Role of Lashuna Rasayana in Margavaranaja Pakshagahta - A Case Study

The health of an individual is accessed by the optimum structural and functional wellbeing. The functional ability of the body may be physiological or physical is attributed to Vata. In morbidity, the same Vatadosha will affect the functionality, in terms of motor or sensory functions. The wide spectrum of disorders due to morbid Vatadosha is put under the heading of Vatavyadhi. Depending upon the affected part of the body further it is categorized as, Ekangavata, Sarvangavata and Pakshaghata. In Pakshaghata Chestanivrutti of one half of the body either left or right may be observed.[1] Pakshghata is one among 80 Nanatmaja Vyadhi.[2] There are three distinct Nidana for Pakshaghata. Dhatukshayaja, Margavarana and Swakopa.[3] Margavarana refers to the obstruction of the Raktamarga. Prime causative factors for Margavarana is Santarpanajanya Nidana leads to Dhamani Pratichyaya ends up in Pakshaghata. In modern science it is better understood as stroke syndrome. Lashunsa Rasayana4 is considered to be best in case of Vata Vyadhi. It is even indicated in Pakshaghata. In the present study role of Lashunsa Rasayana is done on the patients suffering from Margavaranaja Pakshaghata

Environmentally persistent free radicals induce airway hyperresponsiveness in neonatal rat lungs

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increased asthma risk/exacerbation in children and infants is associated with exposure to elevated levels of ultrafine particulate matter (PM). The presence of a newly realized class of pollutants, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), in PM from combustion sources suggests a potentially unrecognized risk factor for the development and/or exacerbation of asthma.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Neonatal rats (7-days of age) were exposed to EPFR-containing combustion generated ultrafine particles (CGUFP), non-EPFR containing CGUFP, or air for 20 minutes per day for one week. Pulmonary function was assessed in exposed rats and age matched controls. Lavage fluid was isolated and assayed for cellularity and cytokines and <it>in vivo </it>indicators of oxidative stress. Pulmonary histopathology and characterization of differential protein expression in lung homogenates was also performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Neonates exposed to EPFR-containing CGUFP developed significant pulmonary inflammation, and airway hyperreactivity. This correlated with increased levels of oxidative stress in the lungs. Using differential two-dimensional electrophoresis, we identified 16 differentially expressed proteins between control and CGUFP exposed groups. In the rats exposed to EPFR-containing CGUFP; peroxiredoxin-6, cofilin1, and annexin A8 were upregulated.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Exposure of neonates to EPFR-containing CGUFP induced pulmonary oxidative stress and lung dysfunction. This correlated with alterations in the expression of various proteins associated with the response to oxidative stress and the regulation of glucocorticoid receptor translocation in T lymphocytes.</p

Environmentally persistent free radicals amplify ultrafine particle mediated cellular oxidative stress and cytotoxicity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Combustion generated particulate matter is deposited in the respiratory tract and pose a hazard to the lungs through their potential to cause oxidative stress and inflammation. We have previously shown that combustion of fuels and chlorinated hydrocarbons produce semiquinone-type radicals that are stabilized on particle surfaces (i.e. environmentally persistent free radicals; EPFRs). Because the composition and properties of actual combustion-generated particles are complex, heterogeneous in origin, and vary from day-to-day, we have chosen to use surrogate particle systems. In particular, we have chosen to use the radical of 2-monochlorophenol (MCP230) as the EPFR because we have previously shown that it forms a EPFR on Cu(II)O surfaces and catalyzes formation of PCDD/F. To understand the physicochemical properties responsible for the adverse pulmonary effects of combustion by-products, we have exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to MCP230 or the CuO/silica substrate. Our general hypothesis was that the EPFR-containing particle would have greater toxicity than the substrate species.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to our combustion generated particle systems significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and decreased cellular antioxidants resulting in cell death. Resveratrol treatment reversed the decline in cellular glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels for both types of combustion-generated particle systems.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The enhanced cytotoxicity upon exposure to MCP230 correlated with its ability to generate more cellular oxidative stress and concurrently reduce the antioxidant defenses of the epithelial cells (i.e. reduced GSH, SOD activity, and GPx). The EPFRs in MCP230 also seem to be of greater biological concern due to their ability to induce lipid peroxidation. These results are consistent with the oxidizing nature of the CuO/silica ultrafine particles and the reducing nature and prolonged environmental and biological lifetimes of the EPFRs in MCP230.</p

Inchoate CD8\u3csup\u3e+\u3c/sup\u3e T cell responses in neonatal mice permit influenza-induced persistent pulmonary dysfunction

Influenza infection remains a significant cause of pulmonary morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the highest hospitalization and mortality rates occurring in infants and elder adults. The mechanisms inducing this considerable morbidity and mortality are largely unknown. To address this question, we established a neonatal mouse model of influenza infection to test the hypothesis that the immaturity of the neonatal immune system is responsible for the severe pulmonary disease observed in infants. Seven-day-old mice were infected with influenza A virus (H1N1) and allowed to mature. As adults, these mice showed enhanced airway hyperreactivity, chronic pulmonary inflammation, and diffuse emphysematous-type lesions in the lungs. The adaptive immune responses of the neonates were much weaker than those of adults. This insufficiency appeared to be in both magnitude and functionality and was most apparent in the CD8 + T cell population. To determine the role of neonatal CD8 + T cells in disease outcome, adult, naive CD8+ T cells were adoptively transferred into neonates before infection. Neonatal mice receiving the adult CD8+ T cells had significantly lower pulmonary viral titers and greatly improved pulmonary function as adults (airway resistance similar to SHAM). Additional adoptive transfer studies using adult CD8+ T cells from IFN-γ-deficient mice demonstrated the importance of IFN-γ from CD8+ T cells in controlling the infection and in determining disease outcome. Our data indicate that neonates are more vulnerable to severe infections due to immaturity of their immune system and emphasize the importance of vaccination in infants. Copyright © 2008 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc

Effect of Shuddha Guggulu on Metabolic Syndrome - A Case Report

Metabolic syndrome is conglomeration of symptoms composed of impaired fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. It is associated with cardio metabolic risk factors with increased risk of multiple chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease because of the increased amount of visceral fat together with a chronic inflammatory state. Metabolic Syndrome is resulted by the causative factors which are Santarpanakaraka in nature leading to Medodushti, which in turn leads to Medoroga. The Santarpana karaka Nidanas include the food articles that are rich in Snigdhamsha, Madhura rasa, Guru and Pichchila gunas. By consuming the food rich in such qualities produces the Rasa dhatu which is excessively composed of the qualities like Ati Snehamsha and Madhuratara Guna which produces excess Medo dhatu and causes Sthoulya. Ama present in the Medodhatu leads to further Medo dushti and manifests Metabolic Syndrome. Shuddha Guggulu is potent Ama pachaka dravya and does Pachana of the circulating Atisnigdha Ama in the form of lipoproteins. And also Guggulu having Lekhaneeya Guna reduces deposition of Medo dhatu and prevents inflammatory process by its anti- inflammatory potential. Aim: To assess the effect of Shuddha Guggulu in Metabolic Syndrome, dyslipidaemia. Methodology: Oral administration of the preparation in the patient. Result: There was marked improvement in signs, symptoms and biochemical parameters after intervention. Conclusion: Shuddha Guggulu is significantly effective in reducing lipid levels and CR

A Lecture in Medical Physiology-PowerPoint versus Chalkboard

Abstract Background and objectives: Various teaching methodologies have been utilized in medical education, chalk board once was a staple of classrooms, but PowerPoints are now standard in most medical schools. Objectives were a) to understand the student perspective on the use of different teaching modes in Medical Physiology b) to rate the effectiveness of lectures by different modes of teaching

Panchamrut: A way towards Healthier Life, An Ayurvedic Overview

Panchamrut is a holy and sacred traditional ayurvedic drink that is made up of five ingredients (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar). It is used for the spiritual purpose like offering to God during poojas and for religious purpose like used in Hindu rituals for the Abhishekam of God sculptures by devotees. Not only spiritual and religious aspects, it also has healthier aspects. The Panchamrut word is a mixture of two Sanskrit words i.e. Panch and Amrut. Panch means five and Amruta means nectar of gods. As per Ayurveda, when these five ingredients are mixed together in equal proportions is called as Divya Panchamrut. Divya means divine and auspicious. All these five Dravyas have their medicinal importance and mentioned in almost every ayurvedic texts but very few authors talked about Panchamrut individually. Everyone has aware of its religious and spiritual benefits but it has numerous health benefits also like it improves immunity, acts as Rasayana, enhances brain function and memory. It has anti-ageing properties and many more. This article will help you to know about the healthier aspects of Panchamrut with immense benefits

Critical Analysis on Unique Treatment of Vataja Unmada

Unmada is a plethora of psychological conditions described under one single heading. Cardinal features are explained based on Ashta vibhrama lakshanas or due to eight different distraction components, such as Mana, Buddhi, Sanjnajnana, Smriti, Bhakti, Sheela, Cheshta and Aachara. Presentation of signs and symptoms are categorised under two classifications such as Nija and Agantuja. Vataja Unmada is one among the types of Nija Unmada classified based on predominance of Doshas. Unmada is a Shareerika Manasika vyadhi as there is an involvement of both Shareerika dosha as well as Manasika dosha having a fundamental role in the manifestation of the disease. Scrutinizing the literature, in Vataja Unmada two pathologies are accounted. In general, the main causative factors which act in the manifestation of Vataja vyadhi are Kevala vata and Margavarana. Adopting the same notion in Vataja Unmada, Kevala Vataja and Margavarana are acting as causative factors. Ayurveda mainly emphasizes on preventive aspect rather than curative aspect. Treatment perception towards the Vataja Unmada is based on pathogenesis behind it. In Vataja Unmada pathogenesis involved are Nidanarthakara vyadhi, Swatantra- Paratantra vyadhi and Ekarthakari- Ubhayarthakari vyadhi based on the concept of Margavarana. Here Margavarana is Poorva rupa and Vataja Unmada is Upadrava. So, for Kevala Vataja and Margavaranajanya Unmada, two different treatments are contemplated. This can be explained under different concepts. So, for one single disease multiple treatment modalities are illustrated in this study which includes Shodhana, Shamana, Rasayana and other specific treatment modalities which can be applied on based on the pathogenesis of the disease Vataja Unmada