Guggulu Research Articles

Characterization of Commiphora wightii based bioactive edible film and its efficacy for improving the storage quality of meat products

AbstractCommiphora wightii based bioactive edible film was developed for the preservation of meat products. Maltodextrin and alginate‐based edible films were developed using different levels of C. wightii namely, 0.25% (T1), 0.50% (T2), 0.75% (T3) and 0.0% (control) and were characterized (thickness (mm), solubility (%), transparency and moisture content (%)) and assessed for their efficacy for improving the storage quality of meat products during refrigerated storage using chicken nuggets as a meat model system. The chicken nuggets were wrapped in the edible films, packaged under vacuum, and stored at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1°C) for 60 days. The samples were taken on 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60th day and evaluated for various storage quality parameters. Addition of C. wightii increased (p < .05) total phenolic (mg/g Gallic acid equivalents) and total flavonoid contents (mg/g Quercetin equivalents) and reduced free fatty acids (% oleic acid), TBARS (mg malondialdehyde/kg) and microbial counts [total plate, psychrophilic, yeast/mold, and anaerobic counts (log10 cfu/g)] while improving the sensory quality of the products. Addition of C. wightii increased (p < .05) the thickness (mm), opacity and moisture content (%) whereas decreased the solubility (%) of the films. The C. wightii based edible film significantly (p < .05) improved the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of the model meat product during refrigerated storage. The present results suggest that C. wightii based edible film can be used commercially in the meat industry for improving the storage quality of the meat products.

Therapeutic use of Guggulsterone in COVID-19 induced obesity (COVIBESITY) and significant role in immunomodulatory effect.

COVID-19 has emerged as a major cause of health crisis around the world. Psychosocial, Behavioral and metabolic changes especially weight gain, among variety of population was produced in this pandemic, through variety of mechanisms. Hyperlipidemia is one of the major issues that result in serious cardiovascular complications. Governmental strategies to minimize the spread of COVID-19 through closures, lockdowns, and alterations in social interaction have complicated weight management efforts. And immunity being the need of the hour has to be improved to prevent the infection. Guggulsterone (GS) isomers are major bioactive compounds present in Commiphora mukul and Commiphora wighti. Guggulsterone shows anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and appetite regulating activity due to its peculiar characteristics. On the basis of clinical evidence, Guggulsterone seems to possess good cholesterol lowering, appetite regulating as well as immunomodulatory activity which can be beneficial during the pandemic of COVID-19.

An insight into inhibitory performance of Commiphora Mukul on corrosion of aluminum alloy under tribological conditions

An eco-friendly green corrosion inhibitor Commiphora Mukul was tested for its efficacy to control material loss in 6061 aluminum alloy under collective influence of mechanical erosion and electrochemical corrosion in a submerged jet impingement rig. Electrochemical techniques were utilized in the current investigation which consisted of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effect of temperature and flowrate of artificial seawater slurry on the inhibitory effect of Commiphora Mukul is investigated. Under the experimental conditions of 303 K temperature and 4 L min−1 flowrate, the inhibitor showed an efficiency of 54% as determined by the potentiodynamic polarization studies. With the increase in temperature and flowrate of artificial seawater slurry, the protection efficiency of the inhibitor decreased. Protection efficiency of 35% was observed. Possible reasons for this phenomenon were discussed. Electrochemical impedance studies reported that the process is both charge transfer and diffusion controlled. At 323 K, the diffusion component was prominent for all the studied flowrates of 4 L min−1, 8 L min−1, and 12 L min−1. It seems that the moving medium makes it challenging for the inhibitor molecules to adsorb on the metal surface in the presence of abrasive particles.

Studies of in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of gold nanoparticles biosynthesised from a medicinal plant, Commiphora wightii

ABSTRACT Green synthesis of nanoparticles is one of the recent trends nowadays owing to its reduced toxic effects. Our study is aimed at evaluating the biological potential viz., antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) biosynthesised using an aqueous extract of Commiphora wightii. The AuNPs synthesis was preliminarily confirmed by colour change from yellow to purple. Further, AuNPs synthesis was optimised at different ratio, pH and temperature. AuNPs were characterised using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. FTIR analysis confirmed role of biomolecules in reduction and stabilisation of AuNPs. TEM analysis revealed polydispersed nanoparticles with an average size of 20.2 ± 6.6 nm. In vitroantioxidant activity of AuNPs were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 assays. The AuNPs showed significant radical scavenging ability. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was studied for inhibition of albumin denaturation, Trypsin, LOX, and hyaluronidase enzymes. The AuNPs exhibited good activity as potent anti-inflammatory agents. Further in vivo studies are needed to explore them as good therapeutic agents.

PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION - SEPTIPAT 250 TABLET

Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine. Ayurvedic, herbal and herbo-mineral preparations are used for the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases with less side-effects. Septipat - 250 Tablet is a compound herbomineral formulation widely used in Ayurvedic clinical practice as natural antibiotics, which has a tendency to kill the bacteria and give health and hygiene. Septipat - 250 Tablet consists of Kanchnar (Bauhinia variegata), Gulvel (Tinospora cordifolia), Shuddha Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Nagakaeshar (Mesua ferrea) and four mineral ingredients Tamra bhasma, Mandur bhasma, Shadgun Kajjali and Saindhav Lavana. The detailed evaluation of this Patented and Properitory Product was studied for the following parameters: physico-chemical, elemental assay and HPLC analysis of the product. The parameters were found to be sufficient and set as reference specification for the Septipat - 250 Tablet quality control study.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of Rosuvastatin calcium with guggulipid extract in rats.

Background & objectivesRosuvastatin calcium (RC) is a potent and competitive synthetic inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Guggulipid obtained from Commiphora mukul is used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatism, and obesity. The present study evaluates the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between RC and the standardized guggulipid extract in rats.Materials and methodsThe guggulipid extract was standardized for the presence of guggulsterones. The pharmacokinetic interaction was determined after a single dose administration of RC alone or in combination with the guggulipid extract or after multiple-dose administration of RC alone or RC along with the guggulipid extract for 14 days. To determine the pharmacodynamic interaction, RC and guggulipid extract were administered to hyperlipidemic rats for 14 days. The level of significance was determined using unpaired student’s t-test, one way ANOVA, the post-ANOVA Tukey test.ResultsStandardization of guggulipid extract showed it contains 7.5%w/w of guggulsterones. Guggulipid extract increased the bioavailability of RC in both single-dose and multiple-dose studies. Guggulipid extract reduced the rate of absorption (Ka) of RC but showed an increase in maximum serum concentration (Cmax). An in-vitro study using isolated rat intestine revealed that guggulipid extract decreased the rate of absorption of RC in the intestinal lumen. The hypolipidemic activity of RC was augmented by the guggulipid extract in hyperlipidemic rats.Interpretation & conclusionTherefore it is concluded that guggulipid extract increases the bioavailability of RC by delaying its Ka and augments its hypolipidemic action. However, it is recommended that a combination of RC with guggulipid extract should be used only after an adverse effect(s) of this combination are determined.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SELF EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM (SEDDS) OF COMMIPHORA WIGHTTI EXTRACT

Commiphora mukul widely known as Guggul herb is highly used by the rural and tribal people for curing various disorders. Natural remedies are more acceptable in the belief that they are safer with fewer side effects than the synthetic ones. Herbal formulations have growing demand in the world market. In the present study an attempt was made to formulate and develop self emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) of methanolic extract of Commiphora wightti (guggul) and to enhance its solubility, dissolution and its bioavailability. The solubility of guggul extract was determined in various oil, surfactant and co-surfactants. Pseudoternary Phase diagram were used for optimization of microemulsion formulation. The prepared formulations of SEDDS were evaluated based on their in-vitro drug release profile, globule size, zeta potential and self emulsifying assessment. In vitro release studies of optimized formulation F3 revealed that release profiles of SEDDS of guggul extract was best expressed by Higuchi equation, as the plots showed highest linearity (coefficient of determination, R2=0.993). It was observed that the optimized SEDDS formulation F3 showed 98.14 % release at 60 min.

Guggulsterone ameliorates ethidium bromide-induced experimental model of multiple sclerosis via restoration of behavioral, molecular, neurochemical and morphological alterations in rat brain.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with clinical signs of neuroinflammation and the central nervous system's demyelination. Numerous studies have identified the role of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) overexpression and the low level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) in MS pathogenesis. Guggulsterone (GST), an active component derived from 'Commiphora Mukul,' has been used to treat various diseases. Traditional uses indicate that GST is a suitable agent for anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, we assessed the therapeutic potential of GST (30 and 60mg/kg) in ethidium bromide (EB) induced demyelination in experimental rats and investigated the molecular mechanism by modulating the JAK/STAT and PPAR-γ receptor signaling. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). EB (0.1%/10μl) was injected selectively in the intracerebropeduncle (ICP) region for seven days to cause MS-like manifestations. The present study reveals that long-term administration of GST for 28days has a neuroprotective effect by improving behavioral deficits (spatial cognition memory, grip, and motor coordination) associated with lower STAT-3 levels. While elevating PPAR-γ and myelin basic protein levels in rat brains are consistent with the functioning of both signaling pathways. Also, GST modulates the neurotransmitter level by increasing Ach, dopamine, serotonin and by reducing glutamate. Moreover, GST ameliorates inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1β), and oxidative stress markers (AchE, SOD, catalase, MDA, GSH, nitrite). In addition, GST prevented apoptosis, as demonstrated by the reduction of caspase-3 and Bax. Simultaneously, Bcl-2 elevation and the restoration of gross morphology alterations are also recovered by long-term GST treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that GST may be a potential alternative drug candidate for MS-related motor neuron dysfunctions.

Medicinal benefits and scientific justification of Commiphora mukul (Muqil): A review

Commiphora mukul (Muqil or Guggul), oleo-gum, has been in use for thousands of years as a medicine in Unani and Ayurvedic medicinal systems. It was primarily used for swellings, inflammation, piles, arthritis and urinary disorders. Among its various types Muqil-I-Arzaq, a gum, having reddish hue is considered to be the best form of Muqil for medicinal purposes. It has been revealed to inhibit the nuclear factor-kb, a regulator of inflammatory response, and act as a potent antagonist to the receptors of androgens, mineralocorticoides, and glucocorticoides. Muqil is a versatile herb with diverse medicinal benefits which demand scientific validation. A coherent review of properties, medicinal benefits, traditional uses and scientific studies of Muqil, along with the overall processes involved from collection to consumption is judiciously described in this paper. The aim of this review is to provide a base for multiple research works, validating Commiphora mukul in different chronic ailments.
 keywords: Commiphora mukul, Inflammation, Muqil, Nuclear factor-KB, Unani

Isomers of guggulsterone in hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major issues which results in serious cardiovascular complications. Plant-based medicinal products have been commonly used for several chronic disorders. Guggulsterone isomers is proven to be cholesterol lowering activity which is a major bioactive compound present in Commiphora mukul and Commiphora wighti . On the basis of existing clinical evidence, it seems that guggulsterone is much helpful in reduction of Low-density lipoprotein levels. On the other hand, it is important to consider clinical pharmacokinetics of Guggulsterone isomers to create a definitive decision in this context. • Guggulsterone isomer is one of the major bioactive compounds present in Commiphora species. • Guggulsterone antagonizes the Farnesoid X Receptor, which involves the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids. • Long term administration of Guggulsterone isomers shows a significant reduction of LDL-C.

Narrative review of guggulu formulations of ayurveda reflecting their percentage of guggulu, pharmaceutics and pharmacology

Narrative review of guggulu formulations of ayurveda reflecting their percentage of guggulu, pharmaceutics and pharmacology - IJCAAP- Print ISSN No: - 2581-5555 Online ISSN No:- 2456-9542 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijcaap.2020.031, IP International Journal of Comprehensive and Advanced Pharmacology-IP Int J Compr Adv

Antidiabetic activity of Commiphora mukul and Phyllanthus emblica and Computational analysis for the identification of active principles with dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity.

The medicinal plants may serve as natural alternatives to synthetic antidiabetic medications such as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed in clinical practise. The medicinal plants: Commiphora mukul and Phyllanthus emblica have considerable DPP-IV inhibitory efficacy, according to our findings. The present study is an extension of the previous study conducted in our laboratory and was designed to confirm the antidiabetic effects of C. mukul and P. emblica in the streptozotocin diabetes model and elucidate the active principles responsible for DPP-IV inhibition. C. mukul (Guggul) and P. emblica (Amla) have the ability to inhibit DPP-IV and have anti-diabetic properties in a Type 2 diabetes mellitus experimental model. The binding sites and affinity of the active principles of C. mukul (Gluggusterone E, Gluggusterone Z) and P. emblica (Pzrogallol, beta-glucogallin, and gallic acid) responsible for DPP-IV enzyme inhibition were identified using in silico studies and compared to Vildagliptin, a synthetic DPP-IV inhibitor. The Vildagliptin and therapy groups had significantly lower glycated hemoglobin and DPP-IV levels. The anti-diabetic effect of C. mukul and P. emblica is due to their DPP-IV inhibitory action. The DPP-IV inhibitory action of Gluggusterone E, Gluggusterone Z, and beta-Glucogallin was found to be superior to Vildagliptin in docking tests.

Effect of salinity stress on growth, water content, and guggulsterone production in callus cultures of Commiphora wightii (Arnott.) Bhandari

Objectives: A traditional herb Commiphora wightii (Arnott.) is well known for the management of different ailments, including hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic disorders. Overexploitation has resulted in enlisting it under endangered species list; thus, in vitro studies are desirable to circumvent further depletion of the wild population. The objective of our study is to analyze the effect of salinity stress on growth and guggulsterone content in callus cultures. Materials and Methods: The establishment of leaf-derived calli of C. wightii and the effect of salinity stress such as calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride, and ammonium sulfate at different concentrations and time periods on callus growth and steroid biosynthesis were studied. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry-based spectrometric systems were carried to identify the guggulsterones. Results: The 50 mg/L CaCl2-induced callus was found to have the highest content of guggulsterones after 15 months of incubation as compared to 9 and 12 months and indicated a positive correlation between callus age and guggulsterone biosynthesis. Conclusion: Salinity stress played an important role in callus growth of C. wightii, while calcium-induced calli showed in vitro synthesis of guggulsterones, and this can be further explored for the synthesis of guggulsterones in vitro on large commercial scale using bioreactor, and thus helps to conserve the endangered species in its natural habitat.

Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of gugulipid alone and in combination with different dosage of atorvastatin in triton-induced hyperlipidemic rodent model: Exploring a possible synergistic activity

Background: Gugulipid obtained from Commiphora mukul carries a long history of safe and efficacious use in hyperlipidemia as per Ayurvedic literature. Statins like atorvastatin are a highly prescribed hypolipidemic drug but not free from potentially serious adverse effects. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to establish antihyperlipidemic activity of gugulipid in triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats in comparison to atorvastatin and simultaneously to explore the combination of gugulipid and atorvastatin for any synergistic activity. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (20) were divided equally into vehicle (2% gum acacia) (Group I), gugulipid only 6.75 mg/kgbw (Group II), atorvastatin 7.2 mg/kgbw only (Group III), and gugulipid 6.75 mg/kgbw and atorvastatin in 7.2 mg/kgbw combination (Group IV) in Phase 1 study. In Phase 2, additional three groups were created with five rats in each receiving gugulipid 6.75 mg/kgbw with atorvastatin at 5.4 mg/kgbw, 3.6 mg/kgbw, and 1.8 mg/kgbw dosage, respectively (Groups V–VII). Hyperlipidemia was induced by single intraperitoneal injection (400 mg/kgbw) of triton after 7 days of feeding with respective agents dissolved in vehicle through oral route. Results: Regarding total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Gr II was found superior to Gr I but inferior to others (P < 0.01). Gr IV prevented the rise of TC and TG significantly in comparison to Gr V, VI, and VII (P < 0.01) whereas Groups V and VI having non-significant difference in between, both differed significantly (P < 0.01) with Gr VII. Groups IV, V, and VI prevented the rise of serum LDL significantly (P < 0.01) from Group VII. Conclusion: Gugulipid showed significant antihyperlipidemic activity and was found to be optimally efficacious and safe in combination with even reduced dose of atorvastatin.

Effect of aging and geographical variations in the content of guggulsterones and metabolomic profiling of oleogum resins of commiphora wightii: The Indian bdellium

Background: The oleo-gum resin of Commiphora wightii has been utilized for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Ruthless exploitation of this species with negligible conservation efforts has led to its inclusion in the International Union for Conservation of Nature assemblage of endangered plant species. Objectives: In this paper, the impact of plant aging and geographical variations of guggulsterone (GS) content in oleo-gum resin collected from different geographical regions of India has been examined. Materials and Methods: The oleo-gum resin samples of different age groups and geographical regions of India (Kutch, Morena, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Pakistan border of Kutch) were collected directly from the site and examined to check the concentration of GS-E and Z by high-performance liquid chromatography. Comprehensive metabolomic profiling of samples was done through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: The data showed that there is no significant variation was found in the concentration of GS-E and Z with the change in the age of C. wightti plant. The oleo-gum resin samples of Morena showed a high percentage range of GSs (0.88%–2.17% w/w), whereas Jaipur samples showed a lower percentage of GSs (0.56%–0.89% w/w). From metabolomics profiling, 11 high-intensity metabolites were identified in samples of all major regions of India. Conclusion: This study indicates that there is no impact of plant aging on the GS contents. The Indian regions such as Morena, Kutch, and Pakistan border near Kutch regions can be used as a potential source for mass multiplication of guggul plants to get the good quality of the oleo-gum resin.

Guggulu and Triphala for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolaemia: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomised Trial

Background: Several herbs are used for lowering high blood cholesterol levels in traditional medicines including Indian Medicine (Ayurveda). We aimed to assess the short-term effects of the combination of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) and Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, and Phyllanthus emblica) on serum cholesterol in healthy subjects with hypercholesterolaemia. Patients and Methods: This was a parallel randomised double-blind controlled trial that included 90 individuals at low-moderate cardiovascular risk. The main outcome measures were serum levels of total and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C). Secondary outcome measures included BMI, waist circumference, and adverse events. Subjects were administered either Guggulu and Triphala or placebo three times daily for 3 months, with 3 months of follow-up after the end of treatment. Results: At intention-to-treat analysis, from baseline to 3 months, total serum cholesterol decreased by 1.9% in the placebo (n = 44) and 3.3% (p = 0.01) in the intervention (n = 46) group. Serum LDL-C decreased by 4.9% (p = 0.03) and 4.8% (p = 0.02) in the placebo and intervention group, respectively, without differences between them. Two participants in the intervention group developed hypersensitivity rash (4.3%) as compared with none in the placebo group. Conclusions: Three months of treatment with Guggulu and Triphala did not show better effects than placebo on serum levels of total and LDL cholesterol, BMI, and waist circumference.

Evaluation of In Vitro Anti-Cancer Activity of Kukkutanakhi Guggula on Liver, Prostrate, Ovary and Renal Cancer

The medicines prepared by using exudates of Commiphora mukul (Stocks) Hook. are described in Ayurveda under Guggula Kalpana which are among such valuable dosage forms. According to retrospective literary review, the combination of Kukkutnaki (Aspidium cicutarium Sw.) and purified Guggula(Commiphora mukul (Stocks) Hook.) was first mentioned in the book Chikitsa pradeep named as Kukkutnaki Guggula. Since last 3 decades, it was documented as an herbal drug which is used for cysts, goiter, tumors, tonsillitis, abscess, mansvaha strotas ailments, which are burning issues worldwide. Due to its observed clinical efficacy in Arbuda (~Cancer), the current in-vitro anticancer study was conducted with an aim to check its anticancer effect on human hepatoma cell line-HEPG2 of Liver; PC-3 and DU145 cancer cell lines of Prostate; Ovcar-3, A2780, SK-OV-3, PA-1 cancer cell lines of Ovary and ACHN renal cancer cell line of Kidney. The current in vitro study was conducted at ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The selected cancer cell lines were procured from ATCC, USA and NCCS Pune. The Sulforhodamine B (SRB) Assay protocol was followed to observe the activity of the study drug. The positive control was Adriamycin in the study. The growth curve graphs were plotted and LC50, GI50, TGI values were calculated. Kukkutnakhi Guggula was found safe for oral administration, non- toxic at cellular level (LC50 values were &gt; 160) and have moderate activity on HEPG2, Ovcar-3, DU145, ACHN cancer cell lines and had shown negligible activity on A2780, SK-OV-3, PA-1 and PC-3 cell lines. This work provides scope to study its effect on targeted cancers, specific in vivo scientific studies and human clinical trials for further researchers.

Formulation and Finger Printing of a Poly Herbal Film-Coated Tablet for Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Background and objectives: Hemorrhoids is the most prevalent rectal disease. Despite different medical efforts, its complications are not managed well. In the present research, a popular prescription for treatment of hemorrhoids was formulated as tablet dosage form and, its HPTLC fingerprint prepared. Methods: Commiphora mukul was dissolved in Allium ampeloprasum juice (1:3). Then, this solution was blended with Terminalia chebula, Phyllantus emblica and Terminalia bellirica (1:1:1) powder. Different formulations were prepared from the mixture and the best one was selected for tablet preparation. Subsequently, the tablets were coated and their physicochemical characteristics and fingerprint pattern were obtained using silica gel plate, NP/PEG reagent and toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (70:15:15) as mobile phase. Laboratory stability studies were carried out as well. Results: Formulation C revealed excellent results in flowability studies (angle of repose: 26, carr’s index: 6, hausner ratio: 1.00). It was also demonstrated acceptable results in different tests including weight variation (500 mg), hardness (8.04 kg/cm2), disintegration time (28.50 min), friability (0.6%), dissolution (97.6% phenolics and 96.1% tannins, respectively) and the coating process. Total phenolics and tannins contents were determined as 125.8 mg/tab and 89.2 mg/tab, respectively. In fingerprinting study, characteristic spots of each species were distinguished. The film-coated tablets were stable in laboratory stability test. Conclusion: With reference to anti-inflammatory, astringent and wound healing roles of phenolics and tannins in hemorrhoids, the present tablets could be an appropriate candidate for hemorrhoids regarding its historical backgrounds.

Physico-chemical analysis of Commiphora wightii and borax coated herbal seton

BackgroundHerbal seton (Kṣārasūtra) is a cost effective para-surgical technique employed in the management of anorectal conditions like fistula and hemorrhoids without causing much complications. Perennial non-availability raw materials, severe pain and allergic reactions are the major demerits of standard Kṣārasūtra demanding for its better options. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) and Tankana (Borax) coated Kṣārasūtra (GTK) a modified variant of the standard is being used in the Anorectal Clinic under the Department of Shalyatantra (Surgery), Amrita School of Ayurveda since last 6 years. It has been observed for good patient tolerance, cutting and healing properties. MethodsThe physico-chemical evaluation of GTK was conducted in the Quality Control (QC) lab of Amrita School of Ayurveda. The parameters assessed were length, weight, thickness, tensile strength, loss on drying, water soluble extractive, sulphated ash, pH and macroscopic appearance following the methodology elaborated in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Those were compared with the corresponding values of standard Kṣārasūtra prescribed by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). ResultsThe final results on each parameters were length – 39.44 cm, weight – 0.19934 g, thickness – 0.7147 mm, tensile strength – not less than 6.25 kg, loss on drying – 18.73%, water soluble extractive – 39.79%, sulphated ash – 12.89%, pH – 7.94 and macroscopic appearance – blackish brown. ConclusionGTK was found less alkaline, higher in tensile strength, more in moisture content and less brittle in nature suggesting it as a safe choice in anorectal practice compared to the ICMR standard.

A CASE REPORT ON GUGGULU BASED KSHARSUTRA ALONG WITH SAPTAVINSHATI GUGGULU IN TREATMENT OF BHAGANDARA (FISTULA-IN-ANO)

Bhagandara is one of the commonest diseases which occur in anorectal region. Acharya Sushruta had described this disease in Ashtamahagada that means disease difficult to cure. It starts as deep rooted Pidika around the Guda within two Angula or finger circumference and form into a track with an external opening in the skin of perianal region and an internal opening in the mucosa of anal canal or rectum lined by unhealthy granulation tissue and fibrous tissue which in modern science can be correlated to Fistula-in-ano. As the recurrence rate of fistula in ano is high after modern treatment. To overcome these difficulties, the concept of Ksharsutra mentioned in the classics is very beneficial from the treatment point of view. So, the Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) based Ksharsutra therapy along with oral Ayurvedic formulations is taken to prove its efficacy in treating Bhagandara. Here a case report of a 32 year old, male patient having history of Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano) since last 2 years is discussed. He had complaints of left gluteal swelling, pain, pus discharge from perianal region and itching around anal region. For which he took allopathic treatment and got no relief, finally patient came to our hospital for better Ayurvedic management. He was treated with Guggulu based Ksharsutra therapy along with oral medication of Saptavinshati Gugglu vati 500 mg with water twice daily. Lastly, he got treated in 60 days and follow up of the patient was maintained up to 6 months where no complication was reported. It was proved that Ksharsutra application in combination with oral Ayurvedic medication worked effectively. This case report will help and enlighten the budding young scholars working in this area.