A CRITICAL REVIEW ON CONCEPT OF PRABHAVA

Ayurveda The science of life has been practiced in India from time immemorial and has stood test of time. This is due to the vast conceptual canvas and framework of Ayurveda. It is important to realize that, Ayurveda is not confined to medicines only, it tackles the whole subject of Life in its various ramifications. The basic fundamentals of Ayurveda are to be understood and thoroughly implemented to achieve the target of promotion of health in its true sense and complete cure from disease. According to Ayurvedic pharmacology the drug action is attributed to certain principles namely Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and Prabhava. It was observed that both the drugs as well as the living body have Panchabhutika composition in common and if the drugs are used sensibly, they can alter the body components accordingly. However if the Ayurvedic concepts are not properly understood and interpreted in globally accepted language; the tremendous efforts in research would go meaningless and futile. It is therefore strongly needed to utilize the tools derived from the advancement in technology in the new millennium for re-establishing concepts of Ayurveda in current perspectives. Although many Ayurvedic concepts described in the Samhitas seem very easy, but they are actually very difficult to understand, as the Samhitas presented everything in a concise form. There are certain concepts which need to be explored and evaluated through their practical applicability. One of such concepts is the concept of Prabhava. In a nutshell there is an urgent need to develop a process and scientific method to understand these principles. This review is an attempt to highlight the concept of Prabhava and its significance in present era

PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF ARAGVADH (CASSIA FISTULA LINN): A REVIEW

Aragvadh (Cassia Fistula Linn) also known as Purging Cassia or Indian Laburnum is an important medicinal plant used in Indian system of medicine The Purging Cassia also called Cassia fistula Linn. is a moderate to medium sized deciduous tree which is very common in Indian continent. The fruit pulp contains the anthraquinone and rhein(I) in the free state as well as in the form of glycoside, responsible for significant mild purgative action. The oldest record of its medicinal use can be traced as far as 3000 years when Charak and Sushruta used Aragvadh in the treatment of different kinds of skin diseases (Kushthas). The present article gives an account of updated information on this important plant which is highly beneficial for different ailments. The review reveals about different activities of plant like purgative, diuretic, laxative, anti-asthmatic, hepato protective, anti-allergic and various other important medicinal properties. This will also provide valuable information which will assist the scientists in getting more advanced knowledge about this plant species

MORPHOLOGICAL, CONTROVERSIAL AND LITERARY REVIEW OF SHANKHPUSHPI

India is enriched in diversity of flora since ages. The ancient professionals have kept records of their work related to the plants and their works are a source of research today. Shankhpushpi is a well known herb since the most primitive works on Ayurveda have its therapeutic uses well elaborated and its morphological features well described. Later on, controversies erupt as locals in different parts of India used different plant species in the name of Shankhpushpi. Mainly four different plant species are considered in the name Shankhpushpi across India. These are Convolvulus pluricaulis, Clitorea ternatea, Evolvulus alsenoides and Canscora decussata. Shankhpushpi is a widely used herbal drug in the management of cognitive disorders from the times of Acharya Charak (200 BC) till today. Shankhpushpi has been categorized as a Medhya drug i.e. an efficient brain tonic by all ancient texts with no exceptions. Modern researches have established Shankhpushpi as an effective drug to be used either single or in combination, in the treatment of central nervous system disorders and boosting intellect. This article is an attempt to review the morphological features of the plant taken as Shankhpushpi along with the review of literature regarding the therapeutic values described from 200 BC to 20th century.

A COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF GENUINE AND MARKET SAMPLE OF GAJAPIPPALI W.S.R TO SCINDAPSUS OFFICINALIS SCHOTT (ARACEAE)

Gajapippali (Scindapsus officinalis Schott.) is one of the plants used in Indian system of medicine belongs to family Aracea. In the present study physicochemical analysis and preliminary phytochemical screening of fruits of genuine and market sample have been carried out. The total ash is found to be 9.67%, 6.74%, 6.6%, the acid insoluble ash is found to be 1.12%, 0.57%, 0.7%, the water soluble ash is found to be 16.75%, 19.59%, 19.6% respectively both in genuine and market sample. The alcohol soluble extractive value is found to be 11.53%, 9.56%, 9.6%, the aqueous soluble extractive value is found to be 19.65%, 18.91%, 18.94%, the petroleum-ether extractive value is found to be 4.59%, 3.65%, 3.7% respectively both in genuine and market sample. The moisture content is found to be 6.4%, 3.6%, 3.5% respectively both in genuine and market sample. The pH value is found to be 8.1, 6.8, 6.8 respectively both in genuine and market sample. Preliminary phytochemical screening of successive extracts of fruit reveals the presence of various secondary metabolites such as Alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates. The TLC and HPTLC finger print study also carried out in both genuine and market sample. By the study I have sure that this work will be helpful to further standardization of the drug

COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW OF MANDUKPARNI (CENTELLA ASIATICA) W.S.R. TO ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Ayurveda practitioners have managed and cured physical as well as mental health related disorders when there was no other stream of medicine evolved. The science of Ayurveda has evolved and emerged from ancient times to contemporary era as one of the most significant approach in medicine to treat various diseases. Ayurveda scholars from ancient times have invented and documented various medicinal herbs and their preparation and formulations to be used for the treatment. All Samhita Granths, Chikitsa Granths and Nighantus have quoted many such drugs with their specific uses and indications in particular diseases. Various Nighantus are rich source of knowledge regarding identification, place of origin and indications of various medicinal plants. Later on, with the evolution of technology, more researches were done on the medicinal plants and their utilities in specific disorders were re-evaluated. Mandukparni is one such drug which has been quoted many times in ancient texts as well as in various Nighantus and then more research work was done regarding the medicinal properties of the plants in different ailments. The herb is indicated as Medhya and Rasayana primarily by nearly all Ayurvedic texts including Nighantus. Mandukparni is named Centella asiatica in binomial system of nomenclature. Modern researches have also signified the use of this herb as a potent cognitive drug and having anti-oxidant properties. Alongside, the herb is indicated in many other diseases in ancient and modern texts. This article is an attempt to throw a light on the mentions, formulations and indications of this herb as described in all available texts and research works.

VARUN (CRATAEVA NURVALA BUCH-HAM): A CRITICAL REVIEW W.S.R. TO URINARY TRACT DISORDER

Human passion on herbal medicine dated back to times immemorial. Man is the clever living being that knows how to adapt to the changing environment of time and space. As we are all aware, the very survival of animal kingdom is depending on the plant kingdom. The plants or herbs played major part in the pharmaco therapy during the Vedic period in India. Vedic literatures indicate mainly about the utility of single herbs in management of common disease. Among all the single herbs one of the most valuable medicinal herb Varun (Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham), which is used to treat the different disease and also maintain the healthy condition of the body system. It is a small tree having much branches belonging to family Capparidaceae. Each part of   Varun tree including bark, root, leaf having certain medicinal properties. Chiefly, the bark of   Varun mainly used in the treatment of urolithiasis (Asmari bhedan), the decoction of root bark mainly used in lymph adenitis (Gandamala nasan) and immature wound healing (Apakwa vidradhi) respectively. The leaf is mainly used to reduce the fattiness of the body (Medohar). Hence this paper work is prepared for the re-evolution of the therapeutic importance of the herbal plant Varun (Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham).

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF NAGAKESARA USED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA

Nagakesara though have no mentioning in Vedic literature is a widely mentioned drug in the Ayurvedic classics both in Brihattrayees and Laghutrayees. In Nighantukaala Nagakesara included in almost all Nighantus which mentions its prime importance and wide utility in therapeutics especially in disorders of GIT, skin and bleeding disorders. It has more than 20 synonyms. Modern literature mentions its considerable role in bleeding disorders and explanation regarding its morphological characters, habitat, chemical composition, characters and action. There is a need to study the position of Nagakesara in the crude drug market. It was found that there is a lot of confusion regarding the acceptance of genuine drug under the name Nagakesara. As there is scarcity and unavailability of Nagkeshara, also due to lack of awareness, instead of Nagkeshara, the Pratinidhidravya like Surpunnag, Punnag, Tamalpatra are used commonly. And gradually the use of real Nagkesara is diminished and the Ayurvedic Vaidya, teachers and students also understood the Pratinidhidravyas of it as real Nagkeshara

KANCHNARA (BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN.): A CRITICAL REVIEW

Kanchnara also called Mountain Ebony in English has been used in Ayurvedic system of Medicine since a long period. Different species of Bauhinia are known and used as Kanchnara in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a moderate sized deciduous tree with greyish colored stem found in Sub Himalayan tract from the Indus eastwards and throughout the forests of India and Burma. Maharishi Charaka and Sushruta have mentioned the properties of Kovidara and Karbudara in their Samhitas (Treatise). Both flower and bark of Kanchnara are used as medicine because of the important chemical constituents present in them which are hentriacontane, octacosanol, b-sitasterol, stigmasterol, lupeol and amino acids. The drug has been described as Grahi, Krimighna, Kushtaghna, Gandamalanashaka, Vranaropaka, Mehaghna and Raktapittashamak. Considerable efforts have been made by researchers to study the chemical and biological potential of the plant. The reported pharmacological activities of Bauhinia variegata Linn. are anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, nephroprotective, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial. Kanchanara is one of the major ingredient of many important formulations used in Ayurveda system of medicine such as Kanchanara Guggulu, Kanchan gutika, Gandamala kundan rasa, Gulkand Kanchanara and Kanchanaradi Kwatha,Ushirasava, Chandanasava, Vidangarishta, Kanchanara drava, Kanchnara Varuna Kwatha. So this review paper is an endeavour of the author to provide details of this medicinal plant Kanchnara about its classical references, synonyms, botanical description, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity and classical medicinal uses

Phylogeography of mtDNA haplogroup R7 in the Indian peninsula.

BACKGROUND: Human genetic diversity observed in Indian subcontinent is second only to that of Africa. This implies an early settlement and demographic growth soon after the first 'Out-of-Africa' dispersal of anatomically modern humans in Late Pleistocene. In contrast to this perspective, linguistic diversity in India has been thought to derive from more recent population movements and episodes of contact. With the exception of Dravidian, which origin and relatedness to other language phyla is obscure, all the language families in India can be linked to language families spoken in different regions of Eurasia. Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome evidence has supported largely local evolution of the genetic lineages of the majority of Dravidian and Indo-European speaking populations, but there is no consensus yet on the question of whether the Munda (Austro-Asiatic) speaking populations originated in India or derive from a relatively recent migration from further East. RESULTS: Here, we report the analysis of 35 novel complete mtDNA sequences from India which refine the structure of Indian-specific varieties of haplogroup R. Detailed analysis of haplogroup R7, coupled with a survey of approximately 12,000 mtDNAs from caste and tribal groups over the entire Indian subcontinent, reveals that one of its more recently derived branches (R7a1), is particularly frequent among Munda-speaking tribal groups. This branch is nested within diverse R7 lineages found among Dravidian and Indo-European speakers of India. We have inferred from this that a subset of Munda-speaking groups have acquired R7 relatively recently. Furthermore, we find that the distribution of R7a1 within the Munda-speakers is largely restricted to one of the sub-branches (Kherwari) of northern Munda languages. This evidence does not support the hypothesis that the Austro-Asiatic speakers are the primary source of the R7 variation. Statistical analyses suggest a significant correlation between genetic variation and geography, rather than between genes and languages. CONCLUSION: Our high-resolution phylogeographic study, involving diverse linguistic groups in India, suggests that the high frequency of mtDNA haplogroup R7 among Munda speaking populations of India can be explained best by gene flow from linguistically different populations of Indian subcontinent. The conclusion is based on the observation that among Indo-Europeans, and particularly in Dravidians, the haplogroup is, despite its lower frequency, phylogenetically more divergent, while among the Munda speakers only one sub-clade of R7, i.e. R7a1, can be observed. It is noteworthy that though R7 is autochthonous to India, and arises from the root of hg R, its distribution and phylogeography in India is not uniform. This suggests the more ancient establishment of an autochthonous matrilineal genetic structure, and that isolation in the Pleistocene, lineage loss through drift, and endogamy of prehistoric and historic groups have greatly inhibited genetic homogenization and geographical uniformity.RIGHTS : This article is licensed under the BioMed Central licence at http://www.biomedcentral.com/about/license which is similar to the 'Creative Commons Attribution Licence'. In brief you may : copy, distribute, and display the work; make derivative works; or make commercial use of the work - under the following conditions: the original author must be given credit; for any reuse or distribution, it must be made clear to others what the license terms of this work are

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON GAJAPIPPALI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SAMHITA GRANTHAS

Herbal medicines is becoming popular worldwide, whereas Ayurveda is respected, but not accepted globally as a system of medicine to be prescribed in the treatment of ailments. Today In the developing countries many drugs are commonly used as herbal origin. The Vedic literatures indicate mainly about the utility of single herbs in management of common diseases. Samhita granth such as Brihatryee which includes Charak Samhita, Susrut Samhita, Vaghbhatta Samhita and Laghutrayee which includes Sarangdhar Samhita, Bhav prakash Samhita & Madhav Nidan, some other Samhitas such as Bhel Samhita, Harit Samhita, Kashyap samhita, which indicates the utility of single herbal drugs as well as the compound formulation in different diseases. Gajapippali is one of the most valuable drug which is frequently described in the different Samhitas as well as Nighantus, which shows its leading importance and wide utility in different therapeutics. Gajapippali belonging to family Araceae is a large epiphyte climbing shrub, rooting freely from the stem, marked with annular scars of fallen leaves. The fruits of Gajapippali shows Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-asthamatic, Antimicrobial, Cytostatic, Anti-oxidant activities. This herb has been given special appreciation in Ayurveda due to versatile therapeutic benefits. This paper provides detail description of Gajapippali in Brihatryee as well as Laghutrayee and the efficiency in various disorders