Ayurvedic Practitioners Research Articles

Knowledge of Unani and Ayurveda Practitioners Regarding Pharmacovigilance

Background: Pharmacovigilance is concerned with public health and adverse drug reactions. The essence of pharmacovigilance is the reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). All health care professionals should have knowledge about pharmacovigilance. Objective: To assess knowledge of unani and ayurveda practitioners regarding pharmacovigilance. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 190 selected Unani and Ayurveda practitioners who graduated from Govt-Unani and Ayurvedic medical college. Purposive sampling method was applied for sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and the respondents were interviewed face to face maintaining confidentiality and privacy. Study places were Govt-Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College of Dhaka and Sylhet and Private medical chambers of Unani and Ayurveda practitioners. Results: This study revealed that out of 190 respondents 60% belonged to age group of 20-34 years and 3.7% were within the age group greater than 54 years and mean age were 34.55±7.42 years. 64.7% of the respondents were Unani practitioners and 35.3% were Ayurvedic practitioners. Regarding concept of pharmacovigilance, 22.6% of the respondents had good knowledge whereas 22.1% of the respondents had good knowledge about ADR and drug safety. Out of total 190 respondents 34.7% had good knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance, 35.8% of respondents had fair knowledge and 29.5% had poor knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance. Conclusion: This study revealed that majority of Unani and Ayurveda practitioners had fair knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance. Education and training programs are necessary to improve knowledge of Unani and Ayurveda practitioners. Bangladesh Medical Res Counc Bull 2022; 48(3): 219-224

Development process of a clinical guideline to manage type 2 diabetes in adults by Ayurvedic practitioners

Development process of a clinical guideline to manage type 2 diabetes in adults by Ayurvedic practitioners

A Review on Traditional Anti-ulcer Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Traditional remedies have been used for generations to treat and maintain people's health and indigenous medicinal plants are an important part of this system, which, unlike western medicine, provides cures for practically all illnesses with no side effects. Such an ulcer is a chronic ailment that affects most of the world's population and has no absolute cure. An ulcer is the erosion of mucous lining in the gastrointestinal tract due to over secretion of HCl in the stomach, leading to inflammation and soreness. Consumption of highly spicy meals, an obese lifestyle, an unplanned diet, the use of excessive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, smoking, stress, an irregular sleep cycle, and regular alcohol consumption are all possible causes of ulcers. Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practitioners employ a variety of indigenous medicinal plants to cure ulcers. This review covers a wide variety of medicinal plants that may work as anti-ulcer and deserves more investigation.

Legendary Āyurveda Practitioners of Gujarat in Nineteenth–Twentieth Centuries

Abstract Introduction: History paves the way for a bright future. Ayurveda has survived through the ages due to the traditions followed by the physicians and their families. With the arrival of foreign rulers in India along with the Western medicine, Ayurvedic practices kept declining, and the acceptance of the common people decreased with the passage of time. In this gloomy scenario, the ray of hope was brought by the legendary Ayurveda practitioners in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Materials and Methods: The material includes the printed and online information of the practitioners available through authentic books and websites. All the relevant information is collected, compiled, scrutinized, and analyzed. Discussion: The information collected is discussed in the light of Ayurvedic practitioners in Gujarat and highlights the rich Ayurveda tradition in the form of legendary physicians such as Prabhuram Jivanram, Zandu Bhatt, Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, and Hariprapannaji. Conclusion: Gujarat has been a cradle of Ayurvedic traditions, and this tradition received full support from the respective kings, which was crucial for the sustenance of Ayurveda traditions.

Open-label clinical study to compare the effect of Agnikarma, as a stand-alone treatment, versus, in association with Snayugatavata treatment protocol, in tennis elbow

Abstract Background: Tennis elbow, the painful condition of extensor tendons of the humerus caused by repetitive stress, has no reliable treatment apart from symptomatic support. Ayurvedic practitioners widely use Agnikarma (therapeutic/thermal cauterization) and Snayugatavata Chikitsa (tendinitis treatment protocol) as treatment modalities for it. Agnikarma or Daha is indicated in extremely painful conditions of tendons. Snayugatavata Chikitsa includes Snehana (oleation), Upanaha (medicated bandage), and Daha (thermal cauterization). Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of “Agnikarma” alone and along with Sneha and Upanaha as a part of Snayugatavata Chikitsa’ in tennis elbow treatment and to compare their relative effectiveness. Materials and methods: The study was an open-label, double-armed, prospectively designed, comparative clinical study with 60 patients with tennis elbow randomly allocated into two groups. Group I received Snayugatavata treatment protocol for 8 days, where Kottamchukkadi oleation and medicated bandage were administered for 7 consecutive days and a single sitting of Agnikarma was done on the 8th day. Group II received Agnikarma with Panchadhatu Shalaka (a five-metal alloyed thermal cautery instrument) alone in two sittings on the 1st and 8th days. Assessment was carried out on the 8th, 15th, 30th, and 90th days for five parameters, namely pain, tenderness, inability to do specific tasks, Cozen’s test, and Mill’s maneuver. Results: Both groups showed significant results in all five assessed parameters with P < 0.0001. On comparative analysis between the groups, Agnikarma alone was proved more effective than Snayugatavata Chikitsa with P < 0.0001 for all the parameters for 3 months. Conclusion: Agnikarma, as a stand-alone treatment, can be chosen to offer a simple, cost-effective, safe, and short-term treatment to cure the tennis elbow.

Development process of a clinical guideline to manage type 2 diabetes in adults by Ayurvedic practitioners.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a common chronic health condition, has major health and socioeconomic consequences. In the Indian subcontinent, it is a health condition for which individuals commonly consult Ayurvedic (traditional medical system) practitioners and use their medicines. However, to date, a good quality T2DM clinical guideline for Ayurvedic practitioners, grounded on the best available scientific evidence, is not available. Therefore, the study aimed to systematically develop a clinical guideline for Ayurvedic practitioners to manage T2DM in adults. The development work was guided by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) manual for developing guidelines, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. First, a comprehensive systematic review was conducted which evaluated Ayurvedic medicines' effectiveness and safety in managing T2DM. In addition, the GRADE approach was used for assessing the certainty of the findings. Next, using the GRADE approach, the Evidence-to-Decision framework was developed, and we focused on glycemic control and adverse events. Subsequently, based on the Evidence-to-Decision framework, a Guideline Development Group of 17 international members made recommendations on Ayurvedic medicines' effectiveness and safety in T2DM. These recommendations formed the basis of the clinical guideline, and additional generic content and recommendations were adapted from the T2DM Clinical Knowledge Summaries of the Clarity Informatics (UK). The feedback given by the Guideline Development Group on the draft version was used to amend and finalize the clinical guideline. A clinical guideline for managing T2DM in adults by Ayurvedic practitioners was developed, which focuses on how practitioners can provide appropriate care, education, and support for people with T2DM (and their carers and family). The clinical guideline provides information on T2DM, such as its definition, risk factors, prevalence, prognosis, and complications; how it should be diagnosed and managed through lifestyle changes like diet and physical activity and Ayurvedic medicines; how the acute and chronic complications of T2DM should be detected and managed (including referral to specialists); and advice on topics like driving, work, and fasting including during religious/socio-cultural festivals. We systematically developed a clinical guideline for Ayurvedic practitioners to manage T2DM in adults.

Awareness and Perception of New AYUSH Guidelines among Dentists of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: A Questionnaire Survey

Introduction: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) is an alternative medical system and has found acceptance globally for its use of rich medical plants, minerals, and other natural commodities in treating different illness. In November 2020, AYUSH changed its curriculum guidelines for its postgraduate students, which allowed them to perform a variety of general surgery, including orthopedic, ophthalmology, Ear Nose Throat (ENT), and dental treatments. Aim: To assess the awareness and perception among the dentists of these new AYUSH guidelines and to record their opinion. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,from January 2021 to February 2021. A self-constructed questionnaire of 15 questions was circulated via google forms. The response was collected from 123 dentists. Statistical analysis was done on the IBM software 24 version. Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between dentists’ awareness of dental procedures included under the new AYUSH curriculum and their perception of ayurvedic practitioners performing the dental treatment efficiently. Results: Only 58.5% (n=79) of dentists were aware of the term AYUSH and 53 (43%) dentists were aware of the new guidelines added to the postgraduate curriculum in AYUSH. About, 57.7% of dentists reported that the Ayurvedic practitioners cannot handle the complications occurring during dental procedures. Conclusion: Dentists were not in favor of AYUSH practitioners performing dental treatments. The present study also concluded that dental procedures cannot be effectively and efficiently performed by AYUSH practitioners.

Keraliya Cikitsa Paddhati - A Complete Guide to Specialized Keralan Ayurveda Treatment Procedures Based on Dharakalpah-A Book Review

Background: Various Socio-political and geographical reasons helped Kerala to provide a favorable atmosphere to flourish Ayurveda in this land. Inestimable contributions made by Ayurvedic practitioners in Kerala led to developments in terms of procedures as well as medicine. Knowledge about the subtler nuances of performing various therapeutic procedures, along with their clinical implications was recorded by eminent practitioners in Kerala. However, it was dispersed amongst various regional texts, and it needed to be lined under one heading. Authors Pavana Jayaram and Manoj Sankaranarayana managed to gather all these pieces of information together and presented them in the form of this book named - Keraliya Cikitsa Paddhati.Methodology: The presented book was studied, analyzed, and compared with other contemporary works on a similar subject.Body and Analysis: The present book is written in Sanskrit and English. It contains 304 pages, and its price is 500 INR. This book was published by Sarada Mahadeva Iyer, Ayurvedic Educational and Charitable Trust, Tamil Nadu. The book was published in 2010. It comprises three sections. The first section encompasses the Sanskrit text Dharakalpa which sheds light on the Procedure named Dhara – one of the specialized Keraliya treatment modalities. Following it, the book presents the first and only english commentary on Dharakalpa written by the authors – Pavana and Manoj. The second section of the book comprises an extensive review of the available literature about external treatment modalities (Bahih-parimarjana cikitsa). The third section of the book encompasses various necessary preparations required before commencing the procedure. It caters both, epistemological knowledge and pragmatic usage of external treatment modalities for the Ayurvedic fraternity. ‘Keraliya Cikitsa Paddhati’ is the first and only attempt made in such a direction where the traditional knowledge is not merely translated but very well explored through available literature.

Traditional Sutika Paricharya Practices Prevalent in Kozhikode District of Kerala

Introduction: Motherhood is the most gifted prize in the world as it is the means of transfer of human generation. Sutika kala (period of puerperium) is the period of happiness as well as the period of complications also. The puerperium is the period from the end of the third stage of labor until most of the patient’s organs have returned to the pre-pregnant state. Proper paricharya is necessary for the maintenance of the health of the puerperal women. There are some traditional practices for the health promotion of Sutika which are prevalent in Kozhikode district of Kerala. The objective of this study is to reveal the scientific background of the traditional Sutika paricharya practices prevalent in Kozhikode. Materials and Methods: The data regarding the Sutika paricharya were collected from the Ayurvedic practitioners from Kozhikode through a Telephonic Survey with the help of a structured questionnaire. Data will be analyzed scientifically and conclusions will be drawn. Results and Discussion: The Traditional Sutika Paricharya practices prevalent in Kozhikode district of Kerala includes the use of Nadi Kashaya, Arista, Nalpamaradi Vethuvellam (water used for bath prepared from Nalpamaradi drugs), Mukkudi, Ullichoru (special rice prepared with onion and its varieties), Pettu lehyam, Thengin pookkuladi lehyam (Avaleha prepared with Inflorescence of coconut), and Navadhanya powder. The details regarding its preparation, uses, effects, and its scientific background were validated and conclusions were drawn. Conclusion: The time-tested and validated scientific practices should be added and updated to the knowledge database of Sutika practices in the Ayurveda system in India

A Review of Tridax Procumbens a Weed: Review

Tridax procumbens Linn (Compositae) is a weed that can be found all throughout India. Tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia have all adopted the plant as their own. It is originally from tropical America. Locals refer to it as "Ghamara," and some Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe it for "Bhringraj" (often known as "coat buttons" in English). Alkaloids, carotenoids, flavonoids (catechins and flavones), fumaric acid, fl-sitosterol, saponins, and tannins were all found throughout the phytochemical screening. It is incredibly rich in ions including sodium, potassium, and calcium as well as carotenoids, saponins, and olcanolic acid. From its blooms, luteolin, glucoluteolin, quercetin, and isoquercetin have all been identified. It is well-known for a variety of pharmacological effects, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antidiabetic, hypotensive, immunomodulating, bronchial catarrh, dysentery, diarrhoeal, and fall prevention.

A Qualitative Study of Traditional Bone Setters in South India: A Case Series.

There are approximately 60,000 Traditional Bone Setters (TBS) in India, who have no formal education or training in modern medicine but treat approximately 60% of bone related trauma. This study investigated the history of TBS, why they are so popular, and their methods. From a list of TBS from four states in South India, a purposive and convenience sampling method identified participants. One lead TBS from each state was interviewed. With recommendations from these TBS, a total of six participants were interviewed on Zoom® in their native dialect and these interviews were transcribed into English. The data were analyzed using a constant comparative method which included several iterations to refine common themes and determine counterfactual and specific focal points from each interview. Six overarching themes emerged: (1) history of traditional bone setters, (2) occupations outside bone setting, (3) training, certification, education, accolades, (4) patient characteristics and success stories, (5) infrastructure and approach to diagnosis/treatment, and (6) limitations of practice, challenges, and social relevance. The history of traditional bone setting is thousands of years old and passed down within families generationally. In rural India, where a large part of the population lives in poverty and without access to modern medicine, traditional healers provide a much-needed service, often without charge, and consequently, the income is not sufficient without other occupations such as farming. They follow a similar approach to diagnosis and treatment of simple fractures and dislocations as modern medical practitioners. Most would like to share their knowledge and collaborate with ayurvedic and allopathic practitioners and simply want to be respected and supported.

Physico Chemical Analysis and HPTLC Evaluation of Kokilakshadi Kwatha Churna

Kokilakshadi Kashaya mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vataraktadhikara, it is a therapeutic formulation to treat Vatarakta. It is also used by Ayurvedic practitioners for treating hyperuricemia. The symptoms of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis are similar to Vatarakta, a disease explained in classical Ayurvedic textbooks. Kokilakshadikwatha contains Kokilaksha and Guduchi and Pippalichurna given as Anupana of this formulation Physico chemical analysis of individual drug and formulation with modern parameters increase their scope and acceptance. The study was based on standard analytical parameters proposed by API. Method: Kokilakshadi Kwatha powder was evaluated for physico chemical analysis and phyto chemical screening. The analysis was done by using the parameters like Organoleptic features, loss on drying, acid soluble extractive, water soluble extractive. Results: Analytical parameters of individual drugs were done. All analytical parameter were within limit. Analytical parameter of Kokilakshadi Kwatha Churna like loss on drying 10.4%w/w, acid insoluble ash 0.79%, alcohol soluble extractive 11.2%w/w, water soluble extractive 7.8%w/w, pH 5.78 were obtained. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) profile of Kokilakshadikwatha powder showed 13 peaks at 254nm and 14 peaks at 366nm. Preliminary phytochemical screening test revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids. Conclusion: The obtained data can be used for future comparative references

Documentation of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge on Some Medicinal Plants in Saharanpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present ethnomedicinal exploration study presents the indigenous use of certain medicinal plants by the local people of the Saharanpur district in the Uttar Pradesh state of India. The survey was conducted during 2020-2022 in order to access information about traditional knowledge on medicinal plants of the study area and their conservation. Saharanpur is situated in the foothills of Shiwalik that constitute the outer Himalaya. This region forms the northern most part of Ganga-Yamuna Doab. The climate of the area is tropical due to the proximity of the Himalayan region. This area represents a great diversity of medicinal plants and contains deep indigenous traditional knowledge. The objective of the study was to record and document this traditional knowledge of medicinal plants for the welfare of future generations. The methods employed for ethnomedicinal data collection included semi-structured interviews, field observation, preference ranking and direct-matrix ranking. For the collection of ethnomedicinal information, the knowledgeable persons, plant collectors and ayurvedic medical practitioners of the study area were interacted. The conventional medicines obtained from these medicinal plants has been proved highly beneficial in maintaining good health and accordingly ethnic community still depends upon their indigenous knowledge to a greater extent to heal their ailments. A total of 82 plant species were collected, of which 66 plants of medicinal importance were documented with their botanical name, local name, family, habit and parts used. These 66 plant species belong to 59 genera and 35 families. The most dominant families recorded were Amaranthaceae followed by Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae and Moraceae. Herbs were the most common growth form followed by trees, shrubs and climbers. Among the different plant parts, the leaves were most commonly used to treat various diseases followed by root, seed, whole plant, fruit, stem, bark, flower and wood. It was observed that these plants are widely used for the treatment of various ailments such as asthma, kidney stone, rheumatism, fever, urinary infections, syphilis, leucorrhoea, tuberculosis, eye infections, leprosy and skin disorders by the local inhabitants of the study area. This investigation will be of great importance to conserve the heritable knowledge in the field of herbal treatment.

RASAYANA YOGAS IN CHAKRADATTA: A REVIEW

Ayurveda is a comprehensive life science that incorporates all elements of human living. Rasayana is one of Ayurveda's clinical specialties. Rasayana is more than a medication therapy; it's a specialised procedure that includes rejuvenating recipes and a dietary regimen that promotes healthy attitudes. Chakradatta's principal goal was to represent it as a literature pertaining of Ayurvedic medicine for the benefit of mankind. The purpose of this study is to highlight Chakradatta's framework while also providing information on the various Rasayana yogas. A thorough analysis has been done to enumerate Rasayana yogas mentioned under the Rasayanaadhikara of Chakradatta. In total twenty-one formulations are said as Rasayana; in which five are of single drugs, a ghrita yoga, two tamra yogas and herbo- mineral combinations too. The formulations enlisted have Vatakapha samana and Tridoshahara characteristics. The primary objective of Chakradatta was to present it as a Traditional Ayurvedic treatise for the benefit of a healthy lifestyle. Chakradatta's guidelines for therapeutic principles pertaining to the condition are still helpful for Ayurvedic practitioners today.

Pharmaceutical Standardization and Physicochemical Analysis of Arogyavardhini Vati

It is very crucial to know the physicochemical properties of drugs during the development of pharmaceutical products. Drugs are on compulsion to assess their compatibility of active substances, excipients and medicinal products with established standards by the pharmaceutical laws. Characterization of these active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) helps in improving the quality parameters of all raw materials used during the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals and also in the final products. Maintaining quality standards of the drugs is the need of the hour in this era of increasing demand for indigenous medicines. Due to the absence of reference standards, standardisation of many of compound formulations is lagging behind. Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical science that has been serving the community since centuries. Arogyavardhini vati is one of the most important Ayurvedic formulation that is advised by the Ayurvedic scholars for liver disorders since centuries. Although, being administered by a vast community of Ayurvedic practitioners and from a very long period with multiple benefits, there were no many studies that are available on the physicochemical analysis and standardization of Arogyavardhini vati. Present study evaluated the physicochemical properties of Arogyavardhini vati and standardized. Arogyavardhini vati prepared by the Ayurvedic classical method complies with the standard parameters as mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. Present study observed that the analytical parameters and the pharmaceutical parameters for Arogyavardhini Vati were validated by HPTLC method and can be considered as the standard drug.

Multiple health benefits of tulsi plants

Ayurveda's focus on healthy lifestyle practices and the regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs can address many of the major causes of global morbidity and mortality. Ayurvedic practitioners highly regard Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn), and scientific research has confirmed its benefits. With its unique combination of pharmacological actions, tulsi has demonstrated its ability to address physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress. There is evidence that tulsi protects organs and tissues against chemical and physical stress resulting from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint, excessive noise, and cold exposure. In addition to its beneficial effects on memory and cognitive functions as well as its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, tulsi can counter metabolic stress, lowering blood glucose, blood pressure, and oxidized cholesterol levels. Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including activity against human and animal pathogens, tulsi can be used in treating wounds, animal rearing, preserving food and herbal raw materials, and traveller's health as well as hand sanitizers, mouthwashes and water purifiers. Plants grown for tulsi have spiritual significance and practical value, allowing growers to tap into nature's creative powers. Organic cultivation enables farmers to address food security issues, rural poverty, hunger and environmental degradation. Using ancient knowledge, tulsi is considered a symbol of wisdom in Ayurvedic medicine. Additionally, the Tulsi plant's roots, stem, fruit, and leaves have several phytochemical constituents that impart different therapeutic properties. Eugenol, vallinin, gallic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid are some of these constituents. Many diseases can be treated with these phytochemicals extracted from plants. Tulsi is reported to have anti-ulcer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, analgesic, anti-stress, anti-asthmatic, antifertility, Immunomodulation, and neuroprotective properties.

Standardisation of Various Processes in the Preparation of Kousheyashma Bhasma Accounting its Clinical Utility

Asbestos, one among the inosilicate group of minerals is listed under the Sikatha varga (Silicate compounds) in the Rasasastra treatises, in the name, Kousheyashma. Though the asbestos is vastly used for commercial purposes, it is not found to be used in clinical practices owing to its toxicity. But in Ayurveda, Acharyas have opined that by the judicious usage, even the poison can be bestowed medicinal value. And hence, after undergoing appropriate pharmaceutical processes as mentioned in the treatises, Kousheyashma can be effectively administered in Bhasma (after incineration) form in the treatment of various ailments like leucorrhoea, painful micturition, inflammation of urinary tract, menorrhagia.
 In this work, an attempt is made to expose the hidden medicinal values of asbestos by converting it into Bhasma form. Kousheyashma is a very cost effective and potent medicine which could be effectively used by Ayurvedic practitioners. In the present work, conversion of raw Kousheyashma into medicinal Bhasma form is discussed elaborately. The processes involved includes Sodhana and Marana of Kousheyashma. The liquid media used for the purpose of Sodhana was Gomutra and for Marana purpose, Harithamanjari swarasa was used. Three Putas were required to obtain Kousheyashma bhasma which satisfied the Bhasma pareekshas.

A Review on the Probable Mode of Action of Agnikumara Rasa (B.R Jwaradhikara) - An Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation With Multifaceted Action

In Ayurveda, Agnimandya (reduced digestive power) is considered as a root cause for all diseases. Agnikumara rasa (B.R Jwaradhikara) is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation used by Ayurvedic practitioners that increases Agni (digestive fire) and is indicated in various diseases with specific Anupana (adjuvant). There are 6 constituents in this formulation and is indicated in the management of vitiation of Kapha and Vata humor. On analysing the properties of the ingredients, it was found that it is predominant of Katu rasa (pungent taste), Thikta rasa (bitter taste), Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp) properties, Ushna virya (hot potency), Katu vipaka (pungent taste after bio-transformation). These therapeutic properties are responsible for pharmacological actions of the formulation. This review paper is an attempt to analyse the mode of action of this formulation which gives a deep insight about the usage of the formulation with a better understanding, so that the physician can use the formulation according to his logic in conditions other than indicated.

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Bark Extract of Shorea robusta (Sal)

Different parts of Shorea robusta (Sal) are being used in ancestral and ayurvedic medicines and are known to cure health ailments. The different phytochemicals present in S. robusta is known to possess antimicrobial property. The different botanical parts of this plant have been used in ayurvedic medicines to cure certain infectious diseases. The main aim of this study was to screen phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity of bark extract of S. robusta. Literatures were collected through books, journals and further additional information were collected from residents and traditional ayurvedic practitioners. The ethanolic bark extract of S. robusta was obtained through 70% ethanol in rotatory shaker for 72 hours at 37 ℃ and then the crude extract was dried, preserved and analyzed for phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of bark of S. robusta indicated presence of phytochemicals like, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, anthraquinone and absence of phlobatannins, terpenoids, starch and proteins. The extract of S. robusta on Staphylococcus aureus exhibited clear zone of inhibition of 21mm at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/mL while on Escherichia coli exhibited clear zone of inhibition of 9 mm at MIC of 4 mg/mL. The antimicrobial activity may be conferred due to the presence of plant phytochemicals. S. robusta bark extract exhibiting significant minimum inhibitory concentration and antimicrobial activity indicates the efficacy of this plant to be considered for discovering and extracting new antimicrobial products against the pathogens. These findings need further support for appropriate formulation of the drug and its therapeutic use in clinical settings.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory response by two formulations of Jatyadithailam in healing diabetic foot ulcers

Jatyadithailam is a polyherbal formulation used by Ayurvedic practitioners and clinically reportedfor the treatment of inflammation related ailment specifically in non-healing chronic foot ulcers. The study is focused to validate and compare the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) and Yogagrantha (YG) formulations of Jatyadithailam in vitro, for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential. Antimicrobial activity of thailam was determined by broth microdilution method for its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and microbicidal activity (MBC/MFC). In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of varying concentrations was determined by assaying albumin denaturation inhibition, membrane stabilization (hypotonicity-induced hemolysis), heat induced hemolysis and antiproteinase activities for both the formulations. Highest bactericidal and fungicidal activity was recorded by AFI formulation of Jatyadithailam showing low MIC values compared to YG formulation. Of all the tested bacterial strains, both the formulations showed great bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus. Both the formulations exhibited significant dose dependent anti-denaturation and anti-proteinase effectively. The thailam also showed marked stabilization of human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane against thermal hemolysis. Our study confirmed AFI formulation of Jatyadithailam possessed better antimicrobial and significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory effect. AFI Jatyadithailam was more effective than YG formulation in terms of dose-dependence activity against infection causing microbes and toxic inflammatory mediators. The outcome of the study emphasizes the positive therapeutic potential of Jatyadithailam to combat infectious and inflammatory conditions.