Ayurveda Drugs Research Articles

An Ayurvedic approach towards management of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis(AS) is a rheumatic disease that comes under the category of Spondyloarthritides. The symptoms of the disease are usually first noticed in late adolescence or early adulthood, with male to the female prevalence of 3:1. Which can be better managed by a combination of Panchakarma procedures and Ayurveda drugs. Clinical findings - We present a case of AS, having symptoms of low back pain along with stiffness unable to bend forward completely, and pain in the nape of the neck with stiffness and restricted movement so it was considered to be Gambhira Vatarakta. Intervention: Patient was treated with Panchakarma treatment Vaitrana Basti(Enema with medicated drugs) in Kala Schedule for 9 days and Jambeera Pinda Swedana(JPS) for 6 days along with oral medicines. Outcomes - As oral Medication along with Panchakarma procedures help in relieving signs and symptoms like pain and restricted movement and providing best comfort to the patient by reducing the severity of the disability. Conclusion - so it can be concluded that Panchakarma is effective in the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

EFFECT OF VASAGUDUCHCHADI KASAYAM IN A CASE OF HYPERLIPIDAEMIA - A CASE STUDY

Vasa-Guduchchadi Kasayam is a widely used drug in Ayurveda. As per Ayurvedic literature 'Sahasrayoga', Vasa- guduchchadi Kasayam is a water decoction or water extract of a group of herbs, namely Vasaka, Guduchi, Triphala, Kutaki, Bhunimba, Nimba. It is mainly indicated in Pittaja Pandu. In this study, a lipid-lowering activi- ty of Vasa-guduchchadi Kasayam has been found in a case of hyperlipidaemia. Vasa-Guduchchadi Kasayam was prescribed as sole medication in that case not as co-therapy with any other conventional drug. Keywords: Vasaguduchchadi Kasayam, Hyperlipidaemia

PREPARATION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA (WILD) MIERS EX. HOOK F. & THOMS.: AN AYURVEDA FORMULATION

Guduchi is an important Rasayan drug in Ayurveda. It is used different dosage forms to cure diseases. Guduchi is described in our classics to cure the various types of diseases i.e., Kamala, prameha, vatrakata, etc. it is used by the patient there in a suitable form. So, the requirement of the patient and good palatable, it is converted into a suitable form by using various types of methods. In Ayurveda, five major Kalpana which are called Pancvidha Kashaya Kalpana is described first in Charak Samhita. Another minor Kalpana like vati, churna, ghana, sandhan Kalpana is derived from panchvidha kashaya Kalpana. Guduchi Ghana is an important and unique preparation of Ayurveda. It is prepared from an aqueous extract of Guduchi. It is the secondary Kalpana which is derived from the primary Kalpana kwatha. In the present study preparation of Guduchi Ghana according to classical text “Siddha Yoga Sangraha” by Acharya Yadavji Trikamji. Guduchi is a soft drug so, water has been taken for the preparation of kwatha is four-time to Guduchi Dravya. When a confirmatory test of kwatha or reduced 1⁄4, it was filtered with the help of the cloth. After filtered, it was kept on the heat for preparation of Ghana. End of the whole procedure, the dark brown and sticky nature of Ghana was obtained. It is bitter and not specific smell. It has taken 5-6 hrs to complete the process. In the initial raw material has been taken 1.5 kg and the final product is obtained about 105gm. Keywords: Guduchi, Rasayan, Prameha, Kashaya Kalpana, Kwatha. etc.

Role of Internal Medicines in the Management of Infections w.s.r. to Viral and Fungal Diseases: A Review

Ayurveda works towards the prevention and management of various health problems, Ayurveda also suggests many natural ways to promote general health. Ayurveda in this regards provides several modalities for controlling infectious diseases which described as Sankramak Roga in Ayurveda. As per Ayurveda these Sankramak Roga mainly arises due to the vitiated state of Doshas and this vitiation arises by microbial toxins in case of infectious diseases. Therefore Doshas pacifying medicines recommended controlling infections. Ayurveda drugs like Kapura, Neema, Guduchi, Tulsi and Vacha, etc. helps to treat such pathological conditions. The present scenario of pandemic disaster requires an approach where Ayurveda and modern science can join hand together to combat against this situation. The consequences of viral infections also increases susceptibility towards other infections i.e.; fungal diseases. Considering these all facts this article explored Ayurveda as well as modern approaches for the management of various types of Sankramak Roga w.s.r. to viral and fungal infections.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Haridra (Curcuma Longa Linn.)

Curcuma longa Linn. is a very commonly used herb in the day-to-day life for therapeutic and culinary purposes. Haridra commonly known as ‘Golden spice’ belongs to Zingiberaceae family and is very well known for its pharmacological actions like hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, immune-stimulant, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic etc. According to the growing regions there are so many varieties of Haridra like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and North Eastern varieties. All medicinal plants contain phytochemicals or bioactive compounds which plays the key role in its therapeutic action. Most of the drugs show variations in these phytochemicals due to its growing regions which results in severe variations of its quality and efficacy. Also the globalisation and increasing demand for Ayurveda drugs resulted in unavailability of authentic and quality drugs in market which meets the quality standards. Objective: Kerala variety of Turmeric is very well known for its high Curcumin, which is up to 6.5%. Present study is to evaluate the quality of Kerala variety of Haridra sample. Material and methods: This study involves pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis of Kerala variety of Haridra samples to ensure its purity, safety and quality. Observations and Results: All the findings of the phytochemical and pharmacognostical study were within the standards of quality as per API. Conclusion: The present sample of Haridra, the Kerala variety was found to be rich in Quality and was safe, pure and authentic.

A need for rigorous review of literature for development of new drugs in Ayurveda

Ayurveda, one of the oldest life sciences, had been evolved in India, and stands still on a rational and logical foundation with own fundamental principles which guides the society towards prevention of diseases, to maintain the health through prevention and cure of ailments. The genesis and development of Ayurveda stream, as a health care system, is well supported by a robust literature being fortified with numerous experience-based treatment protocols. The available literature of Ayurveda, based on time period, can grossly be divided into three categories i.e., Veda, Samhita and Samgraha period.................

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION OF CHITRAKA AS AN INGREDIENT MENTIONED IN CLASSICAL TEXTS OF AYURVEDA

Background: Chitraka is one of the well-known drug of Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia and is popular for its Deepana-Pachana properties. It is commonly used for the diseases of gastrointestinal tract where there is an impairment of digestive fire. The drug Chitraka is used as ingredient of many formulations which are used internally, externally for therapeutic purposes or as used as a media for purification of certain mineral drugs in Ayurveda. Aim: Review and documentation of indication of Chitraka as an ingredient for internal administration from various Ayurveda books. Materials and methods: Review was carried out from 50 Ayurveda texts which includes Samhitas, Chikitsa grantas and Rasa Grantas. Results: In available classical Ayurvedic compendia 2631 formulations were found containing Chitraka as an ingredient for internal administration. These formulations are available in 37 dosage forms, among which maximum are of Churna form followed by Vati, Ghrita, Kwatha, Avaleha etc. Chitraka containing formulations are found indicated in the treatment of more than 130 disorders, out of which maximum are indicated in Arsa, Jwara and Kushtha. The maximum formulations are found in Anna-Purishavaha Srotasa. Conclusion: Chitraka is used in 2631 formulations being prepared in 37 dosage forms and is being indicated in more than 130 disease conditions. Outcomes of the present review may provide ideas for more research on finding out inclusion of Chitraka in many formulations.
 
 
 Materials and methods: Review was carried out from 50 Ayurveda texts which includes Samhitas, Chikitsa grantas and Rasa Grantas.
 Results: In available classical Ayurvedic compendia 2631 formulations were found containing Chitraka as an ingredient for internal administration. These formulations are available in 37 dosage forms, among which maximum are of Churna form followed by Vati, Ghrita, Kwatha, Avaleha etc. Chitraka containing formulations are found indicated in the treatment of more than 130 disorders, out of which maximum are indicated in Arsa, Jwara and Kushtha. The maximum formulations are found in Anna-Purishavaha Srotasa. 
 Conclusion: Chitraka is used in 2631 formulations being prepared in 37 dosage forms and is being indicated in more than 130 disease conditions. Outcomes of the present review may provide ideas for more research on finding out inclusion of Chitraka in many formulations.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTO-PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF Solanum xanthocarpum Serb. & Wendl.

Medicinal plants are the backbone of Traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha. Solanum xanthcarpum (Solanaceae) (SX) is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in Ayurvedic Pharmacopia. Me- dicinal plants have been of age-long remedy for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value. Plants are rich sources of ecologically developed secondary metabolites, which are potential remedies for different ailments. Kantakari (SX) of the family Solanaceae is one of the ‘dasamoola' and widely used drugs in Ayurveda. Dasamoola means a combination of ten plant roots together. It comprises roots of five big or major trees (Brihat panchmoola) and roots of five small trees or major herbs (Laghu panchmoola). Various studies indicated that SX contains steroidal glycoalkaloid solasodine, β-solamagrine and solasonine. The indigenous uses of plants also indicate anti-inflammatory, Antispermatogenic, Antidiabetic, Antiasthmatic, Molluscidal activity, useful in in- fantile atopical dermatitis, Cytoprotective, anticancer, insecticidal, insect repellent properties and diuretic activities. Therefore, the present investigation was intended to evaluate the preliminary phytochemical characters of this plant. The data and results of Phytochemical studies in the present study would facilitate discovery for the synthesis of more potent drugs. Keywords: Solanum xanthocarpum, Dasamoola, ethnobotanical uses, pharmacognosy, pharmacological activities,

A multi-center collaborative double-blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in patients receiving mass drug administration for management of chronic filarial lymphedema—study protocol

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or B. timori, the parasitic nematodes that are transmitted through mosquitoes. The World Health Organization has recommended mass drug administration (MDA) as preventive chemotherapy strategy. In Ayurveda, LF has been narrated under the heading Shlipada, and the literature also includes detailed therapeutic measures. AYUSH-SL is a formulation prepared based on the classical information of herbs used in treating LF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multi-center, prospective, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, double blind interventional study. A total of 180 participants are planned to be recruited, and the duration of the study will be 2.5 years. Diagnosed cases of filariasis (as evidenced by a positive immune-chromatographic card test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or microfilariae (MF) test report) of either sex within the age group of 18–65 years present with features of filarial lymphedema of Grade I and Grade II (lower limbs) will be included in the trial. The study group will be treated with MDA and AYUSH-SL tablet. The control group will receive MDA and a matching placebo. The duration of the therapy will be of 12 weeks, and a last follow-up will be done at the 24th week. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure is reduction of edema computed for analysis by percentage reduction from the baseline at 4th, 12th, and 24th week. The secondary outcome measures include improvement in quality of life (QoL), which will be assessed using the Lymphatic Filariasis Specific QoL Questionnaire, and prevention of recurrence of acute episodes, which will be assessed by probing the presence and severity of episodes in the past 4 weeks. DISCUSSION: The deformities and disability due to filarial lymphedema vanquish physically as well as mentally leading to hardships in normal life. Management of filarial lymphedema is required for preventing disease progression and episodes of adenolymphangitis. The study is expected to provide evidence on the coded Ayurveda drug AYUSH-SL in the management of chronic filarial lymphedema.

Efficacy and Safety of the Two Ayurveda Drug Regimens in Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of two Ayurveda drug regimens for the treatment of uterine fibroids (UF) in a randomized single-blind clinical trial. 120 participants with UF (volume ≥ 2 cm3) were randomly allocated at a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to 2 experimental groups and the control group. The 12-week intervention period was followed by 12-week follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change of the largest UF volume. The secondary efficacy endpoints were assessed by the pictorial bleeding assessment score (PBAC), UF symptoms, and quality of life score. The safety endpoints were changed in hepatic and renal safety parameters and patients experiencing adverse effects. Significant decrease was observed in the volume of UF in the arm II but not in arm I, while a significant increase was observed in the volume of the largest UF in the control group at 12th week. The PBAC score remained stable in all groups. Further mean value of the intervention arms symptom severity subscale (SSS) was significantly reduced compared to the control arm. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) value improved in 12th week of both experimental arms compared to baseline. Control arm HRQL value was reduced compared to baseline. The volume of the largest UF and both SSS and HRQL values remained stable within the follow-up period in the tested arms. The findings of this study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of selected two Ayurveda drug regimens in reducing the volume of UF and related symptoms and improving quality of life.

Effect of Ksheera Vaitarana Vasti, Janu Vasti along with Adjuvant Ayurveda Drugs in the management of Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis in knee joint)- A case study

Sandhigatavata is a disease with Shoola (pain), Shotha (swelling) and Hanti Sandhi Gatah Sandhi (impairment of the functions of joints). This can be correlated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis. While any joint can be affected in osteoarthritis, knee joint is most commonly affected. Vangasena Samhitha mentions Ksheera Vaitarana Vasti as a treatment for Janu Sankocha (stiffness of joint), Kati Prushta Shoola Shotha (swelling and pain in waist, knee and back). Prasarana Akunchanayoh Pravrutthishca Savedana (pain during contraction and extension of limbs) is described as a symptom of Sandhigatavata and stiffness in joint is a symptom of osteoarthritis. Sri Lankan traditional physician family ‘Weerasinghe’ treat Sandhigatavata with Belimul Thippilimul Amu Inguru Kashaya with effective results. Gugguladi Thaila is described in Sri Lankan Ayurveda Pharmacopeia in treatment of Vata Roga. Susruta advises to conduct Snehana in treatment of Vata Roga. Janu Vasti is one method of administering Bhahya Snehana to Janu Sandhi (knee joint). A 65 years old female with an 8 years history of Sandhigatavata Ayurveda treatments for 21 days. Ksheera Vaitarana Vasti was conducted for seven days and from Day 8 to 21, with oral administration of Belimul Thippilimul Amu Inguru Kashaya along with Janu Vasti using Gugguladi Thaila. After completion of treatment, it was observed that swelling, tenderness and pain during contraction and extension of limbs were completely relived. It is concluded that above treatment regimen is effective in treatment of Sandhigatavata (osteoarthritis).

Pharmacognostical and physiochemical evaluation of bruhaniya gana siddha ksheerpak for ksheerpan and ksheerbasti in the management of garbhashosh

Ayurveda is the most ancient medical science framed on evidence-based principles. So, the standardization of Ayurveda drugs is much needed work in view to asses and maintain the quality of Ayurveda drugs in present era. The WHO appreciated the importance of medicinal plants for public health care in developing nations and has evolved guidelines to support the member states in their efforts to formulate national policies on traditional medicine and to study their potential usefulness including evaluation, safety and efficacy. The quality assessment of Ayurveda drug formulations is very important in order to prove their acceptability in modern system of medicine. The present study aims to standardize bruhaniya gana siddha ksheerpaka formulation for ksheerpan and ksheerbasti in the management of garbhashosh (IUGR). The process of standardization is achieved by systematic pharmacognostical and physiochemical evaluative studies. The drug formulation bruhaniya gana siddha ksheer contains Bala, Ashwagandha, Shatawari, Vidari, Kakoli, and Kshirkakoli.2 Organoleptic characters revelled that formulation was light off white in colour, characteristic fragrant odour, and sweet in taste. The result of pharmacognostical study had shown presence of prismatic crystals of Bala, Scalariform vessels of Shatavari, and trichomes of Ashwagandha, cambial activity of the tubers of Vidari, etc. Physiochemical study showed loss on drying 2.96%, total ash 0.31%, acid insoluble ash 0.01%, pH 6.18%, total solids 34.68. Phyto-chemical analysis showed presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, reducing sugar, etc. The formulation was prepared and screened for various standardization parameters as per ayurveda drug standard protocols in API.

Transmission modes of COVID-19 disease pandemic in the light of ancient wisdom of Ayurveda medicine: a review.

Human-to-human transmission of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurs most often when people are in the incubation stage of the disease or are carriers and have no symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 transmission on different levels showed that the cold and dry climate, hot wind and relative humid wind, maximum wind speed, turbulent wind, intensified recirculating flow were causing transmission higher than factors. The role of environmental factors described in Ayurveda like air, water, soil, season, frequent earthquakes, sunlight exposure, frequent thunderstorm with lightening, and factors from arthropods were revalidated in perspective of COVID-19 transmission. The authors searched the information regarding epidemic diseases in Ayurveda textbooks. Pubmed, Science Direct, Wikipedia, Elsevier, Lancet, and Springer were approached for the latest knowledge relating to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Google Scholar search engine was thoroughly checked upon for scientific evidence regarding the Ayurveda drugs. Various environmental factors like soil, air, water, frequent earthquake disasters, wildlife animals, aquatic birds, space, inevitable disastrous factors, weather or seasonal hazards, violent thunderstorm with lightning, intermediate hosts, sunlight exposure etc. were considered for their role in the genesis of the disease. The Ayurvedic concepts behind the etiology and development of epidemics are the same as modern epidemiological theories. The mysteries of many aspects of the current pandemic might be deciphered by traditional medicine knowledge and thus adding upon to the integrative medicine concept.

Vaibidang (Embelia ribes): A Potential Herbal Drug in Ayurveda with Anthelmintic Property

Embelia ribes is commonly known as vaibidang or false black pepper is a significant medicinal plant that belongs to the family Myrsinaceae. The ancient Ayurveda physician, Sushruta described that the fruit of E. ribes plant possesses anthelmintic property and is used as a tonic along with the licorice root, which prevents aging and helps in strengthening the body. The fruit of the plant is used in various ayurvedic formulations where it is used as a carminative, anthelmintic, alterative and as stimulant. Due to the overexploitation of the plant, it is considered a threatened medicinal plant. Traditionally, the plant is used as an analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antifertility and anthelmintic agent. Various parts of the plant like roots, berries and leaves of E. ribes plant are used in different herbal formulations. In Ayurveda, it is used to cure skin diseases, abdominal pains, flatulence, worms, mental disorders, tumors, bronchitis, jaundice, cardio disorders and is used as a brain tonic. Embelin is considered as the major chemical constituent isolated from the Embelia ribes plant. In this review, a brief view of the plant is briefly described related to its ayurvedic and folk uses. The reported pharmacological properties of the plant are also defined.

Food-Medicine Interface and its Application in International Level, Comparative Jurisdictions and Sri Lankan Legal Context

There has been a growing interest in the Food-medicine interface due to its legal and commercial importance with the development of both food and medicine industries. Food and medicine--even though some foods have therapeutic (curative or preventive) properties--are two different entities, regulated by different legal regimes. Hence, the distinction between food and medicine is crucial in order to protect the interests of consumers. This study is a doctrinal review on the food-medicine interface at international level with particular reference to its application in the Sri Lankan context.
 There seems to be a lack of global policy consensus or coherent legal regime regarding the food-medicine interface, and the same is true for Sri Lanka. Both Western and Ayurveda drugs are registered with the competent authorities in Sri Lanka: The National Medicines Regulatory Authority and Ayurveda Department, respectively. To register a food as a drug, these authorities can use two criteria: 1. recognised medicinal properties and 2. therapeutic (curative or preventive) purpose of consumption. The registration of a food commodity by these two competent authorities can be taken as a criterion to identify them as medicines thus, to differentiate them in a legal sense from food per se. From a legal perspective, any food not registered by one of these two authorities--irrespective of their therapeutic (curative or preventive) benefits—is considered to be simply a food. This demarcation of the food-medicine interface could be used by industries for the purpose of marketing strategies and law enforcing officers for the purposes of law enforcement.

Separation and Identification of Antidiabetic compounds in Tinospora cordifolia extract and Ayurvedic formulation Guduchi Satva by GCMS and FTIR study with subsequent evaluation of in-vitro Hypoglycemic potential

Tinospora cordifolia stems (T. cordifolia), commonly known as Guduchi, is an effective Ayurveda drug used for diabetes management and various other disorders and ailments. Guduchi satva is classical Ayurvedic medicine being used for the treatment of diabetes and a variety of other disorders. The present study was conceded to determine the aqueous extract of T. cordifolia and Guduchi satva formulation for their relative identification of secondary metabolites using physicochemical parameters, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) fingerprint, and GCMS profiling. In vitro enzyme inhibition assay on α amylase and α glucosidase were also evaluated for both the extracts, in which Guduchi satva possess enhanced inhibition of enzymatic activity over the aqueous extract of T. cordifolia. The phytochemical and FTIR investigations were confirmed for the presence of alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, aromatic, hydroxy, and nitrogen-containing compounds. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis revealed the existence of stigmasterol (1.2%), stigmastane3, 6 dione,-5a (2.2%), betulin (8.4%), eicosanoic acid (1.09%), glycerol 1 palmitate (20.72%), ascorbyl palmitate (0.92%) and triamcinolone acetonide (0.89%) in both the extracts and effective in diabetes management.

Comparative Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Five Different Market Samples of Piper Longum Linn.

Pippalimoola (root of Piper longum.linn) is one of most important drug in Ayurveda used as single drug and in combination with other herbs ,minerals or metallic preparations for poly herbo-mineral formulations.. In Ancient literature we found that in the name of ‘Moola’(means firmly fixed a root) we must practice root but now a days instead of Pippali moola most of market samples are substituted with stem of same plant, so it is essential to check the botanical source of market samples.In this study,different five market samples of Pippalimoola were procured all over India and one sample (control) was collected after authentication of botanical source of plant.Pharmacognostical study was undertaken to observe morphological characters of market samples and compared with the collected sample. It was observed that out of five market samples; macroscopic and microscopic characters of one sample was matched with the characters of control root sample. While other four samples were found to be stem of the plant. Hence there is lots of variation in raw material of the plant in Indian market.

A Review on concept of Vishaghna dravya (anti-toxic drugs) in ayurveda.

ABSTRACT
 Introduction: Poison (visha) are of plant, animal and mineral origin which produce deleterious effect to the body. Agada Tantra is the branch of Ayurveda. There is requirement of antidotes and antitoxic drugs to arrest the effect of visha. There are such drugs called vishaghna (antipoisonous/ anti-toxic) mentioned in ayurveda samhitas and textbooks. Materials and Methods: major Ayurveda samhitas viz. Charak samhita, Sushruta samhita, Astang Hridyum were looked into for references regarding vishaghna drugs. Observation and results: there are huge number of plants, animal products and minerals mentioned under various categories and groups. These drugs with similar properties and actions are grouped together, e.g. Vishaghnagana in Charak samhita, aragvadhadigana, patoladigana, anjanadigana, trapuadigana etc in Sushruta samhita. Similarly Astanga hridyum also contains similar groups. Conclusion: There is abundancy of poison in environment in various forms manifested as pollution, epidemics etc. we have such huge resources of anti-toxic drugs naturally occurring that can be utilized to address the biggest issues of the planet today. These drugs needs to be considered for experimental studies.
 Keywords: Poison, Visha, Vishaghna, Anti-toxic, Agada.

A fraction of Pueraria tuberosa extract, rich in antioxidant compounds, alleviates ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis in rats and inhibits growth of breast and ovarian cancer cells.

Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) DC., known as Indian Kudzu belongs to family Fabaceae and it is solicited as "Rasayana" drugs in Ayurveda. In the present study, we analyzed the efficacy of an ethyl acetate fraction from the tuber extract of Pueraria tuberosa (fraction rich in antioxidant compounds, FRAC) against menopausal osteoporosis, and breast and ovarian cancer cells. The FRAC from Pueraria tuberosa was characterized for its phenolic composition (total phenolic and flavonoid amount). Antioxidant property (in vitro assays) of the FRAC was also carried out followed by the analysis of the FRAC for its antiosteoporotic and anticancer potentials. The antiosteoporotic activity of FRAC was investigated in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats. The cytotoxicity effect was determined in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the FRAC was performed to determine its various phytoconstituents. Docking analysis was performed to verify the interaction of bioactive molecules with estrogen receptors (ERs). The FRAC significantly improved various biomechanical and biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner in the ovariectomized rats. FRAC also controlled the increased body weight and decreased uterus weight following ovariectomy in rats. Histopathology of the femur demonstrated the restoration of typical bone structure and trabecular width in ovariectomized animals after treatment with FRAC and raloxifene. The FRAC also exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity in the breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and ovarian (SKOV-3) cancer cells. Furthermore, genistein and daidzein exhibited a high affinity towards both estrogen receptors (α and β) in the docking study revealing the probable mechanism of the antiosteoporotic activity. GC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of other bioactive molecules such as stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one. The FRAC from Pueraria tuberosa has potential for treatment of menopausal osteoporosis. Also, the FRAC possesses anticancer activity.

NEURO-ENDOCRINE-IMMUNE MODULATION BY AYURVEDIC RASAYANA DRUGS

Ayurveda which literally means “the science of life” is the ancient Indian system of medicine. Rasayana is a specialized branch of Ayurveda. The drugs attributed with Rasayana properties are mentioned to delay the process of ageing, enhance the mental and cognitive functions and deliver freedom from a number of diseases including those caused by infectious organisms. All these activities of Rasayana drugs seem to be associated with neuro-endocrine-immune systems. In this study we have reviewed the growing inter-relationship between the neuro-endocrine-immune systems and stress as a neuro-endocrine-immune phenomenon. Some important Ayurvedic Rasayana drugs including Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shilajit (Asphalt), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and few others along with their pharmacological actions on the above three systems and stress as well have also been reviewed. It has been observed that most of them tend to exhibit their activities by modulating the neuro-endocrine-immune systems along with anti-stress/adaptogenic capability. The scientific inter-relationship between the three systems has been taken as the model reference. Similar actions are expected from other Rasayana drugs too. Therefore Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda can be evaluated and used as neuro-endocrine-immune modulators.