PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY OF HEMGARBHA POTTALI RASA

The Pottali rasayana is a unique preparation in Ayurveda as it is very compact in structure and quick acting due to its high potency. Hemgarbha pottali rasa is a medicine which is known as emergency medicine of Ras shastra because of its efficacy and its quick effect in condition like Sannipataj awastha. It is prepared with the combination of Shudha parada, Shudha gandhaka, Shudha tamra bhasma and Shudha swarna. Preparation method of this Hemgarbh pottali ras is unique in the way that it is prepared in molten sulphur which increases its efficacy many folds. Inspite of availability of vast theoretical description in Ayurvedic texts regarding Pottali rasayana, very less research work is carried out on Hemgarbh pottali rasa, so it is mostly out of practice in Ayurvedic community. Hemgarbh pottali rasa is a very potent medicine which should be made popular by Ayurvedic practitioners. In the present article various methods of preparation of Hemgarbh pottali rasa has been described and most common method of preparation which is molten sulphur method is discussed in detail

Mediator-free total cholesterol estimation using a bi-enzyme functionalized nanostructured gold electrode

We report the fabrication of a bi-enzyme functionalized nanostructured Au electrode for the mediator-free determination of total cholesterol. A one-step electrochemical route for the synthesis, functionalization and deposition of Au nanostructures via the electroreduction of gold chloride onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass plates has been proposed. The covalent biofunctionalization of the optimized Au electrode was done with cholesterol esterase (ChEt) and cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) to investigate the kinetic parameters and the sensing characteristics. The ChEt-ChOx/Glu-NanoAu/ITO bioelectrode has a surface-controlled electrode reaction with an electron transfer coefficient and a charge transfer rate constant of 0.68 and 7.09 s(-1), respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the bioelectrode undergoes a direct electron transfer reaction and exhibits a high sensitivity of 0.53 mA mM(-1) cm(-2) and a low detection limit of 1.57 mu M for cholesterol ester without the use of any redox mediator. In addition, the kinetic analysis reveals that the bioelectrode exhibits a surface concentration of 8.82 x 10(-12) mol cm(-2). The sensor has also been validated with clinical samples. The proposed biosensor shows good sensitivity, stability and selectivity towards total cholesterol and may thus find implications in the fabrication of biosensing devices

POTTALI RASAYANA— THE EMERGENCY MEDICINE OF AYURVEDA W.S.R. TO HEMGARBH POTTALI

Pottali rasayana is an abandoned miraculous medicine which has its existence in ayurvedic classics, though it is the only emergency medicine described in ayurvedic texts. The pottali rasayana is one among the mercurial compound processed with the help of sulphur, the name pottali is given to this preparation, based on its compactness. i.e. the medicine of large magnitude is compacted into a small pottali like structure. The administration of pottali rasayana is also very unique as this is applied on the tongue after rubbing on a hard surface with the help of honey, ardraka or pan swaras . As its quick assimilation in the blood results in instant effect which proves its utility in emergency condition. During ancient time, it was used in sannipataj awastha like shock, comma or delirium as mentioned in Rasamritum. Key words-  Pottali rasayana, emergency, medicine, sulphur, sannipataj awastha, shock, com

Role of Panchakarma in Visha Chiktisa

Disease and death due to poisoning is a burning issue in worldwide. The term Poisoning not only limited upto animal and vegetable poisons, it can include Dooshivisha, Garavisha and various radiations. Ayurveda has described different methods of treatment in poisoning. Panchakarma therapy has great importance because it can remove toxins from deeper tissue level. Panchakarma procedures are used depending upon the route of entry of poison and absorption. This article concludes how Panchakarma procedures are useful in Visha Chikitsa as a detoxification therapy

Community based cross sectional study: to assess the prevalence of arthritic symptoms in an army garrison in large city of North India

Background: Arthritis affects almost 350 million people globally and is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. The prevalence in India is like that in developed countries. Symptoms of arthritis have been found to be influenced by alcohol intake, smoking, obesity and type of diet which lead to aggravation in pain, exacerbation in disease activity and deterioration in general health.Methods: Present community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a large military station in North India over a period of one month. Armed Forces personnel and their family members aged 18 yrs and above residing in military station and consenting to the study were included. A sample of 1475 was studied.Results: The age of participants ranged from 18 to 70 yrs (median 32±7.4 yrs) with 20.54% females and 79.46% males. The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of Gout, RA, OA and Spondyloarthritis was 8.95% (95% CI, 7.54, 10.52), 3.25% (2.41, 4.29), 11.32% (9.75, 13.05) and 14.17% (12.43, 16.05), respectively. Symptoms suggestive of RA were found to be significantly associated with female gender, those of Gout and Spondyloarthritis with male gender, while OA did not have any gender predisposition.Conclusions: The population with symptoms of arthritis needs to be identified early by early symptomatic diagnosis and measures instituted for appropriate management to prevent future complications and associated morbidity

A STUDY ON VISHAGHNA PROPERTY OF SHANKHPUSHPI (CONVOLVULUS PLURICAULIS CHOIS) W.S.R. TO SUB ACUTE TOXICITY IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis chois) is an indigenous and very significant herb which is considered as a gift of nature in Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic literature, Shankhpushpi is considered as Medhya rasayana means it enhances the knowledge, memory and retaining power of a person. Shankhpushpi which is well described and abundantly available is taken for the Vishaghna property also. Although, the Medhya property of Shankhpushpi is well marketed and used by different pharmaceutical companies but, the Vishaghna property of this miraculous drug should be researched and established as it may fulfil the long awaited gap of Ayurvedic antitoxic substance(Agad). In this study 24 albino wistar rats were divided in four groups such as group G1, G2, G3 & G4 with 6 rats in each group. Group G2, G3 & G4 had received PCM in dose 1000mg/kg body weight for 7 days to induce hepato-nephro toxicity while group G1 was normal control group which was kept on normal feeding. After inducing hepato-nephro toxicity the sample drug Shankhpushpi in Group G2 in the form of Churna and in group G3 in the form of aqueous extract (Kwatha) was administered while in group G4 only normal saline was administered for 28 days. On the basis of study it can be concluded that toxicity induced by 1000mg/kg body weight PCM did not cause any neurological manifestations. After 28 days administration of drug Shankhpushpi Churna as well as Kwatha in group G2 & group G3, body weight and food consumption in this group slightly increased while in group G4 no any significant changes were found. Therapeutic administration of Shankhpushpi as Churna as well as Kwatha significantly decreased PCM induced toxicity

PATHYA APATHYA: IMPACT AND ROLE IN LIFESTYLE DISORDERS

Ayurveda is an ancient and most trusted Indian system of medicine commonly used by Indians since time immemorial. Lifestyle diseases/ Metabolic diseases are described as diseases related to the way an individual or group of individuals live, also are referred under Non-Communicable Diseases. Over-crowding and rapid unplanned urbanization; globalization of unhealthy lifestyles is responsible for some of the major reasons for a sedentary life leading to these diseases. It includes arteriosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, obesity and type-2 diabetes, diseases related to smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. The contribution of metabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and that of improper diet and alcohol use resulting in health loss. Therefore, the occurrence of these disorders has doubled in India over the past quarter of a century therefore it is the need of the hour to manage them diligently. Diet plays a key role to nourish life and balanced diet is very important for maintaining good health. In Ayurveda, wholesome diet is described which plays a very important role specifically rather than in modern medicine which emphasizes only on the components in the diet like proteins, carbohydrates, fats etc. Ayurveda additionally deals with various other aspects like combination of food article, their quantity, method of preparation, their emotional effect, nature of consumer including environmental considerations. Pathya and Apathya Ahara (dietary consideration) is a significant component of almost each and every prescription in Ayurveda therapy. Sometimes, Pathya-Apathya (dietary management) is itself an entire treatment

Prevalence and fungal profile of pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Aspergillus is a fungus which may present an array of pulmonary manifestations, depending on the patient’s immunological and physiological state. Although the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis occurs primarily in immunocompromised patients but the incidence is also rising in immunocompetent individuals, especially in developing countries. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors of pulmonary aspergillosis along with species identification. Materials and Methods: One hundred and three patients admitted to the Department of Chest and Tuberculosis and in the Department of Medicine from Jan 2012 to Jan 2013 were included in this study. The patients were epitomized on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms, physical examination, chest radiography, CT scans, histopathological examination, bronchoscopy and fungal examination including potassium hydroxide mount, fungal culture of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage. Species identification was done by colony characteristics, slide culture and Lactophenol Cotton blue mount. Results: Out of the 103 patients, (63 males and 40 females) Aspergillus species has been isolated from 17 (16.5%) males and 07 (6.79%) females. Various predisposing factors of pulmonary aspergillosis have been identified in which pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic smoking and environmental exposure to asbestos, cement its tops the list. Many of the patients had multiple predisposing factors. Aspergillus species were isolated in 24 (23.3%) cases. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species isolated in 13 (54.16%) cases followed by Aspergillus flavus in 07 (29.16%) cases, Aspergillus niger in 03 (12.5 %) and Aspergillus terrus in 1 (4.16%) cases. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of pulmonary Aspergillosis is quite high in immunocompromised individuals and low in immunocompetent individuals. An adequate and efficient evaluation of the etiological agents has a crucial role in the management of such patients

Contemporary and Ancient Review of Mosquitoes - A Review

Indian system of medicine plays an important part in health care system all over India. There are numerous allusions to mosquitoes in Indian writings from the Vedic era. The Atharvaveda makes special reference of mosquito shape, habitat, many varieties, behaviour, and even their presence throughout the year. The 67 different forms of Keet and their genesis were documented by Acharya Susruta in Kalpasthana, while Keet Visha describes five different types of Mashak in which Parvatiya Mashak is the most hazardous to people. There is also Mashak description In Charaka Samhita of chapter Visha Chikitsa. Numerous mosquito species have been identified in contemporary science. Mosquitoes are the most important group of blood sucking insects causing nuisance diseases to humans and other animals.  It follows that our ancestors' seers or philosophers were already aware of this