Concept of Gudavarti w.s.r. to Rectal Suppositories

Suppositories are solid dosage preparations prepared by moulding or compression intended for its insertion into body orifices like the rectum, vagina and the urethra. Suppositories melts and exhibits local or systemic effects. Rectal route of drug administration encorporates absorption of the drug through rectal blood vessels to exhibit desired therapeutic action. Rectal suppositories can be the best choice for drugs that are either too irritative to the gut or more effective when partly metabolized by the liver. Varti Kalpana is a variant of Vati Kalpana with similar method of preparation. Varti are solid and are wick shaped with tapering ends intended for easy insertion into body orifices. Based on the site of insertion, Ayurveda explains Guda Varti, Yoni Varti and Sishna Varti. Different types of Varti have been explained based on its size, site of application, composition and action. Various methods of its preparation has been explained both in the classical literature and in contemporary science. Rectal suppositories offer patients an option that is less invasive and less discomforting and which proves to be a convenient drug delivery option especially in patients with rectal complaints. It can be appreciated that Varti Kalpana was used in practice since ancient times and that recent advancement of suppositories is just its slight modification. A detailed study of both the Varti and the suppositories help us draw many similarities between the two

Ayurvedic Preventive and Curative Protocol for COVID 19 - A Proposal

COVID-19 is an illness caused due to Novel Corona Virus 2, now called as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus -2 (SARS COV 2).[1] Ayurveda considers it as a Janapadodhwamsa Vikara.[2] It can also be grouped under the class of Bhutabhishangaja Aagantuja Vikaara with special reference Aupasargika and Sankramika disease.[3] Furthermore, Bhuta in Ayurveda also has the meaning of Visha (poison) and virus meaning in latin is poison. Here, the origin of the virus was earlier considered from animals (Bats – primary hosts, Snake - intermediate host and further Pangolins). According to Acharya Sushruta, all share the similar Yoni.[4] Considering all factors associated with Covid-19, the illness can be considered as a Sannipata Jwara with predominance of Kapha and Pitta. Interestingly the signs and symptoms seen in this condition are quite similar to the Jangama Visha Lakshana of Kitavisha originating from Yoni of Jatuka (Bat), Sarpa (Snake), Shallaka (pangolin).[6] The choice of medicine (single and poly-herbo-mineral preparations) used should be Kapha Pittahara, Tridoshahara, Rakta Prasadaka / Shodhak, Agada (Vishahara), Jwarahara, Ashukaari, Bahukalpa Rasayana / Urjaskara (drugs having immune-boosting properties) and potent antimicrobial activities. Herbo-mineral agents possessing above activities which can be used as prophylactic as well as curative measure is been proposed in the study. Considering above concepts, a detailed review is done from Ayurvedic classics and a possible frame work is proposed in regard to Samprapti (pathogenesis), prophylactic and curative aspects of COVID-19 in the study