Evaluation of efficacy of Dhoopana (polyherbal nasal fumigation) versus polyherbal steam inhalation in children with Pratishyaya (rhinitis): A pilot study

Background: According to Ayurveda, Pratishyaya is characterized by the continuous outward flow of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha from the nostrils, resembling rhinitis, where the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed due to infection, allergy, or injury. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of polyherbal steam inhalation versus nasal fumigation (Dhoopana) in children with rhinitis. Material and methods: Randomized reference controlled open label equivalence pilot study. Patients after initial screening were subjected to randomization and were included in two groups; Group C (Control group) and Group T (Trial group). 10 subjects in each group. Group C (Control group) Polyherbal steam inhalation, Arka prepared from Tulsi, Nirgundi, Vasa and Nilgiri were used for steam inhalation. Group T (Trial group) Dhoopana (Polyherbal nasal fumigation). Dhoomvarti prepared from dry leaves of Tulsi,Nirgundi, Vasa and Nilgiri. Results: From the observations of the clinical trial, it can be concluded that efficacy of Dhoopana (polyherbal fumigation) is better as compare to polyherbal steam inhalation. Statistically significant difference is seen in objective criteria of nasal patency and symptoms of nasal itching and coughing whereas no significant difference is observed in symptoms rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, headache and anorexia. Conclusion: Rhinitis in acute stage is one of the frequently troubling conditions in children, though many medicines are available in the market in every system of medicine for its management, but it is difficult to administer them orally in pediatric population. Polyherbal Dhoopana (Nasal Fumigation) is safe and easy to administer, so, can be used in general pediatric practice in patients suffering from acute condition of rhinitis

In Situ Gelling Gelrite/Alginate Formulations as Vehicles for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

The objective of this study was to develop an ion-activated in situ gelling vehicle for ophthalmic delivery of matrine. The rheological properties of polymer solutions, including Gelrite, alginate, and Gelrite/alginate solution, were evaluated. In addition, the effect of formulation characteristics on in vitro release and in vivo precorneal drug kinetic of matrine was investigated. It was found that the optimum concentration of Gelrite solution for the in situ gel-forming delivery systems was 0.3% (w/w) and that for alginate solution was 1.4% (w/w). The mixture of 0.2% Gelrite and 0.6% alginate solutions showed a significant enhancement in gel strength at physiological condition. On the basis of the in vitro results, the Gelrite formulations of matrine-containing alginate released the drug most slowly. For each tested polymer solution, the concentration of matrine in the precorneal area was higher than that of matrine-containing simulated tear fluid (STF) almost at each time point (p < 0.05). The area under the curve of formulation 16 (0.2%Gelrite/0.6%alginate) was 4.65 times greater than that of containing matrine STF. Both the in vitro release and in vivo pharmacological studies indicated that the Gelrite/alginate solution had the better ability to retain drug than the Gelrite or alginate solutions alone. The tested formulation was found to be almost non-irritant in the ocular irritancy test. The overall results of this study revealed that the Gelrite/alginate mixture can be used as an in situ gelling vehicle to enhance ocular retention