa granthas contain abundant literature on treatment modalities used during that time. Visha vaidya jyotsnika is one among them, which comprises many yogas that were once effectively used and now remain less explored. Brahmi rasadi taila is explained in the sixth chapter Mandali visha chikitsa of Visha Vaidya jyotsnika. It is indicated for external application in mandali damsta vrana. Non-healing ulcers are a common complication of snake bites, that require more medical attention. This yoga contains 13 ingredients and brahmi, durva, nalpamara, haridra, paranti, madhuka are some of them. This article aims to discuss the probable mode of action of Brahmi rasadi taila in post-viper bite ulcers through its pharmacological properties. This article also aims to discuss the application of this yoga in other conditions like malignant ulcers, venous ulcers and so on.

A Scoping Review on Guillain -Barré Syndrome and its Management- An Ayurvedic Perspective

2024-12-02T09:13:35-07:00

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a serious neurological condition that involves the immune system attacking the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and sensory disturbances. It is often preceded by an infection which triggers the immune response that mistakenly targets nerve tissues, leading to damage through either demyelination or axonal degeneration. The treatment for GBS involves intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. These treatments are often effective when administered early in the course of the disease, especially in individuals with rapidly progressing symptoms. As immunoglobin treatments are expensive, cost effectiveness of the ayurvedic treatment seems promising. As per Ayurveda, GBS is conceptualized as a condition related to Sarvangavata (a form of Vata dosha disturbance affecting the entire body). Guillain-Barré Syndrome can be managed through Ayurvedic interventions based on the principles of Vatavyadhi Chikitsa, which include therapies such as Abhyanga (oleation therapy), Swedana (fomentation), Parisheka (douching with medicated decoction), Pindasweda (fomentation with poultices), Kashaya vasthi (decoction enema), Matravasti (transrectal administration of medicated oil), and Shiropichu (transcranial application of medicated ghee) etc according to condition of the patient and disease. The Panchakarma therapies, along with oral administration of Ayurvedic medicines, offer symptom relief, minimal side effects, and significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life. This article is a comprehensive review of various interventions used in managing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) compiled from reputed articles, encompassing internal medications, external therapies, and Panchakarma treatments in Ayurveda.

Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Phytochemical Standardization of Talanguli (Male inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer Linn.)

2024-11-23T23:19:01-07:00

Introduction: Borassus flabellifer Linn. (Palmyrah palm) belongs to the Arecaceae family and is identified as Tala in Ayurveda classics. The male inflorescence called Talanguli in Sanskrit and panaviral in Malayalam is traditionally used to treat liver disorders, ascites, and rheumatic arthritis Aim: The present study reports the pharmacognostic and phytochemical standardization of male inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer Linn. Materials and methods: The male inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer Linn. was subjected to pharmacognostic, physico-phytochemical, and HPTLC analysis as per standard procedure. Results: The external surface of the male inflorescence Borassus flabellifer Linn is rough due to scales and is yellowish green when fresh. The transverse surface of the staminate spadix has a central axis surrounded by 10-12 spikelets. The microscopic analysis revealed numerous vascular bundles that are conjoint collateral. Sclereids, starch grains, needle-like crystals, pollen grains, fragments of vessels, and fibers were observed in the powder microscopy. The alcoholic-soluble extractives are more than the water-soluble extractives. The total sugar was 8.57%. High-performance thin-layer chromatography exhibited 10 and 8 peaks at 254 and 366 nm respectively. Conclusion: Alkaloids, steroids, saponin, flavonoids, tannins, and phenols are present in the male inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer Linn. The pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and HPTLC fingerprinting of the male inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer Linn. serves as a reference standard for the authentication.

A Flow Cytometric Analysis of DNA Content and Cell Cycle Distribution in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Caco-2 Cell Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with water extract of Shunthi choorna (powder of dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

2024-11-29T20:05:26-07:00

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. This persistent inflammation can result in ongoing cycles of tissue damage and repair, which may lead to cellular stress and DNA damage over time. As a consequence, mutations can occur, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The sustained inflammation fosters genomic instability and abnormal cell growth, creating an environment that supports the progression of mutated cells toward cancer.This study examines the effects of a water extract of Sunthi choorna (the powdered form of the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc.) on the cell cycle phases of Lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS) Caco-2 cells. The analysis was conducted using DNA content analysis and cell cycle distribution assessed through flow cytometry.

During the G0/G1 phase, the percentage of cells in the control group was 61.7%, in LPS-induced cells was 63.7%, and in treated cells was 76.3%, suggesting cell cycle arrest by the water extract of Sunthi choorna. For the S phase, percentages were 12.7% in controls, 17.8% in LPS-induced, and 13.2% in treated cells, indicating that the extract may limit inflammation-induced DNA synthesis. In the G2/M phase, treated cells showed a reduction to 10.3% compared to controls, pointing to reduced mitotic entry. The increase in cellular debris (73% in treated cells) suggests heightened cell death, likely through apoptosis.

Overall, these findings position water extract of Sunthi choorna (powder of dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as a promising natural agent for cell cycle regulation, with potential therapeutic applications in managing inflammation and preventing cancer progression.

Distribution of different deha prakriti among stroke patients- A cross-sectional survey

2024-12-24T03:36:02-07:00

Introduction: Stroke forms the second most common cause of death and third most common cause of death and disability combined (measured by disability-adjusted life years lost -DALYs) globally. Advancements in the medical field over recent years have significantly lowered the mortality rates among patients who have suffered strokes. However the survivors had a high prevalence of disability, that is 101 million people are dealing with the consequences of a stroke globally resulting in 44 million disability-adjusted life years lost annually. Prakriti, a unique concept explained by Ayurveda as the inherent composition of an individual, determines the susceptibility, manifestation, course of disease and an individual's response to treatment. Therefore, Prakriti makes every individual unique in, therapeutic as well as preventive aspects. The present survey aims to determine the prevalence of different deha prakriti among stroke patients.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 96 stroke patients aged between 40 - 70 years, irrespective of gender, who were admitted to Government Ayurveda Hospitals of Kannur district. Their prakriti was assessed by a standardised prakriti assessment scale from AYU PRAKRITI WEB PORTAL developed by CCRAS New Delhi India.

Results and discussion: Out of 96 participants, 51.3% had kapha predominant prakriti, followed by 27.1% with vata predominant prakriti and 19.8% with pitha predominant prakriti. Kapha predominant Prakriti owing to its guna like mrtsna,sthira,guru, Snigdha etc makes the individual vulnerable to margavarana.

Conclusion: Kapha predominant prakriti was prevalent among stroke patients of Government Ayurveda Hospitals in Kannur district.

Taxonomical identification of different plant sources of Nirgundi

2024-12-25T23:29:44-07:00

Taxonomy is a branch of biology focused on identifying, classifying, and describing organisms, including plants. Taxonomic identification involves recognizing the unique characteristics of a species, with morphological features serving as a primary and clear basis for this identification. In this study, conducted after one year of establishment of plants at the Herbal Garden, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Tripunithura, a taxonomic evaluation was performed to assess the visible characteristics and overall appearance of four Nirgundi samples: V1 (Vitex negundo Linn var. negundo), V2 (Vitex negundo Linn var. purpurascens Sivar & Mold), V3 (Vitex trifolia Linn), and V4 (Vitex negundo Linn from North India). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during this morphological evaluation. The following features of the plants such as Habit, Stem, and Leaf were checked to identify differences among the various plant sources of Nirgundi. The characteristics like Inflorescence, Flower, Calyx, Corolla, Androecium, and Gynoecium were not observed due to the limited period of the study.