Ayurvedic Drug Research Articles

Preliminary phytochemical characterization and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial potential screening of an ayurvedic drug combination Panchatikta

Panchatikta is an Ayurvedic drug combination of 5 bitter-tasting drugs, namely Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, Justicia adhatoda, Solanum virginianum and Trichosanthes dioica. In this study, estimations of the phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents, HPTLC profile and in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-microbial potential of 3 extracts of the Panchatikta were carried out. The total phenolic content of the Panchatikta combination was almost the same in ethanol, water and hydroalcoholic extracts. Flavonoid content and tannin content were highest in ethanol extract. HPTLC profiling of the 3 extracts of Panchatikta showed the maximum number of peaks for the ethanolic extract. Water extract showed a comparatively smaller number of peaks. The maximum number of peaks was seen after derivatisation. In the DPPH assay, gallic acid has IC50 value of 5.50 ± 0.38 µg/mL; ethanol and hydroalcoholic extracts have IC50 close to 60 µg/mL and water extract has around 90 µg/mL. The ABTS assay showed standard ascorbic acid has a IC50 value of 67.33 ± 0.58 µg/mL while Panchatikta extracts have a much higher IC50. In nitric oxide assay also, tested samples have a higher IC50 when compared with that of ascorbic acid (177.33 ± 5.09). In well diffusion assay for antibacterial screening, all 3 extracts have a significant zone of inhibition at concentrations of 500 µg and 1000 µg. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be resistant to all 3 test samples and standard antibiotic discs. Minimum activity was obtained against Klebsiella pneumonia. Panchatikta extracts at concentrations of 500 µg and 1000 µg showed significant activity against the fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum. In conclusion, the results of the study can provide scientific support for the traditional usage of the Ayurvedic drug combination Panchatikta for various ailments.

Ethno-Taxonomical Studies of some Ayurvedic Drugs

Ethno-taxonomical explanation of some plants forming constituents of Ayurvedic drugs has been provided in the present paper.

Pharmacognostical Studies on 'Jivanti' Part IV - <I>Dregea Volubilis</I> (Linn. F.) Benth

'Jivanti an important Ayurvedic drug, has variously been ascribed to different botanical taxa, Dregea volubilis (Linn.f.) Benth. being one such species. A detailed pharmacognosy of vegetative parts of the above species has been dealt within the present paper. This includes organoleptic and microscopic characters, fluorescence analysis of the drug powder and its behaviour on treating with different chemical reagents, preliminary phytochemical studies of various extractives and their TLG patterns and ash values. Some of the salient diagnostic characters revealed by this study are : diarch primary stele in the root, origin of phellogen in the second cortical layer of stem, presence of pericycle as 2 rows of irregularly arranged strands of partially lignified fibres mixed with a few, sclereids, commonly occurring uni- and bi-seriate rays in both the root and the stem, a stout obscurely channelled petiole with three leaf traces, development of red colour in the aqueous extract of powdered root on heating with phloroglucinol and conc. Hcl.

Pharmacognostic Study of <I>Asclepias curassavica</I> Linn.

Asclepias curassavica L. (Family: Asclepiadaceae), commonly known as 'Kakatundi' an important Ayurvedic drug used as emetic, astringent, anthelmintic and a remedy in piles and gonorrhoea. All the parts are used in the indigenous system of medicine. The present investigation deals with the macro-microscopical structure of the leaf, micro chemical tests, quantitative study, study of the powdered drug, fluorescence analysis and determination of physical constant values. Leaf is dorsi-ventral, stomata present on both the surfaces. Latex is present in laticifers.

Navigating Careers in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment for Introducing a Career Guidance Module.

The career landscape in Ayurveda is diverse and multifaceted. Many career opportunities are now being available for Ayurveda in many fields, e.g. cosmeceuticals, neutraceuticals, herbal pharmaceuticals, preventive healthcare, lifestyle and wellness and clinical research. However, an interactive platform is lacking to introduce recent Ayurveda graduates to emerging career opportunities. A dedicated career guidance module can help address these aspirations by providing insights into various career paths and potential career trajectories. This Needs Assessment Survey was conducted among different stakeholders within Ayurveda to find out the perceived need for introducing a career guidance module for interns. Afterinstitutional sub-ethics committee approval, a peer-validated needs assessmentquestionnaire for a career guidance module was developed and administered to faculty, clinicians, industry entrepreneurs, post-graduate residents, fresh graduates and interns within Maharashtra. Snowball sampling through WhatsApp was used to collect responses. A total of 102 responses were received. Fifty-eight per centof respondents were females. An almost equal number of faculty, interns and fresh graduates responded. In carer preferences, post-graduation followed by clinical practice were two responses that received maximum votes. An academic career was least preferred. The majority of faculty and students felt that sufficient career options were available for Ayurveda graduates. Private practitioners and entrepreneurs felt otherwise. For updated information on career opportunities, interns rely on the internet over peers and local contacts. Guidance from colleges is minimal. Internship is an important time in career decision-making. Internship experiences are likely to influence the opinions of fresh graduates regarding their desired career paths. Almost all survey participants agreed on an urgent need to have career guidance in Ayurveda. This should focus on employment, enhancing communication skills, professional ethics and leadership skills along with clinical expertise. The pursuit of a career in Ayurvedic research, Ayurvedic drug development, Ayurvedic manufacturing, Ayurvedic tourism, etc. lacks a clear career path. Most interns are unfamiliar with these uncharted career paths. The Health Universities, colleges and eminent experienced alumni of Ayurveda colleges can form an intensive network to guide and support students in making an appropriate choice of a career in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Perspectives on Oral Health: Insights into Prevention and Management of Oral Diseases

Ayurvedic Perspectives on Oral Health: Insights into Prevention and Management of Oral Diseases

Role of Ayurvedic management in Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia): A Case Report

Hemiplegia is a condition with gradual weakness or loss of functions on either half of the body. The injury to the motor centers of the brain either due to ischemia or hemorrhage, can cause poor balance, speech deficits and loss of function. The prevalence rate of hemiplegia is 9 cases per 1000 in global population.[1] In Ayurveda, this condition can be compared to Pakshaghata due to similarity in clinical signs and symptoms being. According to Acharya Charaka Pakshaghata is a Vatavyadhi, where vitiated Vata Dosha is involved in its pathogenesis. Since Pakshaghata is Nanatatmaja Vaat Vyadhi hence use of oral ayurvedic drugs along with Panchakarma therapeutics is recommended.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

In the context of wide prevalence and growing incidence of abnormal vaginal discharge throughout the globe and due to the lack of effective and safe therapy in modern science, there is an increasing focus on alternative systems of medicine. Ayurveda is an age-old life science that offers great potential in treating the symptom. The present study was taken up to review the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence of Ayurvedic drugs for this. Apart from consulting the texts in Ayurveda and modern systems, the study got access to internet sources like AYUSH Portal and PubMed, Google Scholar etc. Out of 90 papers identified, forty research papers were selected for review on various aspects of AVD, such as observational studies, clinical studies, review studies. They are reviewed for theoretical background, research techniques adopted, the drugs and methods employed for treatment and the parameters chosen for evaluation of the effects of these drugs. The results show that Ayurveda has both theoretical foundations and empirical evidence of efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs and shows the promise of evolving a polyherbal formulation to address the symptom holistically.

Ms. Savita Satakopan—A doyen of research in the field of Pharmacognosy

Abstract Savita Satakopan, born in 1927, was a renowned figure in drug standardization and quality control in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine. She spent 25 years researching and analyzing Ayurvedic drugs and raw materials, focusing on identifying genuine classical crude drugs, adulteration, and developing quality standards for sample analysis. Miss. Satakopan traveled to various countries in the 1970’s to develop analytical methods for Ayurvedic drugs and published numerous papers that contributed to the quality control measures of Ayurvedic drugs. As a member of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia Committee, she provided guidelines and established basic principles for pharmacopeial test methods. She also advised botanical studies and contributed to the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India. At 94, she passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in botany. Her passion for research and dedication inspired aspiring young scientists, ensuring her impact would be felt for generations to come.

Investigation of trace element concentrations in some traditionally used medicinal plants in Kerala, India

Abstract The Ayurvedic drugs are widely used in Kerala, India, for primary health care and comprise medicinal plant parts. In the present study, trace element concentrations of 16 traditionally used medicinal plants were determined by the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. The iron (Fe) shows the highest concentration of the order of 7482 ± 101 mg kg−1, while the allowed limit by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/WHO is 20 mg kg−1. Nonessential element lead is detected in all analyzed samples, but its amount is less than the limit set by FAO/WHO 1984. The trace element profile obtained is the fingerprint identity of each plant used in drug formulations. Such baseline data act as the standardization tool for manufacturing compound medicines.

An Overview of the Pharmacological Potential of Curcuma longa

Background: Various ayurvedic drugs have been widely explored for their therapeutic potencies since ancient times. One of the most significant medicinal plants is Curcuma longa, which is one of the different crude medications. It has a variety of beneficial pharmacological characteristics and has been a staple of Indian cooking for centuries. It exhibits antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, renal, and hepatoprotective activities. This review is an attempt to explore the various pharmacological properties of curcumin. Methods: This article presents a summary of the methodology available to study the pharmacological potential, chemical makeup, and organoleptic aspects of Curcuma longa (haldi). Results: For its therapeutic properties in Indian material medicine, Curcuma longa is welldocumented. The plant belongs to the genus Curcuma longa. The Zingiberaceae family includes Curcuma longa. Curcuma longa is widely used in cosmetics. It is considered the best anthelmintic property for GIT disorders. In many research papers, curcumin is the best anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin is known for its synergistic effect against an anticancer agent. The usefulness of Curcuma longa as a preventative and curative measure is well established worldwide. Conclusion: At general, researchers must consider the experience, cost, and availability of the multidisciplinary research team, as well as the measures implemented in the institutions, in order to comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of each assessment method.

Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions on application of Nagaradi Lepa - A Retrospective analysis

Introduction: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are among the most common types of drug hypersensitivity reactions. Although considered natural and safe, Ayurveda medicines can cause adverse reactions. This article highlights the cases of cutaneous adverse drug reactions possibly due to external application of Nagaradi lepa. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, retrospective and record based study conducted by analyzing the spontaneous reported ADR forms, caused by the external application of Nagaradi lepa, collected over a period of 12 months (April 2022 to March 2023) at Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centre, VPSV Ayurveda College Kottakkal, Kerala. Results: During the period of one year, 3 cutaneous ADRs were reported due to external application of Nagaradi lepa. All the 3 cases fall under the category of Probable according to Naranjo’s ADR Probability scale. 2 cases were mild and 1 case was moderate in severity. All the 3 cases were recovered from ADR. Conclusion: Though under reporting, we may have to consider the possibility of Ayurvedic drugs to cause adverse drug reactions. Pharmacovigilance is an ongoing and continuous process. Reporting of ADR to Pharmacovigilance centers help to generate information on ADR related Ayurvedic formulations and also to prevent its recurrence.

Overview of adverse drug reaction: A case report

Pharmacovigilance concerned with identifying the hazards associated with pharmaceutical products and with minimizing the risk of any harm that may come to patients and is defined as the science relating to the collection, detection, understanding, assessment, monitoring and prevention of adverse effects with pharmaceutical products. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) comes under the umbrella of Pharmacovigilance defined as the response to a drug which is noxious, unintended and which occurs at doses normally used in man for prophylaxis, diagnosis or therapy of disease or for the modification of a physiological function. This includes a case presentation reported for ADR; a 49 year old female patient visited the JSS Ayurveda Hospital, Mysuru on August 2023 and diagnosed to have Sandhivata. She was treated with medications internally and Kottamchukkadi churna for external application as lepa. On application of Kottamchukkadi churna, appearance of reddish rashes and itching over applied area of ankle joints of both legs was noticed. As such not any conclusive reports on Kottamchukkadi churna of previous ADRs have been reported. Currently there is utmost importance for ADR in clinical practice concerned to the public health is of prime importance; so there is a need to educate all the Medical Professionals and encourage them to analyse and report any adverse drug reaction or adverse effects that occur in a patient. This shall only be a step towards global acceptance of Ayurvedic drugs hence proper documentation and further evaluation is a need of the hour.

A STUDY OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION IN PUNARNAVA MANDURA

Introduction: Herbal medicines are being used extensively in many countries to treat many diseases, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic, so the global market for herbal medicines has grown suddenly. In India, under the Ayurveda system of medicine, apart from plants, animal and mineral products have also been used as medicine since long ago. Both herbal and animal products contain primarily organic components; therefore, like food in-gredients (biological ingredients), herbal medicine and animal products are at risk of microbial growth and con-tamination. Punarnava Mandura is a popular Ayurvedic medicine described in various classical and authoritative texts of Ayurveda. It is a perfect example of a medicine made from substances derived from plants, minerals, and animals. It contains Mandura Bhasma as a mineral component apart from other herbal ingredients, while cow urine (Gomutra) is of animal origin. It is widely used in infectious and non-infectious fever, cold, indigestion, and other diseases of the Gastrointestinal tract. Microbial contamination of medicines is defined as the unintend-ed habitation of pathogenic microbes that cause their degradation. In pharmaceutics, various factors may be a source of microbes, including the ingredients of drugs, manpower, machines, and the environment of the phar-macy. Microbial contamination is a pertinent issue and essential in quality control steps in pharmaceutical man-ufacturing and food processing. Microbial contamination of medicines and food products may also affect human health. Objective: The primary aim and purpose of the present study was to determine the microbial contamina-tion of an Ayurvedic Herbo-mineral drug sample of Punarnava Mandura. Material and methods: The drug sam-ple (Self-made) was made in the institute pharmacy. Another drug sample (market sample) of Punarnava Man-dura of a pharmacy was also kept as a control to compare the results. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of microbial loads in Punarnava Mandura was assessed. The following strains of microbes: E. Coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Fungus, and Total viable aerobic bacterial count were evaluated. Results: Both the samples of Punarnava Mandura have shown an insignificant load of selected microbes.

Unique case of drug induced liver injury

Drug-induced liver injury are common in Asian Countries because of less awareness about the drugs causing liver injury when consumed in excess quantity or when unindicated. India is the most populous country right now and its population is not aware about the side effects caused by commonly used Ayurvedic drugs.

Evaluation of Gunja Taila w.s.r to Phytochemical Composition and Ras Panchaka

Ayurveda is a holistic science of life and Aushadha (drug) is an integral part of this Trisutriya Ayurveda. Similarly, according to Ayurvedic classics the treatment's quadruped (Chikitsa Chatushpada) also gives importance to Aushadha and positioned it next to the physician (Bhishaka). Various drug preparations are mentioned in our classics, and Gunja Taila is one of them described by different Acharyas. It is a Sneha Kalpana made of mainly four ingredients (Gunja, Bhrigraja, Tila Taila and Kanji) and is preferably indicated in Shiroroga. Ayurvedic drugs have the distinct nature of a complex blend of several secondary metabolites. An actual understanding of its ingredients is essential for avoiding adulteration. These medications have their own potential to be utilised both internally and externally, but describing their chemical ingredients and other associated elements is a significant step forward. Rapidly rising efforts in the field of studies of Ayurvedic drugs, in future will result in evidence based Ayurvedic medicine as well as new leads to drug development. In this article an effort is made to review proper identification of raw drugs used for Gunja Taila including understanding of its active ingredients and mode of action.

Exploring the Concepts of Collection Practices of Bark - From Ancient to Modern

Indian indigenous health care tradition plays a vital role in the health sector as it forms the major resource base of the medicinal plants. Precisely, 90% of the plant constituents are yet to be explored while only 10% have been studied. The global popularity of ancient Ayurvedic medicine is creating the persistent increase in demand and supply of Ayurveda medicinal plants. Advantages of these medicinal herbs either in single or many combinations, one part or the whole plant are known in every Indian house hold from the time of our ancestors. Ayurvedic science, the Indian system of medicine is known for the uniqueness of utilising different parts of the medicinal plant such as roots, leaves, flowers, barks etc and even minerals to treat various disorders. Even Ayurveda Acharyas has stressed upon the medicinal values that each part of the plant possess and has described multiple benefits of these drugs. Dravyaguna is one among the branches of Ayurvedic science that deals with the studies related to Ayurvedic drugs that includes Analytical and physio-chemical studies. In association with the clinical studies, physicochemical and analytical studies are need of the hour to comprehend the beneficial properties of the different parts of the medicinal plants. In this regard, we find many studies but not on the collection of barks. This study is an attempt to explore in depth, the collection practices of barks mentioned in ancient period and modern period.

Role of Panchakarma in management of Urinary Tract Infection - Review Article

All ages of urinary tract infections (UTI) are associated with substantial morbidity and long-term problems. Since using antibiotics helps treat urinary tract infections, it is highly concerning from a therapeutic standpoint when harmful germs become resistant to them. Ayurvedic medications are said to include particularly significant ingredients that are used to treat a variety of illnesses. The review study included a variety of scientific and clinical data that support the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medications in treating urinary tract infections. In the current paper, an evaluation of the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medications for treating clinical conditions such as UTIs was conducted. Good antibacterial qualities were demonstrated by ayurvedic drugs against gramme positive and negative microscopic organisms that cause urinary tract infections. Other aspects are highlighted likewise mitigating, diuretic, cell reinforcement, nephroprotective and antiurolithiatic properties helpful in the administration of UTI and all medications are protected even in high dosages subsequently can be adequately utilized for UTI conditions. In this paper an attempt is made to highlight the research work of role of Panchkarma in UTI, which would be effective in the treatment of UTI.

A Thorough Review of Mutral Herbs

In the present era, the cases of renal diseases are speedily growing and relapses of these diseases are also very frequent. Diuretics in contemporary science, play a major role in the treatment of renal anomalies, but they have side effects too. So, to combat the situation, Ayurvedic Mutral drugs are gaining wide acceptance as they are safe and effective. In Ayurveda, great importance has been given to Mutra and Mutravaha srotas in maintaining the health of an individual. This can be illustrated by the fact that to deal with urinary disorders, Acharya Charak has specifically mentioned the Mutravirechaniya Mahakashaya and Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata have mentioned Veertarvadigana and Trinapanchmoolagana. The herbs of the above-mentioned Kashaya and Gana are used to treat various renal ailments like burning micturition, scanty urine, calculi, etc. Apart from this, they also help to re-establish the normal physiological function of the affected renal tissues and organs. Hence, due to these attributes, they are the components of a wide number of Ayurvedic Mutral formulations. The current review is undertaken for screening the therapeutic action on the renal system of a total twelve herbs, taken from Mutravirechaniya Mahakashaya, Veertarvadigana and Trinapanchmoola gana. Various research studies concerning property of increasing urinary output (Mutral) of such plants are compiled here. These drugs are mostly sheet virya and snigdha guna, so increase the watery content of urine, thereby increasing its amount and flow.

A Comparative Clinicopathological Study on Powder of Aegle marmelos Leaf and Withania coagulans Flower in the Management of Madhumeha

Background: In view of Ayurveda, abnormal and profuse excretion of urine in general is called as Prameha. If we do not treat the Prameha, it leads to Madhumeha. There are many herbs mentioned in Ayurveda that have Madhumehahara property. Hence, to control Madhumeha two effective Ayurvedic drugs, namely, “Aegle marmelos” and “Withania coagulans” were selected for the present study. The study aimed to study the efficacy of A. marmelos leaf and W. coagulans flower powder in the management of Madhumeha. Materials and Methods: For the present study, 40 patients of Madhumeha were randomly selected according to the Inclusion criteria. The prepared medicine was trailed in two groups (Groups A and B) each having 20 Patients. The assessment was in every 10 days of intervals. Discussion and Conclusion: Statistically, A. marmelos leaf powder provided no significant results and W. coagulans flower powder provided significant results in improving subjective and objective signs and symptoms of Madhumeha.