Ancient Indian Medicine Research Articles

Sushruta: The Father of Surgery and Ancient Medical Innovations.

Sushruta, known as the "Father of Surgery,"was a pioneering figure in ancient Indian medicine whose contributions have influenced the field of surgery, especially cosmetic surgery and medical practices within the global community. His systematized approach to surgery, with the use of herbal anaesthetics and postoperative care, laid the foundation for surgical practices. Sushruta's emphasis on practical experience, dissection of cadavers, and detailed documentation established standards that continue to underpin surgical education today. The influence of his detailing surgical techniques and surgical instruments extended beyond ancient India, spreading to other parts of the world and shaping the development of reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and many more fields. Sushruta has a rich history of medicine that is imbued with his pioneering spirit, which carried enduring influence. His works have been relevant in fomenting generations of surgeons and medical practitioners into the annals of history and solidifying his place as a timeless figure in the evolution of medical science.

Swa-Anguli Pramana of Shira (Head) in Asthi-Sara-Purusha (Person Having Enriched Bone Tissue)

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic medicine system focusing on promoting health by maintaining body balance. It is gaining relevance in today's integrative medicine landscape for treating chronic diseases. Key Ayurvedic concepts like Shira Pradesha, Maha Shira, and Asthi-Sara-Purusha contribute to individual health assessment. Methods: This review examines the applicability of Ayurvedic anthropometric methods, particularly Swa-Anguli Pramana, in current clinical practice. It includes discussions on validation studies and comparative analyses with modern techniques. Results: Swa-Anguli Pramana shows consistent personalized diagnostic potential across different demographic groups. Challenges exist regarding discrepancies with modern measurements and the need for standardization. Discussion: Integrating Ayurvedic measurements with modern metrics is likely to be valid and acceptable in contemporary healthcare. There is growing interest in traditional measurement methods for providing personal health information aligned with the holistic approach of Ayurveda. Conclusion: Ayurvedic anthropometric methods, especially Swa-Anguli Pramana, have potential for individualized health assessment. Standardization and validation are vital, and future research should focus on establishing a standardized integrative framework.

A Literature Review of the Integration of Ancient Indian Mythology in Clinical Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Health and Healing.

The fusion of mythology and ancient Indian medicine, particularly Ayurveda, is a fascinating synthesis of cultural heritage and scientific endeavor. Ayurveda encompasses a wide range of practices, including pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, surgery, and obstetrics, and integrates the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, providing a comprehensive understanding of health and disease. The inclusion of mythological figures and narratives in the discourse of ancient Indian medicine offers a unique perspective on the integration of spiritual and empirical knowledge, highlighting the role of mythology in shaping the foundational principles of clinical medicine. The discourse explores the profound impact of Ayurveda and its mythological underpinnings on contemporary clinical practices, underscoring the timeless wisdom embedded in ancient narratives. These stories represent the bedrock of holistic medical practices, emphasizing the parity between mind, body, and spirit that is increasingly validated in modern therapeutic paradigms. The philosophy and methods detailed in the age-old texts of Sushruta and Charaka, coupled with the allegorical tales of Dhanvantari and Bharadwaja, contribute significantly to the foundational principles underpinning today's holistic medical approaches. The enduring legacy of Ayurveda and its mythological narratives continues to influence and inspire a holistic approach to health care, underscoring the indelible connection between ancient wisdom and modern medical practices.

Chyawanprash: A Trending Ayurvedic Product in the Modern Healthcare

Abstract: Ayurveda is a comprehensive part of the ancient Indian medicine system and is considered the different classical remedies to treat numerous diseases. According to Ayurveda, the diet consumed should contain nutritious particulars that have the ability to prevent diseases and foster a healthy lifestyle. Rasayana Shastra (branch of Ayurveda) encompasses a range of specialised treatments aimed at extending life, avoiding ageing and illnesses, decreasing degenerative processes, and maintaining good health. Chyawanprash is unquestionably the most popular of all rasayana formulations. For ages, it has been used as a supplement to maintain health and improve immunity and longevity. It is a powerful health supplement composed of over forty herbs that have been a part of the Indian diet before the arrival of antioxidant supplements, vitamins, and minerals. Recently, there has been a switch to plant-based derived products and ancient systems due to an increase in global acceptance. The present challenges in the re-emerging of Chyawanprash-based function food have been reviewed. Despite a large number of research reports that have appeared for decades, ancient recipes, methods of preparations, scientific validation, traditional uses, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological properties of Chyawanprash and clinical evidence are some major lacking. Further quality assessments are required to establish the mechanism of action of the standardized Chyawanprash functional food and nutraceuticals toward the roles of the bioactive(s) in health.

The Aromatic World of Medicinal Essential Plant Oils: Extraction, Attributes and Utilization

The history of using plants for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient Indian medicine. Natural products, derived from various sources, have played a significant role in treating and preventing diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization recognizes the importance of traditional medicine and has created guidelines and standards for botanical medicines. Aromatic plants in Saudi Arabia are excellent sources for essential oils (EO), which have antimicrobial properties and are used in various industries. EOs, such as seeds, leaves, and stems, are essential components of plants. In this review some applications of Medicinal Essential oils is discussed.

Ayush Kwath: A Major Contribution of Ayurveda in Preventing COVID- 19 Infection

Background: Ayush Kwath is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation (PHF) of dry Tulsi leaves, Cinnamon bark, Sunthi rhizome, and black pepper fruit. Methods: This PHF contain phytochemicals that help in boosting immunity; hence, it is suggested as a preventive measure against the coronavirus. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine system that offers treatment for various diseases with the help of herbal, animal, or mineral-based formulations. Currently, the entire globe is facing the challenge of combating the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 19) is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) that belongs to a large family of coronaviruses. Results: Most people who are affected by this virus experience mild to moderate symptoms of pneumonia, but older people or those with weakened immune systems, for example, those suffering from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory diseases, are more likely to develop serious respiratory illnesses. As there is no registered medicine against COVID-19, strengthening the immune system is an effective way to tackle this disease. Conclusion: Ayush Kwath, a natural immunity booster, has been approved by the Ministry of AYUSH as a prophylactic measure to fight against novel coronavirus infection.

REVIEW THE ARTICLE ON GAIRIK

Rasashastra is a branch of ancient Indian traditional medicine that incorporates principles of alchemy and pharmacology. It involves the preparation and utilization of therapeutic formulations by combining medicinal herbs, minerals, and metals. The objective of Rasashastra is to promote overall well-being by balancing the body, mind, and spirit. Practitioners of Rasashastra believe that certain minerals and metals possess unique healing properties when properly processed and administered. These formulations, known as Rasayanas, are believed to enhance vitality, promote longevity, and strengthen the body's natural defenses. Rasashastra also emphasizes the purification and detoxification of metals to eliminate any potential toxicity and maximize their therapeutic benefits. In this article we will be looking upon one such substance Gairika is hematite or red iron ore.

Aegle Marmoles Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticle Loaded Hydrogel for Topical Application for Wound Dressing

Nanotechnology gain significance importance in various field such as medicine, electronic, waste treatment and defence sectors. The physical, chemical and biological methods of producing and usage of nanoparticles for different end economic cost of beneficial application brought wide interest on nanoparticles. Aegle marmelos commonly known as Bael is used in ancient Indian medicine siddha and Ayurveda from time immemorial. It also considered to be most sacred plant in India. Silver Nanoparticles were synthesized with the aid of novel, non-toxic, eco-friendly biological method using Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Silver nanoparticles used in medicinal industry such as topical ointment to prevent infection against burns and wounds. Hydrogel loaded with metal nanoparticle have great importance for many applications in the biomedical and biotechnological field. In the present study, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles-based hydrogel of Maha vilvam (Aegle marmelos) extract for topical delivery. The usage of Aegle marmelos in the form of hydrogel with nanoparticle has extended its well-established application in the field of wound healing, tissue engineering and drug delivery. Further, the characterization study was carried out on biosynthesised silver nanoparticle loaded hydrogel by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform –Infrared Spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The antimicrobial resistance was accessed for the biosynthesised silver nanoparticle loaded hydrogel against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, zone of inhibition was measured.

Ancient Indian medicine offerings to the greying modern world: Stenting the stumble blocks

Ancient Indian medicine offerings to the greying modern world: Stenting the stumble blocks

Awareness Of Medicinal Effects of Tamarindus Indica Among Dental Students

Introduction: Tamarindus indica L also recognized as Tamarind is a common plant species in the Indian subcontinent. Tamarind derivatives are widely used in Asia, african and south american nations as medical treatments. In ancient indian medicine and african traditional medicine ,tamarind ingredients, seeds, fruits , and leaves have been commonly used.Aim : The study aimed to assess knowledge amongst dental students of the medicinal effects of Tamarindus indica.Materials and method: A cross-sectional analysis with a self-administered questionnaire was performed, with Ten questions distributed among 100 dental students. In medical applications, the questionnaire measured understanding of Tamarindus indica treatment, its anti inflammatory properties, anti-lipedemic properties, anti-pyretic activity, and its phytocompound action mechanism. We reported and evaluated the responses.Results: 21% of the respondents were aware of the medicinal applications of Tamarindus indica therapy.15% were aware of the anti inflammatory of Tamarindus indica therapy. 13% were aware of the anti lipedemic activity of Tamarindus indica therapy.10% were aware of the anti pyretic activity of Tamarindus indica therapy.8% were aware of the mechanism of action of phytocompounds of Tamarindus indica therapy.Conclusion: There is limited awareness amongst dental students about the use of Tamarindus indica therapy in medicinal applications. Increased awareness campaigns and dental education initiatives coupled with increased value for curriculum changes will further improve knowledge and understanding of Tamarindus indica therapy.

Seasons in Ancient Indian Medicine

Most notions of the seasons in works of ancient Indian medicine list frost, spring, summer, rainy season, autumn and winter as the particular times of the year. However, in some contexts, the hibernal season frost (śiśira) is left out and replaced by a second rainy season, called beginning of the rain (prāvṛṣ) and placed between summer and the actual rainy season. In this paper, I firstly introduce the concept of the seasons and the division of the year into two halves. Secondly, I examine the dichotomy of two seasonal schemes inside one scientific corpus, which varies regarding the included seasons. Concerning this matter, I follow the investigations of Francis Zimmermann in order to prove that the two schemes are utilized both intentionally and systematically in specific contexts. The two seasonal schemes serve diverse cases, being of use for the physician in different aspects of his work.

Jalaukavacharna (Medicinal Leech Therapy) in Dushta Vrana w. s. r. Diabetic Foot Ulcer - A Case Study

Ancient Indian medicine has a long and wide history but modern medicine has just recently emerged with focusing on their possible modes of action. Jalaukavacharna or Medicinal Leech Therapy or Hirudotherapy is an old technique of bloodletting and is being widey studied by many researchers for possible effects on numerous diseases as Dushta Vrana Ropana, inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, various diseases according to different Doshas etc. Detailed description of the Jalaukavacharna and Jalauka is given in Sushruta Sutra Sthana Thirteen. Researchers have described various properties of leech therapy like anti-inflammatory, analgesics, platelet inhibitory, anticoagulant etc. A 61 years old male patient with history of DMII since 10 years came to RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, Himachal Pradesh with the complaints of wound over left foot with pustular discharge and smell accompanied by fever. After thorough debridement, leech therapy was done for 4 weeks, twice per week followed by once every week for 6 weeks. Strict limb elevation was advised along with strict diabetic management. The treatment followed may be adopted in the future for various cases.

Properties of the Drugs Used for Virechana Karma-A Review

Ayurveda, or ancient Indian medicine, is based on ancient writings and takes a comprehensive approach to both mental and physical well-being. Ayurvedic medicineis one of the world's oldest medical systems and is still used in traditional health care in India. Ayurvedaadvocates the use of Shodhanaand Shamana to treat various illnesses. Virechana karma(purgation) is included under Panchakarmas or five purificatory methods. Virechana karmais the process of removing doshasfrom the body through the Adhobhaga (lower orifice). It helps with health promotion in addition to helping to eliminate doshas (humours). Virechanaand other purification techniques are necessary before initiating Rasayana therapy (rejuvenation). The effect of Virechanamay be so strong, according to Kashyapasamhita, that it may improve the quality of Beejaor sperm and ovum. The classics identify several medications with the ability to cause Virechana.Ushna, Teekshna, Sukshma, Vyavayi, and Vikashi Gunasare qualities of medications that produce Virechana Karmaand are entirely or partially present in Virechana Dravyas. Though all Virechana medications are Panchabhautik, Pritviand Aap Mahabhutaare dominating in their composition. All the drugs which possess Pritvi and Aap Mahabhutacannot produce Virechanabut the inherent property to move downwards are especially due to Adhobhagahara Prabhavaof the drug.

Phytochemical Moieties From Indian Traditional Medicine for Targeting Dual Hotspots on SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: An Integrative in-silico Approach.

SARS-CoV-2 infection across the world has led to immense turbulence in the treatment modality, thus demanding a swift drug discovery process. Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptor of human to initiate host invasion. Plethora of studies demonstrate the inhibition of Spike-ACE2 interactions to impair infection. The ancient Indian traditional medicine has been of great interest of Virologists worldwide to decipher potential antivirals. Hence, in this study, phytochemicals (1,952 compounds) from eight potential medicinal plants used in Indian traditional medicine were meticulously collated, based on their usage in respiratory disorders, along with immunomodulatory and anti-viral potential from contemporary literature. Further, these compounds were virtually screened against Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of Spike protein. The potential compounds from each plant were prioritized based on the binding affinity, key hotspot interactions at ACE2 binding region and glycosylation sites. Finally, the potential hits in complex with spike protein were subjected to Molecular Dynamics simulation (450 ns), to infer the stability of complex formation. Among the compounds screened, Tellimagrandin-II (binding energy of −8.2 kcal/mol and binding free energy of −32.08 kcal/mol) from Syzygium aromaticum L. and O-Demethyl-demethoxy-curcumin (binding energy of −8.0 kcal/mol and binding free energy of −12.48 kcal/mol) from Curcuma longa L. were found to be highly potential due to their higher binding affinity and significant binding free energy (MM-PBSA), along with favorable ADMET properties and stable intermolecular interactions with hotspots (including the ASN343 glycosylation site). The proposed hits are highly promising, as these are resultant of stringent in silico checkpoints, traditionally used, and are documented through contemporary literature. Hence, could serve as promising leads for subsequent experimental validations.

Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Ocimum gratissimum (L.) extracts and essential oil - A critical review

The plant Ocimum gratissimum is well-known from the ancient Indian medicine system. O. gratissimum has wide variety of therapeutic applications. Folk medicine says that it can help with headaches, fevers, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and other ailments. O. gratissimum contains several bioactive constituents widely used as food additives, food colorants, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and fragrances. This review discusses up to this point data on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological studies of Ocimum gratissimum extracts and oil from numerous locations worldwide. Pertinent data of O. gratissimum was earned from numerous electronic scientific databases, and additional information was obtained from books, thesis and different relevant websites. The yield of the O. gratissimum essential oil (OGEO) varied between 0.12% and 1.66% on a dry basis, depending on the variety, plant parts and extraction methods used. OGEO was predominantly accumulated phenylpropenes, (55.7%-57.3%) followed by sesquiterpenes (27.5%-38.1%), and monoterpenes (4.0%-16.1%). Eugenol, germacrene-D, ocimene, 1,8-cineole, selinene, caryophyllene, murolene, cymene, thymol, terpinene, thujene and myrcene are major constituents of OGEO from various origins. These compounds are chief bioactive substances responsible for pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, gastrointestinal, insecticidal, and larvicidal activities.

Mathematical Modelling of the Relationship between Two Different Temperament Classifications: During the Covid-19 Pandemic

In medicine, it is well known that healthy individuals have different physical and mental characteristics. Ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda and the Persian-Arabic traditional Unani medicine has two distinct approaches for the classification of human subjects according to their temperaments. The individual temperament is an important foundation for personalized medicine, which can help in the prevention and treatment of many diseases including COVID-19. This paper attempts to explore the relationship of the utmost important concepts of these systems called individual temperament named as Prakruti in Ayurveda and Mizaj in Unani practice using mathematical modelling. The results of mathematical modelling can be adopted expediently for the development of algorithms that can be applied in medical informatics. For this, a significant literature review has been carried out. Based on the previous researchers' reviews the essential parameters have been identified for making the relationship and hypothesis were framed. The mathematical modelling was adopted to propose the existence of the relationship between the parameters of such an ancient and rich medicine systems. The hypotheses are validated through the mathematic driven model. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01258 Full Text: PDF

ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF UPAVISHA ARKA: AN OVERVIEW

Cancer is one amongst the dreadful diseases of present century. The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide. Every year about 8,00,000 new cancer patients get registered with the national cancer registry program in India. Ayurveda an ancient Indian medicine science describes many useful herbal drugs for such types of advanced diseases. Upavisha the plant poisons of low potency are mentioned in Agadtantra. Arka (Calotropis procera/ Calotropis gigantea) is one among these Upavisha is emerging as an effective anticancer drug. It shows various pharmacological activities such as Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antiimplantation etc. Different parts of Arka are used to treat cancer. In current scenario number of synthetic anticancer drugs are used to treat cancer. These synthetic anticancer drugs are expensive and shows harmful adverse effects. Upavisha like Arka which is natural derivative may be cost effective & less harmful as Anticancer drug. Anticancer activity of Calotropis procera/Calotropis gigantea is reported in scientific journals. This review summarizes various In Vitro and In Vivo studies of anticancer activity of Upavisha Arka.

Основы развития энергетического потенциала курсантов и слушателей образовательных организаций МВД России

this article substantiates the need to develop the energy potential of cadets and students in classes on the discipline "Socio-psychological training of professional communication" in educational organizations of the Ministry of internal Affairs of Russia. The relevance of this problem is considered by the authors in two planes. On the one hand, there is a growing need to include "energy" concepts in the paradigm of modern social and psychological Sciences, and to build the structural elements of this system. On the other hand, the reality of modern social life and its increasing complexity make all people in General, as well as employees of the internal Affairs bodies of the Russian Federation, in particular, increasingly think about preserving their physical, mental and psychological health, which is impossible without understanding the energy potential of a person, without the necessary elements that make up it.
 Since the European and Russian scientific traditions do not operate properly today with definitions related to human energy, the paper presents several points of view regarding this phenomenon from ancient Chinese, ancient Indian philosophy and medicine. Also, to understand the development of energy potential, the article presents as an example some practices of ancient Yaqui shamans who lived in the South of North America.
 In the second part of the work, some examples of ancient Eastern practices are given that can be used in classes on social and psychological training of professional communication. In particular, breathing practices, meditative techniques, and exercises for the development of perception and attention are considered separately. Furthermore, it describes in detail one of the practices of acromegaly.

Основы развития энергетического потенциала курсантов и слушателей образовательных организаций МВД России

this article substantiates the need to develop the energy potential of cadets and students in classes on the discipline "Socio-psychological training of professional communication" in educational organizations of the Ministry of internal Affairs of Russia. The relevance of this problem is considered by the authors in two planes. On the one hand, there is a growing need to include "energy" concepts in the paradigm of modern social and psychological Sciences, and to build the structural elements of this system. On the other hand, the reality of modern social life and its increasing complexity make all people in General, as well as employees of the internal Affairs bodies of the Russian Federation, in particular, increasingly think about preserving their physical, mental and psychological health, which is impossible without understanding the energy potential of a person, without the necessary elements that make up it.
 Since the European and Russian scientific traditions do not operate properly today with definitions related to human energy, the paper presents several points of view regarding this phenomenon from ancient Chinese, ancient Indian philosophy and medicine. Also, to understand the development of energy potential, the article presents as an example some practices of ancient Yaqui shamans who lived in the South of North America.
 In the second part of the work, some examples of ancient Eastern practices are given that can be used in classes on social and psychological training of professional communication. In particular, breathing practices, meditative techniques, and exercises for the development of perception and attention are considered separately. Furthermore, it describes in detail one of the practices of acromegaly.

Potential for interdisciplinary research in ayurveda

“Interdisciplinary,” is a twentieth-century word. Interdisciplinary or interdisciplinary studies involve the combining of two or more academic disciplines or research into one activity. Ayurveda is classified into eight main sections, namely Kaya-General medicine, Bala – pediatrics including obstetrics, Graha-psychological disorders due to possession by evil spirits, urdhwaga-diseases of the head (eyes, ears, nose, throat and teeth), Shalya-Surgery, Damshtra-Toxicology, Jara-Geriatrics and rejuvenation and Vrisha – aphrodisiacs and the treatment of sterility. These areas can be conveniently classified into basic biomedical, behavioral, and clinical. There are many disciplines within each of these areas and significant overlap in and between these three major groupings. These overlapping of the areas can be considered as interdisciplinary approach of the ancient Indian medicine system. Again, over the course of time, many new additions were done in this science. In Sushruta Samhita sutrasthana chapter 4 in shloka 7, it is clearly written that by the study of a single science a man can never understand the true knowledge; hence, a physician should study as many allied branches of science as possible. Moreover, the physician who studies and practices medicine with all aspects is the true physician. So here, it is clearly indicated in Ayurveda science that an interdisciplinary approach is must to acquire the holistic knowledge of the science. The present article is an effort to explore the scope of interdisciplinary research in Ayurveda.