Pratinidhi Dravyas (substitutes for herbal drugs) are narrated in Ayurvedic classical texts when original or a form of drug is not available. In Ayurveda there are many drugs combined in single formulation, some of them were difficult to get and some species got destroyed with development of civilization and industrialization. This resulted in scarcity and less availability of the ingredient in the formulation which may cause a drastic or no effect of formulation at all. Hence ancient seers of Ayurveda advised some drugs which can be used when other drug with similar properties is not available for medicinal purpose. Such drugs are known as Pratinidhi or substitute drugs. This concept is based on Ayurveda principles and is referred from one of the Laghutrayi, Bhavprakash, Yogratnakar and Bhaishajya ratnawali. As the list of substitute is first of its kind and this Nighantu is considered as latest among classical work in Dravyaguna Shastra. Substitute drugs also known as Abhav pratinidhi dravya (Drugs Substitute) should possess similar guna (properties) i.e. Rasapanchak and proven on the basis of pharmaco-therapeutically activity. In Ayurveda Pachan Samstha (digestive system) is the most important system considered for both initiation as well as treatment of numerous diseases. Most of Ayurvedic formulations are administered orally, hence in present work an attempt has been made to present brief review of Abhav Pratinidhi Dravya acting on digestive system. Post 16th century Ayurvedic texts and lexicons give specific examples of possible substitutes. Understanding the logic behind the Ayurvedic concept of Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya (APD) (drug substitution) could lead to new methods of identifying legitimate drug alternatives, and help solve industry’s problems ofcrude drug shortage.

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Herbo-mineral formulations occupies significant seat in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Nearly 70 % formulations include combination of one or more metallic/mineral Bhasma with several herbs which have supporting role in improving efficacy of Bhasma, reliving symptoms of disease and to avoid adverse effect of Bhasma. Laxmivilas Rasa is one of such herbo- mineral combination indicated in Kustha (diseases of skin), Prameh (urinary disorders), Nadivrana (sinus), Arsha (piles), Bhagandara (fistulka in-ano), Shlipada (filariasis), Atisara (diarrhea), Amavata (rheumatism), Udararog (diseases of abdomen), Kasa (cough), Rajyakshma (tuberculosis), Sthoulya (obesity), Sula (pain), Shirorog (diseases of head) and Strirog (gynecological disorders). This formulation mainly acts as Kapha- Vataghna and widely used in treating Dushta-Pratishyaya (chronic rhinitis). Detail information, properties and mode of action of Laxmivilas Rasa is not published yet. Hence in present work an attempt has been made to compile available information and to discuss properties of Laxmivilas Rasa on the basis of modern research. It is clear from this study that Laxmivilas Rasa is useful in treating wide range of diseases especially upper respiratory tract, abdominal conditions and some major systemic disorders such as anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis, hepatitis and infertility. This is having unique properties Ushna Virya formulation; hence have limitations in Pitta vitiated conditions. Present work will be helpful to understand therapeutic value, broad spectrum activity and other useful properties for the management of Kapha Vataj disorders.

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The problem of pronunciation is very much increased due to the mixing of many languages while talking. Another reason is variation of pronunciation of word in every region. With the help of Maheshwari Sutra Acharya Panini has made the grammer of Sanskrit. Maheshwari sutra plays an important role in accent of Sanskrit words. Sanskrit is said to be the mother of all languages and on this basis only Maheshwari sutra was selected for pronunciation efficiency in the present study. Aim of the present work was to see the effect of Maheshwari Sutra in improving pronunciation. Total 50 subjects were selected for the present study. For pronunciation exercise daily half hour revision of Maheshwari Sutras for 7days was done. Firstly when their pronunciation was recorded, it was found that many words were pronounced wrongly. After proper guidance & daily revision for seven days it was observed that pronunciation of words was corrected in 80% students. 16% students pronounced all the 30 words correctly after the therapy while 4% students were unable to pronounce the words properly even after the therapy. Overall 23.90 % improvement was observed. It can be concluded that Maheshwary Sutras are very effective in enhancing the speech power.

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Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) is one of the chronic, painful, dangerous and crippling diseases affecting multiple joint and manifested mainly due to Agnimandya (lack of digestive power) and Ama (undigested harmful portion formed from incompletely digested food or bio toxin). Madhava Nidana (700AD) has first mentioned the Amavata as a special disease entity, where Ama as well as Vata (biophysical force) plays a predominant role in the Samprapti (pathogenesis) of the disease. In contemporary practices Amavata can be compared to rheumatoid arthritis based on its etio-pathogenesis and clinical manifestation. The present work, Bhallataka (Semicarpous anacardium) Kshirapaka was compared with known Ayurveda drug Shuddha Guggulu (Commifera mukul) as and Ibuprofen (contemporary drug) as controls. Total of 63 patients (21 in each group) were enrolled and completed the 4 weeks treatment schedule. On analyzing the statistical results and clinical findings it can be understood that treatment of Amavata with Bhallataka Kshirpaka differs significantly from the treatment Shuddha Guggulu and Ibuprofen. There was no significant difference between Ibuprofen and Shuddha Guggulu treated groups. Hence if the choice is to be made among the three treatments, Bhallataka kshirpaka might be considered as the best and most effective drug. The trial drug did not show any side effects and complications in Amavata patients.

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Rajonivrutti (Menopause) is a physiological, inevitable phenomenon for every woman but sometimes it causes discomfort both to the mind and body, which is referred as Rajonivrittijanya lakshanas i.e. menopausal syndrome. A 49 years old lady suffering from perspiration, irregular menses, weight gain and mood fluctuations was treated with Rasayana Chikitsa along with Panchakarma procedure Raktamokshana. Dried extract powders of Saraca indica, Tinospora cardifolia, Withania somnifera and Terminalia chebula was given orally along with Kumariasava, Chandraprabha Vati and Brahmi Vati. Raktamokshana was performed once a week for 4 weeks. This Rasayana Therapy and Raktamokshan helped in balancing the vitiated Vata Dosha, correct Dhatukshaya, and Manovaha Strotas Vikriti. On the basis of results observed in the treated case it is concluded that, Rasayana Chikitsa along with Raktamokshana is helpful in reducing the symptoms of Menopause.

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Rasoushadhi (Metallic medicine) being most efficacious drug in Ayurveda is known for its minute dosage and quick action. Rasasindura is a organo-metallic compound widely utilized by clinicians in infectious diseases but lack of preclinical data has been impediment for its wide acceptance. Hence study was planned to assess in vitro antimicrobial potential of Shadguna Rasasindura (SRS). Four gram-ve, four gram+ve and three fungal strains were studied for Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) against standard drugs and test drugs. Test drug SRS showed moderate zone of inhibition when compared to standard drugs in all the bacterial and fungal strains taken for study, however test drug was not active at 5mg concentration in all the experiments. MIC was observed at either 250 or 500 mg concentration but not in lower.

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Unhealthy Dietary habits like excessive intake of junk food, improper timing of diet; lack of exercise, excess stress have made females prone for many gynaecological disorders like dysmenorrhoea, infertility etc. In spite of advances in science, management of gynaecological disorders is still not satisfactory. As hormonal and surgical treatment approach is having various side effects, herbal treatment following Ayurvedic principles is most dependable. Anethum Graveolens (Shatapushpa) commonly known as “Dill” has been recognized in different system of traditional medicines for the treatment of different diseases and ailments of human beings. Anethum graveolens is especially useful in menstrual disorders and also in other gynaecological disorders. Use of Anethum graveolens has been described in the treatment of many diseases in Ayurveda literature. Various recent researches have also proved its beneficiary effects in various disorders like dysmenorrhoea, post partum haemorrhage etc. Present study is done in view to study Anethum graveolens, with respect to its active components, its uses in gynaecological diseases and exploiting its future scope in management of gynaecological disorders.

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The present study deals with the standardization of the Ayurvedic formulation Sarasvata churna following quality control procedures both for the raw materials and the finished product. The results of physico- chemical parameters viz. loss on drying (7.0%), total ash (14.50%), acid insoluble ash (9.0%), water soluble extractive value (23.0%), alcohal soluble extractive value (37.50%), pH (4.5-5.5) and volatile oil (1.0%) were found. Microbiological limit test, aflatoxins and heavy metals Pb, Cd, As, Hg were also found within the limits set by Ayurvedic Pharmacopiea of India (API). The obtained values can be adapted to lay down new pharmacopoeial standards with batch to batch consistency. The phytochemical constituents found in the raw material used for the preparation of Sarasvata cürna facilitate the desirable therapeutic efficacy of the medicinal formulations a whole in elements and also could help in knowing the underlying mechanism of pharmacological action.

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