Explore the mode of action of Swarnaprashana in Varnya(complexion)

In Ayurveda Varna, is considered as marker of good health. The Varna is a parameter useful for healthy and glowing skin. It is influenced by a several circumstances before and after birth. In Ayurveda classics Acharyas mentioned about various factors like Panchmahabhuta, Dosha, Dhatu, Ahara, Agni, genes, are responsible for different varna. The effective and unique concept about beauty in Ayurveda has steered to the exposure of Ayur-cosmaceuticals. The concept of prabha,varna, chhaya described in Ayurveda are inborn being of beauty. A Sanskrit term varna meaning outer appearance, shape, figure, texture of thes kin. Chhaya is the organization whichlimitprabha and varna and it highlight to the complexion. Thus, anything which carries beauty and softness and rejuvenates and maintain the natural texture and tone of the skin along with multiplication of glow, lustre and complexion is known as Varnya. In modern science term Varnya is corelated with term complexion. In human’scomplexion can be described as the natural colour, appearance of the skin, texture especially of the face. A person’s complexion is a biological trait. Melanin is a biological pigment which is mainly responsible for in the tone. Few factors are responsible for colour of the skin apart from melanin pigments are as nutritional, environment and developmental status of granular layer, absorption coefficient of the dermis and epidermis, reflection coefficient of skin surface, content of UV light absorbing component, thickness of overlaying tissue, amongst them melanin is the major determinant of colour and which depends upon racial, ethnic difference, number of melanin, size ,shape, distribution and degradation of melanin. In Ayurveda, Kashyap Samhita is one of the ancient literatures, where a Lehana based unique concept of Swarnaprashan which is prepared with Swarna Bhasma (incinerated gold), Madhu (honey), Ghrita isdescribed. Acharya Kashyap explained benefits of administration of Swarnaprashan is medhavardhak (intellect), agnivardhak(digestion and metabolism), balvardhanam (physical strength), ayuvardhak(longevity), mangalkarak (auspicious), purnyakarak(righteous), vrishyam(aphrodisiac), varnyam(complexion), grahapaham (protection from evil spirits and microorganisms). This review is an effort to research the mode of action of Swarnaprashan in Varnya(complexion) according to Ayurveda and contemporary science.

Melanin is synthesized by melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. When transferred to surrounding keratinocytes melanin is the key ultraviolet radiation-protective biopolymer responsible for skin pigmentation. Most melanin is observable in the proliferative basal layer of the epidermis and only sparsely distributed in the stratifying/differentiating epidermis. The latter has been explained as 'melanin degradation' in suprabasal layers. To re-evaluate the currently accepted basis for melanin distribution in human epidermis and to discover whether this pattern is altered after a regenerative stimulus. Normal epidermis of adult human skin, at rest and after tape-stripping, was analysed by a range of (immuno)histochemical and high-resolution microscopy techniques. In vitro models of melanin granule uptake by human keratinocytes were attempted. We propose a different fate for melanin in the human epidermis. Our evidence indicates that the bulk of melanin is inherited only by the nondifferentiating daughter cell postmitosis in progenitor keratinocytes via asymmetric organelle inheritance. Moreover, this preferred pattern of melanin distribution can switch to a symmetric or equal daughter cell inheritance mode under conditions of stress, including regeneration. In this preliminary report, we provide a plausible and histologically supported explanation for how human skin pigmentation is efficiently organized in the epidermis. Steady-state epidermis pigmentation may involve much less redox-sensitive melanogenesis than previously thought, and at least some premade melanin may be available for reuse. The epidermal melanin unit may be an excellent example with which to study organelle distribution via asymmetric or symmetric inheritance in response to microenvironment and tissue demands.

Aim:The aim of this study is to evaluate the gingival melanin pigmentation in the Indian pediatric population. The aim of this study is to find any association between age and melanin distribution, age and intensity of melanin distribution, sex and melanin distribution, sex and intensity of melanin distribution, skin tone and melanin distribution, skin tone and intensity of melanin distribution and finally the association between melanin distribution and intensity.Background:Pigmentation on the interdental papilla, attached and marginal gingiva is commonly found in various races across the world. There is lack of literature for documentation of the same in the pediatric population.Materials and Methods:Intensity of melanin pigmentation was observed by the gingival melanin pigmentation index (class 1- class 6) as given by Ponnaiyan et al. This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Institution. 100 children were selected from the age group of 1-12 years of age. The association between the various parameters were verified using Chi square test.Results:With the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the distribution of melanin pigmentation is not affected by age, sex and skin color. The intensity of melanin pigmentation is not affected by age and sex. The skin colour can be used as a predictor to know the intensity of melanin pigmentation in both anteriors and posteriors.

In vivo melanoma imaging based on dynamic nuclear polarization enhancement in melanin pigment of living mice using in vivo dynamic nuclear polarization magnetic resonance imaging

Introduction: Ayurveda, the comprehensive Indian system of medicine, has devised a novel approach for boosting overall immunity and thereby assisting the child in resisting and fighting sickness. Administration of processed gold to children is unique practice described as Swarnaprashan in the Kashyap Samhita for improving intellect, digestion, metabolism, physical strength, and immunity. The study was aimed to compare the effect of Swarnaprashan prepared from Brahmi Ghrita and Panchgavya Ghrita on immunomodulation and physical growth in children. Materials and Methods: In total 46 children seeking prevention from recurrent seasonal disorders of 0 to 8 years age of both sexes were randomly selected from OPD & IPD of Hospital of University Postgraduate Institute of Ayurveda Studies & Research, Dr. S.R. Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Out of them, six children were drop out during study. Therefore, study was completed on 40 children. They were divided into two groups of 20 each. Group A: Swarnaprashan prepared from Brahmi Ghrita was given to 20 patients. Group B: Swarnaprashan prepared from Panchgavya Ghrita was given to 20 patients. Dose of Swarna Bhasma and Swarnaprashan in children were calculated according to young formula and administered in drops form for a duration of 45 days. Results: The percentage relief for study group A subjects were 66.65% and the relief for group B was 55.67%. The statistical analysis of the same showed that the improvements in both groups were highly significant. Discussion Swarnaprashan used in the above study was in a modified form that contained Swarna Bhasma, ghrita, and honey, along with some herbs showing nootropic, immune-modulatory, adaptogenic and rejuvenator activity. Conclusion: Swarnaprashan prepared from Brahmi ghrita showed a significant result over Swarnaprashan prepared from Panchgavya ghrita on various assessment parameters. However, Swarnaprashan did not elicit any remarkable changes on anthropometry parameters.

This research is a multifaceted study which investigates not only the role of melanin in providing photostability to natural hair color and hair proteins, but also the claim that the presence of specific artificial colors in hair slows down the rate of photodegradation of hair proteins. In earlier studies, the extractability of protein from photodegraded hair was investigated and showed that many of the cleaved proteins could not be extracted because of photo‐oxidative cross‐linking. The current study investigates the effect of the amount of melanin in hair of different ethnicity and the presence of artificial hair colors on the extractability of the main classes of hair proteins. Furthermore, the data are used in the interpretation of the effect of these components in being able to prevent photo‐oxidative damage to hair proteins.When exposed to sunlight, hair undergoes changes in chemical, mechanical and morphological properties. The UVB and UVA regions of the solar spectrum are the most damaging to human hair. Of these two, the UVA region is predominant in the solar spectrum at low altitudes. Hair of different ethnicity responds differently to the damaging radiation of the solar spectrum, because of different amounts of melanin present in hair. Melanin absorbs the impinging radiation (especially at the lower wavelengths (254–350 nm), and converts it by some complex internal mechanism into heat. Because of this, melanin provides a photochemical protection to natural hair color and hair proteins and prevents their photodegradation. However, the melanin pigments act sacrificially and become themselves degraded in the process of protecting the proteins from light. As a result, this «protective» effect of the melanin pigments does not last during long‐term intense exposure, when, regardless of the amount of melanin in hair, most matrix, intermediate filament and high molecular weight hair proteins undergo photo‐oxidative cross‐linking into higher molecular weight species, and their extractability from hair decreases significantly.The goal of this study is to demonstrate how UV‐radiation affects natural and artificial hair color during long‐term exposures. Bright‐field and UV‐microspectrophotometry and an electrophoretic separation technique (SDS‐PAGE) were chosen as investigative techniques for these studies, because they are well‐suited to accurately and reproducibly investigate the initial properties of a specific hair sample and the changes in these properties as a result of long‐term light‐exposure. The goal of this paper is not to relate this to the content and type of melanin in hair. Electrophoresis, while not measuring the exact quantitative amount of protein extracted, is a semi‐quantitative method, where increases in brightness of the bands represent increased amounts of proteins that were extracted of that specific protein from hair. This electrophoretic study attempts to determine whether the presence of natural or artificial color in hair influences the protein extractability in unaltered hair and the photo‐oxidative cross‐linking during light‐exposure.The bright‐field microspectrophotometric study showed that high concentrations of melanin provide protection to the melanin itself and that they prevent loss of natural hair color during light‐exposure. However, neither large amounts of melanin in hair of different ethnicity, nor artificial hair colors (even a dye with an absorption in the UV region) provide protection to the hair proteins against photodegradation under the conditions used in this study.UV‐microspectrophotometry has suggested the formation of high levels of photo‐oxidized proteins as a result of light‐exposure. Electrophoresis revealed photo‐oxidative cross‐linking of most matrix, intermediate filament and high molecular weight hair proteins into their higher molecular weight analogues, rendering them less extractable due to their lowered diffusivity. Only very low levels of low molecular weight matrix proteins could be extracted.

Background: Increasing rate of emergence of newer infection, resistance to antibiotics, reoccurrence of infections, and malnutrition have created a space for an effective and safe solution of above issues to mankind. Swana Prashana is a unique concept of Indian system of medicine for improving the generalized immunity consequently helping the child to resist and fight against various infection and diseases. Aims: Study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Swarna Prashana and Swarna Vacha Prashana in infants. Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical study was planned in healthy infants to study the effect of Swarna Prashana in anthropometry, hematological, biochemical, immunological, and infant-toddler quality of life (ITQOL) parameters in 3 differently categorized groups namely Group A: (n = 39, Ghrita and Madhu). Group B: (n = 42, Swarna Bhasma, Ghrita and Madhu) Group C: (n = 38, Swarna Bhasma, Ghrita, Madhu and Vacha Churna). Results: The present clinical study showed statistically highly significant (P < 0.001) increase in all the anthropometrical measurements of infants all three groups. The drugs did not hamper normal growth of the infants and they did not have any additional effect on enhancing the anthropometrical values. Hematological and biological parameters did not show significant difference in comparison in all groups. The results of Renal function and liver function tests were in normal limits after completion of treatment and post treatment follow-up suggestive of safe to be administered in infants. Immunological parameters also did not show significant difference of comparison in all groups except in Group C where immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, albumin, globulin levels were increased. Group C significantly improved all the ITQOL parameters while on comparison significant difference was observed in improving the physical abilities only. Conclusion: Current study suggests Swarna Prashana as infants health promotive and morbidity preventive. Author advocates a large scale randomized double blind clinical trial for further validation of impact of Swarna Prashan as mass health-care initiative.

This review covers the last 20 years of research we and our collaborators have conducted on ethnic differences in facial skin moisturization placed in historical context with previous research. We have focussed particularly on the biochemical and cellular gradients of the stratum corneum (SC) with the aim of discovering new skin moisturization and SC maturation mechanisms, identifying new technologies and/or providing conceptual innovations for ingredients that will improve our understanding and treatment of dry skin. Specifically, we discuss gradients for corneodesmosomes and proteases, corneocyte phenotype-inducing enzymes, filaggrin and natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and barrier lipids. These gradients are interdependent and influence greatly corneocyte maturation. The interrelationship between corneodesmolysis and the covalent attachment of ω-hydroxy ceramides and ω-hydroxy fatty acids to the corneocyte protein envelope forming the corneocyte lipid envelope is especially relevant in our new understanding of mechanisms leading to dry skin. This process is initiated by a linoleoyl-ω-acyl ceramide transforming enzyme cascade including 12R lipoxygenase (12R-LOX), epidermal lipoxygenase-3 (eLOX3), epoxide hydrolase 3 (EPHX3), short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 9C member 7 (SDR9C7), ceramidase and transglutaminase 1. Our research has opened the opportunity of using novel treatment systems for dry skin based on lipids, humectants, niacinamide and inhibitors of the plasminogen system. It is clear that skin moisturization is a more complex mechanism than simple skin hydration.

Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka), is a commercially important marine species in China. Among the differently colored varieties sold in China, white and purple sea cucumbers have the greatest appeal to consumers. Identification of the pigments that may contribute to the formation of different color morphs of sea cucumbers will provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivability of desirable color morphs. In this study, sea cucumbers were divided into four categories according to their body color: white, light green, dark green, and purple. The pigment composition and contents in the four groups were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that the pigment contents differed significantly among the white, light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers, and there were fewer types of pigments in white sea cucumber than in the other color morphs. The only pigments detected in white sea cucumbers were guanine and pteroic acid. Guanine and pteroic acid are structural colors, and they were also detected in light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers. Every pigment detected, except for pteroic acid, was present at a higher concentration in purple morphs than in the other color morphs. The biological color pigments melanin, astaxanthin, β-carotene, and lutein were detected in light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers. While progesterone and lycopene, which are also biological color pigments, were not detected in any of the color morphs. Melanin was the major pigment contributing to body color, and its concentration increased with deepening color of the sea cucumber body. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that white sea cucumbers had the fewest epidermal melanocytes in the body wall, and their melanocytes contained fewer melanosomes as well as non-pigmented pre-melanosomes. Sea cucumbers with deeper body colors contained more melanin granules. In the body wall of dark-green and purple sea cucumbers, melanin granules were secreted out of the cell. The results of this study provide evidence for the main factors responsible for differences in coloration among white, light-green, darkgreen, and purple sea cucumbers, and also provide the foundation for further research on the formation of body color in sea cucumber, A. japonicus.

Molecular characterization of transcription factor CREB3L2 and CREB3L3 and their role in melanogenesis in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Resistance training and maintenance of a higher protein diet have been recommended to help older individuals maintain muscle mass. This study examined whether adherence to a higher protein diet while participating in a resistance-based exercise program promoted more favorable changes in body composition, markers of health, and/or functional capacity in older females in comparison to following a traditional higher carbohydrate diet or exercise training alone with no diet intervention. In total, 54 overweight and obese females (65.9 ± 4.7 years; 78.7 ± 11 kg, 30.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2, 43.5 ± 3.6% fat) were randomly assigned to an exercise-only group (E), an exercise plus hypo-energetic higher carbohydrate (HC) diet, or a higher protein diet (HP) diet. Participants followed their respective diet plans and performed a supervised 30-min circuit-style resistance exercise program 3 d/wk. Participants were tested at 0, 10, and 14 weeks. Data were analyzed using univariate, multivariate, and repeated measures general linear model (GLM) statistics as well as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of changes from baseline with [95% confidence intervals]. Results revealed that after 14 weeks, participants in the HP group experienced significantly greater reductions in weight (E −1.3 ± 2.3, [−2.4, −0.2]; HC −3.0 ± 3.1 [−4.5, −1.5]; HP −4.8 ± 3.2, [−6.4, −3.1]%, p = 0.003), fat mass (E −2.7 ± 3.8, [−4.6, −0.9]; HC −5.9 ± 4.2 [−8.0, −3.9]; HP −10.2 ± 5.8 [−13.2, –7.2%], p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (E −2.0 ± 3.5 [−3.7, −0.3]; HC −4.3 ± 3.2 [−5.9, −2.8]; HP −6.3 ± 3.5 [−8.1, −4.5] %, p = 0.002) with no significant reductions in fat-free mass or resting energy expenditure over time or among groups. Significant differences were observed in leptin (E −1.8 ± 34 [−18, 14]; HC 43.8 ± 55 [CI 16, 71]; HP −26.5 ± 70 [−63, −9.6] ng/mL, p = 0.001) and adiponectin (E 43.1 ± 76.2 [6.3, 79.8]; HC −27.9 ± 33.4 [−44.5, −11.3]; HP 52.3 ± 79 [11.9, 92.8] µg/mL, p = 0.001). All groups experienced significant improvements in muscular strength, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, markers of balance and functional capacity, and several markers of health. These findings indicate that a higher protein diet while participating in a resistance-based exercise program promoted more favorable changes in body composition compared to a higher carbohydrate diet in older females.

Research Article| February 01 1983 Biology of Skin Color Alain Corcos Alain Corcos Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar The American Biology Teacher (1983) 45 (2): 90–95. https://doi.org/10.2307/4447637 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Alain Corcos; Biology of Skin Color. The American Biology Teacher 1 February 1983; 45 (2): 90–95. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/4447637 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentThe American Biology Teacher Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright 1983 The National Association of Biology Teachers Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Engineering color, pattern, and texture: From nature to materials

RUSSIAN KARELIA (the former Olonets and Arkhangel provinces) with its immense forests has been admirably suited for the sojourn of the fairies and good and evil spirits. And, as a matter of fact, they did live there undisturbed, giving only now and then signs of their presence to the inhabitants of the neighborhood. They had more intimate relations only with herdsmen, hunters, and fishermen, with whom they shared the common area of interest-the forest and its immediate surroundings. The activity directed against the religious and superstitious beliefs during the decades of the Soviet domination has scared the supernatural beings into the depth of the forests, where they show themselves to just a few old people. The outer appearance of the fairies and spirits in Russian Karelia and adjacent areas in Finnish Karelia has a feature that merits special attention: they have big buttons on their clothing. These buttons gleam in the sun and moon and make the spirits look like soldiers. Extensive data about the buttons is to be found in the memorates in the Finnish Folklore Archives (Helsinki), recorded from persons who themselves came into contact with the spirits or received their information from trustworthy sources. As the following excerpts from the memorates indicate, the gleaming buttons belong especially often to the costume of the forest spirits:

Melanin is a biological pigment formed by indoles and phenolic compounds. It is widely found in living organisms and has a variety of unique properties. Due to its diverse characteristics and good biocompatibility, melanin has become the focus in the fields of biomedicine, agriculture, the food industry, etc. However, due to the wide range of melanin sources, complex polymerization properties, and low solubility of specific solvents, the specific macromolecular structure and polymerization mechanism of melanin remain unclear, which significantly limits the further study and application of melanin. Its synthesis and degradation pathways are also controversial. In addition, new properties and applications of melanin are constantly being discovered. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the research of melanin in all aspects. Firstly, the classification, source, and degradation of melanin are summarized. Secondly, a detailed description of the structure, characterization, and properties of melanin is followed. The novel biological activity of melanin and its application is described at the end.