Kashtartava (painful menstruation or dysmenorrhea) is one of the common gynecological disorders observed among women. It has been described as a symptom of various diseases such as Kukshishoola, Vatala yoni, Udavartini yonivyapada, etc. in Ayurvedic classics. It is characterized by a condition in which Artava (menstrual fluid) is shedded with great difficulty and pain. Acharya Charaka has specifically mentioned that none of the gynecological disorders can arise without the involvement of vitiated Vata dosha (a type of body humor). The pain produced in dysmenorrhea is due to vitiation of Vata dosha only or in combination with other Doshas, which is the result of Vatavriddhi (elevation in the Vata level) due to Apanavayu (type of Vata), margavarodha (obstruction of channel), etc. It has been reported that around 90% of adolescent females and above 50% of menstruating women worldwide reported suffering from it, with 10–20% of them describing their suffering as severe and distressing. Owing to these facts, various classical texts of Ayurveda have been reviewed and literature search was performed using the keywords “Kashtartava, Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual pain, Menstruation, Yoni vyapada (vaginal disorder)” in various online databases in order to collect the data regarding the same. It has been revealed that Dhatukshaya (depletion of body tissues), Kopa (aggravation of Doshas), and Margavarodha (obstruction of channel) are the three prime conditions which lead to the vitiation of Vata dosha resulting in dysmenorrhea. It can be managed with various Ayurvedic preparations such as Phala ghrita, Jeerakadi modak, Maharasnadi kwath, etc. Panchkarma (five therapeutic biodetoxification procedures) such as Shatavaryadi anuvasana basti and Baladi anuvasana basti is also proved to be beneficial along with Pathya ahara and Vihara (wholesome regulated diet and lifestyle).

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Background: Coconut oil is of two varieties: virgin and refined oil. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is made by cold-pressing the liquid from the fresh part of coconut meat. It has a milky appearance. This oil extraction method prevents the loss of vitamin E, pro-vitamin A, and polyphenols. It has various properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. Skin is the general structure of the body. It is the first line of protection against traumatic injuries and microorganisms. Aim: This review is focussed on the existing data on the effect of VCO on the skin. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for citations for keywords “virgin coconut oil and dermatology” and “virgin coconut oil and skin.” In search of the various databases, 13 articles were found on VCO related to skin. Result: Virgin coconut oil is used as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as skin protector, in Alzheimer’s disease, in wound healing and as moisturizer. Conclusion: From this review, it can be concluded that VCO is beneficial for various dermatological disorders. It is antifungal and antibacterial and also acts as an immunomodulator. It also has anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, wound-healing, and skin protective properties.

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Background: The worldwide prevalence of eczema ranges from 15% to 20%. The exact cause of eczema is unknown. The modern dermatology employs systemic and local administration of steroid for the management of eczema. Despite an initial response, maintenance therapies with the small dose of systemic and topical glucocorticoid usually produce hazardous ill effect. This study evaluates and compares the effect of both the systems of medicine to get safe and cost-effective treatment. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of Pama-Dadru-Vicharchikahar Lepa (PDVL) to mometasone furoate 0.1% in the treatment of Vicharchika. Materials and Methods: Patients who arrived to the OPD and IPD of the Department of Kayachikita, DMM Ayurved College, Yavatmal, possess Vicharchika’s classical signs and symptoms. In this study, 60 patients enrolled in two groups: 30 patients of group A treated with the local application of PDVL and similarly 30 patients of group B treated with the local application of mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment for 45 days with follow-up of 45 days. The data were compared: Wilcoxon signed rank test was used within each group, whereas the Mann–Whitney test was used between groups. Result: After 90 days of treatment with follow-up, it was found that in the trial group, PDVL, average % relief was 83.86%. In the control group, mometasone furoate 0.1%, average % relief was 79.69%. PDVL was found effective on % relief, safe, easy to administer, and cost-effective. Conclusion: The local application of PDVL is effective than mometasone furoate 0.1% in the management of Vicharchika to reduce Shyava Varna, whereas the local application of PDVL is not effective than mometasone furoate 0.1% topically in the management of Vicharchika to reduce Kandu, Pidika, Rukshata, Strava, Rajyo, Lohit Varna, Ruja, and Eczema Area And Severity Index score. CTRI Number: CTRI/2020/06/025982

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Introduction: Lifestyle disorders such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD), stroke, and cancer pose a great risk to mankind aggravating cardiovascular manifestations leading to increased morbidity and mortality in population. The major causes of such disorders include faulty lifestyle comprising of a variety of factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, use of tobacco and other narcotic substances, sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Ayurveda promotes the use of potent herbs or herbal combination for the mitigation of various disorders. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Willd. Miers. (.)) is one such herb widely used in Ayurveda in the preventive and treatment process of almost all the diseases. It is therefore also indicated for the purpose of prevention, management of lifestyle disorders, and the complications of the same. Materials and Methods: This review tries to focus on the applications of this multidimensional herb in the management of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, COPD, and cancer. The relevant research by the contemporary sciences on the subject along with classical Ayurveda text-based references and indications of Guduchi in related conditions according to Ayurveda is discussed in the article. Discussion: The literary review suggests that many research works have been conducted in this arena to prove the efficacy of this wonder herb, and its constituents are also mentioned to underline the evidences. The references from the Ayurveda texts also underline the multidimensional activity of Guduchi on different body Strotasa. Conclusion: The ancient treasure of knowledge coupled with the scientific validation supports the multidimensional activity of Guduchi.

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The concept of Samanya-Vishesha (similarity and dissimilarity) is one of the major ideologies of Ayurveda. These are widely described and implemented in Charaka Samhita and are mentioned under six factors required for the action of Dhatusamya (equilibrium) in the body. Many scholars face difficulty in understanding the meaning and implementation of these principles. Elementary knowledge and clear understanding of the fundamental principles is very necessary and of utmost importance for their practical implementation. So, it is mandatory to understand these principles in a descriptive manner. An effort has been made to comprehend Charaka Samhita in the light of Samanya-Vishesha Siddhanta in this study. The facts have been collected from Charaka Samhita along with Ayurvedadipika Sanskrita commentary and its Hindi and English translations. Indian philosophical texts have also been referred. The matter has been extensively explored, systematically organized followed by rational analysis. After exploration and analysis it was concluded that the systematic organization of Charaka Samhita, etiology, symptoms and treatment of the diseases are basically dependent on these principles.

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Amavatari Rasa (AR) is a well-known Kharaliya Rasayana that is frequently used in various diseases including Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis). AR has not been mentioned in Bruhattrayi and described by Rasendra Chintamani by Dhundhukanatha in 15^th century for the first time, and amended for many times till today. Because of its efficacy and demand in clinical settings, many pharmaceutical companies are preparing this formulation and easily available in the market. But it is important to know details of the medicines one using in their clinical practice. This study was planned to get thorough idea related to its composition, method of preparation, therapeutic uses, organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters through various references. Various Rasa classics having same ingredients of AR or having name as Vatari Rasa or AR with different ingredients were reviewed. Rasapanchaka (Ayurveda principles of drug action) and Dosha Karma (therapeutic action) of ingredients were compiled from Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Available published articles were searched through Research gate, J-gate, Google scholar, Dhara and Pubmed for its organoleptic and analytical parameters. It was found that AR has been described in 12 classical texts. Among these texts, AR has been mentioned by different names and ingredients in nine texts. Dose for AR is given as 6 Gunja (750 mg), whereas Vatari Rasa is given as 1 Karsha (12 g). Difference in Anupana (liquid to be taken along with medicine) was also found in Vatari Rasa and AR. Screening through various texts revealed that references related to AR are available in 12 texts with few modifications inferring its efficacy in mentioned diseases since many years. This work may prove a torch bearer for future research works on Amavatari Rasa.

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Introduction: Substitutes (Pratinidhi Dravya) is a known concept since Samhita period but became popular during 16th–17th century. Substitutes are important in the present scenario where the availability of raw drug is a big concern. The current available published data focuses on substitutes described by Bhavpraksha and Yogratnakara. But before these texts, commentators of Sharangdhara Samhita have explained Abhava Dravya under different formulations. No work has been done to highlight their contribution. Materials and Methods: A thorough review of entire Sharangdhara Samhita along with its two commentaries, i.e., Deepika and Gudhartha Deepika, has been done along with databases and published literature. Result and Conclusion: Through this review, a clear insight of the seers was observed in choosing substitutes by prioritizing the therapeutic profile of the drug or formulation.

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Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious hurdle seen in diabetic patients and major problem of visual impairment in developed nations. DR is essentially a microangiopathy affecting arterioles, venules, and capillaries of the retina. Recently, available treatments for DR have some obstacles; taking this into consideration best treatments from other streams are being searched. Materials and Methods: The present study is aimed to review research works carried out in Shalakya Department, Jamnagar. This study is planned to establish the effect of different Ayurvedic treatment protocols, viz., Panchakarma therapy like Nasya (use of medicated drugs through nostrils) and Virechana/Koshta Shodhana (therapeutic purgation) and ocular procedures (Netra Kriya Kalpa) like Takra Shirodhara (pouring of medicine-mixed buttermilk to the head) and Takra Shirolepa (application of buttermilk-mixed paste to the head) in DR. The numbers of patients in trials 1, 2, and 3 are 33, 46, and 100, respectively. Duration of treatment in trials 1 and 2 was 2 months and in trial 3 it was 3 months. Follow-up in all the trials was 1 month. Results: These treatment protocols were found to be significantly effective and safe. During the treatment and follow-up period, no any adverse drug reactions were reported. Conclusion: It can be said that selected intervention was found to be safe, having appreciative, effective, and helpful results for DR as a conventional treatment protocol and other choice of treatment for patients’ better quality of life.

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Background: Vicharchika is a type of skin disorder; as per our ancient Acharyas, all skin disorders are described under Kushtha, which is further divided into two subcategories MahaKushtha and KshudraKushtha. Vicharchika is one of the types of KshudraKushtha as mentioned in Ayurveda texts. The clinical presentation of Vicharchika is similar to that of atopic dermatitis. Aim: As modern system of medicines is no safe and permanent solution, Ayurveda provides a wide range of treatment protocols such as Shamana (medication of disease), Shodhana (purification), and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies. In this single case study, Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment was used to understand its effectiveness and safety. Materials and Methods: The patient was given treatment for a period of 15 days along with a follow-up period of 15 days. The treatment protocol included DeepanaPachana, Snehpana, Sarvanga Abhyanga, SarvangaBaspaSwedana followed by Virechana (purgation therapy) through NimbamruthadiErandaTaila, Triphala, and TrivrutChurna.Results: A significant improvement was seen in all assessment criteria, i.e., Eczema Area and Severity Scale, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, and Ayurveda Signs and Symptoms. An average improvement of 86.87%was recorded in all assessment criteria. Conclusion: Ayurveda Panchakarma procedures have immense potential even in chronic cases and can be used as a treatment plan for skin disorders. Considering the chronicity of the case and substantial improvement found, this case was worth sharing with scientific domain for betterment of science.

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Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease that comes about mostly in adolescent. It is identified by both inflammatory (papules, pustules, and nodules) and noninflammatory (comedones, open and closed) lesions. In the Ayurvedic classics, Mukhadushika is mentioned under Kshudra Rogas, which is declared that it transpires in young age, and its signs and symptoms are similar to those of acne vulgaris. In the Ayurvedic classics, Mukhadushika is mentioned under Kshudra Rogas, which is stated that it occurs in young age and its manifestations are similar to those of acne vulgaris. In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that Mukhadushika occurs due to the vitiation of Vata, Kapha, and Rakta having the Shalmali thorn like thick or hard painful eruptions, which are impregnated with Meda. Vamana karma is indicated for the treatment of Mukhadushika. This is a single case study on the effective management of Mukhadushika. Treatments included are Deepana, Pachana with Chitrakadi Vati and Musta Choorna, Shodhananga Snehapana with Tiktak Ghrita and Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis) with Madanphala Yoga. After the completion of Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis), a significant relief in signs and symptoms of Mukhadushika was observed. On the account of result acquired, it can be deduced that Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis) with Madanphala Yoga can be used as an effective treatment for Mukhadushika and improve the quality of life in the patients of Mukhadushika.

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