PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF TENDER AND MATURE LEAVES OF MANGIFERA INDICA LINN.

Amrapallava, which is identified as tender leaves of mango tree (Mangifera indica Linn) are used for various ailments in Ayurvedic system of medicine since ancient time. But there is no scientific data is available on different maturity levels of leaves for therapeutic use. Hence the present study compared the Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical standards of the leaves of Mangifera indica Linn at different maturity. Macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, phytochemical, TLC, HPTLC and AAS tests were done as per the standard procedure described in Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia of India. Among the macroscopic characteristics, the colour of tender leaves of Mangifera indica Linn is pinkish, amber or pale green colour while that of mature leaves having dark green colour. Texture of tender and mature leaves of Mangifera indica Linn was thin leathery and coriacious respectively. In transverse section the resin canal was more in mature leaves of mango tree. Tetrahedral prismatic crystals are present in tender leaves which is absent in mature leaves. The percentage of water soluble extractive and fibre content was comparatively more in mature leaves. Steroids were absent in both tender and mature leaves. Percentage of Phenolic content was more in mature leaves, and there is no other marked variation in all other parameters

CRITICAL REVIEW ON AGASTHYAHAREETAKI AVALEHA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SWASAHARA KARMA

Respiratory disorders are one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. In Ayurvedic classics many poly herbal preparations are mentioned for curing respiratory disorders. Agasthyahareetaki avaleha is one such formulation mentioned in classical text books specially indicated for curing Swasa, Kasa, Vishamajvara etc. A detailed literature survey has been conducted to explore the probable mode of action of Agasthyahareetaki Avaleha in Swasa Roga. Most of the ingredients are having anti asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, immune modulator and antimicrobial activities may works on respiratory pathology. Apart from this Katu, Tikta Rasa, Ruksa, Lagu Guna and Kaphavata hara, Swasa- Kasa- Sopha Hara property of ingredients will hamper the pathology of Swasaroga

ETHNOBOTANY OF KERALA'S KARKIDAKA KANJI (MEDICATED GRUEL)

The Malayalam month of Karkidaka fall during monsoons rather classically known as the Varsha ritu (July-August). Kerala is a hub of unique healthcare practises. One such practice is the “Karkidaka Chikitsa” which includes both internal and external medications taken during the month. Karkidaka Kanji fondly known as Oushadha Kanji is a medicated gruel, either consumed along with these treatments or alone during this period. In Varsha ritu, there will be decreased Jatharagni and Sharira bala. Hence the seasonal adaptations are carried out for Tridosha shamana and Deepana. This maybe the principle behind adopting Karkidaka Kanji by traditional practitioners of Kerala. In the present study details of the recipe was collected form among the traditional practitioners, Ayurvedic doctors of Kerala and the results were tabulated. An in depth literature survey was done for analysing the properties of the medicines used in the preparation. The analysis showed that this is an example of ritucharya modified according to Desa and Satmya. This study highlights the importance of documenting the ethnic practises for further reference