Quality control of herbal drugs through UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis

Quality control of herbal raw material is essential to maintain quality thus better efficacy as well as safety through Ayurvedic preparations. Among various quality control parameters UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis provides both qualitative and quantitative standards. But markers are needed for quantitative analysis. An attempt is made to study UV-Vis Spectrometric analysis of some herbal raw materials for understanding qualitative and quantitative parameters without markers. Pippali, Eranda, Tea etc. extracts were prepared and were analyzed using UV-Vis Spectroscope with different concentrations. As control solvents used for extraction e.g. water or ethanol or methanol are tested. Double beam UV-Vis Spectrometer of Shimadzu model UV1800 along with UV Probe software was used for analysis. Analysis was done in Central Research Facility – (Dept. of AYUSH approved Drug testing Laboratory for ASU drugs), of KLEU’s BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belagavi. Spectral data showed relationship between concentration and intensity of absorption. Thus by generating library of spectral data of genuine raw samples, it would be possible to test quality control using UV-Vis spectrometer even without costly markers

Algorithm of ancient Ayurveda method of semen analysis and integrative approach toward male infertility

Ayurveda scientifically described as andrology (Vajikarana) incorporates semen morphology in normal and pathological conditions, as 8-fold pathological condition and therapy are based on them. Morphological and physicochemical evaluation methods of semen are useful in better diagnosis of clinical manifestation of underlying etiopathology. Based on the standard publications on andrology, an attempt is made to integrate the clinical and laboratory diagnostics of semen physiology and pathology, which help in understanding the abnormalities in conventional Ayurveda as well as modern medicine to plan appropriate pharmacotherapy. Integrative approach would open up new arena in andrology and widen the scope of therapeutic benefits to more infertile males

Insilico analysis of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) for its Balya activity with special reference to Cachexia

Cachexia is a serious but under recognised consequence of many chronic diseases. The positive role of Ashwagandha in debility has been evaluated in several studies. But the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. In the present study, network pharmacology is used to understand the molecular basis of its action. Methods: The phytoconstituents of Ashwagandha were screened from IMPPAT database and literature. The effective compounds were screened by drug likeness score and pharmacokinetic characteristics (ADMET). The target genes of effective compounds were predicted from BindingDB. The cachexia genes were found in gene-cards database, and cachexia related target genes were screened by comparison. Then the related pathways and correlation analysis were explored by the Genomes (KEGG) database. Finally, the networks of compound-target, target-pathway, and pathway-disease of Ashwagandha were constructed by Cytoscape software v3.7.2. Docking studies were carried out with PyRx software and analyzed in Biovia discovery studio visualizer. Results: The effective ingredients of Ashwagandha in cachexia were Withanolide S, Withanolide E, Withanolide D, Withasomniferol A and Beta sitosterol. The network analysis showed the highly modulating proteins were PTGS2, AR, PRKCB, JUN, TERT, NFE2L2, MDM2 and TNF which are related to cachexia and act on  the pathways like MAPK signalling, MicroRNAs in cancer, cAMP signalling etc. The ligands and targets were retrieved from the PubChem, Protein Data Bank and docked using PyRx software. Conclusion: The present study is enabling to understand scientific evidence at the molecular level of balya action which has been proved clinically earlier

An analytical study to evaluate the safety of reusing of the vomited leech in leech therapy: A pilot study

Background: Leech therapy is a point of attraction in the medical as well as in the scientific world due to its various outstanding properties, while studying the Ayurveda and scientific literature one can find difference, i.e., discarding after single use as per modern literature, but in Ayurveda, it can be reused after 7 days of leech therapy. Studies of such kind were not carried or published in any scientific journals, so ethical approval and developing scientific methods for validating the study were necessary, so a pilot study began with ethical clearance. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the bacterial and fungal count of leech saliva and blood emesis before and after leech therapy using disc diffusion method. Materials and Methods: Leeches were collected from the normal habitat from Mangalore region possessing the same weight and morphological characteristics as that of the Nirvisha Jalouka as mentioned in classics (Shanku-mukhi). The selected leeches were stored in well water having nonchlorinated with minimum bacterial load. The well water was selected from three geographical regions of Belagavi city, and among them, one sample was selected having minimal bacterial load. Ten patients with infectious skin diseases who were indicated for Jalaukavacharana (Vidradhi, Dushta-vrana) were selected. The experimental leech saliva was tested for total bacterial count (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC) before and on 8th day of application, along with venous blood of the patient and blood vomitus of leech after application was tested for TBC and TFC. Statistical analysis was done based on TFC and TBC before and after application. Results: TBC and TFC of leech saliva at 8th day and before application were similar which indicates the leech gut has destroyed the bacteria or inhibited the growth of bacteria. Conclusion: TBC and TFC help to produce evidence that after application of leech and proper vomiting will not allow the growth of bacteria. Hence, safely, it can be reused after 7 days

Accelerated Stability Study of Kailas Jeevan – A Proprietary Ayurvedic formulation

Background: Stability studies are the test to assess the shelf life of the Ayurvedic proprietary medicines. Govt. of India made mandatary test for licencing and renewal of licencing of the proprietary medicine. Accelerated stability studies, testing interval of 0,3 and 6 months.  Kailas Jeevan is a proprietary semisolid dosage form prepared in GMP approved Ayurveda Sumshodanalaya (P) Pvt. Ltd. Dhayri, Pune. It is indicated in Constipation, Cracked heels, Wounds, Pimples, Burns etc. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the shelf life of Kailas Jeevan through accelerated stability study. Materials and Methods: The formulation was prepared in the GMP approved pharmacy. Shelf life of product was evaluated by assessing in changes in physicochemical, Microbial and quantification profiles, after keeping it in stability chamber at specific temperature (40±2°C) and relative humidity (75±5%). Analysis was carried out at the intervals of 0, 1, 3, 6, 9,12, 18 and 24 months. Average 25% degradation time was calculated to find the shelf life as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoea of India, Part I Vol ix guidelines. Results and Conclusion: The parameters assessed in accelerated study of Kailas Jeevan, was shown under limits till 24 months. Based on multiplication factor shelf life of Kailas Jeevan is 7.02 year. Key Words: Stability, Shelf life, Kailas Jeevan, Accelerated stability study &nbsp