Anti-Oxidant effects of Swarnamakshika Bhasma : A Experimental Study

Shodhana of Swarnamakshika carried out by Bharjana in Eranda Tila. Marana of Swarnamakshika by finely powdered Shudda Swarnamakshika was taken in a Khalvayantra. Then equal quantity of Shudda Gandhaka was added and triturated together till they become homogenous. To this mixture 100ml of Jambhira Rasa was added triturated well till it becomes semisolid consistency. The paste were made into shape of Chakrikas weighing 25gm and 8cm uniformly and kept for drying. Subjecting into 5 required number of Varahaputas. The present day lifestyle and food habits have increased the production of free radicals. These cytotoxic free radicals not only raise the oxidative stress but also play an important role in the immune-system dysfunction due to which the mankind is prone to various major ailments and it is now proved that diseases like Prameha, Pandu, Vatavyadhi etc. are free radical mediated ones. To tackle these free radicals our body needs antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule which is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals which in turn start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation reactions. Many herbals drugs and compound herbal preparations have been screened for their antioxidant and immuno-modulatory properties but still there is a need for effective antioxidants. This dearth and also the fact that Swarnamakshika is being used in treating many of the free radical mediated diseases prompted us to take the present study which aims to validate the Antioxident effect of Swarnamakshika Bhasma scientifically and explain its probable mode of action at the cellular level

Qualitative assessment of Swarnamakshika Bhasma (Copper Pyrite) using Nambhuri Phase Spot Test

Swarnamakshika is one among Maharasa (Great minerals), on reviewing the Ayurvedic classics, it is evident that therapeutic use of Swarnamakshika (Copper Pyrite) has been in practice since samhita kala (300B C- 600 B.C) period. Swarnamakshika (Copper Pyrite) used since time immemorial in treating various diseases like pandu (Anemia), kushta (Skin ailments), prameha (Diabetes) and it is best Rasayana (Immuno-modulatory) etc. Swarna Makshika (Copper pyrite) is the most abundant copper bearing mineral. Swarnamakshika (Copper Pyrite) was prepared according to the Ayurvedic classics and subjected to various bhasma parikshas (Powder test) as explained in Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy) text and also including the Namburi Phased Spot Test one of the qualitative tests described for various Ayurvedic preparations of Bhasma (Powder). NPST helps differentiate between purity of the sample, and thus identify, various bhasmas. It depends upon the pattern of the spot, which develops after a specific chemical reaction. Sample of Swarna Makshika Bhasma, (Swarnamakshika powder) which was tested with NPST the bhasmas (Ashes) prepared in our college, produced the most accurate results

A Literary Review on Role of Ethno-medicine In Drug Discovery and Development

World Health Organization defines Traditional Medicine as, the sum total knowledge, skills and practice based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures whether explicable or not used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. Traditional medicine is a part of health care systems around the globe. Drug discovery and development strategies based on traditional / ethno-medicine is emerging as an alternative option. Traditional knowledge can provide valuable guidance in selecting and obtaining plant material of potential therapeutic interest and knowledge experimental database of traditional herbal medicine can provide a new functional leads to reduce time, Money, Toxicity - the three main hurdles of conventional drug development

Immunomodulatory effects of Swarnamakshika Bhasma : A Experimental Study

The present day lifestyle and food habits have increased the production of free radicals. These cytotoxic free radicals not only raise the oxidative stress but also play an important role in the immune-system dysfunction due to which the mankind is prone to various major ailments and it is now proved that diseases like Prameha, Pandu, Vatavyadhi etc. are free radical mediated ones. To tackle these free radicals our body needs antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule which is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals which in turn start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation reactions. Many herbals drugs and compound herbal preparations have been screened for their antioxidant and immuno-modulatory properties but still there is a need for effective antioxidants. This dearth and also the fact that Swarnamakshika is being used in treating many of the free radical mediated diseases prompted us to take the present study which aims to validate the immuno-modulatory effect of Swarnamakshika Bhasma scientifically and explain its probable mode of action at the cellular level

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Analysis of Asystasia Variabilis Trim. - An Extrapharmacopoeal Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant

Background - Asystasia Variabilis Trim. also known as Maithaala Kaddi by traditional practitioners of Udupi. Belonging to the family Acanthaceae. Is a semi-scandent herb, and effectively used by the Folklore practitioners for the management of Amlapitta (acid peptic disorder), worm infestations and rheumatism. Aim - To explore the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical parameters of plant to standardize the drug. Materials and Methods - whole mature plant of A.variabilis was collected from Udupi district. Macroscopic, microscopic physico-chemical standards, HPTLC and secondary metabolites screening were scientifically recorded. Results - The pharmacognostical leaf study has shown single layered epidermis throughout midrib and lamina. Anatomical features of stem exhibit single layer of epidermis covered with trichomes. Inner to this, densely arranged collenchyma cells are present. In transverse section of root showed epidermal layer is surrounded by root hairs which are abundant. Powder microscopy characteristics showed the presence of starch in parenchyma region, mesophyll cells with stomata and sclerides were present. The standard out print of the drug is represented by physicochemical standards and HPTLC. Preliminary Phytochemical study shows that it contains Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Steroids, Tannins and Phenol. Conclusion - Pharmacognostical study carried out on A.variabilis showed quality standards of the drug, with respect to its macroscopy, microscopy, physico-chemical standards and HPTLC