EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF POLY HERBAL SIDDHA PREPARATION KARISALAI KARPA CHOORANAM

In recent years, there has been a great deal of attention toward the field of free radical chemistry. Free radicals reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are generated by our body by various endogenous systems, exposure to different physiochemical conditions or pathological states. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, DNA and trigger a number of human diseases. Hence the researchers are searching a potent antioxidant drug from natural resource. In ancient time it has been clearly mentioned in Siddha system of medicine as Kaaya Karpam Therapy (Rejuvenation). Karisalai Karpa Chooranam (KKC) is a powerful poly herbal Siddha preparation mentioned in ancient Siddha literature. This medicine is indicated for Paandu (Anaemia), Kaamalai (Jaundice), Kalleral veekkam (Hepatomegaly), Sobai (Generalized edema), Skin diseases and helps to enhance the immune system. It is a powerful rejuvenating medicine in siddha system and used as a Kaayakalpam. This study is aimed to screen the antioxidant effect of KKC. In this study DPPH, Nitric Oxide and ABTS radical scavenging studies were performed. The results of this study shows that the percentages of inhibition in DPPH, Nitric Oxide and ABTS radical scavenging studies are 48.4 % (standard drug Ascorbic acid -78.64%), 50.7 % (Gallic acid – 86.2%) and 60 % (Gallic acid – 91.16%) respectively and thus, our findings provide evidence that KKC could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and it may be used as rejuvenating medicine for vast therapeutic effects, gives a powerful body, mind and soul with long-lasting life

ANTI BACTERIAL EFFECT OF SIDDHA PREPARATION NAAVAL KOTTAI MATHIRAI AGAINST COMMON URINARY PATHOGENS

Urinary tract infections are more common, more severe, and carry worse out comes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. They are more often caused by resistant pathogens. The management of UTI in diabetes patients is very difficult. The patients are undergoing for antibiotic treatment for this issue in every occasion. In Siddha system, the diabetes has been successfully treated with traditional Siddha preparations which are poly herbal, herbo-mineral and metallic formulations. Most of the Siddha anti-diabetic preparations are possessing anti bacterial effect along with its anti-diabetic effect. So the management of urinary tract infections in diabetic patients is very easy. Naaval Kottai Mathirai is one among the anti-diabetic Siddha herbal preparation which is prepared from the seeds of Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels and Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. leaf juice. An attempt has been made to screen the antibacterial effect of NKM against the selected pathogens which are commonly responsible for UTI particularly in diabetes by disc diffusion method. The result of this study is really appreciable. The result of this study showed the marked anti bacterial effect against Escherichia coli 15mm, Staphylococcus aureus 17mm, Bacillus subtilis 14mm, Klebsiella pneumonia 12mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12mm and Enterococcus faecalis 11mm. Finally this study concluded that, the drug NKM can be used for diabetes and UTI particularly in diabetic patients. Further studies are needed to explore the novel antibacterial bioactive molecules

A Scientific Approach on the validation of Naaval Kottai Mathirai for its Safety and Efficacy in the management of Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumegam): A Preclinical approach

Diabetes mellitus is a life style systemic disorder which is increasing in rate of incidence day by day in the world. It is being a social and economical issue for the world’s population. Hence many researchers are interested to give a remedy for the disease. In that view, the researcher also had made an attempt to provide a new and permanent remedy for this disease. In Siddha system of medicine the disease Madhumegam is correlated with the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus. For treating Madhumegam, numerous formulations were illustrated in the Siddha literatures. Among them, a herbal formulation “Naaval Kottai Mathirai (NKM)” has been practiced a long time for treating Diabetes (Madhumegam). NKM has been chosen for the study to prove it is a safer and efficacious drug in the management of Diabetes (Madhumegam) in animal model as preclinical study. As per the Siddha fundamental, the taste astringent improves the quality of blood and bitter taste helps to reduce the blood sugar. In this view, the ingredient seeds of Syzygium Cumini possess strong astringent taste and Aristolochia bracteolata has bitter taste. So this formulation may be effective on blood sugar control. The trial drug Naaval Kottai Mathirai has been prepared as per the reference text in the Gunapadam lab, National Institute of Siddha after getting the proper authentication. Three different batches of Naaval Kottai Mathirai has been prepared for the purpose of standardization. The following qualitative analytical parameters organoleptic characters, Loss on Drying, Total Ash, Water Soluble Ash, Acid insoluble Ash, Alcohol Soluble Extractive Value, Water soluble Extractive value, Preliminary Phytochemicals like Terpenoids, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Steroids, Anthraquinone glycosides and Amino acids were analysed. In Phytochemicals analysis, the drug NKM shows the presence of Phenols, Terpenoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Quinones and Glycosides. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic) content of 3 samples of NKM were estimated by using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The content of Mercury, cadmium and arsenic were under below detectable levels and lead was within the permissible limits in all samples. The microbial load, aflatoxins and pesticide levels were analyzed for the trial drug NKM and the results were found to be within the WHO permissible limits. As per the AYUSH guidelines, the analystical parameters like physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, and heavy metal analysis had been done for three samples of Naaval Kottai Mathirai. The results of the study show no difference between the three samples. Hence, one sample has been taken for further safety and efficacious studies. The antibacterial activities of the sample NKM were carried out by disc diffusion method. From the results of this study, the drug NKM showed the significant anti-bacterial effect against the Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. The anti-oxidant activity of test drug NKM was studied by DPPH, Nitric Oxide, Hydrogen Peroxide and ABTS radical scavenging assay. The results showed that it has significant anti-oxidant effect. In Vitro Alpha Amylase Inhibition activity of Naaval Kottai Mathirai has been studied at different concentrations. It showed that, moderate inhibition effect against alpha amylase (60.9%) as compared with standard acarbose (91.8%).This proves the efficacy of NKM in controlling post prandial Hyperglycemia. In Vitro Alpha glucosidase inhibition activity of Naaval Kottai Mathirai has been studied at different concentrations. It showed that, moderate inhibition effect against alpha glucosidase (54.53%) as compared with standard acarbose (85.39%). In-vitro Glucose uptake assay was performed for the trial drug NKM. The result of this study showed that, the drug NKM possess minimum glucose uptake activity (32.67 %) when compared with standard Rosiglitazone (113.26%). To evaluate the safety of NKM, Wistar albino rats were used for performing acute, sub-acute and sub chronic toxicity studies following OECD guidelines. 2g/kg of NKM was tested on six rats and observed nil mortality and morbidity. Median lethal dose was estimated as more than 2g/kg for the test drug. The sub-acute toxicity and sub chronic toxicity was observed on Wistar rats by giving NKM at three dose levels (90, 450 & 900 mg/kg) for 28 days and 90 days. The test drug dose was fixed from the human conversion dose (1000 mg/day) to rat. No mortality and abnormal clinical signs were observed during 28 days and 90 days in respective studies. All test dose treated animals gave comparable body weight and organ weight gain with that of control. Haematological, biochemical parameters and urinalysis were within the normal limit. No significant abnormality was detected in gross necropsy study on organs and in H&E sliced organs. The anti diabetic effect of NKM was carried out by high fat diet and low dose streptozotocin induced rat model. In this study, after 28days treatment of NKM, the blood sugar level and Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) was reduced, and also increased the serum insulin and Liver Glycogen Content when compared with diabetic control. This study revealed that the drug Naaval Kottai Mathirai posses good anti diabetic effect. CONCLUSION: From the above preclinical analytical studies, toxicity studies an In-vitro and In-vivo efficacious studies, this drug Naaval Kottai Mathirai has been proved as a safe and effective Siddha formulation for diabetes mellitus. Finally it is concluded that the drug Naaval Kottai Mathirai is a potent anti-diabetic drug which can be used for the management of diabetes mellitus (Madhumegam) in clinical practices

IN VITRO CYTOTOXICITY AND GLUCOSE UPTAKE ACTIVITY OF SIDDHA FORMULATION NAAVAL KOTTAI MATHIRAI IN L-6 CELL LINES

The Siddha system of medicine is a traditional Indian system which evolved with the development of mankind and is more of an evolution rather than invention. Siddha system describes the health of an individual as an ideal perfect state of the physical, physiological, social, and spiritual components of a human being. Diabetes is a chronic disorder linked with the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion with or without varying degree of insulin resistance. There is sufficient number of drugs in different systems of medicine for the management of diabetes but the incidence of type-II diabetes is too high. In Siddha system many more traditional formulations are available. Most of these medicines are clinically used by Siddha physicians but have not been evaluated scientifically. Naaval kottai Mathira is a anti-diabetic Siddha herbal formulation which is prepared from the seeds of Syzygium cumini and leaves of Aristolochia bracteolata and it has been used for the management of Diabetes mellitus (Madhumegam). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity and glucose uptake activity of herbal preparation NKM using L-6 cell lines. The results showed that the test drug did not confer any cytotoxicity and the drug NKM showed better glucose uptake potential. The result of glucose uptake percentage for standard drug Rosiglitazone is 113.26±7.72 and 32.67±4.25 for Naaval Kottai Mathirai. The findings of this investigation concluded that the study drug NKM has anti-diabetic activity in glucose uptake assay

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SEERAGA CHOORANAM IN- VITRO ASSAY (A SIDDHA POLYHERBAL PREPARATION)

Siddha Medicine (Tamil Citta- or Tami?-maruttuvam) is a system of traditional medicine originating in Tamil Nadu in South India. The drugs used by the Siddhars could be classified into three groups: Thaavaram, Thaathu and Jangamam seeraga chooranam is a drug under the category of Thaavaram. It is a poly herbal formulation which is mentioned in the text Pullipanivaithyam 500 which has been therapeutically used for Pithanoigal, Kirukirupu, Vaanthi, Mayakkam, Ajeeranam, Kaangai, Veppam.Siddha system emphasis mainly on healthy long life by preventing ageing and degenerative disease with medicines having antioxidant activity. Even though this drug has been used based on traditional knowledge no scientific work has been done to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Seeraga choornam based on various in vitro assays. The study result confirmed that the drug Seeraga choornam has promising therapeutic antioxidant activity when compared with the standard drug. This research work can help for medical practitioners to use this polyherbal compound for the treatment of cancer

A PILOT STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF SIDDHA MEDICINE SEENTHIL SARKARAI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MOOTHIRAKIRICHARAM (URINARY TRACT INFECTION)

Objective: The present pilot study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Seenthil sarkarai, a Classical Siddha medicine in Moothirakiricharam (Urinary Tract Infection) patients.Method: This study was approved by IEC and registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India and was conducted at the National Institute of Siddha, Tambaram, Chennai, India. The investigator recruited 20 patients of both male and female with an inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were treated with Seenthil Sarkarai at the dose level of 2 grams two times a day with warm water for 21 days. Dietary regimen was advised for the patients. Study outcome was studied with negative Urine culture and also based on the improvement in the reduction of Burning micturition, Frequency of micturition, Dysuria with fever, Foul smelling urine.Results: The symptoms such as burning micturition, persistent urge to urinate, foul smelling urine, and presence of bacteriuria reduced markedly within 21 days of duration. Out of 20 patients, 12 patients were completely relieved from the compliance of UTI with negative Urine culture. The symptoms of UTI were markedly reduced in remaining 8 patients. There were no adverse effect reported during the study and no recurrence of UTI was noticed in 12 patients who were completely cured.Conclusion: Results suggest that the trial drug Seenthil Sarkarai is effective and safe for the management of Moothirakiricharam (UTI) and in alleviating recurrences

Conducting polymer nanocomposite-based supercapacitors

The use of nanocomposites of electronically-conducting polymers for supercapacitors has increased significantly over the past years, due to their high capacitances and abilities to withstand many charge-discharge cycles. We have recently been investigating the use of nanocomposites of electronically-conducting polymers containing conducting and non-conducting nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanocrystals, for use in supercapacitors. In this contribution, we provide a summary of some of the key issues in this area of research. This discussion includes some history, fundamental concepts, the physical and chemical processes involved, and the challenges that these nanocomposite materials must overcome in order to become technologically viable. Due to space limitations, this is not a complete review of all the work that has been done in this field and we have focused on common themes that appear in the published work. Our aim is that this chapter will help readers to understand the advantages and challenges involved in the use of these materials in supercapacitors and to identify areas for further development

Preparation and Application of Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization (CDI): a State-of-Art Review

As a promising desalination technology, capacitive deionization (CDI) have shown practicality and cost-effectiveness in brackish water treatment. Developing more efficient electrode materials is the key to improving salt removal performance. This work reviewed current progress on electrode fabrication in application of CDI. Fundamental principal (e.g. EDL theory and adsorption isotherms) and process factors (e.g. pore distribution, potential, salt type and concentration) of CDI performance were presented first. It was then followed by in-depth discussion and comparison on properties and fabrication technique of different electrodes, including carbon aerogel, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene and ordered mesoporous carbon. Finally, polyaniline as conductive polymer and its potential application as CDI electrode-enhancing materials were also discussed