ROLE OF MEDHYA RASAYANA (NOOTROPIC HERBS) IN PRESENT SCENARIO: AN AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Rasayanatantra is a branch of Ayurveda which describes the measures of attaining long life, maintenance of youthfulness, increasing immunity and providing excellent nutrition to all the body tissues. Rasayana on regular practice boosts nourishment, health, memory, immunity and longevity. Rasayana can be classified as Dravyabhuta and Adravyabhuta Rasayana. Adravyabhuta Rasayana includes Aachara Rasayana and Dravyabhuta Rasayana are classified as Kamya Rasayana, Naimittika Rasayana and Ajasrika Rasayana. Medhya Rasayana (nootropic herbs) is a subtype of Kamya Rasayana and they are used with an intention or desire to improve intellect, concentration and memory. Need of attaining mental peace is increasing day by day in view of tremendous increase in the stress and strain. Medhya Rasayana described in the classics can be used as single Dravyas or in combination. Some examples from our classics are Mandukaparni, Gudduchi, Yashtimadhu, Shankhpushpi, Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi and Ashwagandha. Aims and Objectives: To highlight the importance of using Rasayana in today’s perspective which is bounded by stressed life and immense competition. Materials and Methods: All the relevant Ayurvedic classics with desired content matter was available which was thoroughly searched and the outcome was analyzed. Conclusion: The use of Medhyarasayana in everyday sphere is a boon to the mankind considering the amount of stress, one is surrounded by which is difficult to deal with now a days

Comparison of clinical and cost-effectiveness of two strategies using mobile digital x-ray to detect pulmonary tuberculosis in rural India

Abstract Background Medanta - The Medicity, a multi-super specialty corporate hospital in Gurugram, Haryana launched a “TB-Free Haryana” Campaign; mobile van equipped with a digital CXR machine to screen patients with presumptive Tuberculosis (TB). Objectives: In this study, we aimed to assess the (1) yield and cost analysis of two strategies using mobile digital x-ray to detect Pulmonary TB in rural Haryana. Methods An observational study was conducted on all individuals screened by either of the two case finding strategies using a mobile x-ray unit (MXU) mounted on a mobile van in District Mewat, Haryana during Jan-March 2016. Results Strategy 1: Out of 121 smear negative cases, x-rays were suggestive of TB in 39(32%), of which 24 were started on TB treatment. Cost of identifying a smear negative TB was US$32. Strategy 2: Out of 596 presumptive TB, chest x-rays were suggestive of TB in 108 (18$ 08 (1 USD = 64 INR). Conclusion The study reports a new initiative within a PPM model to improve the diagnosis of PTB by filling the gap in the current diagnostic infrastructure. We believe there is potential for replication of strategy 2 model in other states, although further evidence is required