Kerala Journal of Ayurveda

Gas chromatographic mass spectroscopic evaluation of Punarnavadi Kwatha

Resmi Vijayan — 2024-03-04

Punarnavadi kwatha is a most commonly used polyherbal formulation in Ayurvedic medical practice. It is also called as Punarnavashtaka kwatham. For the purpose of quality assurance and uniformity, scientific verification of Ayurvedic medications is important. Usage of modern analytical techniques helps in the proper authentication of medicines. Gas chromatographic mass spectroscopic evaluation is one among the modern analytical tool to assess the bio molecules in the formulation. Punarnavadi kwatha was prepared according to the classical method and Gas Chromatographic Mass Spectroscopic evaluation was done using DB5MS column. 27 compounds were identified in the formulation. The compound 1,2,3-Benzenetriol was identified with the maximum percentage area 17.189%. On comparing the phytoconstituents of individual ingredient drugs, showed the presence of chemical compounds from ingredients. From the analysis the specific compounds from ingredients can be used as a marker compound so that we can analyse the presence of all ingredients in the polyherbal formulation. So, gas chromatographic mass spectroscopic evaluation can be used as a tool in quality control and standardisation.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) rhizome

Athulya Ashokan — 2024-03-04

Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) is a significant drug described in the Ayurvedic literature with multidimensional applications and immense therapeutic potential. The plant is botanically identified as Acorus calamus Linn. belonging to the family Acoraceae. The commonly used part of the drug is rhizome. Pharmacognosy is the study of crude drugs obtained from natural sources. For quality assurance and authentication purposes, pharmacognosy is a useful tool for determining the genuineness of drugs by macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Macroscopic as well as microscopic characteristics of dried rhizomes of Acorus calamus Linn. were analysed in this work. The powder macroscopic and microscopic features of dried rhizomes were also examined.

An observational study to assess the status of Apana Vayu in Premenstrual Syndrome

Rumee Tandukar — 2024-03-04

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a psychneuroendocrine disorder with an unclear origin that manifests just before menstruation, marked by symptoms in the luteal phase, aligning with the Ayurvedic concept of Rituvyateetakala vyadhi characterized by pitta and vata imbalance. A key factor is Apana Vata located in the lower pelvic region, which plays a vital role in expelling sukla (seminal fluid), arthava (ovulation or menstrual flow), sakruth (feces), mootra (urine), and garbha (fetus). Although menstruation is a natural occurrence, numerous women undergo affective and somatic symptoms before this process. When Apana vayu is in prakruthavastha (balance state), it supports regular bodily functions, but vaigunyavastha (imbalance state) leads to various issues. Addressing imbalances in Apana Vayu contributes to alleviating both the mental and physical symptoms of PMS, leading to an enhancement in the overall well-being of women.

Microbial Contamination in Musta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) Sourced From Herbal Drug Markets in Kerala

Haritha.N — 2024-03-04

The plant Musta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) holds significant importance in Ayurveda, were the dried rhizome or tuber is widely utilised either singly or in combination with other herbs. Owing to its subterranean nature, there is a potential risk of microbial contamination in the raw drug and subsequent formulations prepared from it. This study is to assess the level of microbiological contamination in the dried tuber or rhizome of Musta that is sold in herbal raw medicine marketplaces in the state of Kerala. Nine samples from the commercial sector, representing urban, rural, and manufacturing unit sources, were collected from North Central and South zones in Kerala. The microbial proliferation in these samples was analysed with the standards specified in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Upon microbial assessment, predominant findings in the market samples included the presence of mixed colonies of Escherichia coli, Bacillus species, Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus, and the fungal species Aspergillus niger. These results points to the importance of monitoring and addressing microbial contamination of Musta to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.

Phytochemical evaluation of root of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.)

Divya Raj — 2024-03-04

The medicinal plant which is mentioned as Punarnava in Ayurvedic classics is a trailing herb that grows untamed in Kerala. Utilization of Punarnava's therapeutic properties started from the Vedic era. Punarnava is botanically identified as Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.- Nyctaginaceae. The root of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. can be administered internally as various dosage forms along with particular anupanas (vehicle) mentioned in classical textbooks. It is also used as an ingredient in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is therapeutically indicated in Pandu (anaemia), Hridroga (cardiac disorders), Gulma (abdominal tumor), Pleeha roga (splenic disorders), Vasthi soola (pain in urinary bladder) etc. In order to determine the purity and quality of the drug as well as to provide scientific validation for these traditional claims, a preliminary phytochemical assessment was conducted. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of high tannin content, phenol content, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids etc. and these are responsible for various therapeutic indications in different systems of the body. Previous phytochemical evaluation was conducted by some scholars about the Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. root. In addition to that, present study evaluated the hot water-soluble extractive value, hot alcohol soluble extractive values, water insoluble ash value and qualitative analysis of ash. Successive solvent extraction of the root was conducted in four solvents petroleum ether, cyclohexane, acetone and alcohol. The results contribute to ensuring the authenticity, quality and purity of Punarnava.

Chitraka Rasayana in the management of rigidity dominant Parkinson’s disease –A single case report

Athira V Kottoor — 2024-03-04

Parkinson’s disease also known as shaking palsy has now emerged to become the most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is a degenerative condition of the brain caused due to loss of function and number of specialized cells in the substantia nigra compacta region of the brain stem. Environmental factors or a combination of both environmental and epigenetic susceptibility are considered to be the most likely causative factors. There is no direct correlation for this disease in Ayurvedic literature. It may be correlated with kampavata, sira kampa, vepathu, and avarana vata. Since it is a neurodegenerative condition, more than a vyadhi specific management, rasayana therapies are found to be more effective. In vatavyadhi the underlying pathology can be either avarana or dhathukshaya. In an avarana janya vatavyadhi rasayana that possesses ushna, theekshna guna and srotosodhaka are beneficial. Considering this aspect, Chitraka rasayana mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya Rasayana chapter was selected. Here a case of a 75-year-old female patient presenting with symptoms of tremor, stiffness, postural instability and difficulty in performing daily activities, who was a diagnosed case of Parkinsonism was administered with Chitraka rasayana after proper sodhana therapies. The symptoms were assessed using the UPDR scale. A significant improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms were obtained after 1 month of administration. This case illustrates that rasayana therapies can be effectively used in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

Case study on management of non healing venous Ulcer with unripe fruits of carica papaya

Dr. Sourav KT — 2024-03-04

Carica papaya is one among the exotic plants in India which were introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Thus, it is not mentioned in the Ayurvedic classical treatises. But the probable medicinal potential can't be ignored. A 43 year old male approached the OPD with a non healing ulcer over the medial malleolus of the right lower limb with a complex and relapsing history of 5 years. As the wound showed delayed signs of healing, unripe fruits of carica papaya were used for the dressing. This was found to be effective in reducing slough formation, inducing healthy granulation tissue and thereby promoting the healing rate

ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS W.S.R.T PAKSHAGHATHA - CASE REPORT

Geethu K C — 2024-03-04

There are several literary references in Ayurvedic literature that provide in-depth descriptions of Pakshaghata. It is regarded as a Vyadhi with a predominance of Vata Dosha. It is one of the Karmahani PradhanaVatavyadhi, also known as Pakshavadha. Pakshaghata literally translates to "immobility of one side of the body. With the recent increase in India's life expectancy to sixty years, illnesses such as stroke have grown more common, ranking as the nation's fifth most common cause of disability and fourth main cause of death. The present case was diagnosed as Kapha avrutavata janya pakshaghata Based on the symptoms like weakness of one side of body , slurred speech , impaired recent memory and diminished vision, and the Ayurvedic management done with Udvartana, Takradhara , Bahya sneha sweda procedures , Mridu virechana ,Vasti, Shirodhara, Nasya. The vision was also affected so that Tarpana, Putapaka were also done along with internal medications. The goal of the treatment was to use panchakarma procedures and internal medications to improve the patient's quality of life and manage the condition so that it didn't get worse. Pre- and posttreatment assessments were conducted with Modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index Scale and NIHSS. The greatest improvement was observed in the signs. Being a mahavatavyadhi, Panchakarma is a crucial component of medical care. For the illness to be cured and to not reoccur, shodhana is essential. Positive outcomes are observed in the improvement of the state of Pakshagatha with Mridu Virechana, Takradhara, pizhichil, Yapanavasti and Nasya. The symptom

PHARMACEUTICAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY OF HINGUTRIGUNA TAILA

Sanila V K — 2024-03-04

Sneha kalpana in Ayurveda pharmaceutics includes the four types of Sneha. They are ghrita, taila, vasa, and majja. Among these, taila and ghrita are more popular in therapeutic use. A number of Taila kalpanas have been mentioned in Ayurveda. Hingutriguna taila is one among them mentioned in Ashtanga hridaya chikitsa sthana, gulma prakaranam. Hingutriguna taila is a medicated oil preparation, indicated internally for Gulma, udara like conditions. This formulation comprises of Hingu, Saindhavam, Eranda tailam and Rasona rasa, and was prepared in the ratio of 1:3:9:27. Its analytical study like organoleptic characters and physico- chemical parameters were carried out based on the references available in API. The total oil obtained was 93.8 % and the loss was 6.2%. Organoleptic characters of Hingutriguna taila showed Pale reddish brown colloidal liquid with characteristic pungent smell of Lasuna. Physico- chemical parameters like Loss on drying, Acid value, Iodine value, Saponification value, Refractive index and HPTLC fingerprint were tested. The Saponification value of Hingutriguna taila is low compared to eranda taila indicates the less presence of short chain fatty acids, which may cause less absorption. Acid value is a relative measure of rancidity; low acid value of Hingutriguna taila indicates less chance of decomposition of taila. Loss on drying determines the quantity of moisture in a given sample. Stability, shelf life and microbiological safety depend on this value. Loss on drying 0.7% of Hingutriguna taila indicates that, less moisture content is present in the oil. Iodine value, indicates the degree of unsaturation of fat or oil. Since the iodine value obtained for Hingutriguna taila is low, chances of getting rancid is also low. In API and AFI, standard analytical parameters of Hingutriguna taila are not accessible. As a result, analytical investigations done on Hingutriguna taila can be used as a reference for further studies.

A critical review on Vasaguduchyadi Kwatha

Reshma.M.Nair — 2024-03-04

The Vasaguduchyadi kwatha a formulation cited in the Ayurvedic classic Ashtanga Hridaya, in the context of addressing Pandu (anaemia) and which is also recommended for the treatment of Kamala (liver disorder) and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). This article is aimed at analysing properties of individual components of this formulation and the probable mode of action. The specific attributes of the drugs in this formulation, including tikta and kashaya tastes, seeta virya, madhura vipaka, laghu and rooksha guna, collectively work to alleviate the vitiated Pitta and the other properties alleviates the subsidiary Kapha and Vata also. This corrective action aids in addressing diseases like Pandu, Kamala and Rakta Pitta. Additionally, the phytochemicals present in these herbs contribute to pacifying these conditions.

A REVIEW ON THE PROCEDURE AND PRACTICE OF DHANYAMLA NIMANJJITHA PINDA SWEDA (KADIKIZHI)

Dr.Athira panicker — 2024-03-24

The therapeutic procedure of generating sweda on the body using various modalities is called swedana. It is an independent upakrama included under shadvidhopakrama. Swedana has been mentioned as a bahiparimarjana chikitsa. Sankara Sweda is one among the thirteen varieties of Sagni Sweda, in which Pottali or Pinda (Kizhi in Kerala) containing prescribed drugs with or without being wrapped with clothes are used for fomentation. Dhanyamla nimanjitha pinda sweda (Kadikizhi), a variety of Sankara sweda comes under ruksha sweda. It is widely practicing in Kerala, where the patient is getting the combined effect of heat and the medicinal properties of the drugs used. This article reviews the procedure and clinical applications of Dhanyamla nimanjitha pinda sweda.

AHARA PARINAMAKARA BHAVAS - A KEY TO HEALTH

Nija Chacko — 2024-03-04

Ayurveda is the science of life that gives prime importance to the prevention and cure of diseases. Maintenance of health is essential for the proper maintenance of the body. A person is said to be healthy when their dosha, dhatu, and mala are in a balanced state and their mind, soul and sense organs are in a condition of total well-being. Ahara plays an important role in maintaining the normalcy of body composition. Ahara is the most important factor for the sustenance of life. Ahara, which is one among trayopasthamba provides strength, complexion, immunity and nourishment. Ahara parinamakara bhavas are factors present in the body that help in digestion and assimilation of food particles. Complex food substances are transformed into corresponding panchabhoutika constituents which in turn nourish and replenish various dhatus present in the body. The maintenance of an individual's health relies significantly on the proper functioning of vayu, kleda, Sneha, kala, parinama samayoga, and agni. The derangement of ahara parinamakara bhavas is one of the major reasons for the increased prevalence of most lifestyle disorders nowadays. Here an attempt is made to explore the concept of 'ahara parinamakara bhava' within a physiological framework, drawing insights from contemporary science.

Review on Ekala Oushadha Prayogas (Single drug remedies) from Sarngadhara Samhita

Dr Resmi R — 2024-03-04

Sarngadhara Samhita (1363 AD), the famous treatise of Ayurveda written by Acharya Sarngadhara, is well known for its simple and effective medicinal preparations in different dosage forms. In addition to compound formulations, various ekala oushadha prayogas (single drug remedies) are also mentioned in this treatise. Aim of the present work is to enlist the ekala oushadha prayogas (single drug remedies) mentioned in Sarngadhara Samhita. Detailed review of Sarngadhara Samhita was carried out, along with library and electronic search of relevant books of Ayurveda and peer reviewed academic articles. 159 ekala oushadha prayogas (single drug remedies) using 93 drugs were found out by this review. Along with plant origin drugs, Sarngadhara mentioned ekala oushadhas (single drugs) of animal and mineral origin. The dosage forms prescribed are swarasa, putapaka rasa, kwatha, sita kashaya, kalka, choorna and gutika. Ekala oushadhas are also used in treatment modalities like sodhana, gandoosha, lepana, karna poorana, netra kriyakrama etc. The findings of the present work can be utilized for various research and drug development studies and also for scientific validation. Physicians can utilize these ekala oushadhas (single drugs) according to the stage of the disease and condition of the patient, so that the hurdles behind the preparation and usage of compound medicinal formulations can be addressed successfully. Also overutilization of the available drug sources can be minimized to a greater extent.