STANDARDIZATION OF TALISADI CHOORNA AND GUTI CONTAINING SYNTHETIC VANSHLOCHAN

Talisadi choorna and Guti is routinely used in the treatment of Shwas. Vanshlochan is an important ingredient of Talisadi Choorna and Guti. But Vanshlochan has become extinct due to problems in procurement and availability. It is formed only after twelve years of flowering period in hollow internodes of Bamboo. Hence its synthetic substitute is routinely used in Ayurvedic practice and pharmacy. This substitution of natural by synthetic Vanshlochan, whether results in any change in therapeutic activity is not yet known. In Ayurvedic texts preparation of Guti from choorna makes it Laghu and easy to digest is mentioned In the present study analysis of synthetic Vanshlochan was done. X-ray diffraction of synthetic Vanshlochan emitted a blurred peak at 20 degree. This suggests that the sample was amorphous. Surface electron microscopy images were obtained at 10um with resolution of 1000 and 2500. Elemental analysis was done with the help of spot tests, which showed presence of Sodium, phosphorus, potassium. Iron was detected quantitatively with the help of photo-electric calorimeter. Energy dispersive analysis was done in order to confirm the presence of elements detected in chemical analysis. Along with sodium, potassium and phosphorus, other elements like aluminium, silica, calcium, iron, oxygen were detected. In thermogravimetric analysis weight loss of synthetic Vanshlochan was gradual from 37 degree to 610 degree. At 610 degree the weight loss was maximum. From 610 degree to 700 degree, weight of the sample remained constant. This established the thermal stability of the sample at 610 degree. Talisadi choorna was manufactured according to API standards. Values obtained from the quality control tests performed on Choorna were within standard limits. Process of rolling Guti leads to size and weight variation. Hence tablets of the mixture were prepared. For preparation of tablet, mixture was transformed into granules. Magnesium stearate was added to the granules as a lubricant to avoid friction during tableting. As magnesium stearate is an excipient it does not affect therapeutic action of Guti. Values obtained from quality control tests performed on tablets were within standard limits.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF VACHADI AND HINGWADI GHTRITA IN PATIENTS OF DEPRESSION

 Objective: Present exploratory clinical study dealt with comparative assessment of therapeutic effect of medicated ghee formulations i.e. Vachadi [VG] and Hingwadi Ghrita [HG] in patients of mild to moderate depression.Methods: Open label nonrandomized standard controlled clinical trial was carried out. Using Hamilton scale test total twelve patients of mild to moderate depression were grouped in two groups[A and B]. Patients of group A and group B received HG and VG along with standard antidepressants respectively for sixty days. Pre, mid and post HAMD scores of both group patients were recorded and compared. Data was analyzed with Friedman and Mann Whitney statistical test.Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant gradual change in HAMD values for both study groups after sixty days of treatment [P< 0.05]. However, when pre and post HAMD scores of both groups are statistically analyzed, Hingwadi Ghrita demonstrated significant positive result in reduction of HAMD scores compared to Vachadi Ghrita [P=0.003]. Beneficial effects on patients appetite, bowel movement was seen for both group patients.Conclusion: Thus it is concluded that along with antidepressants Hingwadi Ghrita would be the better choice as an adjuvant drug than Vachadi Ghrita for mild to moderate depression patients. More studies with larger number should be done to validate this result

Efficacy of Ayurvedic herbal gel in the management of Dandruff: A case study

Dandruff (Darunak)is the common skin disease affecting the scalp area with the presence of itching, hair fall, dryness of scalp and dander. It is affecting the half of the adult population of either gender worldwide. Even though the prevalence is so high, its etiology being varied the treatment modalities are also different. Although dandruff is not among those disease to cause severe illness or morbidity, but it has a lot of social concern which reflects individual’s confidence and self-esteem. This paper aims to present clinical case study presentation with diagnosis using advance technique of Trochoscopy and the management of dandruff with the topical application of Dashemani Kandughna gel which showed excellent results

Assessment of bioavailability of gold bhasma in human participants – A pilot study

Bioavailability of the well-known Ayurvedic drug Swarnabhasma (gold bhasma or calcined gold) is unknown. It is orally administered either sublingually or directly with various Anupanas like black pepper powder (Piper nigrum Linn.) and cow ghee in the dose range of 15–240 mg by Ayurvedic physicians. Study of bioavailability of Swarnabhasma is necessary as this metal-derived drug is administered for long duration for rejuvenation. The pilot study was carried out in healthy human male participants to assess bioavailability of Swarnabhasma in three doses, viz. 30 mg plain sublingual, 30 mg oral dose mixed with black pepper powder (250 mg) and cow ghee (2.5 gm); and 240 mg oral dose mixed with black pepper powder (250 mg) and cow ghee (2.5 gm). Blood samples were withdrawn at 0, 1, 2 and 4 h after administration of dose. Estimation of gold levels in blood was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results show that gold is absorbed in traces from single dose of Swarnabhasma. Maximum concentration of gold was bioavailable from 30 mg sublingual dose with Cmax 0.983 μg/L at 2 h (Tmax). Oral dose of 30 mg Swarnabhasma mixed with black pepper powder and ghee showed faster absorption with Tmax at 1 h and Cmax 0.867 μg/L, and 240 mg dose with black pepper and ghee showed Cmax 0.668 μg/L and Tmax at 2 h

Experimental evaluation of Hiṅgvādi Ghṛta in behavioral despair using animal models

Context: Depression, a sustained mood disorder caused by selective diminution of specialized cells in brain is increasing at an alarming rate. It will be the second largest morbid illness by next decade and is the leading cause of suicidal deaths. The available antidepressant medications benefit only a third of its recipients and have many side effects. Hence, it is imperative to search in Ayurveda for leads. Aim: To evaluate Anti- depressant activity of Hiṅgvādi Ghṛta in vivo. Settings and Design: Comparative preclinical study. Materials and Methods: Hiṅgvādi Ghṛta (HG) was prepared using standard operating procedure, physicochemically analyzed and assessed. Tail Suspension Test (TST) model with Swiss albino mice and Forced Swim Test (FST) model with Wistar albino rats were used to assess anti-depressant activity. Imipramine hydrochloride in dose of 15 mg/kg for TST and 10 mg/kg for FST, was the standard drug and Ghee as vehicle control in dose of 0.1g/20g for TST and 0.72g/200g for FST orally. Hiṅgvādi Ghṛta in doses of 0.05g/20g (x/2), 0.1g/20g (x) and 0.2 g/20g (2x) for TST and 0.36g/200g (x/2), 0.72g/200g (x) and 1.44g/200g (2x) for FST was administered to 3 test groups for 21 days orally except Plain control group which received only distilled water. Duration of immobility in seconds for TST and number of rotations for FST were noted for assessment. Statistical Analysis Used: One way ANOVA followed by Dunnets test and Paired t test. Results: HG was significantly effective at dose of 0.1gm/20gm for TST (P = 0.0037; P < 0.01) and 0.72g/200g for FST (P = 0.0055, P < 0.01) comparable to Imipramine hydrochloride. Conclusions: HG displayed potent anti depressant activity comparable to standard drug Imipramine Hydrochloride

Antiepileptic Activity of Unmadgajakesari – A Herbomineral Formulation: An Experimental Evaluation

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder characterized by episodes of recurrent unprovoked seizures Unmadgajakesari(UGK) is a herbomineral formulation claimed to be useful in epilepsy in traditional medicine. Lack of scientific evidence of  UGK for its use in epilepsy lead to the objective of the present work. To evaluate the antiepileptic activity of Unmadgajakesari in animal models After doing the acute toxicity study of  UGK, it was evaluated for its antiepileptic activity in Maximal Electroshock(MES) and Pentylenetetrazole(PTZ) induced seizures models in albino wistar rats. For each study animals were divided into 6 groups, each group comprising of 6 animals . Group I –Normal control, Group II-Vehicle control(ghrita), Group III- Drug control(positive control). In test groups(IV-VI) UGK was administered in doses of  70, 140 and 280mg/kg  orally for 8days. Antiepileptic activity was evaluated  on day 1and 8.UGK was found to be nontoxic upto dose of 2000mg/kg. Significant antiepileptic activity was observed in both the groups on 8th day of UGK  administration. In the MES model, significant abolition of tonic hind limb extension was observed in dose of 280mg/kg. In PTZ model, UGK was most effective in the dose of 70mg/kg in delaying the onset and  reducing  the severity of clonic convulsions. No adverse effects or mortality was seen in this study.UGK appears to  have significant antiepileptic activity after repeated administration. With wide spectrum of action, this drug may be useful addition to antiepileptic agents

A progressive review of Sandhana kalpana (Biomedical fermentation): An advanced innovative dosage form of Ayurveda

Sandhana kalpana (biomedical fermented formulations) are one of the best dosage forms of Ayurveda in practice since thousands of years. In order to prepare these medicaments, certain sets of conditions are prearranged, which lead to fermentation. Thus, products bequeath with self-generated ethyl alcohol, which potentiate these preparations (Asava–Arishta), pharmaceutically and therapeutically. Commonly, medicinal and commercial components of these formulations are prompting many researchers to contribute in manufacturing, quality control, safety, and efficacy of these formulations. To cope up with this, literature related to Asava–Arishta has been surveyed from the Vedic period to recent publications of Government of India, ie, Ayurvedic Formulary of India, and presented briefly here. In this review paper, we have discussed pioneering facts such as nature and amount of carbohydrate, type of containers, optimum temperature, variety and relevance of initiator of fermentation, manufacturing, regulatory rules, and business aspects of Asava-Arishta. After going through this basic information, any academician or researcher may show a way to further strengthen this dosage form

Exceptional anoxia resistance in larval tiger beetle, Phaeoxantha klugii (Coleoptera : Cicindelidae)

The tiger beetle Phaeoxantha klugii inhabits Central Amazonian floodplains, where it survives the annual inundation period in the third-instar larval stage submerged in the soil at approximately 29 degreesC for up to 3.5 months. Because flooded soils quickly become anoxic, these larvae should be highly resistant to anoxia. The survival of adult and larval P. klugii was therefore tested during exposure to a pure nitrogen atmosphere in the laboratory at 29 degreesC. Adult beetles were not resistant (< 6 h). Survival of larvae decreased over time, maximum survival was 15 days, whereas time to 50% mortality was 5.7 days (95% confidence interval 3.8-7.9). Anoxia resistance was additionally tested in third-instar larvae submerged within sediment for 40 days before anoxia exposure in the laboratory. Anoxia resistance was greatly enhanced in these larvae, showing a survival rate of 50% after 26 days of anoxia exposure. It appears that the gradual flooding process and/or the submersion phase induced a physiological alteration, most probably a strong depression in metabolic rate, which requires some days for induction. The degree of anoxia resistance in larval P. klugii is remarkable among terrestrial arthropods worldwide, even more so considering the high ambient temperatures. The species is well-suited to serve as a model organism for studying the physiological mechanisms of anoxia and submersion resistance in terrestrial arthropods inhabiting tropical floodplains