Ayurvedic Medicinal Preparations Research Articles

DRUMSTICK TREE (Moringa oleifera) Lam. LEAF EXTRACT MEDIATED SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST NOSOCOMIAL BACTERIAL PATHOGENS

Nanoparticles are unique and show different physical and chemical properties from their bulk material. Silver nanoparticles have a variety of antimicrobial applications. In the present study Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized by green methodology using the plant Moringa oliefera Lam. leaf extract. The main objective of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles without using any hazardous chemicals for future biomedical uses. M. oleifera Lam. is a well-known medicinal plant and is used in the preparation of different ayurvedic medicines. This plant is a rich source of polyphenols, folic acid, and beta-carotene. The effect of temperature on the synthesis of nanoparticles was also determined. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 430 nm with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. X-ray diffraction study and TEM analysis exhibited the crystalline nature of silver nanoparticles and revealed that their size is 20-30 nm. An antimicrobial activity study was also performed against the most common nosocomial pathogens and the results revealed that the synthesized Ag-NPs have significant antimicrobial properties against MRSA, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella (ESBL), and Salmonella enterica. The antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles was also determined using MIC and MBC. This study concluded that M. oliefera Lam. exhibited strong potential for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. These synthesized silver nanoparticles are stable and eco-friendly and could be used to control bacterial growth of common pathogenic microorganisms including some multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains such as MRSA and Klebsiella (ESBL).

A Systemic Review on Comparative Study of Traditional And Modern Methods of Preparation of Ayurvedic Medicines

Affordable, high-quality Ayurvedic remedies may be the answer to today's healthcare demands of the Indian and worldwide communities. In order to scale up manufacturing of the medications, which is required to satisfy the rising demand, it is vital to relate Ayurvedic preparations with modern processing principles. For bettering the dosage forms, it's also crucial to comprehend the basic Ayurvedic concepts behind formulation and processing. There has been no systematic research to compare ancient and contemporary processing methods, despite the fact that the Ayurvedic sector has included technology from the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. This study makes an effort to show a potential relationship between modern processing principles and Ayurvedic processing techniques. By gathering data from English translations of old Ayurvedic writings on medication preparation techniques, a thorough literature analysis was carried out to determine the Ayurvedic processing procedures. Based on the methods employed in Ayurvedic medication processing, a correlation between traditional and modern processing principles was conducted. Extraction and separation were found to be the two main types of procedures used in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicines. Separation employs volatility, adsorption, and size-exclusion principles whereas extraction relies on membrane rupturing and solute diffusion principles. The study offers systematic recording of the Ayurvedic processes for making Ayurvedic medicines, coupled with an explanation of those processes in terms of modern processing principles. This is the initial stage that can lead to the advancement or replacement of conventional methods.

Formulation of Dispersible Ayurvedic Kadha Tablet for the Management of Cold and Cough

The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). It is one of the traditional medicinal systems, with an established history of many centuries. Indian herbs, which are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines in the form of Kadha to control various respiratory disorders such as, cough, cold and flu. In a traditional Kadha (decoction) preparation, the entire process is done manually Such as boiling, filtering and mixing of medicinal herbs and the aim of this research work was to skip all such manually process. The oral route of drug administration is most extensively used due to the obvious ease of administration. Dispersible tablets are a vital tool in keeping our children and elderly population healthy. Their ease of use and accurate dosing allow higher patient compliance and more reliable therapeutic effects. Medicinal plants and parts as like Tulsi (Rama-Tulsi) (Ocimum Sanctum Linn, family Lamiaceae), Ginger (Zingiber officinale, family Zingiberaceae), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum, family myrtaceae) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa, family Zingiberaceae) were used as a model drug. Phytochemicals present in these herbs, which have significant potential to heal cold and cough. The phytochemicals present in these herbs possess significant anti-inflammatory property. In order to determine the most effective type and optimal amount of superdisintegrants for dispersible tablets different formulation were evaluated. Wet granulation and direct compression methods were tried to develop dispersible tablet. Due to higher moisture in the granules the wet granulation method was not carried out further in the study and direct compress method was selected. Prepared tablets were tested for Appearance, Weight variation, Thickness, Friability (%), Hardness (kg/cm2 ), Disintegration time and IR spectroscopic analysis and finally for six months of stability studies at room temperature, 30ºC/60% RH and at 45ºC/75% RH. Sodium Starch Glycolate was superior to the other disintegrants and the non-fractionated granulation gave adequate dispersion. The ideal concentration was 1.33 % Sodium Starch Glycolate was used for the dispersible tablets

Antinociceptive activity of Karpasa Beeja

Background: Karpasa Beeja (cotton seeds) is a drug which is been used since Samhita period, it has Vatahara and Vedanasthapana properties. Acharya Charaka includes Karpasa in Brimhaniya Gana while Acharya Susruta includes it in Vatasamsamana Varga. Cotton seeds are a rich source of cattle feed. It is also widely used in preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. The present study is highly relevant in searching experimentally for its Anti-nociceptive activity in cotton seeds and its pharmacognostical, phytochemical, HPLC+TLC profile. Aim and objective: An experimental evaluation of Karpasa beeja for its Antinociception activity. Results: Acetic acid induced writhing test, mice was treated with paracetamol (72.5mg/Kg) and test Karpasa Beeja drug Kashaya (12.48ml/kg,) and distilled water as control group in a dose of 1ml. The efficacy of test substances for analgesic activity was evaluated in the swiss albino mice. The analgesic activity of Karpasa Beeja Kashaya was studied in swiss albino mice by administering the test substance orally. The writhing effect was induced by 1% V/V glacial acetic acid solution in mice pre-treated with test substance. The number of abdominal writhing were measure over 20 min after injection of acetic acid. Finally, percentage inhibition was calculated. Conclusion: In this test substance it is found that the percentage inhibition of pain is 38.89 % hence it can be concluded that the test substance is known to possess analgesic activity.

Economically Important Medicinal Plants in Traditional Polyherbal Formulations Prepared by Local Physicians of Rural Travancore

In Ayurveda, polyherbal preparations appear to be an unavoidable medicinal approach. Many polyherbal medicines are prepared by local medical practitioners from rural regions of Thiruvananthapuram district, who follow their ethnic customs. The current study was an investigation of their medical system in order to determine the types of plants and plant parts that are used as main components in medicinal compositions. In this study, fifty plants from 34 distinct families were found to be used in the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines. Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Piperaceae were the most important among the 34 families studied in terms of the number of herbal medications produced. The most prevalent constituent in 66 percent of currently investigated formulations is Zingiber officinale, followed by Piper longum and Aegle marmelos. The root was found to be the most commonly used plant portion, and harvesting the entire plant could lead to the natural depletion of supply materials. Many of the plants are also becoming threatened. This leads to drug adulteration, necessitating the development of procedures for detecting contaminated products.

Toxicological Aspect of Somala Dhatu Visha (Arsenic) and Its Recent Advances – A Review

Human health is mainly depends on our surrounding environment. Arsenic is present in air, water, soil and food hence affecting many people across the world. Arsenic toxicity is now global health problem. The main source of arsenic toxicity is contaminated drinking water. In Ayurved Samhita Somala (Arsenic) is described as Sthawar Dhatu Visha. Acharya Sushruta first described Somala as Dhatu Visha. In Rasashastra Somala(Arsenic) is classified under Sadharana Rasa. Instead of highly toxic in nature Arsenic in proper dose act as medicine. It is use in many Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. Different compounds of Arsenic are used as insecticides, weedkiller, rodenticide, in flypaper, for sheep deep, as fruit spray, in medicine, as depilatory, colouring agent, and in industries. Arsenic trioxide is now used to treat acutepromyelocytic leukaemia. Arsenic is mainly use to treat syphilis since ancient time. Arsenic is often used as a part of extremely diluted homeopathic remedies. Its improper medical use leads to accidental poisoning hence it should be take in proper doses. Arsenic is easily available and cheap hence it is use as homicidal agent in India. Inorganic Arsenic is carcinogenic to humans. Most of population get indirectly exposed to Arsenic as it is accumulates in rice plants in large quantity and in drinking water. This study is design to elaborate toxicological properties of Arsenic, its various sources of poisoning so that everyone should aware of its lethal effect on human being and its recent advances.

Evaluation of Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Properties of Indigenous Plants: Elaeocarpus sphaericus and Ficus religiosa

Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Rudraksha) and Ficus religiosa (Peepal) are the two different indigenous and religious plants found in Nepal. These plants are rich in antimicrobial as well as anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was done to determine the antioxidants, anti-microbial properties, as well as to analyze the various phytochemicals found in the methanolic extracts of leaves of the sampled plants. The Antioxidants levels were determined by the DPPH Scavenging Assay. The methanolic extracts of the plants showed antioxidant properties i.e., 98.01 and 122.3 μg/ml for Rudraksha and Peepal, respectively. Likewise, the Antibiotic Susceptibility test was performed by Well-Diffusion assay in Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) plates. The zone of inhibition against the Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus) bacterial isolates were observed, supporting the antimicrobial activity of the plant. Additionally, various qualitative tests were performed for determining the presence/absence of the phytochemicals. Both Peepal and Rudraksha extracts gave positive tests for Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Cyclic glycosides, volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, anthraquinone, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, and reducing sugars, and phenols. Likewise, Saponins were found to be positive only in Peepal extracts with negative result for Phlabotannins and proteins. Thus, this research will help for utilizing the two religiously important plants i.e. Rudraksha and Peepal, for further researches in the medical field and preparation of various ayurvedic medicines.

Review of Jwarahara Gutika Yogas Containing Vatsanabha in Sahasrayogam

Vatsanabha is Vishavarga dravya mentioned in many of the Ayurveda Samhitas, which is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. It has a property of Jwarahara, Amaghna, Swedajana which is very useful in Jwara cases. The drugs like Parada, Gandhaka, Hingula along with Vatsanabha shows fast action on Jwara. In Ayurveda there are many formulations mentioned with Jwarahara properties. In this article we are studying about 17 Jwarahara Gutika yogas containing Vatsanabha which are mentioned in Sahasrayogam. Purpose of this study is to analyse these Yoga in the aspect of their ingredients, Bhavana dravya, Anupana, Sevana vidhi, and their role in management of Jwara. When we analysing each and every ingredients on these Yogas there are certain similarities in ingredients, Bhavana dravya, Anupana of these medicines. Most of these ingredients have Deepana Pachana karma, Katu Thikta rasa, Ushna veerya, Katu vipaka etc which are beneficial for Samprapti vighatana of Jwara. As Sahasrayogam is a compilation of popular formulations which are commonly used by ancient physicians of Kerala, it is assumed that all of this Yoga were once in practice. These formulations are to be kept in tablet form which is very convenient for their administration, palatability etc. But very few of them are available in market. In this current scenario of Covid pandemic Ayurveda field should rethink about these potent medicines of Jwara for the well being of our community, and further study and clinical trial also needed to know their action on Jwara.

VIWITHAN: A STANDARDIZED ASHWAGANDHA EXTRACT AMELIORATES OVALBUMININDUCED AIRWAY-INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MOUSE MODEL

Objective: Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicinal preparations for various disease conditions since long time. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of Viwithan, a standardized proprietary extract from Ashwagandha roots, against airway-inflammation and oxidative stress modulation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of inflammation.
 Methods: Allergic asthma was initiated in BALB/c mice by sensitizing with OVA on days 1 and 14, followed by intranasal challenge with OVA on days 27, 28, and 29. Mice were administered Viwithan (200 and 400 mg/kg) by oral gavage before challenge. Then, mice were evaluated for the presence of airway inflammation, production of allergen-specific cytokine response, lung pathology, and oxidative stress modulation.
 Results: The results showed that treatment with Viwithan attenuated OVA-induced lung inflammation in mice. Viwithan significantly attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and markedly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-β1 in lung tissues. Viwithan treatment considerably reduced the lung weight in OVA-sensitized mice. Viwithan markedly attenuated the OVA-induced generation of reactive oxygen species in lung tissues.
 Conclusion: Together, these results suggested that Viwithan alleviates OVA-induced airway-inflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting the potential of standardized Ashwagandha extract as a useful therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis management.

Triphala extract negates arecoline-induced senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro

BackgroundArecoline found in areca nut causes oral submucous fibrosis. Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicinal preparation used to improve overall physical wellness that has also been shown to improve oral health.ObjectivesTo assess the activity of Triphala extract on arecoline-induced senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro.Materials and methodsOral mucosal epithelial cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess the viability of treated cells, while senescence was assessed by senescence-associated-β-galactosidase staining. Cell surface marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine gene expression levels.ResultsTriphala extract (5 µg/mL) reversed the cell senescence activity of arecoline, as evidenced by reduced β-galactosidase activity, increased Ki-67 marker expression, and reduced expression of senescence-related genes p16 and p21.ConclusionTriphala extract helped to reduce the pathological effects of arecoline-induced pathogenesis.Clinical relevance.Arecoline found in the areca nut causes oral pathological conditions including oral submucous fibrosis. Our results showed that Triphala counteracted the adverse effects of arecoline, in particular, negating senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells. As a translational effect, Triphala treatment could restore normal epithelial thickness in oral submucous fibrosis, thus reducing the clinical severity of the disease. This reestablishment of oral homeostasis would help to improve oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral submucous fibrosis.

Giloe: The Nectar from Ayurveda

Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Giloe, is an important medicinal plant which has been used in India since ages in the preparation of traditional ayurvedic medicines. It contains various alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, phenolics and polysaccharides. It is a rich source of nutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants and capable of boosting immune response of the body. The starch present in the stem is highly nutritious and digestive. T. cordifolia shows anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and anti-cancerous properties. Due to the presence of immense medicinal properties, this plant has been over harvested from the natural habitats. During the last decade, T. cordifolia has been subjected to extensive phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical investigations and the studies have resulted in interesting findings which have applications for the treatment of cancer, liver disorders and hypoglycaemia. In the present review, various properties and medicinal uses of T. cordifolia have been discussed.

Ayurvedic management for COVID-19 – A review

As the corona pandemic has emerged, researchers around the globe are working on finding specific treatment for it. But till date, no conclusive specific treatment has been found, and we are following the protocols with symptomatic management. Ayurveda is an ancient science of healing, with highly sophisticated literature about diseases, their pathogenesis, clinical features, and management. The evaluation of different modalities for treating COVID-19 pandemic patients is the foremost aim of the study. For review, we used the knowledge of the ancient classics and past literature regarding human treatment guidelines mentioned in Ayurveda classics, for prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, to provide appropriate direction in the prevention of COVID-19. The thorough review has been done, of literature, Samhitas(Ayurveda Classics), and research articles which were published between January and June 2020 by PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO, Ministry of AYUSH. The opinions of experts have also been referred to. As individuals with lower immunity have a higher risk of COVID-19, so the herbal Rasayana(Rejuvenating) drug, which has proven immunomodulatory activity, is also included in the given study. The Review for Ayurveda formulations, which might help in preventing the progression of COVID-19, has also been made. The Indian herbs are widely utilized in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines or formulations or in the form of drinks to manage various respiratory disorders such as cough, cold, and flu. Hence, these drugs are formulated by using active parts of the plants, which are used for preventing and treating the COVID-19. These formulations are immunity modulators and they prevent the spread of the virus, by intruding at a different stage of virus multiplication in the infected person.

Evaluation of traditional ayurvedic Kadha for prevention and management of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) using in silico approach

Since the emergence of novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Wuhan, China in December 2019, it has now spread to over 205 countries. The ever-growing list of globally spread corona virus-19 disease (COVID-19) patients has demonstrated the high transmission rate among the human population. Currently, there are no FDA approved drugs or vaccines to prevent and treat the infection of the SARS-CoV-2. Considering the current state of affairs, there is an urgent unmet medical need to identify novel and effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 by re-evaluating the knowledge of traditional medicines and repurposing of drugs. Here, we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach to explore the beneficial roles of phytochemicals and active pharmacological agents present in the Indian herbs which are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines in the form of Kadha to control various respiratory disorders such as cough, cold and flu. Our study has identified an array of phytochemicals present in these herbs which have significant docking scores and potential to inhibit different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as other Coronavirus target proteins. The phytochemicals present in these herbs possess significant anti-inflammatory property. Apart from this, based on their pharmaceutical characteristics, we have also performed in-silico drug-likeness and predicted pharmacokinetics of the selected phytochemicals found in the Kadha. Overall our study provides scientific justification in terms of binding of active ingredients present in different plants used in Kadha preparation with viral proteins and target proteins for prevention and treatment of the COVID-19. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Biotechnological interventions on the genus Rauvolfia: recent trends and imminent prospects.

Rauvolfia spp., also known as devil peppers, are a group of evergreen shrubs and trees. Among the ~ 76 various species, Rauvolfia serpentina is the most important one as it finds its use as an important medicinal plant. It is commonly known as the Indian snakeroot plant or Sarpagandha. The plant is rich in multiple secondary metabolites. Some of the well-known secondary metabolites are reserpine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, serpentine, yohimbine, etc. Alkaloids are also found in all parts of the plant but the richest sources are the roots. Since ancient times, roots (mainly due to reserpine) have been utilized in various Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal preparations for the treatment of diseases like hypertension, anxiety, insomnia and schizophrenia. Apart from this, there are many other pharmacological and ethnobotanical uses of this plant. There are a number of published reports regarding tissue culture techniques on Rauvolfia spp. The current review mainly illustrates and discusses the various in vitro biotechnological aspects such as direct regeneration, indirect regeneration via callus formation, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seed production, hairy root culture, polyploidy induction and secondary metabolite estimation, which provides significant ideas regarding the ongoing research activities and future prospects related to the genetic improvement of this genus.

Preclinical HbA1c level studies of Brihat Khadir Batika and Chandraprabha Batika after chronic administration to male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background: Brihat Khadir Batika (BKD) and Chandraprabha Batika (CPB) are Ayurvedic preparations used as traditional medicines for different clinical indications in the rural population. BKD is used in diseases of throat and CPB is used in glandular enlargement. In this study we evaluate the influence of these preparations on HbA1c (%) level.Methods: To find out the average plasma glucose concentration over prolonged period of time, Ayurvedic medicinal preparations BKD and CPB were administered chronically to the male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 400 mg/kg. After 28 days of chronic administration of BKD and CPB the following changes were noted. In this experiment Glycated Hemoglobin A1C level was determined.Results: The results of the study of in vitro quantitative determination of rat Glycated hemoglobin A1c concentrations in serum studies are thus: BKD caused a statistically insignificant (p=0.066) increase in the HbA1c level of the male rat (16.87% increase). CPB demonstrated a statistically insignificant (p=0.079) (17.47%) increase in the HbA1C level of the blood of the male rat.Conclusions: Both preparation BKD and CPB found in increasing HbA1c level of the blood of the male rat.

Critical study of Pramehahara effect of Dhaatri Nishe w.s.r. to Diabetes mellitus

Nishaamlaki is a known Ayurvedic medicinal preparation which is found effective in controlling the Diabetes mellitus. But according to Astanga hridaya “Meheshudhaatrinishe” combination of Aamlaki and two Haridra drugs effectively controls Prameha.Here the word “NISHE” indicates two drugs i.e., Haridra and Daruharidra.The combination of Aamlaki (Emblica officinalis Linn.) Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata D.C & Coscinium fenestratum Colebr.) is to be considered as “Srestha” (Drug of choice) in Diabetes mellitus. India leads the world’s largest number of diabetic subjects earning the dubious distinction of being termed the diabetes capital of the world. According to diabetes atlas 2008 published by Indian diabetic federation, the number of people with diabetes in India are currently around 40.9 million and is expected to rise to 69.9 million by 2025 unless urgent preventive measures are taken. In India, it is also 3rd leading cause of death (After heart disease and cancer).It has turned out to be the biggest “silent killer” in today’s world. The present research work is done on 60 patients dividing them into 2 groups.DH1 Group was given with Aamalaki, Haridra and Daruharidra {Berberis aristata D.C}, DH2 Group was given with Aamalaki, Haridra and Daruharidra {Coscinium fenestratum Colebr.}. Finally it is concluded that Daruharidra which is known botanically as Berberis aristata D.C is highly effective in controlling the blood sugar levels in combination with Aamalaki and Haridra than Coscinium fenestratum Colebr. in combinations with Aamalaki and Haridra.

Enhanced Internalization of Indian Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma (Gold Nanopowder) for Effective Interaction with Human Cells.

In the ancient traditional Indian Ayurvedic system of natural healing, gold nanoparticles (Swarna Bhasma, gold ash) have been used for its therapeutic benefits as far back as 2500 B.C. Ayurvedic medicinal preparations are complex mixtures that include many plant-derived products and metals. Bhasmas date as far back as the 8th century and are made by samskaras (processings), such as shodhana (purification and potentiation), jarana (roasting), and marana (incineration, trituration) in the presence of plant products, including juices and concoctions. Previous studies characterized the physical properties of gold ash, and the mechanisms of its entry into human cells, but only preliminary data exist on its toxicity. Before using nanoparticles for therapeutic application, it is extremely important to study their toxicity and cellular internalization. In the present study, various imaging techniques were used to investigate Swarna Bhasma's (gold nanopowder) toxicity in both cancerous and noncancerous cells (HeLa and HFF-1) and to characterize its spectral properties. The results showed that gold ash particles had no impact on the cellular viability of both HeLa and HFF-1 cells, even at high concentrations or long incubation times. Moreover, it was found that the internalization level of Swarna Bhasma to cells may be improved by mechanical breaking of the large aggregates into smaller agglomerates. Hyperspectral images revealed that after breaking, the small agglomerates have different spectral properties in cells, compared to the original aggregates, suggesting that size of particles is instrumental for the subcellular interaction with human cells.

Safety and bioactivity studies of Jasad Bhasma and its in-process intermediate in Swiss mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBhasma, Ayurvedic medicinal preparations, are prepared using herbs and minerals on following long iterative procedures. However, industrially mercury and sulphur are more commonly used to prepare bhasma from its raw material. The end point of this iterative procedure is mainly judged by the traditional tests specifying physical appearance of the powders. They fail to give better idea about chemical nature of the material. Moreover, the differences in biological activity of final product verses intermediate are not addressed. Aim of the studyTo compare the physicochemical as well as biological properties of the Jasad bhasma and its in-process intermediate using modern science methods. Materials and methodsThe Jasad bhasma and its in-process intermediate are characterized for their physicochemical properties using electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and CHNS(O) analysis. The biological effects of both the preparations are then studied. The bioaccumulation of zinc, effect on liver antioxidant status, liver and kidney function (by conventional tests as well as SPECT: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), effect on blood cells and effect on immune system are studied in mice model, Swiss albino. Since bhasma is given with an accompaniment (anupan), all the bioactivity studies were carried out by administering the preparation with and without Amala powder (Phyllanthus emblica L., fruit, dry powder) as anupan. ResultsThe XRD results accompanied with Rietveld analysis indicate that the final bhasma is mainly oxide of zinc, whereas the intermediate is mainly sulphide of zinc. The animal studies show that the bhasma as well as its intermediate do not lead to any bioaccumulation of zinc in major organs, when administered with and without anupan. Both, bhasma and intermediate do not cause any deleterious effects on kidney and liver as indicated by blood biochemistry and SPECT studies. However, the intermediate perturbs antioxidant status more and affects the platelet turnover, in comparison with bhasma. On 28day treatment, the bhasma treated animals show prominence of TH1 mediated immune response whereas, intermediate treated animals show prominence of TH2 mediated immune response. ConclusionA set of simple modern microscopy and diffraction techniques can affirmatively identify in-process intermediate from the final preparation. These can be used to decide the end point of long and iterative preparation methods in accordance with modern science practices. The differences in physicochemical properties of particles from the two preparations reflect in their different biological effects. Moreover, the bhasma affects several components of biological systems which again in-turn interact with each other, which emphasizes the need of multifaceted studies in this field.

Topical dosages forms (Lepa Kalpana) of Ayurveda: An unexplored treasure

Human physic receives the drug in two-ways. One through direct routs, i.e. through apertures of the body and another one are through the whole surface of the body. Absorption of drugs through body surface deserves special care for its optimum delivery. Ayurvedic Lepas do exit from the time immemorial from Vedas to Samhitas and in practice in a concurrent era too. This review article is the sincere attempt to summarize all the facts regarding Lepa Kalpana of Ayurveda. It includes its exploration in terms of therapeutics, cosmaceutics, and neutraceutics mentioned in various classical treatises specially mentioned in Schedule I of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. We tried to reveal adaptations of advanced technologies and its impact in the manufacturing of Ayurvedic Lepa licensed as classical and patent and proprietary medicines. In our critical analysis of facts, we had established that technology initiation in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines, especially in Lepa Kalpana is like value addition in its pharmaceutics and therapeutic characteristics. The market of Ayurvedic cosmeceuticals is enhancing day-by-day. People believe in safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic topical applications. These are protective and promotive to skin as these are free from artificial chemicals. Still many formulations of Ayurveda are waiting for its reach to the common public that have been claimed for its clinical connotations for beauty and glowing skin; the first desire of women of any age. Tremendous business opportunity is hidden in the literature of Ayurveda for which we invite everyone interested to serve humanity through Ayurveda.

In vitro effects of Indian ayurvedic medicinal preparation against UV B induced cytotoxicity

The object of the present study was to investigate the effect(s) of UV-B irradiation on chicken splenocyte culture and the ameliorating effect of Indian Ayurvedic medicinal preparation. The medicinal preparation i.e. aqueous extracts from Andrographis pnaiculata (Acanthaceae) and hydromethanolic extract of Acacia catechu (Fabaceae) namely ANDRO and ACQ, were used against UV B rays induced cytotoxicity. Isolated lymphocytes were subjected to UV-B irradiation and in combination of medicinal preparations in vitro for 0, 250, 500, 1250, 2500 and 3750 Joules/m 2 which correspond to the irradiation time of 0, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 minutes. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiozol-2yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay performed for viability of lymphocytes in both treatments. Result show that the significant reduction in cell viability with increase in exposure of UV B rays. While the treatment of medicinal plants i.e. the dose of 0.3 mg/ml of both ANDRO and ACQ significantly reduces the per cent reduction in cell viability due to exposure of UV B rays.