Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM)

Empower Panchakarma: Need of the hour

Vasant Patil — 2025-09-19

Currently, there has been a phenomenal increase in the demand for specialized therapies of Ayurveda, particularly Panchakarma, not only for the treatment of diseases but also for preventive & promotive health care. Panchakarma in true sense, is gift from Ayurveda towards health care and the medical field of the world. The world is recognizing the Panchakarma as evidenced by a separate draft of WHO Benchmark for Practice in Panchakarma. Panchakarma has become the backbone of any Ayurveda hospital and relieves the economic burden of hospital administration. A large section of patients of musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, dermatological problems, along with the other routine gastrointestinal problems, metabolic disorders, respiratory disorders, cardio-vascular disorders, Liver and hepatobiliary disorders, infertility, endocrinal disorders etc. are ready to get admitted and get treated with special Panchakarma procedures. Ayurvedic classics emphasized the importance of learning, teaching and practicing specialty sciences. In modern science furthermore, the importance given and introduced super-specialty. MCI strictly regulates institutional and private practice to make sure that specialty is practiced by a qualified person. This legal practice of specialty and super-specialty of allopathic medicine made tremendous growth. NCISM created many specialties, but they are not well regulated and complete empowerment is not given to them in practice at institute level; among this Panchakarma specialty is worst affected one. This has led to the regression of quality Ayurveda teaching and practice, and it is the high time to pay attention to empower the specialty by all NCISM and Ayurveda lovers. I urge NCISM to make laws to regulate the practice of Panchakarma and empower Panchakarma Specialists by making provisions in law to appoint mandatorily MD Panchakarma postgraduate at private Panchakarma hospital, SPA, resort and wellness centers. I call on Panchakarma teachers and specialists to stand up for the recognition and empowerment they deserve.

Efficacy of Shigru Patra Kashaya (Moringa oleifera) and structured yoga protocol in the management of obesity: A case series.

Vidya Gani — 2025-09-19

Background: Obesity has transformed into a global epidemic, amidst insulin resistance and chronic inflammation as a predominant contributor. Ayurveda explains Sthoulya as excess Meda Dhatu, in analogous to obesity. Modern management like surgery and certain medications have notable side effects, highlighting the need for safer, effective alternatives. The study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of Shigru Patra Kashaya combined with a yoga protocol for Sthoulya management. Clinical findings: Patients coming to xxx opd of department of xxx, having the classical signs and symptoms of Sthoulya according to Ayurveda and BMI more than 25 kg/m^2 according WHO guidelines. 4 Sthoulya patients diagnosed and enrolled in the clinical case study finished their treatment. Intervention: Shigru patra Kashaya 50ml 2 times a day after 1 hr of food along with yoga protocol for 30 days. There was no intervention of any diet chart. Assessments are done through various clinical measures, like Karada scan and anthropometric measurements. Outcome: As a result of the treatment plan, the anthropometric measurements, Karada scan, and Sthoulya signs and symptoms were significantly decreased. Conclusion: This case series highlights that Shigru Patra Kashaya 50ml BD after 1 hr of food, when integrated with a structured yoga protocol for 30 days, without any dietary intervention can present a safe, widespread and effective approach for managing Sthoulya. The intervention demonstrated notable reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat indices and anthropometric measures addressing both metabolic imbalances and lifestyle factors which serve as a sustainable alternative with minimal risk of adverse effects.

A critical archival study of unpublished Sanskrit Ayurveda manuscripts preserved in libraries of England

Haritha T Jayaraj — 2025-09-19

Background: Manuscriptology is an important part of literary research in Ayurveda. India is the biggest repository of manuscripts. Outside India, England is a significant repository that preserves a large number of Sanskrit Ayurveda manuscripts. A large portion of them remain unexplored and unpublished. Objective: To create a curated list of unpublished Sanskrit Ayurveda manuscripts preserved in the libraries of England. Materials and methods: This descriptive, archival, bibliographic study conducted between October 2023 to January 2025 involved the identification of repositories of England such as the Bodleian Libraries, Wellcome Institute of the History of Medicine, Cambridge University Library, and the British Library as well as the Sanskrit Ayurveda manuscripts preserved in them. This list of manuscripts was cross referred with data bases like Bharatiya Kriti Sampada IGNCA and various other scholarly references for the curation of unpublished Sanskrit Ayurveda manuscripts. Well preserved manuscripts were included whereas scantly foliated, damaged manuscripts were excluded. Results: Unpublished manuscripts that are unique to the libraries of England was identified like Jvarapaddhati, Sadhyasadhyapareeksha, and Sadvaidyakaustubha in Oxford, Chikitsa Prabandha Samuccaya and bhava cintamani in Wellcome Institute, Rajamartanda in Cambridge university library etc. Various manuscripts that are found in the libraries of England as well as in some repositories of India were also identified. Conclusion: The study brought out the archival wealth of Ayurveda manuscripts in England many of which are unexplored. Even though digitization and availability vary, most of the libraries have fairly well preservation methods. This study opened a plethora of unpublished manuscripts which demand domain specific expertise from Ayurveda scholars. Digitization, free access and scholarly initiatives are vital between the two countries for the advancement of Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Approach to Managing Kitibha Kushta (Guttate Psoriasis): A Clinical Case Study

Keertan Madenhalli — 2025-09-19

Introduction : In Ayurveda, Kitibha Kushta, a kind of Kshudra Kushta, is comparable to Guttate Psoriasis in contemporary dermatology. It represents a chronic skin condition caused by Tridosha vitiation. Standard treatments are generally of little utility, whereas Ayurvedic treatment seeks to re-establish Dosha balance, Agni correction, and Dhatu purification for long-term control. Clinical Findings : A 36 year-old female visited OPD of KLE Shri BMK Ayurveda hospital OPD no 03 on 6^th May 2025, complaints of tvak vaivarnya, which was mahavastu over urdhwa shaaka, adha shaka, keshamoola and udara .These symptoms were gradual in onset later associated with kandu, raaga and kina khara sparsha distributed all over body. The patient received snehapana with panchatiktaka guggulu ghrita followed by Virechana with trivrut leha and Shamanoushadhi for Rakta pradoshaja vikara and Vata kapha Shamana. Intervention: Ayurvedic treatment included Deepana-Pachana (strengthening of the stomach), Snehapana (oleation), Virechana (purging), and Shamana Chikitsa (palliative treatment). Outcome: Clinical parameters were graded on a standard gradation scale pre and post-treatment. Madhyama Shuddhi was experienced by the patient during Virechana and enhanced psychological well-being. Conclusion: This case reflects the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in chronic dermatoses. The combination of Shodhana and Shamana was behind long-term relief due to removal of the cause by dosha pacification, Agni improvement, and Dhatu cleansing. It was tolerated well and produced a remarkable clinical improvement in Kitibha Kushta.

A treatment perspective of Jaundice with Cholecystitis in Ayurveda: A case report

S Shreelakshmi — 2025-09-19

Background: Kamala refers to a disease condition where there will be yellowish discoloration of eyes, skin and urine along with other specific symptoms. Kosthashrita Kamala and Shakhashrita Kamala are the two types of Kamala according to Ayurveda classics. The obstructive pathology of Jaundice resembles the samprapti of Shakhashrita kamala and non-obstructive pathology to Kosthashrita kamala. Cholecystitis, the inflammation of wall of Gall bladder, most likely occurs due to Cholelithiasis, that is presence of gall stones with partial or complete obstruction of cystic duct or common bile duct. Jaundice is the most predominant sign in this condition. Surgery is considered as the only and ultimate treatment in the condition of Acute Cholecystitis by alternate system of medicine. Clinical findings: The present case report deals with a case of Kosthashrita kamala where the patient was having acute pain abdomen, jaundice, reddish discoloration of urine along with fever, nausea and vomiting. Investigations revealed raised values of LFT and Ultrasound of abdomen revealed Cholecystitis and Cholelithiasis without any obstruction to cystic or common bile ducts. Outcome: The symptoms were assessed and graded along with the blood investigations. Patient was treated with only oral medication and diet, under appropriate monitoring. Both subjective and objective parameters showed significant difference after the treatment within a short duration of time. Conclusion: This case report sets an example to accentuate the role of Ayurvedic rational treatment protocols in treating even acute disease conditions like Cholecystitis.

Integrative Ayurveda Treatment approach in the management of Focal Impaired awareness Seizures (Complex Partial Seizure) and Psychosis symptoms: A Case Report

Rajimunnisa Begam shaik — 2025-09-19

Background: Acharya Charaka described Apasmara (epilepsy) as a condition where the mind loses its memory and is troubled by convulsions due to the imbalance of dhi and sattva. This condition primarily involves the Vata and Rajo doshas, affecting both the body and mind, causing problems with perception, memory, and behaviour. Clinical findings: A 25-year-old woman visited the Manasaroga OPD with episodes of altered consciousness that had occurred over two years, along with auditory and visual hallucinations and behavioural disturbances. Although traditional antiepileptic medications and antipsychotics provided some relief, they were stopped due to side effects and lack of effectiveness. Given the chronic nature of the condition and its involvement of multiple doshas, a treatment plan was developed that included Yoga Basti (medicated enema), Shirodhara (continuous application of medicated oil to the forehead), and Nasya (nasal instillation), along with palliative Ayurvedic medications. Outcome: Within a month, the number of episodes decreased, and both sleep and behaviour improved, leading to a better quality of life. The patient was pleased with the treatment, and palliative care was recommended to maintain the benefits. Conclusion: The treatment was carried out for 3 months in addition to her ongoing conventional anti-convulsant medicines and notable clinical improvements were observed with respect to episodes of altered consciousness, auditory, visual hallucinations, and behavioural disturbances. This case report shows the potential benefits of holistic Ayurvedic intervention, including panchakarma and palliative therapies, in a non-responsive Apasmara patient, and highlights an improvement in quality of life.

Evaluation of phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica for drug-like properties: A computational insight into natural product-based drug discovery

Prashanth G Jadar — 2025-09-19

Introduction: The growing interest in natural products for drug discovery has strengthened the exploration of various phytochemicals from traditional medicinal plants like Azadirachta indica (Neem), known for its excellent therapeutic benefits. Methodology: This current study uses computerised tools to appraise drug-like potential for the medicinal plant Azadirachta indica-derived phytochemicals. Few parameters, such as molecular weight, lipophilicity (Log P), hydrogen bond donors or acceptors, and Drug Likeness score, were analysed using IMPPAT and Molsoft L.L.C database highlighting on Lipinski’s Rule of Five. Results: Phytochemical compounds such as nimbin, nimbolide, azadirachtin, and quercetin exhibited favourable drug-like properties and better oral bioavailability. Major phytochemicals that are analysed have complied with standards of drug-likeness, reinforcing their viability as potential orally administered therapeutic drug candidates. Conclusion: These results emphasize the value of phytochemicals present in Azadirachta indica for modern drug development and emphasize the usefulness of computerised tools in the early stage of drug screening and evaluation for future pharmacological studies.

A critical appraisal on dynamic interrelationship of Ahara and Agni

Amalendu Pal — 2025-09-19

Introduction: In Taittiriya Upanishad it is written that purush (living beings) are evolved from anna. Anna (food) acts as prana in living being. Ahara (food) is the prime cause for the formation of the body as well as for manifestation of disease. Ahara is transformed to body entities by action of agni. Proper function of agni – jarana shakti of an individual primarily depends on quality and quantity of ingested food –abhyavaharan shakti. So it clears that between ahara and agni there is a relation. Materials and Methods: The references related to ahara and agni has been searched and collected from Ayurvedic texts, different indexed journals, research articles etc. The references mainly related with correlations between ahara, agni have been studied, critically analyzed. Description: Properly ingested ahara get transformed ahara rasa and subsequently different bio entities like bala (strength), varna (complexion), ojas, sausvarya (prominent voice) etc. by proper action of agni. The intake capacity of ahara of an individual is termed as abhyvaharana shakti which also follows different dietetic rules and regulations. Agni of an individual – jaran shakti should be proportionate to abhyavaharana shakti of an individual. Discussion: Agni acts at three level- jatharagni, dhvatagni and bhutagni. Among these jathagni is the prime one and controls others. If abhyvaharana shakti is greater than jarana shakti, this condition leads to various ama pradoshaja diseases and the reverse situation leads to various dhatu kshayaja (due to depleted state of dhatus) diseases. Balanced proportion between abhyvaharana shakti and jarana shakti helps in maintaining health otherwise lead to diseases. Ahara acts as fuel for agni. Without agni, ahara should not be transformed to its subsequent products and without ahara, agni cannot be sustained. Conclusion: Ahara and agni are interrelated. Balanced condition between these two should be maintained.

Langhanam in Ayurveda; its molecular and metabolic impact on Adipogenesis – A review.

Jothi Lekshmi — 2025-09-19

Introduction: Adipogenesis is a process in which the immature pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells are converted into pre-adipocytes and differentiates into mature adipocytes in adipose tissue. Process of adipogenesis and associated illness shows close resembles to santharpana (nourishing therapy) and santharpana janya vyadhis (diseases due to excess nourishment) mentioned in Charaka Samhita, and has advocated various types of langhana as the treatment. This is a review that shows the relation between the action of langhana karma with the advance research methods that causes anti-adipocytic activity. Materials and methods: References of santharpana, langhana and its types from Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya and Sushruta Samhita. Different published articles on adipogenesis and anti – adipogenicity with key words, adipogenesis, anti – adipogenicity, PPARγ agonist PPARγ and fasting, PPARγ and exercise, PPARγ and sun exposure were used. Period: from 2013 to 2023. Result: While reviewing it is found that types of langhana such as upavasa (fasting), vyayama (exercise) and atapa seva (exposure to sun) have significant effects on adipogenesis by changing the expression levels of PPARY gene. Hence, comparison of various types of Ayurvedic langhana therapy with several experimental studies, reveals the potential of following basic principles of Ayurveda as well as langhana therapy. Conclusion: Of the 10 types of langhana karma the 3 types have experimentally proven benefits in modifying adipogenesis. The other types have been used by Ayurvedic physicians since generations for almost all diseases as the first line of treatment. Conventional line of treatments has vast side effects when compared with langhanam in treating the diseases related to adipose tissue. Hence utilizing the vast knowledge of langhanam in Ayurveda, could open a vast range of significant treatment modalities in addressing adipogenic as well as metabolic related diseases in the present era

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Ayurvedic Perspective: Interpreting an Anukta Vyadhi through Trividha Bodhya Sangraha

Rose Varghese — 2025-09-19

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Since its first description in 1935, the understanding about this condition has evolved far- from being just a localized gynecological concern to a widespread, multisystem endocrinopathy. The multisystem presentation and elusive pathophysiology of PCOS make it a compelling topic for exploration through holistic frameworks like Ayurveda. However, the search for an Ayurvedic equivalent of PCOS in Ayurvedic classics doesn’t yield any disorder that entirely matches the clinical picture of this condition. Objectives: This review considers PCOS as an anukta vyadhi (a condition not explicitly mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts) and aims to explore it using the framework of Trividha Bodhya Sangraha- (the three essential elements for understanding a disease) as outlined in Charaka samhita. Based on this, an attempt is made to establish the disease within the Ayurvedic framework in terms of nidana panchaka (five diagnostic principles) (SAT-C.5). This approach also aims to offer a model for evaluating other emerging or unnamed disorders in contemporary practice. Methods: Data regarding the clinical presentation and pathophysiological aspects of PCOS were compiled from standard endocrinology texts, clinical guidelines, and peer-reviewed literature. These features were then analysed in the light of principles and references in Ayurvedic classics in order to derive the Trividha bodhya sangraha and nidana panchaka (SAT-C.5) for the condition. Results and Conclusion: PCOS is interpreted as primarily a kapha-predominant disorder, characterized by medoduṣhṭi (vitiation of fat tissue), feeble state of rasa dhatvagni (metabolic transformation at the level of rasa) ((SAT-B.491), and margavaraṇa (channel obstruction). The etiopathogenesis of the syndrome is identified as a unique variant of sthoulya samprapti (pathogenesis of sthoulya (ACB-1)) that manifests in women of reproductive age.

Exploring the role of Shrikamya Rasayana in enhancing skin health: A critical review

Krishna Priya — 2025-09-19

Background: Beauty is a divine gift that gives pleasure to the senses or the mind. It is the quality of being attractive. Ayurveda emphasize beauty in terms of physical, mental, social and spiritual elements. Skin health solely depends on various extrinsic and intrinsic factors which enables an everlasting adaptation and acclimatization. Various unrealistic concepts and images of beauty lead to a lower self-esteem, and lower self-confidence. Shrikamya Rasayana is a unique anti-aging therapy explained by Acharya Sushruta for improving skin complexion and prevents various skin disorders. The study aimed to review the importance and utility of Shrikamya Rasayana in the present era in order to attain a healthy skin. Objective: To evaluate the role of Shrikamya Rasayana in enhancing skin health Methods: Screening of the available published literature related to Rasayana, cosmetology and pharmacological actions was conducted through an online search using Boolean operators such as AND, OR, NOT. A manual search was also done in Ayurveda classical texts and college libraries to collect unpublished information. Identification of scope of Shrikamya Rasayana is done initially followed by compilation and critical interpretation with respect to different assessment criteria for skin type. Conclusion: Shrikamya Rasayana mentioned in Ayurveda classical textbooks have potential role in improving the skin complexion and prevent various skin related disorders. Scales such as Fitzpatrick Skin Photo type, Luschan’s chromatic and CLBT scale can be used for standardized Ayurvedic assessment of Chaya, Varna and Prabha. This article highlights the utility, importance, and scope of Shrikamya Rasayana.

Comparison of the efficacy of diode laser assisted scaling and root planning with & without herbal adjunct - ‘Irimedadi Taila’ in chronic periodontitis patients: Randomized control trial – Pilot study.

Shirley Joshini Samvel — 2025-09-19

Purpose: This study aims to determine and compare the changes in probing pocket depth, sulcular bleeding index, plaque index, gingival index, Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA) values following scaling and root planing using diode laser with and without the use of “Irimedadi Taila”. Methodology: 8 Subjects with periodontitis were included in this split mouth parallel group randomized control trial. Teeth on the control side and contralateral test side were treated using Conventional Ultrasonic Scaling followed by Diode Laser Curettage at 940 nm. Patients were instructed to take 5 drops of Irimedadi Taila and massage the intended site. The clinical examiner was blinded to the assignment of quadrants and Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Results: 8 Quadrants were randomized to each group. At 8 weeks Post Op, Results indicated a significant reduction in sulcular bleeding index in the test group. Other parameters such as Plaque Index, Gingival Index, PISA improved in both the groups. No adverse events were reported and the taila was well tolerated. Conclusion: The finding of this preliminary study indicates that diode laser curettage along with the usage of Irimedadi taila is effective for treatment of chronic periodontitis when compared to diode laser curettage alone.

CTRI/2024/06/069459

The Ultrasound Doppler Study of Distal Radial Arterial Pulse (Naadi) for various pulse characteristics in Vataja Naadi, Pittaja Naadi, Kaphaja Naadi and Sama Naadi– A cross-sectional pilot study

Usharani Sanu — 2025-09-19

Arterial pulse-based diagnostics is an age-old diagnostic technique used worldwide. One of the most effective non-invasive diagnostic methods for assessing the condition of the distal radial artery (DRA) profile is ultrasound Doppler examination in B-mode. The purpose of this study was to measure the DRA’s pulse wave velocity (PWV) and resistive index (RI) in various pulse patterns. Methods: A total of 36 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 years participated in this pilot study. To begin the examination, the hand was semiflexed for the palpatory approach by an ayurvedic doctor who performed the palpatory test and had extensive training in naadi pariksha. Dosha expressions were recorded at the index, middle, and ring fingers. In the second test: the ultrasonography (USG)-B mode study of the same patients was done within 10 minutes of the palpatory test on the distal radial arterial pulse, by a radiologist who was blinded to the results of the palpatory naadi examination. RI, PWV, radial artery diameter, and intima media thickness were the measures of the DRA pulse gathered with USG of DRA. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the relationship between naadi type and USG parameters at the P < 0.05 (5%) level of significance. Results: Compared to pittaja naadi (0.802 ± 0.10), kaphaja naadi (0.640 ± 0.17), and sama naadi (0.6938 ± 0.28), vataja naadi’s resistance index (0.5019 ± 0.20) was noticeably lower. In comparison to pittaja naadi (0.882 ± 0.70 mm/sec), kaphaja naadi (0.651 ± 0.45 mm/sec), and sama naadi (0.51 ± 0.24 mm/sec), vataja naadi’s PWV(pulse wave velocity) was low 0.474 ± 0.3 mm/sec. Conclusion: Distinct naadi patterns are linked to variations in blood flow properties. Hence, the technological framework of the ultrasonic Doppler method for RI and PWV made this examination more objective for the researchers and students.

Analytical standardization of Piccha basti using Physicochemical and Phytochemical Parameters.

Savita Bhosale — 2025-09-19

Background: The standardization of Piccha Basti (therapeutic enema procedure) used in ulcerative colitis involves integrating organoleptic, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis to ensure its consistency, safety, and effectiveness. By employing modern analytical methods, it becomes possible to optimize quality control, ensuring that each batch of Piccha basti maintains the same therapeutic value and is free from contaminants.

Method: The standardization of Piccha basti was conducted using three samples prepared in different time with same method and analyzed to ensure standard values along with quality and consistency. Organoleptic evaluation assessed sensory characteristics such as color, odor, taste, appearance, and texture.

Result: Physicochemical analysis revealed that the pH levels were near to neutral lies in between 6.05 to 6.24. Specific Gravity values ranged from 1.047 to 1.072, whereas viscosity ranges between 276 cP (centipoise) – 380.6 cP. The Refractive Index was consistent at 1.290 – 1.362, reflecting uniform optical properties. The total solid content varied slightly, from 1.577 gm. to 1.667 gm. and total ash 5.383 % to 6.024 %. Acid insoluble ash 1.135 % to 1.794 % whereas water soluble ash varies from 4.166 % to 4.771 %, water soluble extract varies from 47.514 % to 50.741 % whereas acid soluble extract 46.783 % to 56.4 %. Centrifugation test varies from 46.2 sec to 50.26 sec and creaming test all shows upward movements. Phytochemical analysis provided for each sample, confirming the presence of essential phytochemical compounds.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated a high degree of uniformity across all samples, ensuring reproducibility and reliability in the formulation of Piccha Basti. These findings support the standard values for reference, therapeutic use of the standardized formulation in clinical settings.

Chitosan from Rhizopus stolonifer: Process optimization, structural characterization and selective antimicrobial activity

Shajahan Azeez — 2025-09-19

Introduction: This study explores the optimization of growth conditions and the extraction, characterization and antimicrobial potential of chitosan derived from Rhizopus stolonifer, a filamentous fungus. R. stolonifer exhibited optimal biomass accumulation by the 5th day of cultivation (0.53g), after which growth plateaued; indicating the onset of the stationary phase. Maximum biomass was achieved at pH 6.0 and 30°C, with glucose as the most effective carbon sources, resulting to the highest fungal dry weight (0.483g). Methodology: Chitosan extraction was performed using modified method yielding maximum 81.4 mg on 7th day, with a calculated deacetylation degree of 72.53%, confirmed with FTIR spectroscopy through characteristic absorption bands at 1651 cm^-1 and between 1032-1153cm^-1. Results: The extracted chitosan showed concentration depending antimicrobial activity; showing strong inhibition effects against Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans (16mm at 1000 µg), moderate activities against Streptococcus mutans (11 mm) and limited or not activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: This result highlights suitability of R. stolonifer as an efficient and sustainable source of high quality chitosan, with promising use in agriculture, food preservation, also biomedicine specially for its selective microbial activity toward Gram-positive bacteria and fungi.