Ayurveda Research Research Articles

Need for publishing study protocols of research in Ayurveda

Need for publishing study protocols of research in Ayurveda

Illusion of the "p-value" theory in Ayurveda research: A need for perceptible alternative.

Illusion of the "p-value" theory in Ayurveda research: A need for perceptible alternative.

Ayurvedic research for direct public benefit

Currently, interest in Ayurveda research from a public health perspective, is increasing globally due to its ability of improving quality of life and assist individuals to stay healthy. However, there is a dearth of evidence which can substantiate the credibility of this ancient traditional medicine system. Ayurveda today, has to face numerous challenges in collecting evidence and documenting it. The way forward may be understanding these challenges and developing policies which can make Ayurveda research beneficial for the public.

A Systematic Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Ayurveda Interventions for Hepatitis

Introduction: A systematic review is planned to investigate the safety and efficacy of Ayurveda interventions for hepatitis through analyzing published clinical research work. Materials and methods: We shall conduct a systematic review published clinical work for Ayurveda interventions for hepatitis. Electronic search of following databases will be performed: PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles (DHARA), Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library (the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Cochrane Methodology Register) without any restriction of publication year. Hand search, snowballing of studies will also be performed to fetch complete available literature. The selection of the studies, data abstraction, and validations will be performed independently by two teams of researchers. A conclusion will be derived from the consensus of the complete review team. Study selection will follow the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and study quality will be assessed by the CONSORT checklist for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs (TREND) checklist for nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCTs), and CONSORT extension for pilot and feasibility studies for pilot studies. Risk of bias assessment will be performed with the help of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) tool for RCTs and risk of bias in nonrandomised studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for NRCTs. If sufficient and appropriate data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed if found to be necessary and feasible. Dissemination: The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print. The review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy. Trial registration number: PROSPERO 2019: CRD42019103115.

Medicinal Plants in Local Health Traditions (LHTs)

Aim: Tripura is a small state of the northeastern part of India. The floral biodiversity is playing an important role in the traditional system of treatment in tribal and rural population. The research pertaining to the use of medicinal plants in ethnomedico-botany and formulations of study area is limited. The Medico-Ethno-Botanical Survey (MEBS) team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, documented the local health traditions (LHTs) from traditional healers of rural and tribal pockets of Dharmanagar subdivision, North district, Tripura. Materials and methods: The MEBS has been conducted in tribal pockets and villages of Dharmanagar Range, Damchera Range, and Panisagar Ranges of Dharmanagar subdivision of Forest, North Tripura district, Tripura. Local health traditions (LHTs) were documented through discussion and interview with traditional healers in the prescribed format along with global positioning system (GPS) location and digital photography of healer and plant raw drugs used in the traditional medicine and also prepared formulations. Medicinal plants were identified by using local and regional flora followed by processing, mounting, and preservation. Documented information has been processed for scientific validation and Ayurvedic names were provided to medicinal plants. Results and discussion: The MEBS conducted and documented six folk claims with six medicinal plants in prescribed formats to conserve traditional knowledge. The data presented systematically as botanical name, family, Sanskrit name, part used, morphological description of the plant, method of formulation, indication, and information of folk healer. Conclusion: Folk healers of Dharmanagar subdivision, Tripura, collects and use medicinal plants from surrounding area in the treatment of Sarpa Danstra (snake bite), Kamala (jaundice), Stanyajanan (galactagogue), Udarasula (acute abdomen), Alpamutrata (oliguria), and Vrana (fresh wound) popularly. Further, scientific validation is required to understand the useful therapeutic benefits and large-scale medicine production for the treatment. Clinical significance: The MEBS team noticed that some medicinal plants are used in the treatment of human diseases, such as Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in snake bite, Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in jaundice, Euphorbia herita L. in galactagogue, Scoparia dulcis L. in acute abdomen, Sida acuta Burm. f. for oliguria, and Mikania micrantha Kunth for fresh wound. These plants need to be studied in detail in order to harvest the maximum benefit for the mankind.

Efficacy and Safety of Ayurvedic Interventions in Female Infertility

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions for female infertility through analyzing trial data. Materials and methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCT (NRCT), randomized/nonrandomized placebo control trials, quasi-RCTs (QRCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), parallel arm comparative trials, and multiple arms clinical trials would be conducted through electronic search of the following databases: PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library [the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, digital helpline for ayurveda research articles (DHARA), the Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), and the Cochrane methodology register] without any restriction of the publication year. Hand search, snowballing of studies will also be performed to fetch the complete literature. The selection of the studies, data abstraction, and validations will be performed independently by two teams of reviewers. Conclusion will be derived with the consensus of complete review team. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. If sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Discussion: This review will help to develop strategies for the management of female infertility using Ayurveda intervention with support from evidence compiled from various clinical studies in this area. Dissemination: The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print. The review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy. Trial registration number: PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019139503.

Evaluation of the Procurement Time of Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees], through HPLC, Macro- and Microscopic Studies

Aim: This study was conducted to validate the most suitable collection time for Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees] by comparing the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) estimation of andrographolide in different seasons and pharmacognostical study of aerial parts of the plant. In Ayurvedic texts, procurement time of A. paniculata has not been mentioned; hence, this study was performed to validate the most suitable time of collection of the plant. Materials and methods: The aerial part of Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees] was collected from the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) garden from the same locations in the different seasons described in Ayurveda, i.e., Shishir or winter season (Jan to Feb), Vasant or spring season (Mar to Apr), Grishm or summer season (May to June), Varsha or rainy season (Jul to Aug), Sharad or autumn season (Sept to Oct), and Hemant or early winter season (Nov to Dec). The source of the collected plant materials was authenticated at National Vrkshayurveda Research Institute (NVARI), Jhansi Herbarium acronym code “JHS” (Accession no. 23598). Identification, comparative macroscopic and microscopic along with powder microscopy, of the aerial parts of A. panniculata in each season was carried out, in addition to the extraction of different solvents such as methanol, alcohol, and hydroalcoholic through Soxhlet, and its comparative quantitative analysis of the extracted material in all six seasons through HPLC for the different seasons at Captain Srinivas Murthy Regional Ayurveda Drug Development Institute, Chennai. Results: Extractive value of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees was found to be maximum, i.e., 1.3787 g (27.57%) of Varsha Ritu sample in methanol extract. The marker compound, andrographolide is high, i.e., 2.0312 to 2.2093 (% w/w) in Varsha ritu, through the HPLC analysis. The drug shows floral parts, i.e., pollen grains, epidermis of petals, fragments of trichome from the anthers in powder microscopy in Shishir, Sharad, and Hemant Ritu samples, whereas in Vasant, Grishm, and Varsha Ritu are devoid of floral parts. Conclusion: The study finds that the best procurement season for A. paniculata Nees. is Varsha Ritu for better therapeutic results in terms of assay of andrographolide.

Role of Ayurveda therapeutic procedures in prenatal and postnatal care

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are challenging events in women’s life cycle. Throughout this journey very often a mother faces several health issues, discomforts, and complications increasing the risk for her life. To deal with this situation, modern medicine usually needs help of different medical and surgical interventions but not all medicines and surgeries are effective. Ayurveda has advocated ample of therapeutic procedures that can take care of the safety of woman during the course of pregnancy and childbirth. Such procedures are being discussed in this article. Materials and Methods: Selected Ayurveda classics, electronic databases, namely PubMed, Digital helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles, National Centre for Biotechnology information, and so on are searched to compile the evidence of such therapeutic interventions advocated during obstetrical management. Results: Shodhana therapy (bio-purification procedures) is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. However, Panchakarma (five cleansing methods) such as Basti (therapeutic enema), Nasya (instillation of herbal oils, juices, or powders through the nasal route), and other Upakarmas (allied therapies) such as Parisheka (pouring medicated liquids), Avagahana (Tub bath with herbal liquids) are prescribed in the classics of Ayurveda in the context of Garbhini Chikitsa (pregnancy management), Prasava Paricharya (intrapartum management), and Sutika Paricharya (puerperal management). These ancient methods of treatment procedures are advised to be used moderately with pleasant manner. Conclusion: Specific Panchakarma therapies are useful in achieving and maintaining normal pregnancy and enable normal labor. Various Upakarmas facilitate healthy growth and development of fetus, prevent minor ailments and complications in intrapartum as well as in postpartum phase. Hence, Ayurveda procedures appear to be the most effective remedial measure in preventing obstetrical complications, promoting maternal and child health, and lowering maternal mortality rate.

Efficacy of Ayurvedic Interventions in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been treated in Ayurveda, and substantial work has been done in studying the role of Ayurveda interventions in its management. A systematic review is planned to investigate the safety and efficacy of Ayurveda interventions for RA through analyzing published clinical research work. Materials and methods: This study is intended to systematically review the existing published clinical work including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, parallel-group trials, and single-group clinical studies for Ayurveda interventions for RA. Electronic search of the following databases will be performed: PubMed, AYUSH research portal, digital helpline for Ayurveda research articles (DHARA), Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library (the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Cochrane Methodology Register), Ayurveda college/Universities websites, databases for dissertation works without any restriction of publication year. Hand search and snowballing of studies will also be performed to fetch complete available literature. The selection of the studies, data abstraction, and validations will be performed independently by two teams of researchers. Conclusion will be derived with consensus of complete review team. Study selection will follow the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and study quality will be assessed by CONSORT checklist for RCTs, Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) checklist for nonrandomized controlled trial (NRCTs), and CONSORT extension for Pilot and feasibility studies for pilot studies. Risk of bias assessment will be performed with the help of Cochrane RoB2 tool for RCTs and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for NRCTs. If sufficient and appropriate data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed if found to be necessary and feasible. Ethics and dissemination: Formal ethical approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. The review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy. Trial Registration Number: International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number 2019 CRD42019133722.

Vasa (Justicia adhatoda L.) Leaves Best Procurement Time with Special Reference to Assay of Vasicine through HPLC and its Comparative Pharmacognosy

Aim: Vasa (Justicia adhatoda L.) is a well-known plant for its medicinal properties, e.g., ailments of asthma, bronchitis, cough, dyspnea, external bleeding, etc. Different preparations of vasa are described in the Ayurvedic texts to pacify these disorders. In Ayurveda, the season of collection of its useful parts, i.e., leaves are not mentioned anywhere in the ancient texts. Since some researches claim higher concentration of its active metabolite in winter and rainy season, therefore, it has been planned to evaluate the suitable time of collection of plant parts. Materials and methods: The leaves of vasa (Justicia adhatoda L.) were collected from the same habitat in all six seasons described in Ayurveda, i.e., shishir (Jan and Feb), vasant (Mar and Apr), grishm (May and June), varsha (Jul and Aug), sharad (Sept and Oct), and hemant (Nov and Dec). The source of the collected plant materials was authenticated at Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, RARI, Jhansi, India, through the herbarium (accession no. 23595). Identification, comparative macroscopic, and microscopic along with powder microscopy of the leaves of the plant in each season were carried out besides extraction of various solvents such as alcohol, hydroalcohol, and methanol though Soxhlet and its comparative quantitative analysis for the extracted material in all six seasons through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the different seasons. Results: Pharmacognostical characteristics remain the same in all seasons, while the selected marker compound vasicine varied in quantity in each season. Extractive value was found maximum, i.e., 1.3456 g in vasant ritu sample and also evident in the quantitative HPLC estimation for the abundant vasicine in vasant ritu sample, i.e., 0.7330 to 1.0744 which is the clear indication for the best time to collect leaves in vasant ritu. Conclusion: In vasant ritu, vasa (Justicia adhatoda L.) is in flowering stage, and at this stage the abundance of the secondary metabolites and the extractive values clearly indicate to conclude that the suitable procurement time of collection of vasa leaves (Justicia adhatoda L.) is vasant ritu (Mar and Apr).

Chemical fingerprints for Panchavalkala Kvatha Curna

Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,2018,3,2,356-368.DOI:10.5530/jams.2018.3.16Published:October 2018Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayana, Priyadarshini, Puneeth, Suchitra Narayana Prabhu, and Muralidhar Ballal Author(s) affiliations:Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayana1,2*, Priyadarshini2, Puneeth2, Suchitra Narayana Prabhu2, Muralidhar Ballal3 1Current: Siddha Central Research Institute, CCRS, Ministry of AYUSH, Anna Hospital Campus, Arumbakkam, Chennai 600106. 2SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, 3SDM Ayurveda Pharmacy, Laxminarayana Nagar, Kuthpadi, Udupi 574118, India.Abstract:Introduction: Herbal medicines in recent times gained popularity and glory because of lesser known side effects/adverse effects and palatable and indispensable in its own way. Standardization as a benchmark to ascertain the quality, purity, safety and efficacy of the individual drug. Panchavalkala kvatha curna (PKC) is a polyherbal formulation, compounded from parts of Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis – stem bark), Udumbara (Ficus racemosa – stem bark), Asvattha (Ficus religiosa – stem bark), Parisa (Thespesia populnea – stem bark) and Plaksa (Ficus lacor – stem bark) as per formula composition in Ayurvedic Formulary of India. It is used in the treatment of inflammation due to wound, ulcer, syphilis, leucorrhoea and conjunctivitis. It can be used as lepa or in the form of decoction. In the current study chemical analysis and fingerprinting techniques have been employed to standardise PKC. Methods: PKC was subjected to organoleptic, macro-microscopic, physicochemical, HPTLC and LC-MS characterization employing standard methodology mentioned in pharmacopoeia and other herbal analysis protocols. Results: Physico-chemical studies viz. total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, water, alcohol and hydro – alcohol soluble extractive, loss on drying at 105°C, pH, HPTLC and LC-MS were performed. Conclusion: A monograph on quality standards for PKC is proposed from the data obtained. The results of the present investigation would serve as a document to control the quality of an important poly-herbal formulation of Ayurveda. Keywords:HPTLC, LC-MS fingerprint, Monograph, Polyherbal formulations, StandardizationView:PDF (4.59 MB)

Universal significance of the principle of Samanya and Vishesha beyond Ayurveda

There is a fundamental principle in Ayurveda, known as the principle of Samanya (similarity) and Vishesha (difference). While the principle was essentially propounded in the context of yuktivyapashraya (rational medicine) in Ayurveda, here we would like to argue that it has universal applicability in Ayurveda and beyond, across systems and domains of knowledge, including science, technology and humanities, as well as scientific, experiential and traditional knowledge systems. Taking examples of some of the most well-known problems of ecology, economy and society, we demonstrated the universal significance of the principle of Samanya and Vishesha. To illustrate our argument, we have discussed three brief cases, as diverse as family, climate governance, and poverty reduction, and discussed in the light of the Samanya and Vishesha. Evidently, these issues also have larger relevance to public health. Bringing an Ayurveda concept out from its premises is a new order of thinking. The path-breaking insights that were provided, have important implication for deciphering other basic principles of Ayurveda from the perspective of their wider applicability, and thus their robustness. We have indicated a way forward for future research in Ayurveda to develop knowledge-base for evidence-based clinical practice in contemporary society.

Reflections on current Ayurveda research

The current development in modern biology partnered with technology, better understanding of genes, environment is beginning to allow predicting the state of the human body. Research in Modern science is in transitional state from reverse pharmacology to system approach. It’s time for Ayurveda to undertake research deep in its own foundational theories and in its interface with modern science. The present environment, lifestyle and nutrition have drastically different from ancient times. There is a need to modernize Ayurveda and make it relevant and contextual in terms of personalized medicine where allopathic medicine is heading. Innovations based on advancements, new treatment regimen, therapeutic approaches are the current needs from Ayurveda to make an impact on global clinical practice. In India, the Ayurveda research needs commitment in leadership and good funding resources for its best run, and for true healthcare.

Planning action for strengthening the ecosystem for Ayurvedic research

The establishment of AYUSH independent ministry has a commitment towards strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem. Health problems involving chronic diseases, non communicable diseases etc, there is a scope for complementary as well as preferential choice of any system including Ayurveda. There are a large number of clinical setups in national/state Ayurveda institutions, but the quality publication outcome is low. In the present article, being a scientist and science manager, I have just summarized my opinion to strengthen and growth of Ayurveda. Development of special validation methods for Ayurveda research based on Ayurveda principle is an hour of need. Randomized controlled trials on the use of new innovations are needed in Ayurveda. To strengthen Ayurveda, interdisciplinary approach may prove beneficial. Value addition based synergy and partnerships with ICMR/DBT/DST/ICAR would be beneficial for the growth of Ayurveda.

Assessment of Traditional Treatment Modality in the Management of Adenocarcinoma of Prostate: A Case Report Based on Cytokine Expression

Background: Adenocarcinoma of prostate is one of the most common cancers in Sri Lanka. It is developed in the prostate gland which is in a male reproductive system. Aim: This clinical case report was conducted from September to November 2016 in the out patient department of Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute (BMARI), Navinna, Sri Lanka to assess antitumor activity of the traditional treatment modality. Methods: A patient 65 years old who was attended with symptoms of competence of urination, flatulence, anorexia and diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of prostate with the evidence of early metastatic in 7th 8th ribs and L2 vertebra. Detailed history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations were conducted at BMARI and the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Five traditional herbal powder formulae namely C1 Choorna, KY Choorna, A1 Choorna, IM Choorna and SG Choorna were administered throughout period of study. Tumor marker expression and biochemical analysis were tested before and after treatments (after 45 days and 90 days of treatment). Further serum IL-2, IL-5, IFN-γ, PUMA were quantified using ELISA before and after the treatments (after 45 days and 90 days of treatment) as these cytokines play a significant role in tumor growth control. Results: Symptoms of adenocarcinoma of prostate were significantly improved and PSA was decreased. As the results of the ELISA, IL-2, IL-5, IFN-γ and PUMA concentrations were increased after the treatment. Conclusion: Expression level increased in all 4 cytokines over time indicating the possible control of adenocarcinoma of prostate growth by the 5 drug formulae. Further investigations are required to evaluate the efficacy of this drug modality in controlling adenocarcinoma of prostate.

A PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF ANUPA AND JANGALA DESHASTHA SHITIVARAKA (Celosia argentea Linn.).

Since long the subject of standardization of Ayurvedic drugs is hot. Today it has become a must to give attention towards all the factors which affect the potency of the drug. After lot of observation it was found that the geographical variation and climate of the place of origin of the drug may be the major factor in influencing the potency of drug. Hence for current study drug Shitivaraka is collected from Anupa and Jangala regions; and this drug is well known for its Mootrala (diuretic) property, it is mentioned and utilized by the Brahtrayi physicians for the treatment.
 The role of research in Ayurveda is not only to elucidate the principles of Ayurveda but also, to explain them in terms of modern parameters. Group-A(anupa), Group-B (Jangala), powdered drug is used for phytochemical study.

Ethics Committees in Ayurvedic PG institutions: Losing opportunities of making an impact

Ethics is a crucial component of medical practice world over and also an indispensable part of medical research. Ethics in medical practice primarily refers to not harming the patients by the proposed interventions; similarly ethics in research refers to assuring optimal care of the participants and causing no harm to them on account of research. Ethics in research has come a long way from its voluntarily application on moral grounds to a mandatory condition regulated by the state of law. Ethics Committees (ECs) have been erected at research institutions to safeguard the interest of patients, to ensure their safety during any such trial and to assure the accountability of the researcher in case of any unforeseen event. Such committees therefore have a noble role to play in the form of promoting ethical practices in research. Ayurvedic clinical research also follows the similar path by erecting ECs at its research institutions. However, in reality, such committees are found much away from the principle of their inception and method of functioning. In the absence of accountability and clear objectivity, such ECs at Ayurvedic research institutions are not serving any purpose. This article critically examines the positioning of ECs at Ayurveda research institutions and suggests pragmatic mechanisms to ensure their role in improving the quality of research in Ayurveda.

Prospects of Ayurveda through Cell Line

Ayurveda is a science of life with a holistic approach to health and personalized medicine. It is a system of traditional medicine developed during antiquity and the medicinal period and as such as comparable to modern system of medicine. Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique make up of Tridosha and to thereby design treatment protocols. Unfortunately, due to lack of scientific validation in various concepts like Tridosha, Prakruti, Mahabhuta, Guna and its affect on body. Hence evidence-based research as highly needed for global recognition and acceptance of Ayurveda, which need further advancements in vitro study. The present review highlights to improve the fundamental principles, drugs, pharmaceuticals and clinical research in Ayurveda through cell line study. In vitro studies permit a species-specific, simpler, convenient and more detailed analysis that can be done with the whole organism. This attempt will certainly encourage to researchers to work on cell line for the development and promotion of Ayurveda.

ECHO OF LODHRADI KASHAYA IN LIPID PROFILE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS

Objective: Lipid profile is matter to concern in fast changing lifestyle, and especially in diabetic mellitus (DM) patients. In arena of DM, obesity and high lipid contour is a causative problem and lead to generate the related problems too. Hence, tracking of lipid profile in DM patients is necessary as part of treatment approach. Hence, the present study was conducted to track the effect of Lodhradi Kashaya spray dried (LKSD) powder on lipid profile in Type 2 DM patients.Methods: Total 31 patients were taken following the guideline mention in Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha protocol for DM research. They were divided into two groups, Groups A and B and given LKSD (4 and 2 g TDS (three times a day), respectively, dissolved in water) for 3 months. They are investigated for their blood serum creatinine and lipid profile (cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], very LDL [VLDL], and triglyceride). The patients response has also been noted regarding palatability acceptance and ease of administration. Result: LKSD was found significantly effective in total cholesterol (p=0.001 and 0.073), triglyceride (p=0.002 and 0.003), HDL (p˂0.001 and 0.026), LDL (p=0.563 and p˂0.001), and VLDL (p=0.024 and 0.003). Patients had reported that formulation is easy to take in spite of its astringency in taste.Conclusion: Lodhradi Kashaya has capability to control and take care of disturbance in lipid profile in DM patients and thus enhance their living confidence.Keywords: Ayurveda, Lodhradi Kashaya, Diabetes mellitus, Clinical study, Lipid profile.

Good practices of publishing AYUSH research: A practical checklist for authors

Since its inception, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (J-AIM) has been constantly striving to create an environment that inculcates and strengthens “Good Publication Practices (GPP)” amongst students, practitioners and researchers in AYUSH community. The J-AIM has been doing this in the form of conducting workshops on scientific writing and research methods on different platforms. This article is based on our experiences and varied discussions that we have had with students, teachers, practitioners and researchers during these interactive sessions, and is intended at addressing the gap that prevails in the domain. The need for such awareness is felt even more strongly ever since the Beall's list of predatory journals has been unpublished. This article tries to fill the void this disappearance has created. We analyze the current scenario of AYUSH publications, enumerate the common perceptions and concerns among the workers in the field, and consider the periodicals where the doctoral and postgraduate level of Ayurveda research works are being published at present. The article also presents a practical checklist that will be helpful for students and teachers to refer authentic resources and submit their work to an appropriate scholarly journal.