A CLINICAL STUDY TO DETERMINE THE ROLE OF GUDA HARITAKI AND PUNARNAVA MANDURA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PANDU ROGA W.S.R. TO IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA AMONG CHILDREN

Nutritional anaemia is frequently observed in India. Prevalence of anaemia in Indian children is 59% (Hb<11gm/dl) but it’s higher among rural children. Iron deficiency is most common type nutritional deficiency anaemia in children. The nearest correlation of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can be made with Pandu Roga in Ayurveda. The side effects of oral allopathic iron preparations are very common, therefore to get a better alternative, two Ayurvedic medicines, the Guda Haritaki and Punarnava Mandura, were subjected to a clinical trial among children suffering from IDA. Aim: Determine the role of Guda Haritaki and Punarnava Mandura in the management of Pandu roga w.s.r. to iron deficiency anaemia among children. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 35 children of IDA for a period of 6 weeks. Clinical features (Panduta, Daurbalya etc.) and hematological parameters (Hb gm %, sr. ferritin etc.) were documented before, during and after treatment. Statistical Analysis Used: Observations of the study were analyzed and findings were evaluated by using statistical methods Results: In the present study 58.82% improvement in Panduta was observed with Guda haritaki, 65% with Punarnava Mandura and 67 % when both drugs were given together. No adverse effect of the trial drug was observed during the study. Conclusions: The results suggest that Punarnava mandura along with Guda Haritaki is more effective in comparison to single use of either formulation in the management of IDA in children

EVALUATION OF AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Introduction: Hypertension is emerging as a pandemic in the society. Though a lot of potent antihypertensive drugs are available today but none of them is free from untoward effects. Especially the elderly population poorly tolerates these drugs. Objective: This study was conducted to clinically evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic formulation in the management of essential hypertension in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: 45 patients of either sex of stage-I essential hypertension in the age group of 60-90 years were registered for the present study. Patients with stage-II hypertension, and secondary hypertension were excluded from study. Registered patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group-I patients were managed with Tagar Churna, Gokshur Churna and Triphla Churna. Group-II patients were managed with a standard calcium channel blocker drug Amlodipine. The duration of trial was 30 days. Observations: After one month of therapy statistically highly significant reduction in systolic B.P., diastolic B.P. mean arterial B.P. and pulse pressure was observed in both groups. Pulse rate was statistically significantly reduced in group-I patients. Biochemical studies revealed a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile in group-I patients whereas in group-II patients it remained unchanged. Conclusion: It is evident from results of the study that combination of Tagar and Gokshura along with Triphala Churna possess potent antihypertensive activity. Combination of trial herbs appear to be safe for elderly hypertensive patients when given in mentioned doses and duration as no untoward effect of therapy was observed during the study period

A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF AMALAKAVLEHA AS RASAYANA IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Rasayana is one of the eight branches of classical Ayurveda, used for prevention of diseases and prolongation of a healthy life. Rasayana are rejuvenators, nutritional supplements, possess strong anti-oxidant activity and increases Ojas. Rasayana therapy enhances the qualities of Rasa, enriches it with nutrients so one can attain longevity, freedom from diseases, youthfulness, memory, intelligence; excellence in complexion, lustre and sense organs; development of healthy physique and rejuvenation of mind and body. Present study has been designed to evaluate the efficacy of Amalakavleha as Rasayana in healthy individuals. 45 individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly selected and divided into two groups. In Group-I, 23 individuals were administered Amalakavleha and in Group-II, 22 individuals were given starch capsules as placebo for 8 weeks. Individuals were thoroughly assessed on various subjective and objective parameters during complete trial period. Group-I individuals showed statistically significant improvement on various treadmill test related parameters like exercise time, maximum work load, VO2 max and rate pressure product, whereas statistically insignificant changes in these parameters were observed in the individuals receiving placebo. In Group-I during TMT, exercise time increased by 8.15% and Group-II had a marginal increase of only 0.30%, rise of 8.97% observed in maximum work load attained in Group-I whereas Group-II individuals showed rise of 1.78%. In Group-I, Vo2 max had 4.10% rise as compared to Group-II, having negligible rise of 0.15%. RPP in Group-I increased by 6.75%, while in Group-II 0.21% change was noticed. These results prove the efficacy and safety of Amalakavleha as Rasayana in healthy individual’s w.r.t. physical and mental health. No untoward effects of therapy were observed in study subjects during the entire trial period

Bifunctional recombinant fusion proteins for rapid detection of antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in whole blood

BACKGROUND: Availability of accurate diagnostic tests has been helpful in curtailing the spread of HIV infection. Among these, simple, point of care, inexpensive tests which require only a drop of blood from finger-prick and give reliable results within minutes are a must for expansion of testing services and for reaching mobile and marginalised populations. Such tests will not only be a boon for the infrastructure-starved developing and underdeveloped countries but will also be extremely useful in developed countries where post-testing compliance is a major problem. Our laboratory has been involved in developing reagents for heamagglutination-based rapid detection of antibodies to HIV in whole blood using recombinant molecules specific for either HIV-1 or HIV-2. Since it is not required of a screening test to differentially detect HIV and HIV-2, it would useful to create a single molecule capable of simultaneous detection of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in a drop of blood. RESULTS: The present paper describes designing, high-level expression and large-scale purification of new molecules comprising recombinant anti-RBC Fab fused to immunodominant regions of envelope sequences from both gp41 of HIV-1 and gp36 of HIV-2. These immunodominant regions of HIV envelope contain cysteine residues, which make disulfide bond and can interfere with the assembly of light chain and heavy chain fragment to make Fab molecule in vitro. To circumvent this problem, a series of fusion proteins having different combinations of native and mutant envelope sequences were constructed, purified and evaluated for their efficacy in detecting antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. A chimeric molecule comprising native envelope sequence of gp41 of HIV-1 and modified envelope sequence of gp36 of HIV-2 gave good production yield and also detected both HIV-1 and HIV-2 samples with high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: The new bifunctional antibody fusion protein identified in this study detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected samples efficiently and can be used in place of molecules that detect only HIV-1 or HIV-2. This will make reagent production more economical as only one molecule has to be produced in place of two molecules. Also, it will simplify the testing procedure allowing detection of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in a single drop of blood

A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE ANTIHYPERTENSIVE EFFECT OF TRINPANCHMOOL KWATH IN MANAGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of an Ayurvedic formulation Trinpanchmool Kwath in the management of essential hypertension. The study was conducted in 30 patients selected from OPD and IPD of R.G.G. P.G.A.C. and Hospital, Paprola. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group- I patients were managed with Trinpanchmool Kwath , Group- II patients were managed with Tab Chlorthalidone and Group– III patients were managed with both Trinpanchmool Kwath and Tab. Chlorthalidone. The results obtained were analysed on the basis of various objective and subjective parameters. However change in blood pressure was the main criteria for assessing the effect of the therapy. Statistically highly significant reduction was observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 45 days of therapy. In Group-I systolic blood pressure reduced by 9.374%, in Group-II systolic blood pressure decreased by 15.46% and in Group-III systolic blood pressure decreased by 16.86%. Similarly in Group-I diastolic blood pressure decreased by 8.195% , in Group-II showed 11.250% reduction and in Group-III diastolic blood pressure decreased by 12.17% after completion of therapy. Results revealed that therapy given in Group-III i.e. the combination of Trinpanchmool Kwath and Tab. Chlorthalidone showed best results as compared to other groups. Group-II, in which patients were managed with Tab Chlorthalidone showed better results over Group-I where only Trinpanchmool Kwath was given to the patients. However statistically highly significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure was observed in all three groups

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF HERBAL PREPARATION BODHI VRIKSHKASHAYA AND AMRITAADIKWATH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATRAKTA W.S.R GOUT

Vatarakta is a disease which is encountered in the population leading to a sedentary lifestyle. The change in lifestyle is the main cause of many diseases, Vatrakta being one of these. Based on the causes, signs and symptoms, Vatarakta may be correlated to gouty arthritis in modern medicine. Gout is an abnormality of purine metabolism that causes hyperuricemia and deposition of monosodium urate crystal. Its prevalence has increased across the globe.2.1 million people are affected with gout worldwide. In India, it has been reported that the prevalence of gout is 2-6 per 1000. It is a potential signal for unrecognized co- morbidities like obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and renal diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore and find out an effective, inexpensive, easily available and well accepted drug with minimal or no complications for this dreadful condition. 30 patients who were diagnosed with Vatarakta w.s.r Gouty Arthritis were allocated randomly into 2 groups. The test drug i.e., Bodhi vriksh twak kashaya 50ml B.I.D with Madhu was given to 15 patients of group A. The standard drug Amritaadikwath 50ml B.I.D, which was given to 15 patients of group B. The course of treatment was 60 days. Subjective parameters were assessed before and after the treatment as per the grade score. Serum uric acid was done before trial and on completion of trial i.e., 60th day. Data obtained during the trial was tabulated and statistically analyzed

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA W.S.R TO MEDO ROGA: A CLINICAL TRIAL

Obesity is one of the most common disorders of present era giving rise many serious consequences. Excessive intake of food along with stress, lack of exercise, and excess of junk food, canned food, soft drinks, beverages, food containing excessive fat and calories leads to obesity and coronary artery disease. In the present study comparative efficacy of Ayurvedic formulation (Dashang gugglu with Triphaladi Kwatha) was evaluated in a clinical trial to a standard drug i.e., atorvastatin on patients of Medoroga and dyslipidemia. Total 30 patients of obesity and dyslipidemia were registered for the present study and were equally divided in two trial groups. Group I patients were administered with Dashang Guggulu with Triphaladi Kwatha whereas Group II patients were given atorvastatin as control group for a duration of 60 days. Patients were thoroughly assessed on various scientific parameters during complete trial period. The trial drugs showed promising results on dyslipidemia as well as on obesity (reduction of weight). Group I shows promising results in reducing body weight, BMI, skin fold thickness and clinical features however Group II i.e., control group proves to be much effective in improving deranged serum lipid levels. In Group I the mean score of serum cholesterol was 231.41mg/dl which was reduced to 189.08mg/dl with 18.29% reduction. In Group II average value for serum cholesterol was 210.53mg/dl which was reduced to 162.92mg/dl with 22.62% reduction. Group I patients shows 5.60% reduction in BMI while Group II patients shows 2.15% change which means Ayurveda formulation is much more effective than atrovastatin in reducing BMI however difference in two therapies was statistically insignificant. These results prove the efficacy of Ayurvedic formulation in the management of Medoroga

EVALUATION OF COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF NEELKANTHI (AJUGA BRACTEOSA), TEJAPATRA (CINNAMOMUM TAMALA) AND METHIKA BEEJA (TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM) CHURNA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a disease since antiquity. It is emerging as a pandemic in the society. Though a lot of potent antidiabetic drugs are available today but none of them is free from untoward effects. A number of Ayurvedic herbal drugs are effective in the management of diabetes mellitus. But most of these drugs are required to be taken in bulk invariably for long span hence some time their poor palatability becomes a big problem. Moreover which herbal is more potent and in which particular situation it is more suitable also needs to be evaluated. Objective: This study was conducted to clinically evaluate comparative efficacy of Neelkanthi Churna, Tejapatra and Methika Beeja Churna in the management of diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a part of post graduate thesis research work. Total 45 patients of diabetes mellitus were registered in the present clinical study and they were administered trial drugs for the duration of 45 days. Registered patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group-I patients were managed with Tejapatra and Methika Beeja Churna. Group-II patients were managed with Neelkanthi Churna. Observations and conclusion: Patients were thoroughly assessed on various parameters during complete trial period. Though both Churna of Neelkanthi and Churna of Tejapatra and Methika Beeja were found significantly effective in the management of Madhumeha but Churna of Neelkanthi showed definitely better effect on various subjective, objective and biochemical parameters. No untoward effect was noticed during treatment and follow up period

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EFFICACY STUDY OF TRIPHALA KWATH AND TRIKATU CAPSULES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MEDOROGA W.S.R TO DYSLIPIDEMIA

Medoroga is a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu in the body. Accumulation of Medo Dhatu in different parts of the body causes blockage of Strotsa which ultimately leads to poor nourishment of other Dhathus. Lack of exercises and Kaphavardhak Ahar Viharar are the two main causes of Medoroga. In modern times, way of life has changed drastically to quick nourishments and inactive tendencies throughout the world. Because of these factors, accumulation of Meda dhatu happens immensely. In Ayurveda, dyslipidemia is considered under Medoroga. Dyslipidemia is an emerging serious health abnormality associated with co-morbidities including CVD that continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. It is characterized by an increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels, and a decrease in HDL levels. The present study has been designed to compare the efficacy of Triphala Kwath and Trikatu capsules on various clinical parameters in the management of Medoroga w.s.r to dyslipidemia. Twenty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly selected for the trial and put into two groups of ten patients each. Trikatu capsules were given to patients in group I and Triphla kwath with Madhu and Trikatu capsules in combination were given to patients of group II for 8 weeks. Patients were thoroughly assessed on various scientific parameters during the complete trial period. In group II, a significant (p<0.001) improvement was observed in subjective parameters and serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL levels while in group I, a significant (p<0.001) improvement was observed in HDL only. It may affirmatively be construed from the study that the best impact of the trial drugs was observed with Triphala Kwatha with Madhu and Trikatu Capsule together (i.e. Group II). This combination therapy was most effective in reducing the overall lipid profile with substantial gains related to subjective as well as objective parameters without any adverse effects