Xerosis of the foot can lead to cracks in plantar surface with discomfort, pain, and predisposition to infection. This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of Amarantha footcare cream (AFC) in subjects suffering from cracked heels (xerosis of feet). A total of 79 subjects (26 in AFC group, 26 in marketed cracked heal cream [MCHC] group, and 27 in Amarantha wound healing cream [AWHC] group) were completed the study. All trial subjects were advised to apply sufficient quantity of given creams, twice daily for 28 days or till complete clearance of the cracked heel, whichever was earlier. Study subjects were called for follow-up visits on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Clinical trial registry of India registration number is CTRI/2020/11/028829. The mean days required for complete healing of cracked heel were 16.69, 22.96, and 25.74 in AFC, MCHC, and AWHC groups respectively. The mean xerosis score was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in AFC group than other groups from baseline to end of study. Overall clinical cutaneous score was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in AFC group as compared to other two groups on day 7, 14 and 21. AFC group showed overall very much improvement than other two groups at the end of the study. Few adverse events were reported; however, none was related to study drugs. AFC is safe and effective for the treatment of cracked heels (planter xerosis).

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Background: Ayurveda is age-old medical system, practiced in India. Ayurveda medicines are being prepared from natural sources like herbs, animal products, and minerals. Ancient Ayurveda scholars have mentioned various pharmaceutical procedures to make it bioavailable. They also mentioned about various parameters to control the quality and standardize those formulations. But due to globalization and industrialization, it is need of the time to produce medicines in larger scale and to evaluate its quality with currently available tools for the global acceptance of Ayurveda. Gandhakadi Yoga Vati is an herbo-mineral formulation used as an adjuvant in the management of Thalassemia Major. Till date quality data of this formulation is not been evaluated. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the Gandhakadi Yoga Vati through pharmacognostically and physicochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: In this analytical study, preauthenticated raw drugs were procured from pharmacy, ITRA, Jamnagar. Drug was prepared at RSBK department and pharmacy, ITRA, Jamnagar. Organoleptic parameters and microscopic analysis of Vati were done at pharmacognosy department, ITRA. Physicochemical analysis and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were carried out at pharmaceutical laboratory, ITRA. Results: Microscopic characteristics of Gandhakadi Yoga Vati showed simple trichome, starch grain, epidermal cells, fibers, parenchymal cell of Agastya Patra (Sesbenia grandiflora Linn.), pitted stone cells, lignified stone cell, trichome, tanin content, prismatic crystal, brown content, spool cells of Vidanga (Embelia ribes Burm.f.), and black debris of Gandhaka. In physicochemical analysis, Ash value was 8.64%w/w, loss on drying was 0.85%w/w, pH was 6.4, acid-insoluble ash value was 2.49% w/w alcohol-soluble extractive was 14.9%w/w, and water-soluble extractive was 5.09%w/w. HPTLC study showed 06 and 07 peaks at 254 and 366 nm wave lengths, respectively. Conclusion: This study generated preliminary data on pharmacognostical, physicochemical parameters, and HPTLC of Gandhakadi Yoga Vati. These fingerprinting can be useful for future researchers to reproduce this formulation.

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The term “Prameha” denotes a wide variety of diseases, among which diabetes is the most widely used one. There are several regional variations in the pieces of knowledge and practices about Prameha. This article compiles the contributions of Kerala’s Ayurvedic textbooks in the diagnosis and management of Prameha and their relevance in the current scenario for their availability and evidence to substantiate their effectiveness. Textbooks written by physicians of Kerala were screened for eligibility (relevant contributions in Prameha). Eleven texts were found eligible and scrutinized. The diagnostic and therapeutic contributions were categorized, and the therapeutic contributions were searched on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for supporting evidence. The 128 contributions obtained were as follows: diagnostic: etiological factors (1), clinical features (4), and diagnoses (3); and therapeutic: lines of management (8), pharmacological interventions (50), nonpharmacological interventions (7), procedures (15), and diet and regimen modifications (40). All single drugs and six formulations were available, and supporting evidence was available for 13 drugs mentioned and two proprietary medicines containing these drugs. The contributions have raw material availability and preclinical evidence. Further research and availability of these are to be ensured for these leads to be useful in managing Prameha on larger scale.

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Background: Yogic breathing (i.e., pranayama) and meditation techniques (YBMT) are the most important parts of yoga. Regular practice of yoga has shown to improve pulmonary functions in healthy as well as in people with pulmonary diseases. However, studies on effectiveness of YBMT alone on lung function are lacking. Aims: To evaluate the short-term effect of YBMT on peak expiratory flow rate in healthy individuals. Settings and Design: A pilot randomized controlled study was done in a medical college hospital located in South India. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy individuals were randomly allocated to either a study group or a control group. Study group practiced YBMT for 10 min/day for 2 weeks, while the control group was under their normal routine. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was assessed before and after 2 weeks of intervention. Statistical Analysis: Independent t test and paired t test were conducted to compare the means of inter groups and intra-groups using SPSS, version 16. Results: A significant increase in PEFR was observed in the study group (P < 0.001), unlike the control group (P = 0.588). Moreover, a significant increase in PEFR was observed in the study group (P = 0.047) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Results suggest that YBMT might be useful in improving PEFR in healthy individuals.

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Ischemic heart disease (IHD) or commonly known as coronary heart disease is considered as of the important cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. This condition affects both the structure and function of heart muscle. Its prevalence should be considered since the advent of human life as even classical texts of Ayurveda have given ample emphasis on physiology and pathology of Hridroga (heart diseases). This is thus a topic of interest for the cardiologists, Ayurveda physicians, and general physicians. In order to cope with the transformations in the field of medicine, especially critical care, one must be well versed with the recent advances especially concerning this critical field of cardiology. The available classical literature regarding Hridroga and contemporary literature pertaining to IHD is reviewed in the present study with the help of robust search of different databases, published scientific works to present solid knowledge foundation for effective diagnosis, management, and research opportunities concerning filed of cardiology. The advances concerning the different clinical and preclinical trials on interventional drugs in treatment of IHD along with the different observational and exploratory studies done to understand the pathophysiology of Hridroga are highlighted in this article. Encouraging findings were achieved by the means of a thorough review put forth in the article which elaborates to highlight the recent advances in the research, diagnosis, management, and prevention of IHD in terms of both Ayurvedic and contemporary approaches.

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Background: Chromatographic fingerprinting of herbal formulations is a useful tool for explaining the scientific background and to develop a more targeted treatment methodology. Thus, this study has undertaken to report the characteristic parameters of chitraka granthikadi kashaya an ayurvedic polyherbal formulation to validate its quality. Materials and Methods: The root of Shodhita (purified) Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica L.) and Eranda (Ricinus communis L.), dried rhizome of Shunti (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.), fruit of Pippali (Piper longum L.), and Saindhava lavana (Rock salt) were the ingredients of chitraka granthikadi kashaya. The Kwatha (medicated decoction) was prepared and evaluated for its phytochemical parameters and thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatography parameters in accordance with the standard methods. Results: The phytochemical screening, GC–MS study, and TLC of the formulation reported the presence of 13 potential bioactive compounds. The action of these compounds based on the available literature has given a close similarity with the therapeutic action of the formulation. Conclusion: The presence of 13 bioactive compounds was found in this formulation with different peak values. Major compounds present are piperine, B-sitosterol, geranyl isovalarate, hexacosane, etc. Few compounds were very minimal and even no sufficient literature data available for them.

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Introduction: Among the quarter of medical management, the drug is placed next to the physician in the chronology of importance. Chirabilva [Holoptelia integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch] is one of the best drugs, which can use internally and externally in many diseases. It is described right from the time of Charak Samhita and had a wide range of therapeutic effects. Many formulations are indicated in Gulma, Arsha, Prameha, Shoola, Grahani, Kandu, Kushtha, and Jwara. Also, in Bhavprakash it is indicated in the treatment of Vami, Pitta Arsha, Krumi, Kushtha, and Prameh.Aim: The aim of this work was to study the Ayurveda literature to collect information regarding the internal therapeutic uses of Chirabilva (Holopteliaintegrifolia Planch). Materials and Methods: A literature review of Chirabilva from Charak Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Bharat Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Yoga Ratnakara, Gada Nigraha, and other relevant literature, and various database regarding various formulations, dosage form, indications, and useful parts. Observation and Result: During the literature review, reviewed total 309 formulations, like, Mahatiktak Ghrita, Dhanvantar Ghrita, Putikadhya Ghrita, Kalyanaka Lavana, Himsradhya Ghrita, Abhaya Lavana, Chirbilvadi Kwatha, Chirbilvadhya Churna, Panchamrut Parpati, etc. in 20 different dosage forms of Chirabilva were cited to be recommended in 19 diseases which are Gulma, Arsha, Prameha, Shoola, Grahani, Kandu, Kushtha, Jwara, Pandu, Sotha, Krimi, Swasa, Apasmara, Unmada, Graha Roga, etc. Conclusion: Chirabilva is cited in 19 diseases in 20 different dosage forms. It is mainly indicated in Gulma Roga, Arsha Roga, and Shoola. Based on the outcome of this literature review, new formulations and dosage forms can be developed using this abundantly available medicinal plant.

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