Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM)

Medicinal Queen Herb of Ayurveda: Tulsi (Holy Basil)

VD. PANKAJ KUMAR SINGH SINGH — 2024-04-10

Tulsi are used for thousands of years in Indian culture for its remarkable healing properties. Importance of Tulsi is mentioned in ancient Ayurveda text book. Holy basil is highly versatile in properties and uses for body and mind. Indian have always considered the plant sacred because Tulsi is the sacred plant dearer to lord Vishnu. According to Ayurveda, the Tulsi plant is the Queen of all plants. Tulsi are symbolizes for purity. It is considered as holy plant in the Indian subcontinent. The bushy plant of Tulsi has a unique fragrance and distinct taste. The Tulsi plant is a staple in mostly households and also medicinal herb is potent.

For over the centuries Tulsi (the queen herb) has been known for own remarkable curative properties. Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar. Tulsi improves the body's overall defense mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. Tulsi is such a potent herb that it positively impacts the entire human body. The herb not only heals the body but also replenishes the soul of the person.

An update on current diagnostic tools in Anorectal disorders

Dr Anandakumar PB — 2024-04-10

Anorectal emergencies comprise a wide variety of diseases that share common and overlapping symptoms, i.e., anorectal pain or bleeding , some of the them could be life-threatening and might require proper diagnosis and immediate management. It is well known that an incorrect diagnosis/delayed diagnosis is frequent for anorectal diseases leading to an impaired outcome. This article aims to improve the knowledge and the awareness on diagnostic tools , useful for every physician dealing with Anorectal emergencies.

Takra kalpana for health maintenance- A Scientific Review.

Shikha Kumari — 2024-04-10

Ayurveda Samhitas are not only the Aushadha Granthas but also the encyclopaedia, as they include everything relevant. In Ayurveda, ‘Ahara Kalpana’ is considered as more competent than the Aushadha Dravya, as it is the basis of both health and disease. That's why Ahara is considered as Prana (life). Ayurveda states that the importance of Agni (digestive fire) through its compendium is to keep the body in healthy condition. Agni, if disturbed, it may create many kinds of disorders. Takra (buttermilk) acts as primary digestive aid for the disease associated with Agni. Takra is one of the Ahara Dravya with lots of medicinal properties. Takra indicated in various diseases like Grahani, Arsha, Atisara etc., as a Pathya, Anupana or single drug. The presence of sphingolipids, lactoferrins, caseins, good qualities of proteins, various vitamins etc., which are easily digestible have been detected in buttermilk. All these explain the mechanism and action of buttermilk. A person who consumes Takra never suffers from any disease and there is no recurrence of disease treated with Takra. It alleviates the hundred disorders. There is no remedy better than Takra for the 80 types of Vataja and 20 types of Kaphaja Vyadhi. Thus, we can call it ‘Panacea’ and ‘Nectar’ for its utility in innumerable diseases. It acts as Rasayana and helps to slow down the ageing process like a magical elixir. "Takra is easily palatable which can be used for prevention as well as treatment of diseases. Hence fulfils the principles of Ayurveda.

The Tridosha concept: A comprehensive study from the perspective of modern science

Lipsa Acharya — 2024-04-10

Tridosha Siddhanta is the fundamental principle of Ayurveda and is derived from Panchamahabhuta. Tridosha is the vital substance, which represents multitudinous events like Dharana, Poshana, Chalana etc. The equilibrium of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) is very essential to maintain the homeostasis of the body as the Universe is governed by the three vital forces i.e. air, sun, and moon. In a single cell Vata, Pitta, and Kapha perform the function of Gati (movement), Pakti (transformation or metabolism) and Shakti (defence), which is also applicable to the whole organism. The article is dedicated to Dosha and its role in managing a living body suitably. There is a unique concept of mutual interdependence among Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. As these are the main building blocks of the body. Triguna, Dhatu, Prakruti, Avasthapaka, Agni, Kostha, Sharirika Avastha, Ahara Avastha and Vyadhi are the factors that have strong inter-relationship with Tridosha. When there is a fluctuation in the state of balanced Tridosha i.e. Dosha-Vaishamya results to disease formation. The principles of Ayurveda are not only to cure disease but also to prevent human beings from all types of miseries. For early diagnosis, one must know the causes, signs, symptoms, mechanisms (Samprapti) and stage (Kriya-Kaala) of the disease. Treatment of the disease is mainly two types viz. Samshodhana and Samshamana. The Samshodhana therapy treats the diseases at their fundamental causes when administered in appropriate Kaala.

Deciphering the Physiology of Nidra: A Comprehensive Review of its States of Consciousness

soujanya g s — 2024-04-10

Sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. It plays vital role in various physiological and cognitive functions. As per Ayurvedic sciences, Nidra is one among the three pillars of life¹ and also Adharaneeya vega². Nidra is one which helps to attain longevity, memory, intelligence and freedom from disease, youthfulness, excellence of lustre, complexion, voice, optimum development of physique and sense organs³. Inappropriate sleep causes disease that could be physical disease or psychosomatic disorder. As per Mandukya Upanishad, the states of consciousness are Jagruta Avastha, Swapna Avastha, Sushupta Avastha and Thuriya and through proper understanding of these states one can conclude the real definition of Nidra is Sushupta Avastha, which will help the body and mind to reset, repair and regenerate.

Understanding Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics of Bhunimba (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus R.Br.) in Amlapitta vyadhi with reference to Ekal dravya chikitsa

Amruta Jadhav — 2024-04-21

Ayurveda (science of life) deals with proper-improper ways of living happy and healthy life at its fullest. The stable combination of five basic elements is nothing but Panchabhautikatva of dravya. Chikitsya Purusha (person as the object of treatment), is also a combination of Panchamahabhutas. Since panchabhautika dravya is the most probable entity for the treatment, it would be interesting to form a framework based on panchabhautikatva in case of the ekal dravya chikitsa format, which is the aim of this study. In this era, Amlapitta (Hyperacidity) is very common disease which manifests due to poor lifestyle habits. To understand the framework of ekal dravya chikitsa, the Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics of Bhunimba and Sariva through their panchabhautikatva have been studied hereafter individually, in the management of Amlapitta (Hyperacidity).In the present study two ways of manifestations of Amlapitta (Hyperacidity) are observed, first with ushna (hot) gunadhikya in Pitta dosha which is due to the involvement of Agni mahabhuta and second with drava (fluidity) gunadhikya in Pitta dosha which is due to the involvement of Jala mahabhuta.

Bhunimba being Vayu-Akash mahabhutapradhana dravya, is effective in Amlapitta (Hyperacidity) due to drava (fluidity) gunadhikya in Pitta and Sariva being Prithvi-Aapa mahabhutapradhana dravya, is effective in Amlapitta (Hyperacidity) due to ushna (hot) gunadhikya in pitta.

As per the protocol of Dravyaguna Vijnana (pharmacognosy and pharmacology), the Rasapanchaka (five attributes of dravya beginning with rasa) decides the pharmacodynamics of the aushadhi dravya. This study observes that Rasapanchaka, being Gunas (property/ quality/ attribute), is decided by the panchabhautika combination of the dravyas.

Hence Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics, that is action of dravya on the body can be best explained on the basis of Panchabhautikatva of dravya. So the present paper tries to establish the framework of Ekal dravya chikitsa on the basis of Panchabhautikatva of ekal aushadhi chikitsa dravya.

Ayurvedic management of PCOS: A case study

SHEETAL WAGH — 2024-04-10

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is a relatively common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age group. It is found in around 70% of women who have ovulation difficulties leading to infertility. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic and reproductive disorders among women of reproductive age. Women suffering from PCOS present with a collection of symptoms associated with menstrual dysfunction and androgen excess. PCOS women may be at increased risk of multiple morbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, psychological disorders, and infertility. A case 24-year-old female suffering from PCOS reported was treated successfully at Ayurveda Hospital within 3 months by various Ayurveda medicine and panchakarma procedures. The improvement is evident from the regularity of the menstrual cycle and also from the ultrasonography (USG) reports.

Diabetic foot gangrene - A case study

Dr.Vidhya Menon — 2024-04-10

Diabetic foot is a major public health issue which may lead to leg amputation and thus resulting in disability, reduction in the quality of life and high treatment cost. Non healing ulcer turning into gangrene is a common consequence of diabetic foot. Thus, saving the limb and healing of the leg ulcer are the major challenges faced in case of diabetic foot disease. In this case study, Conservative Ayurveda surgical management was followed in the case of diabetic foot gangrene.

A 60 year old female patient, a known case of diabetes mellitus since three years presented with sudden onset of blackish discoloration, pus discharge in the left foot since two weeks. She was diagnosed as diabetic gangrene of left foot. She was advised amputation of foot by 3 contemporary surgeons.

Patient had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and sepsis, which was effectively managed. Once the patient was hemodynamically stable, amputation of left great toe and debridement of left foot ulcer was done.

Following this treatment, extensive diabetic foot ulcer healed with formation of healthy granulation tissue with the help of internal medications and local wound care. Complete ulcer healing was noted in a span of four months without any complications, conservative Ayurveda Surgical intervention has proven very helpful to save the foot and complete healing of the ulcer in this case study.

Ayurvedic approach in the management of Hepatitis: A case report

Sushant Kumar Sahoo — 2024-04-10

Hepatitis is the commonest of viral infection preceding to damage the hepatocytes and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis prodrome symptoms includes anorexia, nausea, vomiting, malaise, jaundice. Here, a case report of 17- year- old male patient presented with symptoms pain in abdomen, yellowish micturition, poor appetite, generalized weakness. He was diagnosed with Hepatitis B by laboratory findings and clinical presentation. Ayurvedic medications (Phaltrikadi kwath, Arogyavardhini vati, Syp AmlycureDS, Chitrakadi vati, Pippali churna etc) was given in the management of Hepatitis B (~Yakrit sthotha and Kamala) for the period of 88 days and still on follow up. An effective outcome in the management of Hepatitis was observed in reduction of symptoms and diagnostically by HBsAg negative, Sr.Bilirubin Total (decreased from7.46mg/dl to 0.88mg/dl, SGPT (decreased from 1082 U/L to 23.9 U/L), SGOT (decreased from 1240 U/L to 21.7 U/L ).

Revolutionizing Education: Crafting a Progressive Teaching Methodology for Ayurveda Undergraduate Courses

Vasant Patil — 2024-04-10

In the realm of education, the teaching methodology employed plays a pivotal role in shaping the future practitioners of any field. Ayurveda, being a venerable science with roots deeply embedded in tradition, is ripe for a transformative teaching approach that marries ancient wisdom with contemporary educational practices. The traditional guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition) has been the cornerstone of Ayurvedic education. While the essence of this sacred relationship must be preserved, there is a pressing need to integrate modern teaching methods into Ayurveda undergraduate courses. Embracing innovation, integrating technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and emphasizing practical experiences will not only elevate the quality of education but also empower the next generation of Ayurvedic practitioners to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare with confidence and competence. It is through such progressive educational approaches that the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of contemporary healthcare practices. This editorial explores the imperative of evolving teaching methodologies to enhance the learning experience for aspiring Ayurvedic practitioners.

Analyzing the Three Stages of Sneha Paka in Ksheershatpala Ghrita: An Experimental Study Using Modern Analytical Tools

Shikha Yadav — 2024-04-10

Introduction- Sneha Paka is a pharmaceutical process to prepare oleaginous medicaments from the substances taken in specific proportion. Standardization of its three stages viz. Mridu, Madhyam and Khar Paka is imperative to establish classical preparatory methods and
examination techniques in more efficient way. Hence, proper scientific validation by
pharmaceutical and analytical study should be done and documented.

Method- The present study was carried out to differentiate the stages of Sneha Paka i.e. Mridu Paka, Madhyam Paka and Khar Paka in Ksheershatpal Ghrita (KSG) on the basis of classical and modern parameters, namely Paka Pariksha, organoleptic characters, physico- chemical parameters and chromatography.

Result- pH of all the samples were mild acidic. Sp. Gravity of Mridu Paka, Madhyam Paka and
Khar Paka are 0.910, 0.908 and 0.911 respectively. Loss on drying obtained is 0.0% for all the
three samples. Iodine value obtained is 50.28, 17.65 and 18.97 respectively. Not much variation is observed in the Refractive Index of the samples. Saponification value of Mridu Paka is highest. Acid value and peroxide value of Khar Paka is more than the other two. Free fatty acid present is 2.28, 3.39 and 2.85 respectively.

Conclusion- Thus an attempt has been made to create comparative database of the three
stages of Sneha Paka with the help of modern analytical methods. It can be concluded that
there were minimal comparative differences found among them but Madhyam Paka showed
better results from standardization point of view.

Pre-clinical appraisal of Panchashirisha Agada for anti-microbial activity - An in-vitro trial

Dr Priya Patil — 2024-04-10

Introduction: The continuous emergence of multidrug resistance microbes and fungus and negative impact of synthetic preservatives have led to an increased interest in the use of plant extract as alternative antimicrobial agents. In the present investigation antimicrobial activity of Ayurvedic formulation Panchashirisha agada has been evaluated against human pathogenic bacteria and fungus. The drug Shirisha (Albizia lebeck Benth) is the major constituent in Panchashirisha agada. The drug Shirisha (Albizia lebeck Benth) is having potent antimicrobial activity and is proven by many research studies. The drug is mentioned in charaka samhita as best vishagna, antidote in Ayurveda. Aims and Objective: 1) Phytochemical analysis of Panchashirisha agada 2) To evaluate anti-microbial activity of Panchashirisha agada. Methodology: Analysis of antibacterial activity of extract is determined by using Agar well diffusion technique for following organisms S. aureus, S.pyogens, E.coli, P.aeroginosa. Determination of antifungal activity is done by using cup plate method and minimum inhibition concentration for organism Candida albicans and Aspergillus. Result: The result from this study indicated that S. pyogens was the most sensitive bacteria to the Panchashirisha agada extract with lowest MIC concentration 50mgl/ml. The Panchashirisha agada extract didn’t show any inhibition against Candida albicans and aspergillus. Conclusion: The study revealed that the Panchashirisha agada possess antibacterial activity in a dose dependent manner. The antimicrobial property may be due to presence of several saponins.

Phytochemical and chromatographical evaluation of Madanphala (Randia dumetorum Lamk.) from different Desha based on Akashadi Panchamahabhoota

Manjunath Dundi — 2024-04-10

Aims & Objective:- Evaluation of phytochemical and chromatographical constitution of Madanaphala, collected from different desha based on Akashadi mahabhoota. Madanaphala is the best vamana dravya. As per classics the best place to collect these vamana dravya is the land which is predominant of the Agni, Vayu and Akash mahabhoota. In this study we are going to evaluate the phytochemical and chromatographical qualities of the Madanaphala collected from Jangala desha (Kappatagudda) which is the ideal collection area mentioned by Acharya’s for vamana karma and the Madanaphala collected from the Anupa desha(Jamboti).

Methodology:- 2 samples of Madanaphala, collected from the two different desha’s, one sample collected from Kappatagudda region and the other sample collected from Jamboti region. The collected fruits are dried, cleaned, powdered and were analyzed for phytochemical and chromatographical evaluation.

Conclusion:- The phytochemical analysis of Madanaphala collected from two different region Kappatagudda and Jamboti didn’t show any changes. TLC of both the samples showed the presence of phytochemicals at different Rf values but the sample collected from Kappatagudda has more number of Rf values which indicate presence of more number of phytochemicals than in Madanaphala collected from Jamboti. The standard Rf value of Oleanolic acid is 0.57. In the HTPLC result the nearest Rf value observed was 0.51 which is found in the Madanaphala collected from Kappatagudda, but no nearest Rf value was observed in Madanaphala collected from Jamboti.

So we can justify the reference which is explained by our Acharya Sushruta in the context of Bhumipravibhagiyamadhyaya that vamana dravya should be collected from desha predominant of Akash, Vayu and Agni mahabhoota. As our study also showed that Madanaphala collected from Kappatagudda region which is predominant of Agni, Vayu and Akash mahabhoota predominenet is of superior quality than the Madanaphala collectd from Jamboti region having Parthiva and Aap mahabhoota.

Systematic review on efficacy of various Pratisarneeya Kshar application in Ayurveda for the management of hemorrhoids w.s.r. size reduction of pile mass

Prithviraj Patil — 2024-04-10

Background: "Mandagni, the prime etiopathogeni factor of Arshas, leads to constipation, initiating the development of Arshas through prolonged contact of accumulated Mala or excretory material with Gudavali. Among the available treatment modalities, Kshara karma stands out for its convenience, easy adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and curative results. Within this para-surgical approach, various forms of external Kshara application, such as Ksharasutra Ligation (KSL) and Pratisarneeya kshar, are employed to treat Arsha. While Ksharasutra ligation is a surgical procedure, Pratisarneeya kshar involves local application and exhibits effectiveness with a straightforward procedure. Numerous studies on Pratisarneeya kshar have been conducted."Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of various types of Pratisarniya kshara on Haemorrhoids. Methods and Materials: The materials were gathered from classical Ayurvedic literature, various magazines, and research journals. Results: Pratisaraneeya Kshara application demonstrates high efficacy in reducing the size of pile mass. Conclusion: Despite recent advancements, these invented techniques exhibit certain limitations and have not been proven entirely free from post-operative complications. This underscores the need for a new and improved treatment that is devoid of complications, ensures a faster cure, and proves economically superior.