Phamacognostical and Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Chandrashakaladi Vataka - A herbal formulation

Background: Quality control and the standardization of herbal medicines involve steps like standard source and quality of raw materials, good manufacturing practices and adequate analytical screening. These practices play a vital role in guaranting the quality and stability of herbal preparations. Chandrashakaladi Vataka is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation mentioned to be beneficial in Kushtha. Till date no published data is available on its analytical profile. Aim: To develop the Pharmacognostical and Phyto-chemical profile of Chandrashakaladi Vataka. Material and Methods: Chandrashakaladi Vataka was prepared as per classical method and analytical findings were recorded. Samples were subjected to organoleptic analysis, physico-chemical analysis and HPTLC examination by optimizing the solvent systems. Results and Conclusions: Pharmacognostical profile of Chandrashakaladi Vataka was established. Loss on drying, Ash value, Acid insoluble extract, Methanol soluble extract, Chandrashakaladi Vataka was found within prescribed limits. HPTLC profile of Chandrashakaladi Vataka revealed 12 spots at 254 nm and 13 spots at 366 nm

Ayurvedic management of idiopathic small fibre neuropathy- A case report

Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is a subgroup of peripheral neuropathy which is characterized by a disorder of the thin myelinated A-δ and unmyelinated C-fibres. With a prevalence of 52.95 per 100,000 population per year, the reported etiology of SFN has remained unclear in 23–93% of investigated patients and hence termed idiopathic small fibre neuropathy (iSFN). Pain is the most common symptom which is often described as burning. Conventional pain management is the only treatment option for iSFN, which is only modestly effective and associated with adverse events which lead to reduced drug compliance. It also affects the overall quality of life. This case report discusses the effect of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of iSFN. The patient was a 37-year-old male, who presented with severe pain, burning, and tingling sensation of B/L lower limbs and hands with decreased sleep for 5 years (visual analogue scale (VAS) was 10 and neuropathic pain scale (NPS) score was 39). Considering the signs and symptoms, the disease was diagnosed under the Vata Vyadhi (disease/syndrome caused by Vata Dosha) spectrum. The treatment included an initial OPD-based Shamana (treatment that pacifies the aggravated doshas) treatment with Drakshadi Kwatha, Sundibaladwaya Ksheera Kwatha, Kalyanaka Gritha, and Ashwagandhadi Churna. As the symptoms persisted, Shodhana (treatment in which aggravated doshas are expelled from the body) treatment was adopted which included Mridu (mild) Shodhana, Nasya (medicine administered through nasal route) and Basti (administration of medicine through the procto-colonic route). The intervention resulted in significant clinical improvement as evidenced by the reduction in VAS and NPS scores to zero and five respectively. The patient's quality of life also showed significant improvement.This case report signifies the pivotal role of Ayurvedic intervention in the management of iSFN and encourages further research in this area. Integrative therapeutic approaches can be developed which may offer a promising strategy for managing iSFN and improving patient outcomes

A clinical study on the role of Agnimanthadi compound in the management of Sthaulya (obesity)

Sthaulya (obesity) has become so common in the World's population that it is beginning to replace undernutrition and infectious diseases as the most significant contributor to ill health. It exacerbates a large number of health-related problems, both independently and in association with other diseases. Therefore, this study was carried out at PG Hospital, IPGT and RA, Jamnagar to evaluate effect of Agnimanthadi compound in the patients of Sthaulya. For this purpose 83 patients of Sthaulya were selected out of which 15 patients were dropped out. Remaining 68 patients were treated in two groups. Among these, 38 patients of Sthaulya were treated with Agnimanthadi compound administered orally in the dose of four capsules of 500 mg three times a day with lukewarm water before meal. Remaining 30 patients of Sthaulya were kept as placebo control and were administered orally two placebo capsules of 500 mg filled with starch, three times a day with lukewarm water before meal. The duration of the treatment in both the groups was 7 weeks with follow-up for 2 months. Analysis of overall effects of both the groups showed that Agnimanthadi compound provided markedly better reduction in weight, BMI and other signs and symptoms in the patients of obesity in comparison to the control group

Pharmacognostical, Pharmaceutical and Microbiological Analysis of Mrudwika Sharkara

Draksha (Mrudwika) is best among all fruits as per Ayurveda. It is also indicated in different diseases as a medication and used in diets in fresh and dry forms. Draksha is a fruit that is only available during certain times of the year. Sharkara dosage form of it can be prepared to make that is palatable. Draksha is used in dry form i.e., Munakka (Mrudwika, raisins). Commonly, Munakka, Kismis, and Currants are three varieties with slight differences in their characteristics and nutritional content. They own property in Mridu Rechana, Vatahara, Pittahara, Brimhana, Vrishya, and Rasayana. For health promotion, disease prevention, and a wide range of Vata, Pitta, and Raktaja Vyadhis and Apatarpana Vyadhis, Draksha should be regularly incorporated into diet in either dry or fresh form. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical standards for Mrudwika Sharkara for assurance of quality of herbal compounds pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis should be done. Methods: Mrudwika Sharkara was subjected to microscopic evaluation for pharmacognostical study, analysis physic-chemical analysis includes specific gravity, pH value, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar and high Performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Mrudwika Sharkara was assessed for microbiological which include smear examination and culture study. Results: Pharmacognostical study showed the presence of certain identifying characters of Mrudwika and Sharkara. In pharmaceutical study, preliminary physico-chemical analysis showed specific gravity is 1.160, pH value is 4, reducing sugar 21.1%, non reducing sugar 48%, total sugar content 69.1%. HPTLC analysis showed eight spots in 254nm and six spots in 366nm. From date of preparation 23/06/21 to 18/10/22 no fungal contamination was found in Mrudwika Sharkar Conclusion: Present work was carried out to standardize the formulation Mrudwika Sharkara in terms of its identity, quality and purity. All of the preparation's active ingredients were identified by pharmacognostic and physicochemical examination. Self life of Mrudwika Sharkara showed that the quality of syrup in standard condition

Dosage form Development of Nagabala- Arjunadi Yoga and Chromatographic Analysis Using HPTLC

Nagabala -Arjunadi Yoga, is the combination of Nagabala and Arjuna Churna mentioned in Chakradatta, Hridroga Chikitsa, is prepared by giving Bhavana of Rasonadi Kwatha. Hridroga (cardiovascular disorders) are the most common health concern of the present era. It is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ancient Samhitas contain many formulations in the context of Hridroga, whose applicability is unexplored. Churna and Kwatha are the main dosage forms used in clinical practice. But compared to Churna and Kwatha, tablets are more patient compatible in terms of palatability and possess increased shelf life. Hence, Nagabala-Arjunadi Yoga, a tablet dosage form is developed using Nagabala- Arjuna Churna and Rasonadi Kwatha. No scientific evaluation data for this drug is available to date. The present study was done to evaluate the pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical profile of Nagabala-Arjunadi Yoga. The microscopic examination of the Nagabala- Arjunadi Yoga showed the presence of rosette crystals, rhomboidal crystals, simple fibres, oil globules and stones cells. The physicochemical analysis showed that pH value, hardness, loss on drying, ash value, water extractive value and methanol extractive value was 5.8, 3.5kg/cm2, 7.949%, 3.03%, 17.43%, 16.14% respectively. The HPTLC densitograms at UV 254 nm and UV 366nm using Toluene and Ethyl acetate in the ratio 9:1 showed maximum peak height in 3rd peak corresponding to the Rf value 0.18 and 0.17 respectively. The finding observed in the present study can be used as reference for future quality control

Swedana Samsakara of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz) with Jala and Gomutra: A comparative Phyto-Pharmacognostical study

Samsakara (transformation) and Samyoga (combination) play major role in pharmaceutics. Samsakara is defined as Gunantaradhanam (transformation). Swedana is Agni Sannikarsha Samsakara. The changes in finished product because of Swedana Samsakara with two different media Jala and Gomutra can be perceived at pharmacognostical and phytochemical levels. Aims: To compare role of Swedana Samsakara with two different media Jala and Gomutra on basis of phyto-pharmacognostical, HPTLC and UV-VIS-NIR Reflectance (180-2500nm) study. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 3 samples were prepared viz. Haritaki Churna (Powder) (GH-1), Gomutra Swedita Haritaki(GH-3) and Jala Swedita Haritaki (GH-5), to compare role of Swedana Samsakara on basis of Pharmacognostical (powder microscopy), Pharmaceutical, HPTLC densitogram and UV-VIS-NIR reflectance (180-2500nm) study. Results: The samples prepared with different media showed difference in pharmacognostical, pharmaceutical, HPTLC and UV-VIS-NIR findings. Gomutra Swedita Haritaki(GH-3) had highest variation in all Phyto-Pharmacognostical, HPTLC and UV-VIS-NIR. Powder microscopy of GH-3 showed clumped epicarp cells, squashed mesocarp cells (not clear), parenchyma cells with brown content, cellular content was darker (brown) and crystalline material etc. Phytochemical parameters showed pH (7.0), loss on drying (9.303%w/w), ash value (15.84%w/w), water soluble extract (57.2%w/w), and alcohol soluble extract (43.5% w/w). HPTLC showed eight peaks at 256nm and 366nm. In UV-VIS-NIR, GH-3 has higher variation while other sample has higher leverage. GH-3 has apparent different profile from GH-1, GH-5. Conclusions: Swedana Samsakara effect was seen in both Jala and Gomutra but media (Samyoga) plays leading role to establish desired Gunas (qualities) and Karma (therapeutic action) in the final product.Â

Pharmacognostical and Pharmaceutical Analysis of Yavanishadavadi Vati - An Ayurvedic Polyherbal Formulation

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is caused by the aerobic acid-fast rod-shaped bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This tiny bacterium, expelled from a contagious host, can remain suspended in air as droplet nuclei for hours. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most effective first-line TB drugs. In Ayurveda, the term Rajayakshma has been used interchangeably with tuberculosis. Rajayakshma is primarily attributable to Dhatukshaya (tissue emaciation or loss). Aim: To analyze the Pharmacognostical and Pharmaceutical properties of Yavanishadavadi Vati. Materials and Methods: Yavanishadavadi Vati was subjected to microscopic evaluation for pharmacognostical study, physico-chemical analysis like hardness, weight variation, loss on drying, ash value, acid insoluble extract, pH value, water soluble extract, alcohol soluble extract and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Result: Pharmacognostical study showed the presence of certain identifying characteristics of all the ingredients of Yavanishadavadi Vati that is Yavani, Tintidaka, Shunthi, Amalvetasa, Dadima, Badara, Dhanyaka, Suvarchal Lavana, Jeeraka, Dalchini, Pippali, Maricha and Sarkara. In pharmaceutical study, preliminary physico-chemical analysis showed that hardness of Yavanishadavadi Vati was hardness 6.6Kg/cm2, ash value 10.59%w/w, loss on drying 8.17%w/w, water soluble extract 28.6%w/w, alcohol soluble extract 20.2%w/w and pH value was 6.5. HPTLC analysis showed eleven spots in 254nm and nine spots in 365nm. Conclusion: Present work was carried out to standardize the polyherbal formulation Yavanishadavadi Vati in terms of its identity, quality and purity. Pharmacognostical and physico-chemical observations revealed the specific characters of all the active constituents in the preparation

AYUSH interventions for COVID-19 - a living systematic review and meta-analysis [First report]

Abstract Background In India, alternative and complementary therapies (AYUSH medicines) are utilized in COVID-19 management extensively. This study was planned to assess the prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of AYUSH interventions on COVID-19 through a living systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods Different databases like Pubmed; the Cochrane central register of controlled trials; WHO COVID-19 database; the central trial registry - India; Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles and AYUSH research portal, and pre-print repositories were searched with appropriate search strategies from 1st December 2019 to 1st April 2021. Randomized clinical trials, Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions conducted on the AYUSH system of medicine aimed at either prevention or treatment were included. Clinical improvement, WHO ordinal scale, viral clearance, incidences of COVID-19 infection, and mortality will be considered as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will be the use of O2 therapy or mechanical ventilator, admission to high dependency unit or emergency unit, duration of hospitalization, the time to symptom resolution, and adverse events. Data will be synthesized, and the risk of bias will be assessed with RevMan 5.4 tool. The risk of bias of included studies was evaluated by RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools, and the certainty of the evidence ranked through the GRADE approach. Results Of 2,977 studies retrieved, only 12 studies were included in the systematic review. In a moderately certain trial on standalone AYUSH versus Standard care, viral clearance was hastened in the standalone AYUSH group. Add-on AYUSH had shortened time to symptom resolution by about two days compared to standard care with moderate certainty. However, Add-on AYUSH intervention may hasten clinical improvements but has little to no effects on viral clearance. AYUSH prophylaxis may reduce the risk of COVID-19 with low certainty. Conclusion Rational use of integrated or standalone AYUSH interventions in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients may provide therapeutic benefits. The effect of AYUSH prophylaxis in the reduction of incidence of COVID-19 in high-risk populations is uncertain. The effect estimates may be changed with additional evidence in upcoming updates

Kanta Loha Tablet as a Madhumeha hara drug – A single case study

Rasa Shastra which explains a compendium of formulations that act as spectacular remedies for numerous diseases. Metals were used for Deha Vada (for the cure of ailments) and also for Rasayana Karma(Immunity boosting). Loha Bhasma had been using in many formulations from ancient time itself. Kanta Loha, which is superior among Loha can be considered as Magnetite. The Magnetite should contain more than 60% of iron content in it. The incineration process  done according to the reference of classical Rasa Shastra classics. The controversy term “iron overload lead to diabetes” needs to be rechecked by monitoring the results of tests in diabetic patients after medication in the form of Kanta Loha Bhasma. In this article a single case study result showing towards the anti diabetic effect in human subject

Efficacy of AYUSH 64 as add-on therapy in early stage COVID 19 - An open-label randomized controlled pilot study

Background: Efficacy of AYUSH 64 has been proven in fever and influenza-like illness earlier. Hence it was felt it should be evaluated in COVID 19 which has similar symptom complex. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of AYUSH 64 as an add-on to standard care in early stage COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: After obtaining IEC permission, a single centre, randomized, open labelled, controlled, pilot study was undertaken. Asymptomatic to mild COVID 19 (RT-PCR positive) patients, who gave written informed consent, were randomly allotted either AYUSH 64 for 14 days as an add-on treatment to standard care or standalone standard care. The outcomes variables were changes in WHO ordinal scale for clinical improvement, incidence of development of COVID symptoms, use of oxygen therapy, use of mechanical ventilator, duration of total symptomatic phase, adverse drug reaction, death and changes in laboratory values. Results: Among total 115 screened, 80 participants were included, out of which 41 received AYUSH 64 in addition to standard care and 39 only standard care. The mean final WHO score was comparable for both the Groups, however, mean scores in the interventional Group showed downward trend from 7th day onwards as compared to the control Group. Difference in laboratory values and need for oxygen were not statistically significant in both the Groups. No incidence of the requirement of a mechanical ventilator, adverse drug reaction, and death were observed in either of the Groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that an integrated approach of AYUSH 64 with standard care did not exert promising difference in core outcomes of COVID-19 when compare to standalone standard care. However, a trend towards lower values was observed in the symptoms in AYUSH 64 add-on group in comparison to standalone standard care