Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM)

Pharmacognostic and Pharmaceutical Study of Panchashrisha Agada: A Novel Ayurveda Formulation

2025-09-09T06:14:55+00:00

Introduction: In today's era, assessing the quality of herbal formulations is crucial and rationale for confirming authenticity before its market release. The World Health Organization has established guidelines for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal medicines. Panchashirisha Agada is a herbal formulation which comprises of Shirisha Phala, Shirisha Moola, Shirisha Twak, Shirisha Pushpa, Shirisha Patra (Albizzia lebbeck Benth.)Aim: To prepare Panchashirisha Agada Vati and authenticate by carrying out physico-chemical assessment. Materials and Methods: Pharamacognostical evaluation was carried out at Pharmacognosy department and Pharmaceutical study was completed in the Pharmaceutical chemistry department of ITRA, Jamnagar respectively. Results: Pharmacognostical findings confirmed the authenticity and genuine ingredients of Panchashirisha Agada. The average values of physicochemical parameters of Panchashirisha Agada Vati were found as follows: pH value:8, loss on drying:12.8%, total ash value:30%, water soluble extractive value:11.4%, alcohol soluble extractive value:15.9%. The hardness of the Vati 5.02 kg/Cm². Qualitatively TLC study showed 7 major spots at 256 nm,13 spots at 366 nm. Further HPTLC study showed 6 major spots at 254 nm, 7 spots at 366 nm, 12 spots at 540 nm. Conclusion: The trial drug is genuine and devoid of any adulteration and substitution. Data generated can be used to develop a preliminary standard profile criterion for the formulation Panchashirisha Agada Vati.

Impact of Pranayama practices on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Adults: A Scoping Review of Emerging Evidence from Randomised Controlled Trials

2025-10-05T16:16:11+00:00

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a major worldwide health problem that is associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Pharmacological therapy is of benefit, but it is difficult to maintain blood pressure control in long term, owing to poor compliance, side effects and/or long-term requirement of therapy. Pranayama has been emerged as an adjunct in regulation of blood pressure. Objective: This study summarizes evidence of Randomised controlled trials (RCT’s) from major databases which access the impact of pranayama in HTN. Methodology: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Central databases were systematically searched up to June 2025 since inception and only RCTs were included to generate synthesis based on highest level of clinical evidence. Data were summarized in terms of study characteristics, study participants, intervention protocol, research outcomes and significant research findings. Since interventions and outcomes were heterogeneous, synthesis of the evidence was performed descriptively. Result: After screening, 6 RCT’s evaluating the impact of pranayama on blood pressure able to pass inclusion criteria. Despite the limited number of RCTs, consistent evidence indicate that pranayama technique plays a significant role in lowering blood pressure, proves its clinical relevance and therapeutic benefits. Studies were heterogenous and showed sampling, application, period and demographical limitations. Novelty of this review is, as it uses large database RCT’s, offering a comprehensive overview of pragmatic and easily applicable pranayama practices as an adjuvant in HTN, at the same time identifying the research gap and guiding future direction. Conclusion: Based on the available RCT’s, it can be concluded that pranayama practices support its use as an adjuvant treatment in the management HTN. This review also addresses the gaps in scientific literature, providing a future direction for high quality, multi-centric studies with rigorous methodology. This ensures broader applicability and sustainability, thereby providing valuable guidance for clinicians and public to incorporate pranayama in HTN management

Comparative Study of Nitya Virechana and Modified Vaitarana Basti in Vatakaphaja Gridhrasi (Vata-Kapha Sciatica): A Randomized Clinical Trial

2025-09-06T07:33:53+00:00

Background: The presentation resembling Gridhrasi (Sciatica) may be observed under Gudagatavata (vitiated Vata in Rectum), Pakwashayagatavata (vitiated Vata in large intestine) explained by Charaka. Gridhrasi is Krucchasadya (difficult to treat), VataVyadhi (Diseases of morbid Vata). Shodhana (Purificatory therapy)- Mridu-Virechana (mild purgation), Basti (therapeutic enema) is effective according to Dosha-avastha (according to dosha involvement), Avarana (pathological obstruction of Vata Dosha by other Dosha, Dhatu, Mala). Udavartaharachikitsa (treatment of Udavarta (upward or backward or reverse movement of Vata Dosha)): Vaitarana-Basti (therapeutic enema), Snigdha-Virechana (therapeutic purgation) are effective. Objectives: Efficacy of Nitya-Virechana (NV) over Modified Vaitarana-Basti (MVB) in Vata-Kaphaja Gridhrasi w.r.t Sciatica. Methods- 40 subjects randomized into 2 groups A, B, 20 in each, received NV and MVB for 5 days respectively. Results- Based on statistical results, MVB was significant in-Stambha(stiffness), Ruk(pain), Muhuspandana(tingling), Ekanga Gouravata (localized heaviness), NV was significant in- Tenderness, Straight Leg Raise test (SLRT), Walking time test, Toda (pricking pain), Gruhnate(catching), Tandra(heaviness), Aruchi(anorexia), Sarvanga Gouravata ((full body heaviness). Conclusion- NV was effective in correcting the etiopathogenesis of Vata-Kaphaja Gridhrasi with respect to w. r.t Central Canal Stenosis. With respect to severity Assessment index of Sciatica, MVB was significant in correcting the etiopathogenesis of Vatakaphaja Gridhrasi w.r.t Sciatica due to Exit nerve foraminal stenosis.

https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=16854.67814

Incorporation of Traditional Wisdom in Cosmetology for Sustainable Beauty Care

2025-07-12T11:16:04+00:00

Background: The use of cosmetics has been known for ages. The widespread use of these cosmetics has led to advancement in the field. Knowledge of herbal and natural products can be utilized for sustainable beauty care.

Aim & Objective:

This work aims to understand various Ayurvedic concepts like Dinacharya (Daily regimen), Rithucharya (Seasonal regimen) and Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation therapy) that can be used effectively in maintaining the beauty of an individual for longer duration.

Methods: Ayurvedic literature including Sushrutha Samhitha, Charaka Samhitha, Ashtanga Sangraha, Ashtanga Hridaya etc. were reviewed to analyze various Ayurvedic regimens, treatments and formulations that can be executed proficiently for holistic beauty. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, AYUSH Portal and Google Scholar till April 2025 to identify studies on influence of herbs and herbal products on skin and body.

Result presence of various phytoconstituents in herbs can be effectively used for protection from ultraviolet rays, reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme there by reducing melanin production. Seasonal and daily regimens also play a key role in maintaining skin texture and health thereby retaining youth.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic literature explains various strategies for sustainable beauty care. Following Dinacharya, Rithucharya, Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in maintaining beauty.

Keywords: Cosmetology, Sustainable Beauty, Dinacharya, Rithucharya, Rasayana, Cosmeceuticals

Critical Analysis of Bhutasamkhya Evidences in the Indian Alchemical Text: Rasatarangini

2025-07-11T10:49:24+00:00

Introduction: The Bhutasamkhya system is a way to compose numbers in Sanskrit that makes use of colloquial nouns that have numerical value connotations. Bhuta and Samkhya are the two words that compose Bhutasamkhya. The word "bhuta" comes from the Sanskrit word "dhatu bhu sattayam," which means "any kind of object or material substance." Sankhya means number. These are found present in many Rasashastra Tests, starting from Rasashrudaya Tantra to Rasatarangi. The wide use of these terms is found in Rasatarangini by Aacharya Sadanand Sharma. Material & Methods: Rasatarangini is thoroughly scrutinized, which is a textbook of Rasashastra, the alchemical science of India, written by Sadanand Sharma in the 20th century AD (3rd March 1924). The analysis of terms is conducted using commentaries on the Vedas, Puranas, and interpretive books, as well as research articles available on the internet. Result: Altogether one hundred and eighteen references of Bhutasamkhya have been collected from 24 Tarangas (chapters) of Rasatarangini. Terms like Rasa, Pada, Turiya, Rudra, and Kala are frequently used instead of numbers. Conclusion: The Paper elaborates the meaning of each term used in detail and the important contribution of Rasatarangini in the use of Bhutasamkhya. At around 108 places, Bhutasamkhya terminologies are used in the comprehensive 24 Tarangs of Rasatarangini. Using these terminologies helps us understand the importance of confidentiality in the procedure elaboration, dimension quantification, and in standard operating procedure (SOP) elaboration, and in varied ways for the rational class.

A Critical scoping review of Trividha Jnanopaya in relation to Modern Pedagogical Approaches

2025-08-25T10:11:40+00:00

Background- In Ayurveda, teaching and learning were based on the “Gurukula” system of education. A “Gurukula” was a place where a Guru (teacher) and Shishya (student) lived together. There were three ways for obtaining the knowledge, i.e. Adhyayana, Adhyapana, and Tadvidhya Sambhasha with the learned persons. Study of a single Shastra gives only a limited understanding; therefore, one should also get knowledge of other Shastras. There is sufficient evidence is available in ancient literatures that indicate the prevalence of initial forms of learning and teaching methodologies.

Objectives: Critical analysis of Trividha Jnanopaya as traditional Ayurveda Medical Education and to compare the ancient Ayurvedic education system with the modern education system.

Methodology: A Literary study of Ayurvedic teaching and learning methodology. Based on Samucchaya vidhi (collecting the scattered matter) and Nirdesha vidhi (detailed explanation). The study integrates insights from classical Ayurvedic literature and contemporary teaching and learning research

Conclusion - The review demonstrates how well Ayurvedic education, Adhyayana, Adhyapana, and Tadvidya Sambhasha integrates the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. The study highlights the value of traditional practices while promoting their incorporation with contemporary teaching methods.

Key Word:-

Trividha Jnanopaya, Adhyayana, Adhyapana Tadvidhya Sambhasha, Guru, Shishya

Digital addiction in children and herbal pharmacotherapy: A scientific review

2025-10-04T13:35:25+00:00

Background: Technology is an integral part of daily lie; children overly reliant on digital devices for entertainment, social interaction, and even learning. Besides the ample usefulness in education, opportunities, and access to knowledge the negative consequences include impaired social skills, reduced physical activity, altered sleep, tantrums, anxiety and depression. Other risks include eye strain, refractive errors, headaches, poor attention, concentration and postural defects.

Objective: To explore herbal pharmacotherapy for digital addiction in children

Methods:

Search strategy: A comprehensive literature review done through open access, full text publications in English on digital addiction (DA) for last 10 years. Database searched were PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct with key words complying with MeSH namely ‘Digital Addiction in children and adolescent’, ‘Internet Addiction’, ‘Computer Addiction’, ‘Video Game Addiction’, ‘Smartphone Addiction’ and ‘Social media addiction’ using Boolean operator (‘AND’ ‘OR’ ‘NOT’). Duplications, citations, bibliographic index, textbooks, validation studies were excluded.

Results: Initially 17151 articles identified, subsequently curtailed to 800 through preliminary screening. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 175 publications were identified of which 54 most relevant manuscripts were referenced in this write up. Out of them 40 papers primarily focused on over view of DA, its pathophysiology, underlying brain mechanisms and existing interventions rest 14 explored herbal interventions. Ayurveda concepts were deduced based Samhita and Ayurveda pharmacopeia. However, plant-based interventions specifically targeting digital addiction largely remained unexplored and under researched except for few to treat substance abuse.

Conclusion: At the outset nootropic medicinal plants from Ayurveda pharmacopeia were promising to treat DA based on preliminary research. Further longitudinal research and controlled studies essential to establish their safety and efficacy.

Ayurvedic Management of Unilateral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: A Case Report

2025-05-30T18:07:51+00:00

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic allergic ocular disease of childhood, especially in hot and dry climates. In Ayurveda, VKC is discussed in relation to Kaphaja Abhishyanda, a disorder characterized by the aggravation of Kapha and Pitta Dosha resulting in inflammation, congestion, and excessive ocular secretion. Case: A 13-year-old girl presented with unilateral VKC (left eye) with recurrent symptoms despite prior topical corticosteroid use. Baseline findings included conjunctival congestion and superficial corneal vascularization; left-eye visual acuity (LE VA) was LogMAR 1.30. Interventions/Outcomes: A multimodal Ayurvedic regimen was delivered in three inpatient courses over 15 months, consisting of internal formulations, topical eye drops, and ophthalmic procedures. Symptoms of redness, itching, and photophobia improved; corneal vascularization regressed; LE VA LogMAR 1.30→0.47. The patient remained steroid-free at 6-month follow-up. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: This case signifies that Ayurvedic interventions can address VKC symptoms along with minimizing corticosteroid dependency. Further clinical trials are necessary to establish Ayurvedic treatments as standard therapy for allergic conjunctivitis.

Ayurvedic management of Sublingual Varices - A case report

2025-08-28T07:55:04+00:00

Introduction: Sublingual varices (SLVs) are among the most prevalent oral lesions. They are most commonly visible on the tongue's ventral side believed to be benign evolutionary anomalies with sign and symptoms that are comparable with the Adhijivha Roga which is kapha and raktagata dushti vikara. Moreover, SLVs are more common among the senior individuals and the prevalence of SLVs among seniors is 56.7%. Under treatment modalities sclerotherapy and Laser treatment are mentioned but these have certain demerits. Hence an Ayurvedic approach for the treatment of this disease can be adopted to avoid these underline demerits and complete relief from the symptoms. Clinical Findings: In the present case report a 57-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of burning sensation in the mouth while having hot and spicy food since for one month along with foreign body like sensation on the bilateral side of the tongue.

Diagnosis: Condition was diagnosed as Sublingual varices and it’s Ayurvedic Diagnosis as Adhijivha. Intervention: Considering the pathology and symptomatology Sthanika Chikitsa was done which include Nasya karma, Kavala dharana and Gandusha followed by Shaman aushadhis. After seven days of treatment plan the associated symptoms subsided completely. Outcome: The patient got relief from all the symptoms and complete remission of the disease was observed after 1 month of treatment. Conclusion: No adverse events were noted during the treatment. This case report sets an example that Ayurveda has an effective and safe management for the condition of Adhijivha Roga (Sublingual varices). This case also becomes evidence and base for further research works.

Efficacy of Shaman Chikitsa and Prayogika Dhumpana in the management of Jeerna Kaphaja Kasa (Chronic Bronchitis) - A case report

2025-08-28T07:59:16+00:00

Introduction: Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the airways, characterized by a persistent productive cough without other identifiable underlying causes lasting at least 3 months per year for 2 consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis leads to excessive mucus production, causing airway obstruction and inflammation. Chronic bronchitis can be compared with Jeerna Kaphaja Kasa dominated by kapha and Vatadusti. Clinical findings: In this case study 66 years female patient came in kayachikitsa OPD ITRA, Jamnagar with complaints of coughing with whitish expectoration for 1 month, Dyspnoea on exertion (Grade-2) for 1 month and hoarseness of voice. She was admitted in KC Female ward for further management. By haematological, radiological investigations and spirometry she was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Intervention: She was treated with Abhyanga (massage), Nadi Swedana (fomentation), Prayogika Dhumpana (Herbal fumigation) and shamana. Outcomes: After treatment wheezing resolved, Eosinophils reduced from 11.5% to 4.0%, AEC becomes normal (649 to 360/uL), FEV1/FVC (60.1 to 78), CAT (18 to 6) also complete remission in dyspnoea from (mMRC-II to 0) Conclusion: A chronic case of Jeerna Kaphaja Kasa effectively treated associated with improvement through Ayurvedic protocol including Dhumpana and Shamana. No any adverse effects were reported during the treatment.

Anencephaly: A Case Report Highlighting the Need for Integrating Ayurvedic and Modern Approaches in Prenatal Care

2025-09-16T07:34:44+00:00

Introduction: Anencephaly is a severe form of congenital defect. It has no effective treatment with a poor prognosis. The exact aetiology of anencephaly remains unclear. The causes of birth defects may be due to genetic and environmental factors, and can even result from multifactorial inheritance. Clinical findings: A 22-year-old primigravida woman delivered a macerated stillborn male baby of 260 gm by vaginal route at 24 weeks of gestation. On examination of the newborn showed the absence of cranial vault, with exposed, malformed neural tissue replaced by an angiomatous mass and diagnosed as anencephaly. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of early prenatal diagnosis, preconception education, and adoptable preventive measures to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Genetic counselling should be offered, particularly for pregnancies that are at high risk or unplanned. Along with this, integrating Ayurvedic principles, such as garbhini paricharya and avoidance of garbhopaghathakara bhavas, with contemporary medical practices can provide a holistic approach to maternal care. Such integration may help to lower the incidence of congenital anomalies and promote healthy pregnancy and offspring.

Ayurvedic management of Dushta Siraj Vrana (Venous Ulcer): A case report.

2025-08-24T17:41:02+00:00

Background: A venous ulcer (varicose ulcer/stasis ulcer) is a wound that occurs due to inappropriate functioning of the venous valve, usually of the leg. It is regarded to be the most serious complications of chronic venous insufficiency and is a nightmare for suffering patient. If the management wasn’t properly done, the ulcer might be infected causing pain, swelling, redness, pus formation, cellulitis, gangrene, mobility loss, and eventually may need amputation. However, the recurrence of venous ulcers is a common clinical challenge. Debridement, wound dressings, use of antiseptic solutions, analgesics, administration of antibiotics form the conventional line of surgical management. There is no such protocol that enhances the wound healing property in contemporary science. Ayurveda literature correlates, this condition to Dushta Siraj vrana (non-healing ulcer). Kshara karma (application of caustic alkali), one among Shasti Upakramas (sixty procedures), was explained by Ayurvedacharyas for the effective treatment of Dushta vrana. In the present case study, we have prepared and used Palasa Kshara, as per classical references. Clinical findings: Edematous venous ulcer wound size - 6x3cm; Depth - 2.2cm was treated with Palasha kshara pratisarana (application of caustic alkali paste made of Butea monosperma) to the patient, suffering with the history of five months. Outcomes: In 30-day treatment duration with one follow-up post-treatment the slough was completely removed, and this aided in wound healing. No adverse events were seen. Conclusion: A case of Dushta Siraj Vrana was effectively treated using Palasa Kshara Pratisarana, dressing with Jatyadhi ghrtha and supportive internal medications Gandhaka Rasayana, Triphala guggulu followed by debridement. No adverse effects seen during 1 month treatment period and a follow up. This case study proves the potential of Palasha kshara pratisarana in Dushta Siraj vrana management. Comparative clinical studies, Randomized controlled trials can be initiated using Palasha Kshara pratisarana in Venous ulcers.