Introduction: Mucormycosis is an opportunistic angio-fungal infection that has resurfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic period due to multifarious reasons. Due to the limitations of current interventions associated with it, prevention is the recommended strategy. Ayurveda has a significant role to play in prevention, for which prior understanding of the condition in its own parlance is essential. Materials and Methods: Literature and research works from Ayurveda and Western biomedicine relevant to the subject were identified, screened, explored, and interpreted. The data obtained were grouped into three major criteria: etiological factors, disease patterns, and disease targets. These ideas were grouped to obtain a near-total picture of mucormycosis. A set of recommendations, including diet, regimen, single drugs, formulations, therapeutic procedures, and community-level interventions, were made on the basis of research evidence and textual indications. Results and Discussion: Mucormycosis is an exogenous condition that initially follows a common pathogenetic pattern, localizing at various sites to show diverging manifestations. Kapha and Pitta (especially in terms of Snigdha and Uṣṇa properties) play a major role in preventive and curative strategies in terms of food, regimen, medicine, and therapies. Conclusion: The current Ayurveda knowledge should be effectively used in diagnosing, staging, preventing, and rehabilitating the cases of mucormycoses. Their curative role as adjuvant and standalone therapies are to be subjected to further research.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Bell’s palsy is an acute idiopathic condition that develops due to peripheral facial nerve paralysis of sudden onset, usually affecting the face by temporary weakness or paralysis of the face. With various aetiologies (infection, trauma, ischemia, or inflammation) affecting the seventh cranial nerve are the pathogenesis to originating the symptoms of Bells’s palsy. According to Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with Ardita Vata, which is described under the umbrella of Vatavyadhi Chikitsa. Aim and Objectives: The study has been documented to evaluate the efficacy of Panchakarma procedures along with Shamana Aushadhi (oral medication) in the management of a patient with chronic Bell’s palsy. Settings: A 1-year-old chronic case of Bell’s palsy was managed in out patient department-based Panchakarma treatment at AIIA, New Delhi, and the patient was assessed both before and after the given treatment. Treatment Plan: The patient was administered Mukhabhyanga (massage on face) with Asana Bilwadi Taila, Nadi Sweda (sudation) with Dashamoola Ksheer Dhooma, Nasya (transnasal medication) with Avartita Ksheerbala Taila in Arohana Matra (increasing dose), and Kavala (Gargling) with Saindhavadi Taila and Irimedadi Taila for 14 days along with Shamana medication for one month. Result: Marked improvement was observed on the basis of House–Brackmann scale; continuous teardrops from the eye were completely stopped. After 15 days of treatment, the scale was reduced from IV to III, and then II, I, respectively after the 30th day and 60th day during the follow-up. Conclusion: This case showed promising and quick results of Ayurveda treatment by considering aspects of Vatavyadhi, specifically Ardita Vata, even after 1 year of chronicity without showing any complications.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease skin disease that is associated with different clinical phenotypes and that may show a variety of clinical manifestations such as interaction of genetic, and immunological and environmental factors. Plaque-type psoriasis (PP) is the most common form of psoriasis, occurring in 85%–90% of all cases. The classical symptoms of PP correspond to Ekakushtha in ayurveda, which is explained under Kushtha (skin) disease. The clinical sign and symptoms, dermatological examination, and previous history confirmed the case as “Plaque psoriasis.” According to classics, the case was diagnosed as Ekakushtha. Internal administration of decoction of drugs Punarnava, Manjistha, and Ushira, and Arogyavardhini Vati along with local application of 777 oil and Jivantyadi Yamaka was suggested to the patient initially for 1 month. After 1 month of treatment, there was a significant improvement in subjective assessment of itching, scaling, dryness, and erythema and PASI score, which was initially 43.6, was reduced to 5.2. Then along with above medication Mahatikta Ghrita was prescribed for 6 months. After 6 months of treatment, there was complete regression of all the symptoms and PASI score was found to be 0. In follow-up period even 10 months without medication, there were no signs of relapse. This case proved efficacy of ayurveda interventions in treating such cases where other systems of medicines have their own limitation.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Background: Despite the known richness of traditional medicine in India, it has not been implemented successfully on a widespread scale in managing COVID-19.⁴ In this context, it was reported that the state of Kerala reduced the mortality rate and rapid spread of the infection in the first year of managing patients with COVID-19. This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the present juncture for analyzing the impact of Ayurveda amid a selected populate of Kerala for its facets of health practices, home remedies, lifestyle guidelines, and medicines. Aims: To study the extent of awareness among a selected population across the state of Kerala pertaining to the usage of Ayurveda medicine and lifestyle guidelines. Settings and Design: A structured questionnaire was developed on a web-based platform of the survey monkey application and was made available to 2688 people via social media groups. Results: Among the studied respondents across Kerala, a majority were aware about the existence of preventive medicine (75%) and Ayurveda treatment (67.5%) for COVID-19. Against this background, about 77.5% of people had undergone either Ayurveda treatment or home remedies and also 82.5% of people had changed their lifestyle with Ayurveda for the same. Conclusion: The population of India, in particular that of Kerala, are inextricably connected with Ayurveda through the multiple facets of their culture, food, and lifestyle guidelines. The people of Kerala are immensely acclimatized to adopt Ayurveda as an alternative system of medicine as it has been deep-rooted in their daily subsistence over ages and was well reflected here in this study.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Prakriti (constitution of body) signifies individuality and determines the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. It is a unique trait that is specific to individuals and it is determined at conception based on the predominance of dosha. Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Vata pitta, Pittakapha, Kaphavata, and Sannipataja are the seven types of Prakriti described in the classics. Nutritional status is the reflection of the quality of health as a result of a nutritious diet consumed and its optimum utilization in the body. prakriti influences individuals’ nutritional status via digestion; their metabolism; and also their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of prakriti on the nutritional status of children aged 5–10 years. Materials and Methods: Children aged 5–10 years visiting an Ayurveda hospital for a routine health checkup were screened with a standard prakriti questionnaire. Their nutritional status was assessed in terms of their height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI. Prakriti in relation to nutritional status was analyzed by using SPSS 20. Results: Among the 573 children screened, 22 children (3.8%) were of Vata prakriti, three children (0.5%) Pitta prakriti, 31(5.4%) Kapha prakriti, 97 (16.9%) Vata pitta, a maximum of 260 (45.3%) Vatakapha, and 160 (27.9%) Pittakapha prakriti. On analysis of nutritional status, 85 children were observed to be malnourished (14.8%), 125 underweight (21.8%), 215 normal (37.5%), 62 overweight (10.8%), and 86 obese (15.1%). Conclusion: The majority of children belonged to Dwandwa prakriti, especially Kapha dominant. Most children with Kapha dominance were well nourished and had a tendency of being overweight as compared with others. Children with Pitta predominant Prakriti were moderately nourished and had excellent metabolic activity, leading to a less chance for being overweight. Nutritional status correlates well with the Prakriti descriptions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Background: Euphorbia antiquorum L. and Euphorbia neriifolia L. belong to the family Euphorbiaceae. E. antiquorum and E. neriifolia are considered as botanical source of Tridhara Snuhi and Snuhi, respectively. E. antiquorum has been reported for its anticancer effect in different cancer cell lines and E. neriifolia is traditionally used in the management of digestive problem, respiratory problem, etc. The present study was designed to evaluate anatomical and genetic characterization of E. antiquorum and E. neriifolia. Material and Methods: Anatomical evaluation was assessed through macroscopic and microsopic evaluation of stem and leaf of both the plants, whereas genetic characterization was examined through DNA barcoding analysis of leaf sample of both the plants. Result: Both plants are xerophytic in nature and bear a good amount of milky white latex, and shrub to small tree in nature. Microscopically, stem and leaf of both the plants contain latex duct in transverse section. All these characters highlights the key characters of family Euphorbiaceae. DNA barcoding confirms the molecular identity of both the plants. Conclusion: Data specified in the present study regarding anatomical and genetic characters will help for easy identification of both the plants, that is, Euphorbia antiquorum L. and Euphorbia neriifolia L.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Bhuidumri, distinctive of the folklore floras of Odisha, is recognized as Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., family Moraceae. The leaves of Bhuidumri are recounted for their traditional usage and they are used to treat jaundice, stomach ailments, wound, indigestion, liver ailment, and skin diseases. The present research article aims at exploring the hepatoprotective activity of leaf decoction of F. semicordata in Charles Foster albino rats. Materials and Methods: The dried leaves of F. semicordata were prepared into powder, and the decoction (kwatha) form was used in accordance with the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. The hepatoprotective activity of a trial drug (4.5 mL/kg, po) was assessed against thioacetamide-persuaded hepatotoxicity in Charles Foster albino rats. Silymarin (100 mg/kg, po) was used as a reference standard drug in a positive control group. Results: Thioacetamide-treated rats revealed a nonsignificant increase in SGPT (665.00 ± 298.96) and SGOT (1196.67 ± 540.38) in comparison with the normal control group. The F. semicordata kwatha-treated group revealed a nonsignificant increase in SGPT (1091.80 ± 558.23) and SGOT (2652.00 ± 944.83) in comparison with the thioacetamide control group. Sylimarin revealed a nonsignificant decrease in SGPT (110.80 ± 20.62) and SGOT (425.60 ± 157.74) in comparison with the thioacetamide control group. Microscopic examination of liver sections from normal control rats exhibited normal cytoarchitecture; thioacetamide-administered rats and F. semicordata kwatha-treated group with thioacetamide showed severe centrilobular necrosis and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) infiltration, multifocal Grade [3]. The reference standard group-treated groups showed mild necrosis and PMN infiltration with fatty changes, Grade [1]. Conclusion: F. semicordata leaf kwatha is nonhepatoprotective on thioacetamide-induced liver toxicity in rats at the given dose and dosage form.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Background: Prediabetes is a pathological condition that is characterized by an increase in sugar level within the normal limit and a diagnostic range of diabetes mellitus (DM). Timely untreated prediabetes turns into DM within a year and systemic complications occur, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, etc. During later stages of the disease, all systems of the body are affected. The management of prediabetes includes oral hypoglycemic drugs. Based on signs and symptoms, prediabetes can be correlated to the disease Prameha. Aim and Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of Darvyadi Kwatha (~herbal decoction) with lifestyle modification in prediabetes (Prameha).Materials and Methods: After the approval of Institutional Review Board, Independent Ethics Committee, and clinical trial registration in CTRI, 20 patients suffering with Prameha (~prediabetes) were registered in the clinical trial. Assessment criteria were: reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FBS), postprandial plasma glucose (PPBS), improvement in Agnibala (~strength of digestion and metabolism), Dehabala (~physical strength), and Satvabala (~mental strength), relief in signs and symptoms of prediabetes, and improvement in quality of life (SF-36 Score). Oral administration of Darvyadi Kwatha and lifestyle modification was given. Assessment was done on the 46th, 76th, 107th, and 120th day and Student paired t-test was used for analysis of data. Results: The outcomes showed a statistically highly significant reduction in assessment parameters (HBA1c [mean ± standard deviation [SD] before treatment [BT] 6.07 ± 0.26 and after treatment [AT] 5.78 ± 0.22] [<0.001], FBS [mean ± SD BT 116.6 ± 12.5 and AT 102.0 ± 0.8.1] [<0.001], and PPBS [mean ± SD BT 168.7 ± 19.7 and AT 118.6 ± 12.0] [<0.001]). Conclusion: This clinical study concludes that Ayurveda medicine (Darvyadi Kwatha and lifestyle modification) is effective in the treatment and prevention of prediabetes turning into DM.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Liver disease has become a matter of public health concern. The worldwide prevalence of liver disease is rapidly increasing due to changes in our cultural and lifestyle norms. Western medicine is known to have serious adverse effects in patients with liver disease. Ayurveda is enriched with various herbo-mineral formulations and their efficacy and safety in treating liver disease has been evidenced in various forms of research. This potential of Ayurveda formulation can be utilized to treat liver disease. The present review is aiming at summarizing a well-organized and comprehensive analysis of various clinical and cell line studies using Ayurveda hepato-protective drugs. Materials and Methods: A thorough search was conducted in online databases of Google Scholar and PubMed on Ayurveda and modern drugs acting in liver disorders. Studies meeting our selection criteria were included and evaluated. Observations and Results: Eighty-six relevant articles were found, of which 55 were used in this review. Conclusions: Ayurveda drugs have been used for centuries in liver diseases of varied etiology. In this systematic analysis, a detailed description of reviewed studies on hepato-protective plants clearly indicates the efficacy and safety of widely used medicinal drugs used in alleviating chronic liver disease and that have an enormous potential to protect the liver from oxidative injury. It is inferred from the study that Ayurveda formulations can be used to combat various liver diseases both safely and efficiently.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Elderly people are at a greater risk of developing COVID-19. They are facing the most challenges during the pandemic era because of preexisting medical conditions (such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, or neoplasm). As per the first longitudinal aging study (LASI) in India released by the Union Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on 6 January 2020, two out of every three senior citizens in India are suffering from some chronic diseases. Considering the fact that the elderly are at a higher risk of serious complications and mortality with COVID-19, dietotherapy and other regimenal therapy guidelines described by Unani physicians can possibly play a significant interventional role against COVID-19 by improving the general body condition. Aim of Study: The primary aim of this review paper is to organize all reliable literary resources in Unani medicine regarding geriatric care to make geriatric age groups safe and secure during this pandemic. Materials and Methods: This review study of geriatric care was carried out with the aid of the Unani classical textbooks and the research updates on geriatric care, aging, dietotherapy, and regimenal therapy that were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Observation and Results: The information given by Unani physicians in ancient times has proved to be very useful and authentic to overcome this pandemic. In today’s research, modern theories and inventions also validate and accept the relevance of all the recommendations or practices given by Unani physicians. Conclusion: This entire article focuses on the recommendations of Unani medicine for geriatric care. Dietotherapy and other regimenal therapy described in this article can possibly play a significant interventional role against COVID-19 by improving the general body condition.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]