A Review on Tarka and Nyaya in Ayurveda: Role of Logical Reasoning in Diagnosis and Treatment

Tarka or reasoning or rational inquiry in Sanskrit, is a basic philosophical concept within Indian philosophical schools, especially the Nyaya school. It involves formalized argument, profound introspection and sophisticated analysis, making it an invaluable tool for discerning truth from falsity. Tarka Shastra, the reasoning science, is a methodical structure for dialectics and argumentation that includes important techniques like Purva paksha and Apara paksha. Closely associated with Nyaya philosophy, Tarka is used as a vital epistemological instrument to evaluate sources of knowledge, solve philosophical conflicts, and guide the intellect towards sound conclusions. Nyaya, although a separate but ancillary system, provides a detailed framework of sixteen categories for ordering reasoning and acquisition of knowledge. This essay discusses the complex function of Tarka, its use in different schools of philosophy, and its inclusion within Nyaya to aid the final philosophical objective Moksha through proper knowledge

Concept of Bhasma, their Preparation and Significance in Rasashastra

Ayurveda has many branches and Rasashatra described as one of them which encompass information on metal and mineral based formulations. Bhasma is one of the key formulations of Ayurveda Rasashatra which are prepared by various processes including purification, grinding and incineration, etc. The process of size reduction makes them most suitable for the administration in biological system. These formulations offer several advantages, including palatability, high potency, bioavailability, optimal absorption and reduced dosing frequency, etc. Bhasma is utilized not only for treating various ailments but also for promoting overall health and rejuvenation effects. Various analytical techniques are described in medical science to determine standardized parameters of such traditional formulations. These analytical techniques ensure safety and efficacy of herbo-mineral preparations. This review covers concept of Bhasma, their preparation techniques and significance of Bhasma in Rasashastra

Solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (S-SEDDS) for Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A Novel Strategy to Enhance Solubility, Stability and Oral Bioavailability

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant with therapeutic potential in diabetic neuropathy, liver diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, its clinical application is limited by poor water solubility and chemical instability, leading to reduced oral bioavailability. Initial studies revealed significant degradation of ALA approximately 30% under thermal stress and 17% in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and only 60% drug release in dissolution tests, underscoring its sensitivity to heat, acid and poor dissolution. To overcome these challenges, a Solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (S-SEDDS) was developed using Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil as the lipid phase, Cremophor RH 40 as surfactant, PEG 400 as co-surfactant and Neusilin UFL2 as the solid carrier. This formulation forms nanoemulsions upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids, enhancing solubility, stability and absorption. The optimized S-SEDDS demonstrated a significant increase in drug release, reaching 95.13% dissolution compared to 60% for pure ALA. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed smooth, uniform particles, while Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed conversion of crystalline ALA to an amorphous form, improving solubility. Drug content analysis confirmed 100% assay, indicating uniformity and stability. Stability studies under accelerated and ambient conditions over one month showed no significant changes in appearance, drug content or dissolution profile. These findings highlight S-SEDDS as a promising platform to enhance the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of ALA and other poorly soluble, unstable drugs

Trisutra Concepts of Ayurveda and its Significance in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

The idea of Trisutra, which includes Hetu, Linga and Aushadha, is described by Ayurveda with the goal of promoting the health of healthy people and the recovery of patients from a variety of illnesses. The three aphorisms known as Trisutra; Hetu, Linga and Oushadha encapsulate this age-old science. Hetu relates to the causative variables that control the preservation of health as well as the causes of various diseases. Hetu resembles the primary causes of sickness; Linga explained the clinical signs of both healthy and sick situations, while Oushadha mentioned medications, including those that aid in returning the body to its normal state. Oushadha is used to treat a sick patient as well as to maintain and improve the health of a healthy one. Oushadha also discusses the application of healthy foods and a disciplined way of living to treat illnesses. This article explains Trisutra concepts of Ayurveda and its significance in disease diagnosis and treatment

Comparative Phyto-Constituent study of Old and New Pippali Fruits by HPTLC Analysis

The overall world and whole universe is endowed with many therapeutic herbs. These therapeutic herbs aid in the treatment of various illnesses. Pippali (P. longum) is one such natural herbal plant; this plant is used as a primary ingredient in several formulations in ancient Ayurveda to treat digestive and respiratory issues as well as numerous Kaphaja Vikar. In Ayurveda, it is used as a Rasayana to cure a variety of illnesses. In many Avaleha and preparations, it is used as Prakshepak dravya. The pharmacological characteristics of Pippali include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic and hepato-protective effects. Pippali contains many chemical constituents which include flavonoids, piperine and terpenoids, etc. The standardization and quality analysis of such herb is prerequisite to ensure their compositions and properties. In this regard advanced analytical techniques like HPTLC can be utilized. Considering this fact present study compares the phytochemical components of fresh and old Pippali fruits, highlighting variations in bioactive compounds brought on by aging and their effects on inherent properties

Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Small Molecules Targeting Key Proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Objectives: To identify potential small molecule inhibitors against key resistance-associated proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae using a molecular docking-based virtual screening approach, addressing the urgent need for novel therapeutics in light of rising drug resistance. Materials and Methods A computational study employing virtual screening of phytochemicals and standard antibiotics against selected N. gonorrhoeae proteins using SwissDock and CB-Dock, followed by interaction analysis through Discovery Studio Visualizer. Interventions. Docking of 30 structurally diverse phytochemicals and four standard antibiotics against four essential proteins of N. gonorrhoeae: Penicillin-binding Protein 2 (PBP2; PDB ID: 3equ), Hypothetical Protein with bound ppGpp (PDB ID: 5vog), Adhesin Complex Protein (PDB ID: 6gq4) Main Outcome Measures: Evaluation of binding affinities, docking scores, and molecular interaction patterns to determine the most promising small molecule inhibitors. Results: Several phytochemicals exhibited strong binding affinities and favorable interactions with the target proteins, in some cases outperforming standard antibiotics. Detailed interaction profiles revealed key residues involved in ligand binding and supported the potential of selected compounds as inhibitors. Conclusion: The in silico findings highlight promising phytochemical candidates for further experimental validation. These results contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat extensively drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains and support the role of natural compounds in antimicrobial drug discovery

Ayurvedic Concept, Significance and Therapeutic Value of Pishti Kalpas

A vast range of preparations, including Kharaliya Rasayana and Kupipakwa Rasayana, are included in the field of Rasa Shastra, the traditional Ayurvedic branch devoted to the creation of herbo-mineral remedies. The type of raw materials utilized and the particular steps are involved in the formulations of specific Kalpas of Rasa Shastra. Pishti is one such Kalpa of this branch which holds a prominent place in Rasa Shastra. Pishti is a unique Ayurvedic concoction that is especially useful in treating many illnesses. Pishtis are prepared by repeated controlled triturating with herbal solutions. This procedure guarantees that raw materials are transformed into a very fine, bio-available state. Pravala Pishti and Mukta Pishti are important formulations amongst this category. The production of Pishti, its historical development and its clinical significance in Ayurvedic medicine are discussed in this article

Properties and Clinical Significance of some Herbo-Mineral Formulations

Rasa Shastra is that particular Ayurvedic science specializing in the research and practical aspects of Rasa (mercury), metals, minerals, gemstones and herbal medications, and all sorts of principles regarding alchemy and metallurgy. Rasa drugs or herbo-mineral formulations offer several advantages in chronic and acute pathological conditions. These drugs possess specific properties and these Guna of herbo-mineral formulations supports their therapeutic activities. Katu, Tikta and Ushna properties of these drugs gives Vata and Kapha pacifying action thus helps in conditions like Kaas, Shwas and Aamvata, etc. These drugs act as Rasayana, promotes detoxification of Ama, aids in digestion by virtue of their Dipan and Pachan actions. Wide range of therapeutic potency of Rasa drugs make them most suitable for many disease treatments. This paper aims to describe Ayurvedic and pharmacological properties of herbo-mineral formulations

Ayurvedic Review on Classical Preparation Methods of Rasa Drugs

Ayurveda employs a variety of ideas with the aim of creating a healthy society through disease treatment and prevention. In ancient Rasashastra, for instance, mercury was mined for use as a medicine base, and Rasashatra is one of the branches of Ayurveda that deals with the art of alchemy. Rasa-Aushadhi refers to the medicines which are prepared, and classified under the alchemy discipline where medications are processed through Murchana, Rodhana, Jarana and Mardana along with Shodhana. These methods purify substances, improve their therapeutic power and enhances therapeutic window of Rasa-Aushadhi. This paper highlights the understanding of Ras Dravyas and significance of their preparatory methods

Concept of Marana and Jarana and their Role in Rasashastra: A Review

Rasashastra is the other name for science of mercury which is a part of Ayurveda. Rasashastra in both preventive as well as therapeutics has their importance. It deals with Rasa dravyas. Rasashastra works around the origin of the Rasa dravyas, their physical and chemical properties and classifications, with therapeutic benefits of these substances as well as about their applications. Metals and minerals are subjected to certain treatments before they are made fit for internal administration. One such process is called Marana, which is incineration of metals, making them into a form that cannot be returned to their original metallic state. Since metals are not assimilable in their natural state, it is necessary to process them into finer forms so that they can easily pass into the adipose tissue for absorption. Marana successfully eliminates the original physical properties of the metal while maximizing its therapeutic potential so that no toxic effects are left. Similarly Jarana is performed as transition procedure of Rasa Shastra, which is carried out before the performance of Marana procedures with metals like Vanga, Yashada and Naga. This article described concept and significance of Marana and Jarana procedures in Rasashastra