Ayurveda Research Research Articles

Integration of Ayurveda and allopathic medicine: Opinion of experts who participated in the working group meetings for the preparation of the WHO benchmarks for the training and practice of Ayurveda

Abstract The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the importance of integrating traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, with conventional medicine, and has taken several initiatives to promote this integration. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, agreed to host two WHO Working Group Meeting that took place at National Institute of Ayurveda (2018) and at Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (2019) for developing the WHO Benchmarks in Ayurveda with the participation of 27 experts from the six regions of World Health Organization. These WHO Benchmarks on Training and Practice of Ayurveda were published in March 2022. Excluding the author, 23 (89%) of the experts which participated in the said meetings answered a questionnaire about the integration of Ayurveda and allopathic medicine. A very significant majority of these experts (95%) considered that Ayurveda can make important contributions to conventional medicine and are in favor of the integration of Ayurveda and allopathic medicine. There is also a majority consensus that conventional physicians should have training in Ayurveda at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and that they should have training in Ayurvedic remedies. A large proportion of the experts consulted consider the prevailing view in the Ayurvedic government and official environment in India to be in favor of integration with allopathy, and a significant but somewhat smaller number appreciate this same trend in the Ayurvedic academic field of India. It is significant that almost two thirds believe that in the West, Ayurveda should be a specialty within conventional medicine.

An Ayurvedic management for repeated pregnancy loss (Putraghni Yonivyapada): A case report

The loss of a pregnancy is a loss that affect the couple both mentally and emotionally. In Ayurveda, this condition is coined as Putraghni (habitual abortion), Vamini (profluvium seminis), Asrija (gestational bleeding), and Yonivypada (vaginal diseases). These conditions usually result in pregnancy loss. A 29-year-old female with her husband aged 31 years residing at Jamnagar reported to the outpatient department of Prasuti Tantra evam Striroga, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar with complaints of loss of pregnancy twice in the past 12 months. She had associated complaints of Yoni Daha (burning at vagina), Yoni Vrana (cervical erosion), Yoni Pidaka (eruptions in vagina), Maithuna Asahishnutva (dyspareunia), burning during sexual intercourse, and weakness. Her menstrual history revealed excess menstrual flow for 5–7 days with an interval of 25 days. The patient had a past history of high-grade fever, followed by mild fever for 20 days, 4 years ago, followed by which she had multiple episodes of fever and heavy menstrual flow. Her reports showed TORCH infection positive. Semen analysis report of her husband was within normal limits. According to Ayurveda, the patient was diagnosed with a case of Putraghni Yonivypad and was treated with Virechana (therapeutic purgation), followed by oral medication, Pitta Shamaka (Pitta alleviating drugs), Jwaraghna Chikitsa (principle of fever management), Brimhana (nourishment), and Garbha Sthapaka Yoga (preventive measures for abortion and promotive measures for fetal health and quality). The patient conceived in the 3rd menstrual cycle. She was advised to follow Garbhini Paricharya (pregnancy regime). The patient had a full-term normal delivery and was blessed with a female child weighing 2600 g, with no obvious abnormalities detected at the time of birth.

Ayurvedic Management of Anxiolytic Withdrawal Disorder - A Case Report

Anxiolytic drugs are a valuable tool in the management of mental disorders, but inappropriate use can cause serious harm. The continued use or misuse of drugs is also termed "substance use. Overuse causes intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. The 12-month prevalence of DSM-IV sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder decreases as a function of age and is greatest among 18 to 29 years old (0.5%) and lowest among individuals 65 years and older (0.04%). The prevalence of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal is unclear. A 54 year old male heavily using anxiolytic drug named Lopez MD 2 for 2 years presented in Government Ayurveda Research Institute for Mental health and hygiene with symptoms of seizure attack for the first time 2 days back: He got aggressive at that time with increased sound making and incontinence of urine and grinding of teeth. He had decreased sleep, self talk, anger, crying spells since 2 months. The signs and symptoms were correlated through Dosha assessment. The patient mainly presented with the signs and symptoms of Pitha, which include anger and reduced sleep, and Kapha, which includes mood liability and slurred speech. He was treated at IP level treatment with Ayurvedic internal medicines and 21 days Panchakarma treatment. The Panchakarma treatment includes Sadyovirechana, Sirodhara, Snehapana, and Virechana. There was significant improvement in his symptoms anger, crying spells, self talk with significant change in sleep quality index through Pittsburgh sleep quality index.

Ayurvedic Management Along with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Conduct Disorder - A Case Report

A consistent pattern of behaviour that violates others fundamental rights or disregard social norm is considered to be an indication of conduct disorder. As listed in the DSM-V, symptoms typically include aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft and serious violation of rules. These behaviours are typically displayed by children and adolescents in a variety of settings- at home, at school, and in social situations and they cause remarkable impairment in his or her social, academic or occupational functioning.
 A 10 year old boy presented with lying, lack of concentration, skipping school, running away from home and stay out night, sexual talks, stealing money, increased anger, disrespect towards elders and suicidal talks from last 4 years was admitted in Government Ayurveda Research Institute for Mental Health and Hygiene, Kottakkal. Based on Dosha predominance, it was diagnosed as Vata-Pitta Unmada. Accordingly he was treated with Ayurvedic internal medication and procedures including Virechana, Shirodhara, Snehapana, Abhyanga, Ushmasweda and Pratimarsa nasya for 21 days along with 1 session of CBT. Conduct disorder rating scale parent version was used to evaluate symptoms before and after treatment. Problems caused by him in school and home reduced from severe to mild. Internal medication continued for 3 months and monthly review was taken. On assessment after 3 months his anger got reduced, he is going to school regularly and did not run away from home over night. This case report shows that conduct disorder can be treated effectively with Ayurvedic management along with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Ayurvedic Management of Schizophrenia - A Case Report

Schizophrenia is ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten illnesses contributing to global burden of disease, commonly associated with impairment in social and occupational functioning. It is defined by abnormalities in one or more of the five domains including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behaviour (including catatonia) and negative symptoms. A 40-year-old female patient was admitted in the Government Ayurveda Research Institute for Mental Health and Hygiene, Kottakkal, with agitation, anger, harming tendencies along with nudity for 2 months. There were suicidal ideations and escaping tendencies. In Ayurveda, Unmada is the umbrella term where almost all psychotic features are enlisted. Unmada is defined as perversion in Manas, Budhi, Samjnajnana, Smruthi, Bhakthi, Seela, Cheshta and Achara. Management of Unmada is based on the predominance of dosha involved in the pathogenesis. Sodhana, Samana and Satwavajaya are the 3 important treatment modalities used in management of Unmada. Sodhana procedure is foremost important in management of Unmada. The patient was treated on an IP level with a combination of Ayurvedic internal medications and procedures for 30 days. The treatment protocol including Sirodhara, Snehapana, Virechana, Vasti and Nasya was administered. PANSS scale was used to evaluate the symptoms before and after the treatment. There was a significant reduction in score from 115 to 45 after the intervention. This case report shows the importance of Ayurveda in the effective management of schizophrenia.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of Shatavari Gudam and Triphala Kashaya in leucorrhoea (Shwetapradara) – A study protocol of an open-label, multicenter, interventional, single-arm trial

BACKGROUND: In the classical text of Ayurveda, formulations Shatavari Gudam (SG) and Triphala Kashaya (TK) are indicated to treat Shwetapradara. The disease Shwetapradara can be correlated to leucorrhoea based on the similar symptom, painless, white-colored discharge from the vagina. SG is a formulation containing Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as a main ingredient. Several studies indicate Shatavari as a tonic for reproductive tract-related diseases. The external use of Triphala has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial actions. The present article is a clinical study protocol on the efficacy and safety evaluation of SG and TK in leucorrhoea (Shwetapradara). MATERIALS AND METHODS: It will be a multicenter, prospective single-arm study planned to be conducted at Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Nagpur, National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma, Cheruturthy and Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Vijayawada. One hundred sixty participants will be recruited for the trial (40 from each center). In the dose of 6gm, SG will be administered twice daily with lukewarm water after food. Vaginal douche will be done with TK for seven days in two consecutive cycles. The primary outcome will be change in the quantity of white discharge using visual analog scale. The secondary outcome will be change in other associated symptoms like pruritis vulva, lower abdominal pain, low back ache, burning micturition, and dyspareunia using the Visual Analogue Scale; change in the Quality of life and well-being by PGWBI score; change in Score of Investigator’s Global Satisfaction Scale, and changes in Patient’s Global Satisfaction Scale from baseline to final visit. Clinical/biochemical assessments will determine the safety and tolerability of the formulation during the follow-ups. Compared with the baseline, the efficacy of interventions on the 84th and 98th day, will be assessed with Paired t-test. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The IEC clearance has been obtained from each participating institute. After completion of the trial, the outcome will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals for publication.

A cross-sectional survey to assess the efficacy of home remedies during Covid times from a Pharmacovigilance perspective

Introduction: Many strategies have been suggested for the prevention of COVID-19 such as the intake of certain home remedies.
 Objectives: To assess the efficacy of home remedies like Kadha (Decoction) consumed during covid times and document the adverse events if any due to indiscriminate use of home remedies.
 To document various home remedies used by the public to boost immunity.
 Method: About 130 patients who attended the OPD at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru were included in the survey by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared to collect information regarding the intake, type, duration, and benefits of home remedies.
 Results: It was observed that a majority of the participants in the study were not aware of the long-term consequences of consuming a particular home remedy. Due to the fear of covid and faith in home remedies, many opted for a preventive measure. Ginger was the most frequently used drug as a home remedy and hyperacidity with heartburn was the most common untoward effect observed due to the inappropriate use of the home remedies.
 Conclusion: Ayurveda emphasizes diet and regimen as a part of the treatment along with Aushadha Sevana Kaala (the time of administration of medicine). When home remedies are consumed without medical supervision and without adhering to the basic principles as cautioned in Ayurvedic medicine, it is bound to cause some untoward effects. This study is a humble attempt in this direction.

Impact of Heartfulness Meditation on Perceived Stress and Mental Well-being

The prevalence of mental illness and the impact of stress have become increasingly concerning in the context of our rapidly evolving society. As a result of the aforementioned factors, both mental and physical health are impacted, leading to the emergence of numerous lifestyle diseases eventually. To effectively address the stress experienced at the community level, the implementation of meditation has been empirically demonstrated to be an efficacious strategy for managing and adapting to various challenging circumstances. In Ayurveda classics, Swasthavritta(regimen for healthy lifestyle) various Acharyas are mentioned in detail to become a healthy individual in which Dhyana (Meditation) is essential for both psychological and physical well-being. School of Fundamental Research in Ayurveda under Kerala University of Health Sciences conducted a daily meditation session for registered participants of 30-min duration, guided by preceptors from heartfulness organization which continued for 90 days. Heartfulness meditation is a form of meditation that focuses on the heart as its central point of practice. By cultivating a sense of inner calmness, this practice aims to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. This comprised guidelines and information regarding heartfulness relaxation, meditation, cleaning, and connecting with the source before going to bed. Among the entire group of 20 participants, only 12 individuals successfully completed the entirety of the 90-day duration. A subjective evaluation was conducted on a sample of 12 participants using a self-assessment survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the WHO (Five) Well-being Score. This evaluation was given both before and after the study. A statistical analysis was conducted using the PSS and the WHO (Five) well-being questionnaire. The obtained P-value was found to be <0.05, indicating a high level of significance. This suggests that the meditation program conducted was effective in reducing stress and promoting the well-being of the participants.

Ayurvedic management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) induced insomnia- A case report

This case report is the description of Ayurvedic management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) induced insomnia of a 22 years old male. Apart from insomnia, the patient suffered from both physical and psychological symptoms of GAD for about 7 months. Diagnosis was made as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. Without approaching conventional medicine, patient came directly to the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala for management. In Ayurveda, insomnia can be considered as Nidranasha; for GAD exact neck to neck correlation cannot be made. Internal medications and external procedures with nidrajanak, rasayana, Ojaskara, medhya, unmadahar properties were applied. Assessments were conducted through Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), GAD 7 scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), WHO Quality of Life- BREF, and Clinical Global Improvement scale (CGI) on Day 1, Day 20 and Day 34 of intervention. The case is unique in the sense that complete relief from all symptoms was obtained after 20 days with cost effective measures and nil side effects. Ayurvedic intervention was found to be a good alternative therapy in the management of GAD induced insomnia.

Development of Shodashanga Data Template: A Discrete Template to Accomplish Manuscript Literature Studies in Ayurveda

Literature is the paramount strength of Ayurveda. Huge literary data are available in manuscript centres across India and overseas. Meanwhile Ministry of AYUSH CCRAS Ministry of Culture and other funding agencies are motivating Ayurveda research scholars to review and research on extensive Ayurveda manuscripts. During this significant time concerned personnel should be prepared with vital requisites in terms of expertise tools advancements etc. As of now there is no proven or standard guidelines to perform literary research on Ayurveda manuscripts. Many scholars who are well versed or exposed to Ayurveda manuscripts follow their own methodology. These methodologies may not be applicable for all Ayurveda manuscript research projects. Hence there is a need for standard protocol development. Shodashanga data template is a distinctive template developed exclusively for Ayurveda manuscript studies. Here criteria are set mainly based on 16 specialities of Ayurveda followed by critical analysis aspects under different headings. Contents of any Ayurveda manuscript can be collected and arranged based on this Shodashanga data template. Based on the entry in the template even critical analysis of many manuscripts can be done simultaneously. Altogether Shodashanga data template is an effective tool to perform manuscript literature studies in a reasonably effective way in Ayurveda fraternity.nbsp

Importance and Utility of Trisutra in Teaching, Research and Clinical Practice

The aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of individuals. It is accomplished through the two objectives; curing disease in the diseased and preventing disease in the healthy. For this purpose Ayurveda, the science of life is presented in the form of Trisutra (three aphorisms). They are Hetu (etiological factors), Linga (symptomatology) and Oushadha (therapeutics). The causative factors for the derangement of health and its reversal are coming under the purview of Hetu. Generally, excess, deficient and wrong union of sense objects, action and time result in diseases and health is the outcome of their proper union. Linga represents the clinical features of health and disease. Oushadha include drugs, therapies, wholesome diet and lifestyle which are intended to cure the disease and promote health. The entire Ayurveda is coded in these three aphorisms, hence it is known as Trisutra Ayurveda. The term Triskanda (three pronged) is synonymously used with Trisutra. The present knowledge of Ayurveda was evolved by the decipherment and elaboration of Trisutra through continuous research processes. Ayurveda compendia were designed in the order of Trisutra, Hetu, Linga and then Oushadha for the effective teaching and learning. Trisutra forms the ground for research in Ayurveda. Fundamental and applied researches in Ayurveda are primarily based on these three principles. Thorough understanding of Trisutra is essential for the accurate diagnosis of diseases and planning of effective management for them

AYUSH (Indian System of Medicines) Therapeutics for COVID-19: A Living Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (First Update).

Background: In India, alternative and complementary therapies (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy [AYUSH] medicines) are extensively utilized in COVID-19 management, and some were investigated clinically. This study assessed the effectiveness of AYUSH therapeutic on COVID-19 through a living systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: Databases like PubMed; the Cochrane central register of controlled trials; WHO COVID-19 database; the central trial registry-India; Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles and AYUSH research portal, and preprint repositories were searched till August 1, 2021. Randomized controlled trials or analytical observational studies were included only. Primary outcomes selected were clinical improvement, WHO ordinal scale, viral clearance, and mortality, whereas secondary outcomes were the use of O2 therapy or mechanical ventilator, admission to high dependency unit or emergency unit, duration of hospitalization, the time to symptom resolution, and adverse events. The risk of bias was evaluated by Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools; data were synthesized through RevMan 5.4 tool, and the certainty of the evidence was ranked through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: Of 3609 studies retrieved, 17 were included in the systematic review, and 3 AYUSH therapeutics were meta-analyzed. Meta-analysis suggested that add-on AYUSH-64 likely provides therapeutic benefits by reducing time to symptom resolution (mean difference [MD] 2.35 days lower [95% confidence interval, CI; 4.05 lower to 0.65 lower]) and hastening clinical improvement (365 more per 1000 [95% CI; 4 more to 1000 more]) in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. Kabasura Kudineer adjuvant to standard care is likely to reduce symptom resolution (MD; 1.93 days lower [95% CI; 2.28 lower to 1.58 lower]) and hospital stay (MD; 4.2 days lower [95% CI; 4.97 lower to 3.43 lower]) in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. Co-administration of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers.) to standard care may reduce the duration of hospitalization (MD; 3.93 days, lower [95% CI; 8.83 lower to 0.97 higher]) in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, all three agents seemed safe in adjunct usage to standard care. The certainty of evidence for most outcomes was moderate to low, primarily due to the high risk of bias or imprecision owing to the small sample size. Conclusion: Rational use of integrated or standalone AYUSH interventions in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients is safe and may provide therapeutic benefits. The effect estimates may be changed with additional evidence in upcoming updates.

Efficacy and safety of Ayush AGT gel-based cream in superficial external wounds

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicine has been extensively used to manage skin wounds since ancient times. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences has developed a coded herbal formulation, Ayush AGT gel-based cream, through a systematic drug development process for managing superficial skin wounds. OBJECTIVE: This clinical study is designed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of Ayush AGT gel-based cream in healing superficial external wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This open-label, multicenter, prospective, interventional single-arm trial is being conducted at three peripheral institutes of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India viz. Central Ayurveda Research Institute, New Delhi, and Regional Ayurveda Research Institutes at Ahmedabad and Vijayawada, India. A total of 30 participants will be enrolled in the study from each of the three study sites. Patients of any sex aged 18–60 years with superficial external wounds requiring dressing and solitary wounds not less than 2.5 cm in diameter will be considered for enrollment in the study. The enrolled participants will be managed by the topical application of Ayush AGT gel-based cream on the wound bed once daily, followed by bandaging with the sterile material for four weeks. The outcome measures are time to complete re-epithelialization of the wound, incidence of wound infection, pain during the change of dressing (assessed through visual analog scale), incidence of blistering, and adverse events. DISCUSSION: Ayurveda interventions have been found effective in wound healing in routine clinical practice as well as in published experimental and clinical studies. Ethno-medicine practices also utilize different medicinal plants to manage skin wounds. Several patents on herbal interventions for wound healing have also been granted. However, clinical research to explore the standard wound management for superficial external wounds is not common. So, it is expected that the outcomes of this study will provide a significant lead in the search for safe and effective management options for skin wounds.

Methodological attributes and statistical tools in Ayurveda clinical trials—Are we missing something?

In recent decades, few uncertainties have been expressed about the quality of research in Ayurveda, based on aspects such as the rationale for undertaking the study, accurate research gap analysis, study methodology, data collection, data analysis, and relevant interpretation of the findings. It might be argued that the principles and practice of different systems of medicine vary too much to allow universal application of existing methodological or reporting guidelines that predominantly cater to contemporary medicine. In the present-day research, many researchers find it difficult to provide an accurate and reliable assessment of the outcomes that can form a scientific evidence base for Ayurveda. ICH E9 (R1) addendum to the guidelines on statistical principles for clinical trials and methods in 2020 has revamped the approaches to designing clinical trials and the effective use of statistical tools to convey the study outcomes. This article attempts to present the statistical implications and various methodological aspects that are often missed, misinterpreted, or left unaddressed by researchers in Ayurveda clinical research. Insight on the vital components of good clinical research such as designing aspects, sampling, randomization, and data analysis is provided in brief.

A bird's eye view on Kantakari Avaleha

Avaleha (linctus) is a unique dosage form of Ayurveda pharmaceutics, which is frequently used in various disorders and especially in respiratory disorders. Kantakari Avaleha (KA) is one such formulation being used extensively for Shwasa (asthma) and Kasa (cough) along with its classical use in various other disorders too. Because of its demand in clinical settings, many pharmaceutical companies are also preparing this, and hence freely available in market. This review was carried out to get thorough idea related to its composition, method of preparation, and therapeutic uses along with its pharmaceutical standards. For this review, classical and compiled texts having subject of Ayurveda pharmaceutics were screened from Central Library of Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar. Out of total 15 texts screened, 7 texts had mentioned KA, and hence reviewed for its ingredients, dose, Anupana, and therapeutic uses. Synonyms, Rasapanchaka (Ayurveda principles of drug action), and Dosha Karma (therapeutic action) of ingredients were compiled from Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Pharmaceutical parameters of KA were compiled from original research articles from peer-reviewed journals through Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and J-Gate portal. After review, it was found that Acharya Sharangdhara (12th Century) had described this formulation for the first time. There are four variations available in formulation composition. Milk or water should be the Anupana for this drug as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India and Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Almost all references have recommended its use in Shwasa and Kasa, along with Arati (distress), Shula (colicky pain), Gulma (a type of lump), Hikka (hiccup), and Hradroga (heart disease) mentioned in one and the other classics. Maximum ingredients of this formulation possess hot potency (12 out of 18 drugs) and pungent biotransformation property (11 out of 18 drugs). As per available original research works, two laboratory samples and one market sample of KA had fulfilled almost all analytical parameters, mentioned in API. The current review work may be helpful as stepping stone for various researches on KA such as network pharmacology, in silico, pharmacology, and longitudinal cross-sectional, clinical study.

A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention in management of chronic bronchitis

INTRODUCTION: Talisadi Churna (TC) is an Ayurveda formulation indicated in managing Kaphaja Kasa. The symptoms of Kaphaja Kasa, narrated in the Ayurveda classical texts, resembles with chronic bronchitis (CB). This open-label, single-arm, prospective study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of TC in the management of CB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for CB were enrolled at Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Respiratory Disorders, Patiala. They were treated by oral administration of TC 3 gm thrice a day for 12 weeks with a post-treatment follow-up after four weeks. The results were assessed by change in Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) Score, episodes of acute exacerbation, change in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Score for Quality-of-life, Functional/Exercise capacity [change in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and FEV1%] and occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants completed the study. Significant results (P < 0.001) is found in wheezing, nausea, etc and in the cardinal symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, and expectoration. Statistically significant changes were found in LCQ, SGRQ, and PEFR parameters. No adverse events were reported during the study period. CONCLUSION: Talisadi Churna may be found effective in conditions such as Chronic Bronchitis. Based on the promising results of this study, randomized controlled trials with adequate sample size may be planned on Talisadi Churna in Chronic Bronchitis compared to standard care or as an add-on therapy with conventional medicine. Therefore TC can be further evaluated for incorporating it under the standard measure for management of CB.

Ayurvedic Research and Methodology: Present Status and Future Strategies

Ayurveda is a science of life with a holistic approach to health and personalized medicine. It is one of the oldest medical systems, which comprises thousands of medical concepts and hypothesis. Interestingly, Ayurveda has ability to treat many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma, which are untreatable in modern medicine. Unfortunately, due to lack of scientific validation in various concepts, this precious gift from our ancestors is trailing. Hence, evidence-based research is highly needed for global recognition and acceptance of Ayurveda, which needs further advancements in the research methodology. The present review highlights various fields of research including literary, fundamental, drug, pharmaceutical, and clinical research in Ayurveda. The review further focuses to improve the research methodology for Ayurveda with main emphasis on the fundamental research. This attempt will certainly encourage young researchers to work on various areas of research for the development and promotion of Ayurveda.

Preparation and Standardization of Vrihatsamsharkar Churna: A Polyherbal Formulation

In India the traditional system of medicine is in practice from the ancient times for the treatment of several diseases. Due to lack of standardization or purity of herbal drugs some effective drugs are not regularly used for the treatment which is a major drawback for the herbal sector and pharma industries. That is why the standardization techniques for herbal drugs are required to be developed and make a bond with the main science health stream. There are certain preliminary guidelines given by CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha) for the standardization of these herbal drugs. Standardization of herbal formulations is a prime requirement for the establishment of the good quality of such herbal drugs. The present paper report the preparation and standardization of a poly herbal formulation which contain Syzygium aromaticum (flower buds), Myristica fragrans (seeds), Piper longum (fruit), Zingiber officinale (rhizome), Piper nigrum (fruit). This “Vrihatsamsharkar” churna poly herbal formulation is used in the treatment of dry cough. Following parameters like microscopy, macroscopy, ash value, extractive value, water soluble ash, bulk density, tapped density, Hausner ratio, Carr’s index, moisture content, swelling index and preliminary tests are calculated and discussed in this paper. These are certain important parameters which are necessarily required for the authentication of any herbal drug or any herbal formulation.

Nature and mechanism of immune boosting by Ayurvedic medicine: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUNDMany Ayurvedic preparations are claimed to have immune-boosting properties, as suggested in various published randomized clinical trials (RCTs)AIMTo compile evidence on the nature and mechanism of immune system enhancement by Ayurvedic preparations in healthy and sick individuals.METHODSAfter prospectively registering study protocol with PROSPERO, we searched PubMed, DOAJ, Google Scholar, three dedicated Ayurveda research portals, two specialty Ayurveda journals, and reference lists for relevant records published until February 6, 2021 using appropriate search strategies. Baseline features and data pertaining to the nature and mechanism of immune system function were extracted from all eligible records. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool.RESULTSOf 12554 articles screened, 19 studies reporting 20 RCTs (17 parallel group design, three crossover design) with 1661 unique patients were included; 11/19 studies had Indian first authors. Healthy population was included in nine studies, of which one study included pregnant women and two included pediatric population; remaining studies included patients with different health conditions, including one study with coronavirus disease 2019 patients. A total of 21 Ayurvedic interventions were studied, out of which five were composite mixtures. The predominant route of administration was oral; dose and frequency of administration of the intervention varied across the studies. The results reported with five RCTs exploring five Ayurvedic interventions were incomplete, ambiguous, or confusing. Of the remaining 16 interventions, indirect evidence of immune enhancement was reported with four interventions, while lack of the same was reported with two interventions. Enhancement of T helper cells and natural killer cells was reported with three and four interventions, respectively, while the pooled results did not clearly point toward enhancement of other components of the immune system, including cytotoxic T cells, B lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, cytokines, complement components, leucocyte counts, and other components. Nine of the 20 RCTs had a high risk of bias, and the remaining 11 RCTs had some concerns according to RoB-2. CONCLUSIONVarious Ayurvedic preparations appear to enhance the immune system, particularly via enhancements in natural killer cells and T helper cells.

A Case Study on the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha) by Ayurvedic Intervention

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with multisystem complications. The prevalence and incidences of the both types of diabetes are significantly increased over the past two decades. The recently published ICMR-INDIAB national study reported that there are 62.4 million people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 77 million people with prediabetes in India. These numbers are projected to increase to 101 million by the year 2030 due to changed of life style of the people all over the world. Habits of sedentary life, having a lot of fast foods and improper follow of diet habits are the main causes to develop Diabetes mellitus. It can be correlated with Madhumeha in Ayurveda. A 45 years old female patient treated in the OPD of Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Guwahati from 23rd Sept. 2020 with a complain of generalised weakness, weight loss, increase amount of urination and attraction of ant towards the excreted urine for 9 months. Examination, laboratory investigations and history leads to diabetes mellitus. Different Ayurvedic herbomineral drugs which were mentioned in different texts were given to the patient. It shows the effective results in the management of Madhumeha (Diabetes mellitus).