Shodhana Procedure Research Articles

Mandoor Shodhana - A Bird Eye Review

Mandoor (Iron Oxide) is important in Rasashastra as a Dravya from Upadhatu Varg. It is widely used in Ayurveda therapeutics for the treatment of Pandu Roga, Kamala Roga, Rajakshaya and Raktakshaya. Mandoor is found buried inside the earth’s land and is said to be of mineral origin. Thus, it becomes important to get rid of physical and chemical impurities in Mandoor and make it potent for using it in therapeutics. To serve the necessity, Shodhana procedure is mentioned in classical texts of Ayurveda. The physical and chemical changes occurring during Shodhana make Mandoor suitable for the therapeutic use. In the classical texts of Ayurveda and Rasashastra numerous Shodhana procedures for Mandoor are found mentioned. So here an attempt was made to review various Shodhana procedures for Mandoor. In this context eighteen Vishesh Shodhana methods and a Samanya Shodhana found mentioned in different texts. A thorough review was carried out for the Shodhana procedures.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF TERATOZOOSPERMIA: A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Male infertility is a significant factor in over 40% of infertility cases. This research paper presents a case study of a 35-year-old Indian labourer working in a steel factory who reported symptoms of Mlan-Shishnata (loss of erection during intercourse), Alpaharsha (reduced sexual desire) along with a history of 4 years without a child. The patient was diagnosed as Klaibya, a condition characterised by male sexual dysfunction, with teratozoospermia, a condition involving abnormal sperm morphology. Ayurvedic therapy, specifically Vajikaran chikitsa, was administered to the patient following an Abhyantar Shodhana (bio-cleansing) procedure. The treatment protocol included Koshtha-Shuddhi (purgation) with the decoction of herbal medicines and Yogbasti. Additionally, the patient received Bastand Vrushya Basti for two months and oral intake of specific Ayurvedic formulations for three months. The patient's progress was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function and semen analysis before and after three months of treatment. Semen analysis after treatment revealed that 63% of the patient's sperm exhibited normal morphology, indicating a substantial enhancement compared to the initial Teratozoospermia condition, along with significant improvement in erectile function, orgasmic function, Sexual desire, Intercourse satisfaction and Overall satisfaction of the individual demonstrating the successful use of Ayurvedic formulations in treating Klaibya w.s.r.t. teratozoospermia without any reported adverse side effects. This case study underscores the diverse range of Ayurvedic therapy options available for addressing male infertility disorders.

ROLE OF NASYA TO REGULATE H-P-O AXIS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ARTAVA KSHAYA

Nasya karma, also known as intranasal drug delivery, is the specific treatment methodology briefly explained in Ayurveda under Panchakarma. Nasya karma has been recognised as an important form of treatment for cleansing of Urdhava Jatrugata doshas (supra clavicular part of body), palliation of diseases of head and neck and it alleviates Vata kapha dosha. Normal menstruation requires integration of H-P-O axis with a functional uterus, any break in this axis creates menstrual problems in which the most common one in today’s era is Artava kshaya. The term Artava has many meanings like menstrual blood, ovum and ovarian hormones. Artava kshaya can be correlated with oligomenorrhoea or hypomenorrhoea by their sign and symptoms. As per Ayurveda Nasa is considered as the gateway of Sirah i.e., brain hence Nasya would be the appropriate Shodhana procedure to regulate H-P-O axis and establishment of normal menstrual cycle.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF KLAIBYA (IMPOTENCE) WITH TERATOZOO-SPERMIA: A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Male infertility is a significant factor in over 40% of infertility cases. This research paper presents a case study of a 35-year-old Indian labourer working in a steel mill who reported symptoms of Ling-Shaithilyata (loss of pe-nile erection), Mlana-Shishnata (loss of erection during intercourse), and Alpaharsha (desire for intercourse) along with a history of 3-5 years without a child. The patient was diagnosed as Klaibya, a condition character-ised by male sexual dysfunction, with teratozoospermia, a condition involving abnormal sperm morphology. Ayurvedic therapy, specifically Vajikarna chikitsa, was administered to the patient following an internal Sho-dhana (bio-cleansing) procedure. The treatment protocol included Koshtha-Shuddhi (purgation), a decoction of herbal medicines, and Yogbasti. Additionally, the patient received Vasti-Bastand Vrushya Basti for two months and oral intake of specific Ayur-vedic formulations for three months. The patient was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function and semen analysis before and after three months of treatment. Semen analysis after treatment revealed that 63% of the patient's sperm exhibited normal morphology, indicating a substantial enhancement compared to the initial teratozoospermia condition and significant improvement in erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, Intercourse satisfaction and Overall satisfaction of the individual demonstrating the successful use of Ayurvedic formulations in treating Klaibya w.s.r.t. teratozoospermia without any reported adverse side effects. This case study underscores the diverse range of Ayurvedic therapy options available for addressing male infertility disor-ders.

Significance of Kuttana in the preparation of Guggulu vati processed in Triphala kwatha

Background: Since vedic period, much importance is given for guggulu (Commiphora wightii, (Arn) Bhandari). One can get reference of guggulu as early as 3000 to 10,000 years ago in the veda, for treating human illnesses. References are available regarding usage of guggulu externally as well as internally during the period of charaka, sushruta and vagbhata for the treatment of medoroga and vatavikara. Śhodhana is a preliminary procedure which assist in removing or modifying the possible physical or chemical impurities from raw material and making them suitable for therapeutic use. It has been found clinically that guggulu kalpa usually pass in the faeces un-disintegrated or partially absorbed. To overcome this the kuttana (pounding) method is mentioned to facilitate quick disintegration which in turn helps in quick absorption of guggulu in the body. So present study was taken to know the effect of kuttana on the physico chemical properties of guggulu. Methodology: Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Shodhana (procedure) was done in Triphala Kwatha and Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) were prepared with and without Kuttana (pounding) method. The prepared samples were tested for analytical parameters like organoleptic character, pH, friability, hardness, disintegration time, uniformity of weight, total ash, loss on drying, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive and HPTLC was done. Result: The organoleptic characters of all the both samples were same. Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) prepared with Kuttana (pounding) showed less disintegration time. Pharmaceutical result revealed that the yield was increased in Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii). Conclusion: There was a decrease in pH, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value, water soluble extractive value, weight variation value, hardness, disintegration time and increase in Moisture content, Total ash value, Alcohol soluble ash value of Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) after Kuttana (pounding). From chromatographical analysis it is observed that a greater number of components were detected.

Comparative Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Ashodhita and Gomutra Shodhita Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) Seed

Background: Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) has immense therapeutic attributes and widely prescribed drug in skin disorders especially Shvitra (vitiligo). Its medicinal usage is found depict in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American pharmacopoeias and in different traditional system of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Classic emphasized the Shodhana of Bakuchi seed as pre-treatment before its therapeutic use. Considering this, study was planned for pharmacognostical evaluation of Shodhita and Ashodhita Bakuchi seeds. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostical study, physicochemical analysis, and psoralen chemical test were performed for the Ashodhita and Gomutra Shodhita Bakuchi seeds powder. Results and Conclusion: Endosperm cells, palisade cells, and trichomes were found disturbed from their normal structure in Ashodhita sample. Oil globules are released from their site. Crystalline structure was observed in Shodhita sample. These changes were found due to the process of alkaline hydrolysis during Shodhana procedure. Alkaline pH (7.4) is found in suspension of Shodhita Bakuchi powder due to employed Shodhana process. Results of ash value, acid insoluble Ash, water-soluble extractives, and alcohol soluble extractives are found within normal limit as described in Ayurveda pharmacopoeia of India. These observations can be of use in future studies.

Critical note on pretreatment (Shodhana) of Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.)

Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.) is an herb mainly indicated for the treatment of skin diseases in the classical text of Ayurveda. Before the use of several potent herbs, metals, minerals, and poisonous plants, specific processing is mentioned to be done to minimize the untoward effect of the drug or to make the drug more suitable for further processing as mentioned in Ayurveda classics. Such procedures are considered pretreatment (Shodhana). Although classical texts of Ayurveda have mentioned pretreatment of Bakuchi fruits before their therapeutic use, its internal administration after processing is not prevalent in clinical practice. This pretreatment may be considered as the Shodhana procedure of Bakuchi. Accordingly, data were assembled in the context of pretreatment of Bakuchi from Ashtanga Samgraha, Gadanigraha, Rasoudhhara Tantra, Vrunda Madhava, Anandakanda, Rasakamadhenu, and from published researches. Three procedures, viz. Nimajjana (immersion), Prakshalana (washing with water), and Bharjana (roasting), were mentioned for pretreatment of Bakuchi. Pretreatments are noted as soaking of Bakuchi fruits in Gomutra (cow’s urine) or Ardraka Swarasa (juice of Zingiber officinale Rosc.) for 7 or 21 days or Bibhitaka Kwatha (decoction of Terminalia belerica Roxb.) for 1 night and Bharjana (roasting) in Ghee. Blisters occur because of the presence of furanocoumarins like psoralen in formulations, which holds Bakuchi. Pretreatment performed on Bakuchi fruits may derive newer chemical moieties, further rendering it helpful to minimize adverse drug reactions, increase the efficacy of Bakuchi or its containing formulation, and further break the pathogenesis of the disease.

Add on effect of Somavalkala kashaya siddha basti in the management of diabetes mellitus: A case report

Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem for the world in the 21st century. The side effects of medicines and persistent complaints make diabetic patients seek alternative therapy. Basti (~therapeutic enema) acclaimed as Ardha chikitsa, is an important Shodhana (~detoxification) procedure in Panchakarma. In general, Basti is contraindicated in Prameha, but many special types of Basti are described in the literature that can be used in distinct cases. This study aims to explore the prospects of Basti chikitsa in the treatment of Prameha. A 56-year-old male suffering from diabetes taking metformin 500 mg tablet twice daily for five years presented with the complaints of polyuria, burning sensation in both upper and lower limbs, weakness and cramps aggravating gradually. HbA1C level (11.6) revealed an uncontrolled blood sugar levels. He was treated with Somavalkala kashaya siddha basti regimen for three months. The patient had significant relief in symptoms such as Prabhuta mutrata, Pipasa, Karapada daha, Karapada supti, Avil mutrata, Klaibya, and Daurbalya after complete course of therapy. The HbA1C level of patient which was 11.5 at the time of registration which lowered to the 6.9, i.e. nearly normal range. Fasting blood sugar and postprandial blood sugar levels were 121 mg/dl and 232 mg/dl, respectively, at the time of registration which reduced after Basti regimen. Thus, Somvalkala kashaya siddha basti appears to be useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Shodhana Yogya - Ayogya (Indications and Contraindications for Shodhana)

The word Shodhana is having a lot of weightage with respect to the treatments in Ayurveda. This treatment is very effective, powerful for the maintenance of health in a Swasta individual and also for treating Atura. It is very much essential to know the proper disease conditions and suitable individual for Shodhana treatment. The disease of a person might be indicated, but the person may not be suitable. For a psoriasis patient, disease psoriasis is definitely suitable for Shodhana procedure by considering the disease, but same patient with the fierceful nature or patient is considering himself as having knowledge of treatment and disobedience with respect the instructions of the physician etc. makes that individual as unfit for the Shodhana procedure. This article throws light on taking a initial decision on the indications and contraindications for the Shodhana procedure. How to cite this article:Madhushree HS, Puttur G. Shodhana Yogya - Ayogya (Indications and Contraindications for Shodhana). J Adv Res Ayur Yoga Unani Sidd Homeo 2019; 6(3&4): 10-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2394.6547.201908

Comparative antihyperlipidemic activity of Hridayarnava Rasa prepared from two samples of Tamra Bhasma in Wistar albino rats

Background: The lipid lowering activity of herbs plays an important role in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); where there is relation between low density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction and decreased CVD mortality. Consequently, medicinal plant lipid lowering activity for phyto-medicine research and drug development for such a disease are now focused all over the world. Hridayarnava Rasa (HR) is herbo-mineral formulation told in the classics for the treatment of Hridroga (cardiac diseases). Ingredients of this formulation like Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper), Triphala Kwatha (decoction of three myrobalans) and juice of Solanum nigrum Linn. are proven antihyperlipidemic. Aim: In present study, antihyperlipidemic activity of HR prepared from two samples of Tamra Bhasma (Shodhita and Ashodhita) is carried out to assess the impact of Shodhana procedure on efficacy of whole formulation. Materials and methods: STBHR (HR prepared from Shodhita Tamra Bhasma) and ATBHR (HR prepared from Ashodhita Tamra Bhasma) were prepared as per the classical references. Hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding high fat diet in Wistar strain albino rats. The parameters including body weight, weight of various organs, serum lipid profile and histopathology of liver, kidney, heart and aorta were studied. Statistical analysis used: Statistical comparisons were performed by both unpaired student’s t test and one way ANOVA with Dunnets’ multiple t test as post-hoc test by using Sigma stat software (version 3.1) for all the treated groups. P value less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: Treatment with STBHR attenuated serum cholesterol and triglyceride but not to the significant extent, while treatment with ATBHR failed to attenuate any lipid profile. STBHR also attenuated the hyperlipidemic diet induced pathological changes whereas ATBHR failed to do so. Conclusion: Hridayarnava Rasa prepared from Shodhita Tamra Bhasma shows mild antihyperlipidemic activity whereas the same prepared from Ashodhita Tamra Bhasma lacks it.

A Comparative Pharmacological Evaluation of Antianxiety Activity of Raw and Traditionally Shodhita (Processed) Rhizome of Vacha (Acorus calamus L.)

Background: Vacha (Acorus calamus L.; Acoraceae), one of the well-known drug of Ayurvedic pharmacopeia, is highlighted for its Medhya (brain tonic), Sanjnasthapana (restores lost consciousness), Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), etc., properties and hence used extensively in therapeutics. Ayurvedic pharmacopeias like Chakradatta, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) have recommended Shodana (processing) of Vacha using certain media like Gomutra, Mundi Kwatha, Gandhodaka, etc. It has been reported by us that subjecting to Shodhana is not only safe to use but also enhances the therapeutic activity of Vacha. Aim: To assess the antianxiety activity of raw and shodhita (processed) Vacha rhizomes in different experimental animal models. Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 24 ± 4 g, of either sex, were administered with raw and shodhita Vacha (16 mg/kg body weight) along with distilled water. Diazepam (2 mg/kg body weight) was used as a standard drug. Results and conclusion: Pretreatment with both raw and classically processed Vacha samples exhibited significant antianxiety activity; among them, the observed activity in shodhita Vacha was found to be better. The present study confirms the antianxiety activity of raw and shodhita Vacha. But when subjected to the traditional Shodhana procedure, the efficacy of Vacha rhizomes get enhanced.

Comperehencive review of Tankana

Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana is branch of the ancient Indian medical science based on herbs and herbo-mineral preparation. Tankana has been described under Uparasa Tankana, which is one among the Kshara Trayas has been used since very long time in Ayurveda. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications, including diseases like Varna (ulcers), Shvasa (asthma), Kasa (cough), Hrudya (beneficial to heart disease), Streepushpajanana (menstrual disorders) etc. It is used in the form of compound formulations like Parpati, Kupipakwa, Khalvee Rasayana, Churna, Vati, Lepa etc. In this paper Tankana Shodhana procedure, different synonyms, dose, Anupana, indications and different formulations containing Tankana Bhasma has been discussed.

ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF SHODHANA ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND CHROMATOGRAPHICAL PROFILE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CLASSICAL PROCESSED DANTI (BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM WILLD.) ROOT

Objective: Ayurveda recommends the use of Danti root after Shodhana (Processing/Purification) where the powder Pippali (Piperlongum Linn.) fruit, honey and Kusha (Desmostachya bippinata Stapf.) leaves are being used. But the additive effect of all these drugs on Danti root are yet to be explored scientifically. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate data analysis technique targeting to assess the discrimination effect of psychic nut, for evaluating the additive effect, can be used to assess the effect of Shodhana on preliminary physicochemical, phytochemical parameters upon four levels of Danti (Baliospermum montanum Willd.) root.Methods: Roots of raw Danti, after proper botanical authentication, were subjected for classically recommended Shodhana procedure and four groups of Danti root like raw Danti (RD), Classical processed Danti root (CPDR), Kusha processed Danti root (KPDR), water processed Danti root (WPDR) were obtained at various levels of Danti Shodhana. Methanolic macerated extracts of all four Danti root groups were subjected for preliminary physicochemical, phytochemical and chromatographic screening. The obtained data were analyzed with the help of the Un-scrambler Camo Software for multivariate data analysis.Results: The methanolic and water extractive value of CPDR group is more than remaining sections holding lower ash value and high-intensity colour reaction during phytochemical screenings of steroid, flavonoid etc.Conclusion: Analysis of PCA technique suggests a similar trend in between RD and KPDR group while CPDR and WPDR on a different in score plot.

Importance of Poorvakarmas in Shodhana therapy - A Revi

In recent era Panchakarma has got prominent place in the management of the diseases through Ayurveda, because Panchakarma is only hope in patients who are bushed after all the Shamana treatments. Panchakarma expels the Doshas from their causative roots so diseases cannot revert after; like tree cannot grow without its root. Without proper Poorvakarma physician cannot get truly result though Shodhana procedure (like Vamana/Virechana) performed well, because without Poorvakarmas Doshas cannot be changed in particular forms through which they can be expelled out from the body. The present paper is focused on explanation of the principle that how Poorvakarma is essential for Shodhana therapy, how they change Dosha’s form and elucidate the Kala and Matra of Poorvakarma particular in Snehapana.

Concept of Shodhana procedure with special reference to Guggulu Resin (Commiphora Mukul Linn.)

Ayurveda, the science of life is being practiced by Aryans from Vedic period. In the Vedic period Guggulu was a well-known drug in Indigenous System of Medicine. In Atharvaveda it is mentioned to be used both externally and internally. By just consuming the odour of Guggulu, it reduces many diseases. Many properties of Guggulu are described in our classics. Guggulu is the oleoresin of Commiphora Mukul Linn., a plant that is native to India. Its extracts include compounds known for their hypolipidemic properties, the Z- and E- isomers of guggulsterone and its related guggulsterols. Kalpana is the process through which a substance can be transformed in to the form of medicine according to the need. During preparations of various formulations there are various Samskaras which are to be done for potentiating the drug or the formulation. Among all these pharmaceutical processes Shodhana is one of them. In our text, for a single drug many process of Shodhana in different ways have been mentioned. There are different medias explained in literature for Shodhana of Guggulu. According to the media of purification the quality and pharmacological properties of Guggulu will vary. Depending on the change in properties the therapeutic effect may also vary. The present study includes collection of different concepts regarding Shodana of Guggulu as per various classical references.

Fourier transform infrared analysis of Tamra Bhasma at different levels: A preliminary study.

Introduction:Tamra Bhasma, one among the herbo-metallic preparations is extensively used in Ayurveda for different conditions. To make it safe to use, Tamra has to pass through a set of classical pharmaceutical procedures including a series of quenching in prescribed liquids, followed by incineration with black sulfide of mercury and herbal juice of Citrus jambhiri Lush. and corm of Amorphophallus campanulatus Linn. FTIR profiles of Tamra Bhasma at different levels is not available.Aim:To evaluate the chemical changes in Tamra Bhasma at different steps by following Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.Materials and Methods:In current study, raw Tamra, intermediate samples obtained during purification, incineration and Amritikarana were analyzed using FTIR.Results:It was observed that Shodhana procedure leads in the formation of bonds between surface particles of Tamra and Shodhana media. These formed bonds on the surface of Shodhita Tamra samples gave various sharp peaks representing presence of many functional groups.Conclusion:The FTIR spectra revealed that both Bhasma samples contained organic compounds probably in the form of a complex with common functional groups like alkyl, methyl, etc., which need further studies for exact characterization of the complexes.

Acute and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared from Ashodhita (unpurified) and Shodhita (purified) tamra in rats

The use of metals in traditional medicines is very often seen as matter of concern these days, especially the Bhasma preparations which are always under stringent observations for containing highly reactive inorganic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others. One of the Bhasma extensively used in routine Ayurvedic practice is Tamra (copper) bhasma. If it is not prepared properly or Shodhana procedure is not done properly, it acts as a poison. To indicate its toxic potential, Ashtamahadoshas (eight major ill effects) have been quoted in classics and due emphasis have been given to its Shodhana procedure. In the present study, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita and Ashodhita Tamra was subjected to oral toxicity study to ascertain the role of Shodhana process on safety profile of Tamra bhasma on subchronic administration to albino rats. Both the samples were administered to rats for 45 consecutive days at the doses of 5.5, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed on 46th day and parameters like hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. Results showed that Tamra bhasma prepared from Ashodhita Tamra has pathological implications on different hematological, serum biochemical and cytoarchitecture of different organs even at therapeutic dose level (5.5 mg/kg). Whereas, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita Tamra is safe even at five-fold to therapeutic equivalent doses (27.5 mg/kg). These observations emphasize the role of Shodhana and importance of dose in expression of toxicity of the medicinal preparations.

Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis caused during Shodhana (purificatory measures) of Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn.) fruit

Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn.; Ancardiaceae) is mentioned under Upavisha group in Ayurvedic classics and it is described as a poisonous medicinal plant in Drugs and Cosmetics Act (India), 1940. Fruit of Bhallataka is used either as a single drug or as an ingredient in many compound formulations of Indian systems of medicine to cure many diseases. Tarry oil present in the pericarp of the fruit causes blisters on contact. The major constituent of the tarry oil is anacardic acid and bhilawanol, a mixture of 3-n-pentadec(en)yl catechols. Bhilawanol A and B are known as Urushiols, and also, anacardic acid is closely related to Urushiol. Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is the medical name given to allergic rashes produced by the oil Urushiol. This paper deals with five case reports of contact dermatitis caused during different stages of Shodhana (purificatory measures) of Bhallataka fruit due to improper handling of the utensils and disposal of media used in Shodhana procedure and their Ayurvedic management. To combat these clinical conditions, the affected persons were advised external application with pounded Nimba (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) leaves on the affected parts and internal administration of Sarivadyasava 30 ml thrice daily after food and Triphala Churna 5 g before food twice daily. Reduction of itching and burning sensation was observed after topical application.

Anticonvulsant activity of raw and classically processed Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) rhizomes

The rhizome of Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as epilepsy, headache, eye disorders, insomnia, loss of memory, etc. Previous studies demonstrated that Vacha rhizome is having significant anticonvulsant activity against various induced seizures models in experimental animals. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India has advocated Shodhana (purificatory procedures) to be done prior to its use. In the present study a comparative anticonvulsant activity of raw and Shodhita (classically processed) Vacha rhizomes were screened against Maximal Electro Shock (MES) seizure model to assess the effect of classical purificatory procedure on pharmacological action of Vacha. Phenytoin was used as standard antiepileptic drug for comparison. Pretreatment with both raw and classically processed Vacha samples exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity by decreasing the duration of tonic extensor phase. Further classically processed Vacha statistically decreased the duration of convulsion and stupor phases of MES-induced seizures. The results obtained from the present study clearly confirmed the anticonvulsant activity of raw Vacha and subjecting to classical Shodhana procedure did not alter the efficacy of Vacha rhizomes instead it enhanced the activity profile of the Vacha.

A comparative clinical study of Nyagrodhadi Ghanavati and Virechana Karma in the management of Madhumeha

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic metabolic disorder prevalent all over the world. Virechana is the Shodhana procedure that is specific for the elimination of vitiated Pitta and Kapha doshas. Thus, in the present study, the Virechana process has been selected prior to the administration of Shamana drug. Nyagrodhadi churna is mentioned in Chakradatta, which is modified into Ghana form for easy administration and dose maintenance. The present study was conducted in two groups: Group A, Nyogrodhadi Ghana vati (Shamana therapy) and Group B, Virechana and Nyogrodhadi Ghana vati (combined therapy). A total of 42 patients were registered for the present study, in which 34 patients completed the and eight patients were dropouts. After evaluating the total effect of the therapies, it was observed that the Virechana and Nyagrodhadi Ghanavati (combined therapy) provided better relief in the patients of Madhumeha in comparison with Nyagrodhadi Ghanavati (Shamana therapy) alone.