A CONCEPTUAL APPRAISAL OF VIRECHANA KARMA

Panchakarma is getting global attention nowadays and Virechana is one among its procedures which is actively used by the Ayurvedic fraternity. Four different types of Virechana namely Anulomana, Sramsana, Bhedana and Rechana are mentioned in our classics but they are not apprised properly for their clinical utility. The Brihattrayis give ample illustrations of their use without highlighting the underlying rationale. Sarangdhara Samhita defines each of this therapeutics without indicating the disease conditions. This paper tries to understand the specific clinical utility of the four types of Rechana by tracing back their indications in scriptures. Anulomana is a mild form of Virechana where the Paka of Malas occur. Sramsana is a mild form of Virechana which does not cause Paka of Malas. Bhedana does not cause Paka of Malas but it is a strong type of Virechana. Rechana also does not cause Paka of mala but the strength of the procedure can be modulated by the use of different types of drugs. The selection of the type of Rechana depends on the pharmaco-therapeutic action necessary to harmonise the Dosa, Dhatu and Mala without causing any further complication or Upadrava

Management Of Subclinical Hypothyroidism Through Ayurveda: A Case Study

Hypothyroidism falls within the domain of dhatvagni mandyajanya vyadhi, which is characterized by impaired metabolism at the Dhatu (tissue) level. A sedentary lifestyle combined with high-calorie foods that require little energy expenditure can be the cause of a disrupted metabolism. This case of subclinical hypothyroidism is selected due to its prevalence in the community. A female patient aged 29 years, a nurse by profession presented with chief complaints of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, irregular menstrual periods, and puffiness of face for four years. She was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism with increased serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.  A treatment plan was planned according to the clinical symptoms of the patient. She was treated with ayurvedic internal medications for a period of six months along with udhvartana treatment externally. The combined action of Ayurveda medicines along with udhvartana showed significant relief in the symptoms clinically along with the reduction in the thyroid hormone levels

"Chitraka (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn.): Exploring The Realms Of Rasayana (Rejuvenation) Potential Of Ayurveda

The present review explores the possible Rasayana properties of Chitraka, the dried mature root of Plumbago zeylanica Linn., within the framework of Ayurveda. Rasayana chikitsa, an integral component of Ayurvedic medicine, focuses on rejuvenation to achieve optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health. Chitraka, identified as both Kamya Rasayana and Naimittika Rasayana in classical Ayurveda, has been traditionally lauded for its potential in prolonging life and treating specific ailments. The classical appraisal of Chitraka's Rasayana effect, as per Ashtanga Hridaya, aligns with its historical association with enhancing life span and managing haemorrhoids (Arsas), neurodegenerative diseases (vata vyadhi) and skin diseases (Kushta and switra). Recent research delves into the diverse therapeutic potentials of Chitraka, revealing its anti-hemorrhoidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-microbial, wound-healing, anti-androgenic alopecia, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-tumor effects. This exploration of Chitraka's multifaceted therapeutic potential bridges ancient wisdom with modern scientific scrutiny, showcasing its relevance in addressing a spectrum of health challenges. The review emphasizes the need for continued research to unlock Chitraka's full potential, contributing to the evolving landscape of holistic health practices and fostering the integration of Ayurvedic principles into mainstream healthcare

A comprehensive analysis of Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene for salinity tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Soil salinity affects various crop cultivation but legumes are the most sensitive to salinity. Osmotic stress is the first stage of salinity stress caused by excess salts in the soil on plants which adversely affects the growth instantly. The Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) genes play a key role in the regulation of abiotic stresses resistance from the high expression of different isoform. Selected genotypes were evaluated to estimate for salt tolerance as well as genetic variability at morphological and molecular level. Allelic variations were identified in some of the selected genotypes for the TPS gene. A comprehensive analysis of the TPS gene from selected genotypes was conducted. Presence of significant genetic variability among the genotypes was found for salinity tolerance. This is the first report of allelic variation of TPS gene from chickpea and results indicates that the SNPs present in these conserved regions may contribute largely to functional distinction. The nucleotide sequence analysis suggests that the TPS gene sequences were found to be conserved among the genotypes. Some selected genotypes were evaluated to estimate for salt tolerance as well as for comparative analysis of physiological, molecular and allelic variability for salt responsive gene Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase through sequence similarity. Allelic variations were identified in some selected genotypes for the TPS gene. It is found that Pusa362, Pusa1103, and IG5856 are the most salt-tolerant lines and the results indicates that the identified genotypes can be used as a reliable donor for the chickpea improvement programs for salinity tolerance

Self‐Medication Patterns Among Medical Students in South India

BackgroundSelf-medication results in wastage of resources, increases resistance of pathogens and generally causes serious health hazards such as adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering and drug dependence. This study was undertaken to determine the reasons for self-medication and the pattern of self-medication among medical students. Method This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore. The participants were medical students from first to final year. Medical students were selected through convenience sampling. The data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16 and the results expressed as proportions.Results A total of 200 students, 121 (60.5%) female and 79 (39.5%) male, were included in the study. Of the medical students surveyed, self-medication was reported among 92%. The respondents who used self-medication found it to be time-saving in providing relief from minor ailments. The most common ailments for which self-medication were used were: the common cold (69%), fever (63%) and headache (60%). The students consulted their textbooks (39%) and seniors or classmates (38%) for the medications. Antipyretics (71%), analgesics (65%), antihistamines (37%) and antibiotics (34%) were the most common self-medicated drugs. Of the respondents, 33% were unaware of the adverse effects of the medication and 5% had experienced adverse reactions. The majority (64%) of students advised medications to others, more often to family and friends. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication among medical students is high, facilitated by the easy availability of drugs and information from textbooks or seniors. A significant number of students are unaware of the adverse effects of the medication that they themselves take and suggest to others. Therefore, potential problems of self-medication should be emphasised to the students

A comprehensive analysis of Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene for salinity tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Soil salinity affects various crop cultivation but legumes are the most sensitive to salinity. Osmotic stress is the first stage of salinity stress caused by excess salts in the soil on plants which adversely affects the growth instantly. The Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) genes play a key role in the regulation of abiotic stresses resistance from the high expression of different isoform. Selected genotypes were evaluated to estimate for salt tolerance as well as genetic variability at morphological and molecular level. Allelic variations were identified in some of the selected genotypes for the TPS gene. A comprehensive analysis of the TPS gene from selected genotypes was conducted. Presence of significant genetic variability among the genotypes was found for salinity tolerance. This is the first report of allelic variation of TPS gene from chickpea and results indicates that the SNPs present in these conserved regions may contribute largely to functional distinction. The nucleotide sequence analysis suggests that the TPS gene sequences were found to be conserved among the genotypes. Some selected genotypes were evaluated to estimate for salt tolerance as well as for comparative analysis of physiological, molecular and allelic variability for salt responsive gene Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase through sequence similarity. Allelic variations were identified in some selected genotypes for the TPS gene. It is found that Pusa362, Pusa1103, and IG5856 are the most salt-tolerant lines and the results indicates that the identified genotypes can be used as a reliable donor for the chickpea improvement programs for salinity tolerance

Genome-wide transcriptome analysis and physiological variation modulates gene regulatory networks acclimating salinity tolerance in chickpea

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that is a global threat to crop production, including chickpea. This study focused on understanding the complex molecular mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance using comparative transcriptome analysis of tolerant (ICCV 10, JG 11) and sensitive (DCP 92-3, Pusa 256) chickpea genotypes in control and salt-stressed environments. A total of 530 million reads were generated from root samples of four genotypes using Illumina HiSeq-2500. A total of 21,698 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 11,456 and 10,242 were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in comparative analysis. These DEGs were associated with crucial metabolic pathways, including hormone signaling, photosynthesis, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and cell wall biogenesis. Gene ontology (GO) examination revealed an enrichment of transcripts involved in salinity response. A total of 4257 differentially expressed GO terms were categorized into 64 functional groups; of which, GO terms like, integral component of membrane, organelle, and cellular anatomical entity were highly represented in tolerant genotypes under salt stress. Significant up-regulation of transcripts encoding potassium transporter family HAK/KUP proteins, MIP/aquaporin protein family, NADH dehydrogenase, pectinesterase, and PP2C family proteins occurred under salt stress. The tolerant lines (ICCV 10 and JG 11) engaged highly efficient machinery in response to elevated salt stress, especially for signal transduction, transport and influx of K+ ions, and osmotic homeostasis. The overall study highlights the role of potential candidate genes and their regulatory networks which can be utilized in breeding salt tolerant chickpea cultivars

Assessment of fishers perception in developing climate change adaptation and mitigation plans

Climate change is a global challenge today, with its impacts felt worldwide. The coastal regions around globe are more prone to the impacts of climate change than the inlands, fishing being one of the primary occupations of the coast, the fishermen community is the most vulnerable group to be affected by the Climate change. Even with extensive scientific research in this arena there is a lacuna in finding a panacea to this existing problem. The objective of this study is to determine the scope of developing village level adaptation and mitigation plan for the community through a comprehensive analysis of the community perception on climate change impacts, vulnerability and existing adaptation mitigation strategies. In the chosen study villages of Ochanthuruth and Njarackal of Ernakulam district, the impact of climate change was felt on both resource and resource users based on a perception analysis made using comprehensive interview schedule administered across 300 households. The study revealed that the actual science and consequences of climate change impacts in a long run are not perceived well. The work suggests that concerted efforts in bringing about resilient community can be achieved through global understanding of the issue and coming up with area specific solutions with the inclusion of the much forgotten social factor- the stakeholders

भारत में मत्स्य सुरक्षा के लिए मांग और आपूर्ति के मानदंड

भारत में मत्स्य सुरक्षा के लिए मांग और आपूर्ति के मानदं