A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ERANDA THAILA (RICINUS COMMUNIS LINN.)

Ayurveda is the oldest of all remedial sciences in the world. Eranda (Ricinus Communis Linn.) commonly known as Castor plant is widespread throughout Tropical region. It is one of the important Ayurvedic herb used for centuries and oil has wide range of therapeutic properties. Castor oil has a multitude of uses in both the health and industrial sectors. Eranda thaila is one of the main drugs used for Virechana karma (purgative therapy) and Snehana karma (Oleation therapy) under Panchakarama therapy. It pacifies Vata, the aggravation of which is the root cause of all diseases. Among Chatusnehas (four types of unctuous materials), Thaila (oil) is the best for the management of Vatavyadhi (diseases of Vata) as it possess opposite Gunas (properties) of Vata. In Vatika vikaras (disorders caused by Vata) Sneha virechana (purgation by oil) is advised, as it clears obstruction in the Srotas (body channels) and relieves Vata vitiation subsequently. Eranda thaila (Castor oil) is one of widely used oil in Ayurvedic disease management both internally and externally. In Samhitas it is mentioned to be Vata Kaphahara and Adhobhaga doshahara (disorders of lower parts of the body) and has been praised for its Amvathahara (rheumatoid arthritis) property. It is also administered as adjuvant for various formulations. Eranda thaila (Castor oil) is a wonderful drug which can also rejuvenate the body and can be administered in many ways. Even though it has various medicinal properties, inappropriate usage causes adverse effects such as dizziness, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea; etc. Castor oil mainly consists of Ricinoleic acid

PROMISING AYURVEDIC HERBS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KITIBHA (PSORIASIS)- A REVIEW

Psoriasis is one of the commonest skin disorders seen in routine clinical scenario, in entire world around 80 million people suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is differentiated by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, chin, navel area, and scalp. Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms. Men and women are affected with equal frequency. The disease may begin at any age, but typically starts in adulthood. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis, lymphomas, cardiovascular disease and depression. Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 30 percent of individuals with Psoriasis. It is noted that around 2% of population are touching with Psoriasis. In present study review on Herbs frequently used in treating psoriasis were compiled. The Herbs Nimba, Stri Kutaja, Guduchi, Daruharidra, Bhallataka Haritaki, Aragvadha, Amalaki, Karveera, Saptaparna, Khadira, Vasa, Guggulu, Chitraka & Katuki are reviewed to be having Vata or Kapha balancing properties. The pharmacological studies showing that Nimbidin of Neem having anti psoriatic property, The Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Stri Kutaja and Guduchi are having anti oxidant and anti psychotic properties which are helpful in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.

HIV Risk among MSM in Senegal: A Qualitative Rapid Assessment of the Impact of Enforcing Laws That Criminalize Same Sex Practices

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for HIV in Senegal, with a prevalence of 21.5%. In December 2008, nine male HIV prevention workers were imprisoned for “acts against nature” prohibited by Senegalese law. This qualitative study assessed the impact of these arrests on HIV prevention efforts. A purposive sample of MSM in six regions of Senegal was recruited by network referral. 26 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in July–August 2009. 14 key informants were also interviewed. All participants reported pervasive fear and hiding among MSM as a result of the December 2008 arrests and publicity. Service providers suspended HIV prevention work with MSM out of fear for their own safety. Those who continued to provide services noticed a sharp decline in MSM participation. An effective response to the HIV epidemic in Senegal should include active work to decrease enforcement of this law

Review of Ayurvedic herbs with Kesharanjana Property in the Management of Caniites (Palitya)

Greying of hair according to age is common phenomenon. But in modern era due to different kind of stress and changing life style Canities (Palitya) occur in early age. According to W.H.O in India, its incidence is high in the age group of 20-30 years. In Ayurveda premature greying of hair is called as Akala palitya (premature gray hair). According to Ayurveda grey hair is mainly due to the vitiation of Pitta dosha (biological entity related to exothermic reactions or transformation) & reference of Palitya is directly mentioned only in Pitta Prakruti (inherent constitution of an individual). The use of purification procedures of panchakarma (detoxifying therapy) has prime importance in the remedies mentioned for premature greying. Nasya karma (nasal medication) is one of the major rejuvenative treatments. Palliative external & internal medicaments measures like Shiro dhara (pouring oil on head), Shoro pichu (cloth dipped in oil kept on head), Shiro basti (oil is kept on head with an apparatus), Shiro lepa (application of medicated paste over head), Shiro abhyanga (oil massage to head) helps in speedy recovery. The chemical components in the herbs responsible for hair dyeing are discusse

Appraisal on Ayurvedic Herbs in the Management of Sthaulya (Obesity)

Sthaulya (Obesity) is a lifestyle and metabolic disorder. Ayurveda treated Sthaulya as a Santarpanottha Vikara (diseases due to excessive nutrition) which has been identified as one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Medodushti (disorders of fat metabolism) serves as one of the important etiological factor. In Ayurveda herbal drugs are being used to lower the levels of serum cholesterol for the treatment and prevention of this disorder. In this regard, an attempt has been made to review the drugs useful in Sthaulya specifically mentioned in Ganas (group of drugs) of Ayurvedic classical texts which are useful in prevention and management of conditions like Dyslipidemia and its complications.Â

Autoimmunity gene IRGM suppresses cGAS-STING and RIG-I-MAVS signaling to control interferon response

Activation of the type 1 interferon response is extensively connected to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Loss of function of Immunity Related GTPase M (IRGM) has also been associated to several autoimmune diseases, but its mechanism of action is unknown. Here, we found that IRGM is a master negative regulator of the interferon response. Several nucleic acid‐sensing pathways leading to interferon‐stimulated gene expression are highly activated in IRGM knockout mice and human cells. Mechanistically, we show that IRGM interacts with nucleic acid sensor proteins, including cGAS and RIG‐I, and mediates their p62‐dependent autophagic degradation to restrain interferon signaling. Further, IRGM deficiency results in defective mitophagy leading to the accumulation of defunct leaky mitochondria that release cytosolic DAMPs and mtROS. Hence, IRGM deficiency increases not only the levels of the sensors, but also those of the stimuli that trigger the activation of the cGAS‐STING and RIG‐I‐MAVS signaling axes, leading to robust induction of IFN responses. Taken together, this study defines the molecular mechanisms by which IRGM maintains interferon homeostasis and protects from autoimmune diseases

Transgenic mouse models support a protective role of type I IFN response in SARS-CoV-2 infection-related lung immunopathology and neuroinvasion

Summary: Type I interferon (IFN-I) response is the first line of host defense against invading viruses. In the absence of definite mouse models, the role of IFN-I in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains perplexing. Here, we develop two mouse models, one with constitutively high IFN-I response (hACE2; Irgm1−/−) and the other with dampened IFN-I response (hACE2; Ifnar1−/−), to comprehend the role of IFN-I response. We report that hACE2; Irgm1−/− mice are resistant to lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection along with immune cell infiltration, cytokine storm, and enhanced pathology is observed in the lungs and brain of hACE2; Ifnar1−/− mice. The hACE2; Irgm1−/−Ifnar1−/− double-knockout mice display loss of the protective phenotype observed in hACE2; Irgm1−/− mice, suggesting that heightened IFN-I response accounts for the observed immunity. Taking the results together, we demonstrate that IFN-I protects from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection, and Irgm1 (IRGM) could be an excellent therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2