PUTRANJIVA- A HERB FOR PUMSAVANA (MALE PROGENY FACILITATOR)?

Indian Community is obsessed to have at least one male child since ancient time. Pumsavana karma is a procedure performed in ancient India for achieving a progeny of desired sex. In the Samhitas herbs like Lakshmana, Vatasunga, Gouradanda apamarga, Jeevaka, Rshabhaka, Sairyeyaka are mentioned in various modalities for performing Pumsavana karma. Recently it has become a topic of discussion about Putrnjivas role in begetting male child. This review discusses the various activities of Putranjiva mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics, the reported modern scientific validations and attempted to focus about the role of the drug in Pumsavana procedure. Putranjiva has been experimentally evaluated for anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antinociceptive, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, and cytotoxic activites. Ayurvedic classics have not described male progeny promoting activity of Putranjiva, while ethno medicinal practices reported the usage of Putranjiva for begetting male child

ASSESSMENT OF FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF TEN MADHURASKANDHA DRUGS THROUGH UV SPECTROSCOPIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE

Objective: Acharya Charaka had classified Asthapana bastidravya (corrective enema) based on Rasa (Taste), called as Rasaskandha (a group of drugs having similar taste). He ascertained some criteria to include drugs in the group such as drug having either similar Rasa (taste) or Vipaka (biotransformation) or Prabhava (principle responsible for a specific action). The study was planned to endorse the grouping of Madhuraskandha based upon Rasayana karma (rejuvenation) vis a vis antioxidant activity as well as to evaluate the natural source of antioxidants.Methods: The study was planned to assess the free radical scavenging activities often drugs by adopting DPPH [2, 2-di-(4-tert-octylphenol)-1-picrylhydrazyl], H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide) and superoxide scavenging activity and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay with UV spectroscopy. Further, methanolic extract often drugs was subjected to thin layer chromatography followed by DPPH technique.Results: The aqueous extracts of Abutilon indicum, Solanum xanthocarpum, Tribulus terrestris, Boerhavia diffusa, Group A and Group C had shown potent antioxidant activity in concentration-dependent manner by illustrated methods. DPPH-TLC (thin layer chromatography) assay showed that maximum active compounds were found in methanolic extracts of Asparagus racemosus and Tinospora cordifolia.Conclusion: The result revealed that the drugs included in the Madhuraskandha have similar attributes of Rasayana Karma or possess antioxidant activity. The combination of ten drugs can be a good source of natural antioxidants.Keywords: Madhuraskandha drugs, Free radical scavenging activity, Spectroscopy, Chromatograph

Therapeutic efficacy of Patha (Cissampelos pareira Linn.) - A Review through classical texts of Ayurveda

Patha, botanically known as Cissampelos pareira Linn. (Family: Menispermaceae) is a perennial climbing herb/shrub profoundly used for treating different disease conditions since Vedic periods. The plant is highlighted for its use as a single drug in the treatment of disease conditions like Jwara (Fever), Kasa (Cough), Shwasa (Bronchitis), etc. The plant is also used as an ingredient of many compound formulations in classical texts of Ayurveda. In the present review, compound formulations of Patha are compiled from 9 different compendia and presented in a systematic manner. 342 compound formulations found in which Patha is one of the ingredients. Maximum number of formulations are found in Ashtang Samgraha (87) followed by Charaka Samhita (80) and the plant is being used in 18 different dosage forms and among these, Kwatha (113), Churna (88), Ghrita (45) are found in maximum numbers. Majority of the formulations are used internally (298) for the treatment of disease conditions like Atisara (Diarrhoea), Arsha (Haemorrhoids), Prameha (Urinary disorders), Jwara (Fever), Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome)etc

Sedative and hypnotic activity of the leaves of Bijapura (Citrus medica L.)

605-609Bijapura (Citrus medica L., family: Rutaceae) leaves powder when used along with honey is documented in ancient text to induce sleep and is useful in patients with insomnia. The purpose of the present research work was to investigate the sedative and hypnotic effects of C. medica leaves powder along with honey as anupana (adjuvant) in experimental animals. The effects of leaves powder on the locomotor activity of albino rats were evaluated using an open field test. The hypnotic effect was evaluated by potentiation of pentobarbital-induced sleep test and muscle relaxant activity by Rotarod test using swiss albino mice. Results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey’s t-test with P <0.05 as significant. The leaves powder along with honey significantly (P <0.01 and P <0.05) reduced numbers of square crossed and locomotor activity in the Open field test when compared to control and vehicle control groups. It significantly (P <0.05) potentiated the pentobarbitone-induced sleep duration when compared to the control group. However, the leaves powder did not reduce or affect the latency of the fall-off time of mice in the Rotarod test. Vehicle as honey failed to produce significant effects when compared to the control group, whereas standard drugs as diazepam produced significant sedative, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant activity in albino mice. The result suggests that C. medica leaves powder has sedative and hypnotic activity without affecting the muscle tone/coordination in animals and thus, prove its traditional claim in insomnia

MEDICO ETHNOBOTANICAL PERSPECTIVES OF JYOTISMATI(CELASTRUS PANICULATUS. WILLD )- A HERBAL TRANQUILIZER

Jyotismati (Celastrus paniculatus)is a woody climber of vedic lore. In several studies seed oil was screened for its sedative and tranquillizing properties. But the tribal claims of other parts of jyotismati are yet to be studied. The plant jyotismati is used throughout the tribal population of India ofr wound healing, cough, insomnia, opium poisoning.The details of medico ethnobotanical aspect of the plant jyotismati and the recent researches carrying out on the plant clearly indicate that jyotismati place a key role in the healthcare system of India

Basavarajeeyam: A historical perspective

Basavarajeeyam is an important handbook for an Ayurvedic physician of Andhra region. It is a bilingual work and the content was presented in Sanskrit and Telugu languages. With regard to the place and date of Basavarajeeyam there is no common opinion among the present day scholars. Pt Govardhana Sharma Changani in his introduction to the Sanskrit version of Basavarajeeyam exposed a historical profile of Basavrajeeyam picturising him as Basava who was a staunch follower of Veerashaivism and a contemporary of king Bijjala (end of 12th cent. AD). The same statement is carried out in the works of Ayurvedic Itihasa written by Atredeva Vidyawalkan and Acharya Priyavrata Sharma. It appears that the historical evidence shown by these scholars is one sided and cannot stand any reason. Basavraju stated that he had started writing this work after a thorough study of many works such as Charaka, Nithyanatheeyam (1360 AD), Revenakalpam, Pujyapadiyam, Bahatam, Kashikhandam (1435 AD) etc. Basavraju has faithfully reproduced certain chapter of Vaidyachintamani, which is considered to be a work of 15th century. Basavraju not only mentioned Phirangiroga in the index of diseases described by him at the end of the book, but also indicated Phirangichekka (Madhusnuhi) in the management of Meharoga and Granthi. By this evidence Basavarajiyam should be considered as the work of post Bhavaprakasha period. Basavraju indicates in the Gulmaroga Chikitsa that Sankhadravaka should be administered in the dose of ‘Ekanni′. The name Ekanni was given for a copper coin which came in to circulation of money during British India produced from Madras mint (1794 AD). Based on these internal evidences, it can be safely concluded that Basavraju belong to 18thcentury

A Review on Source Plants of Dronpushpi - Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng and Leucas aspera Spreng

Dronpushpi is a classical medicinal plant attributed with certain specific indications like Vishamjwara, Kamalahara. Two different plant species of Leucas are taken in use in the name of Dronpushpi. Among them Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng has been accepted as an official equivalent to Dronpushpi by the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda in its official formulary. It has also been mentioned in Unani Materia Medica. Leucas aspera Spreng is the most widely used substitute of Dronapushpi and is also equally important ethnobotanically. Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng and Leucas aspera Spreng grow as a weed on wastelands and roadsides all over India from October to February. The plants are used as insecticides and indicated in traditional medicine for coughs, cold, painful swellings, chronic skin eruptions and rheumatism. Experimentally both the species have shown good antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial activities. They contain &beta;-sitosterol, triterpenoids, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, phenolic compounds, diterpenes, glucosides as major chemical constituents. The current review revealed that Leucas cephalotes and Leucas aspera have number of potentials in therapeutic field

Role of Deepaneeya and Shwashara Dashemani in the Management of Tamakashwasa w.s.r. to Bronchial Asthma: a review

According to Global initiative for Asthma workshop 2005 report, there will be additional 100 millions of people suffering from asthma by 2025. Sushruta has quoted; Shwasa a disease described in Ayurvedic classics is more akin to bronchial asthma. Madhavakara has mentioned Agnimandya as root cause of all diseases. Aacharyas have included Pranavaha, Annavaha and Udakavaha Strotasa vitiation in the etiopathogenesis of Shwasa. Charaka has described the treatment of Shwasa according to its Karanas (etiological factors), Sthana (organ of manifestation) and Moola (root place of pathogenesis). Aamashaya has been referred as an Udbhavasthan of Shwasa by Vagbhata and Charaka. Chakrapani explains Aamashaya as Pittasthana (Agni) indicating importance of management of Agnimandya (hypofunction of Agni). Deepaneeya Dashemani acts on the Moolasthana of Strotasa involved in Shwasa. Deepaneeya Dashemani described by Charaka includes Pippali, Pipplaimoola, Chavya, Chitraka, Shunthi, Amlavetasa Maricha, Ajmoda, Bhallatakasthi and Hingu. Out of these; nine Dravyas possess Katu Rasa except Amlavetasa. All Dravyas have Ushna Veerya, Laghu and Teekshna Gunas. Most of them possess Katu Vipaka and acts as Deepana, Pachana and Strotovishodhana. Out of ten, two Dravyas Amlavetasa and Hingu are common to Deepaneeya and Shwashara Dashemani. Research studies have reported bronchodilator, antiasthmatic, antiallergic, antibacterial, antitussive and antihistaminic actions of these drugs

Identification of drugs of Madhuraskandha of Charakasamhita

In the classical text, Rasa oriented group of drugs were mentioned called as Rasaskandha. Acharya Sushruta, Vagbhata have mentioned these groups in the context of description of Rasa (Taste). But Acharya Charaka quoted these groups in Vimanasthana while describing drugs for Asthapana Basti (Corrective enema). Drugs having predominantly of Madhura rasa (sweet taste) and Vipaka (Final transformation of drug) or that can produce effect similar to that of Madhura Rasa or Vipaka (Prabhava- specific action) are included under Madhuraskandha. In total 85 drugs are mentioned. In this group 68 are identified, 14 are unidentified and 3 are found to be controversial drugs. Among them 56 drugs are Madhura rasa (sweet taste) dominant, 53 are Madhura vipaka (final transformation into sweet) dominant and 18 are categorized under Madhura prabhava (specific action). The drugs included in Madhuraskandha (group of the drugs having Sweet taste or potential), irrespective of  Madhura Rasa or Vipaka, are capable of attributed to functions Madhura Rasa or Vipaka like Jeevaniya (invigorating), Preenana (soothing), Balya (promotes strength), Brihmana (nourishing), Rasayana (anti-ageing), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), Shukrala (promotes semen) etc

Review on Cissampelos Pareira & Cyclea Peltata (Patha Dwaya) - Phyto-Pharmacological Perspectives

Patha is a widely used drug in Ayurveda. Botanical source of the Laghupatha and Rajpatha are Cissampelos pareira and Cyclea peltata respectively, which belongs to the Menispermaceae family. They contain many alkaloids like hayatine, hayatinine, hayatidine and other bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, berberines etc. which are found to be responsible for its various activities like anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihaemorrhagic, gastroprotective, antioxidant, cardioprotective etc. The present review study is an attempt to provide reported information on its phyto-constituents, and pharmacological activites