Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences

BACKGROUND Millets are an inexpensive grain that contains many major and minor nutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, and dietary fibers. As millets are rich in carbohydrates, and carbohydrates tend to be a great prebiotic source for the proliferation of gut microbes (probiotics), this study was designed to evaluate the prebiotic potential of millets. Millets used in this study include pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L.), finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L.), sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.), and foxtail millet ( Setaria italica L.). METHODS The prebiotic activity was performed by using them as a sole carbon source in De Man–Rogosa–Sharpe agar media with probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum [Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 1407], Lactobacillus paracasei (Microbial Culture Collection 4490), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC 1408), and Saccharomyces boulardii . Millets were ground into a fine powder with the grinder, and the powder was used as a carbon source in media for cultivating microorganisms under anaerobic conditions maintained in an anaerobic jar at 37°C. RESULTS The results revealed that the growth of all microorganisms was confluent on their respective Petri plates under anaerobic conditions as observed on positive control plates. When these selected millets powder were mixed in the same ratio and used as a carbon source to check prebiotic activity, the results showed similar trends as observed with individual millets. CONCLUSION The study concludes that whole grain millets showed prebiotic activity and thus can be recognized as an essential prebiotic nutritious food. These millets may support the growth of the population of healthy gut microbes, thus playing an important role in promoting digestion. Further, in-vivo and clinical validation is necessary to establish the prebiotic potential of these millets leading to the development of millets based ayurvedic prebiotic formulations.

Black rice, a well-known grain for its anthocyanin-rich pigmentation and nutritional benefits, has gained significant attention in scientific research. Anthocyanins, flavonoid pigments responsible for the distinctive coloration of black rice, offer potent antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Extraction and chromatographic techniques play pivotal roles in isolating and analyzing these valuable compounds. This review comprehensively examines the extraction methodologies, encompassing traditional solvent extraction and advanced techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction. In addition, chromatographic techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), and preparative HPLC (Prep-HPLC) are demonstrated in detail for precise identification and quantification of anthocyanins in black rice.

The study's objective is to conduct a comprehensive systematic review for assessing the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in managing hemiplegia/Pakshaghata. The study involved a search across multiple online databases and online clinical trial registries. Additionally, major Ayurveda postgraduate institutes were contacted to acquire unpublished trial data related to hemiplegia/Pakshaghata. The review covered articles published until July 2023. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The risk of bias assessment utilised the RoB 2 tool for randomised trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomised trials. The screening process identified 28 articles from online databases and two dissertations from online repositories. However, practical challenges prevented access to grey literature from Ayurveda institutes. The 30 studies selected for this review, comprises nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs), eight non-randomised comparative trials, and thirteen pre-post studies. Quantitative analysis was unfeasible due to inadequate studies, leading to a qualitative analysis. All studies, except one, exhibited substantial bias upon risk of bias assessment. Moreover, most studies demonstrated methodological weaknesses attributed to a lack of masking, improper sampling techniques, non-validated outcome measurement tools, inadequate follow-up procedures, and confounding factors. The trials frequently did not document safety parameters, adverse events (AE), and adverse drug reactions (ADR). Current review could not definitively establish the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions in hemiplegia/Pakshaghata. Hence, the authors strongly advocate for good quality research incorporating proper methodology.

A bstract Background Karnataka has a rich heritage of various dynasties, such as the Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empires. Karnataka’s landscape is a repository of historical records encompassing political, religious, and medical aspects. This study explores specific inscriptions spanning from 485 to 1746 ad mentions 10 Āyurveda physicians, namely Vaidya Nīlakanṭa , Vaidya Vijayapaṇḍita , Vaidya Kannapa , Vaidya Padmānandi Muninātha , Vaidya Acyuta Vīrēndra Sikyapa , Vaidya Dēvīpillēyana , Vaidya Īśvara , Vaidya Virupakṣārya , Vaidya Lakṣmīdhara , Vaidya Śrīdhara , and Vaidya Lingayyā of Karnataka, shedding light on their roles in governance, contributions to society, and the recognition bestowed upon them by royalty. These inscriptions provide invaluable insights into the traditional healing practices, medicinal knowledge, and the societal significance of Āyurveda physicians in ancient Karnataka. Materials and Methods An extensive review of historical records about 485–1746 ad from the Archaeological Survey of India, including volumes on epigraphy such as Epigraphia Carnatica, Epigraphia Indica, Karnataka inscriptions, and South Indian Inscriptions was conducted by the team of Showcase of Ayurvedic Historical Imprints (SAHI), an Intra-Mural Research Project undertaken by the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences to identify and elaborate the medical inscriptions. A dual digital and physical search approach was employed to extensively explore online records and books. Tours were organized to visit and collect photographs, estampages, and replicas of the identified medical inscriptions. This methodology faced limitations such as potential biases in historical records, interpretive challenges due to evolving languages and incomplete inscriptions, and discrepancies between digital and physical records. With the help of epigraphists and language experts, the extracted information was meticulously studied to avoid such biases, and relevant findings were uploaded onto the SAHI portal, which provided a platform to showcase the project’s outcomes and contribute to understanding historical medical practices in the region. Results and Discussion Several great dynasties have ruled over Karnataka and have significantly contributed to the history, culture, and development of Karnataka and the entire Indian subcontinent. A total of 42 medical inscriptions were found in Karnataka, among which 10 inscriptions related to Āyurveda physicians are discussed in this study. Conclusion This study is an effort to put together the Āyurveda heritage of Karnataka by highlighting and evidencing the history of Āyurveda and its development.

A bstract Tamil Nadu, a state in India renowned for its profound cultural heritage, is home to a wealth of inscriptions that provide invaluable glimpses into diverse facets of its historical, cultural, and medical heritage. Most prominently etched upon the walls of temples, these inscriptions serve as invaluable repositories of information, offering profound insights into the socio-political, religious, and medical dimensions of ancient Tamil society. This article embarks on a captivating journey through the temple inscriptions of Tamil Nadu, with a special focus on the Maccapurīsvarar and Akṉīsvarar Temples, which reference Ātulacālai (hospitals). Additionally, we will explore the inscriptions of the Pirakatīsvarar and Tirukkoṭīsvarar temples, highlighting their generous Vaittiyavritti (land grants to physicians). These inscriptions highlight the Coḻa dynasty’s commitment to healthcare through the allocation of resources such as land and tax exemptions for medical facilities. These findings offer valuable insights into the societal, cultural, and religious importance of healthcare in ancient Tamil Nadu, showcasing how healthcare was intricately woven into the fabric of community and spirituality.

Background & objectives A 2.5-year placebo controlled double blind trial was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of AYUSH- SL, a poly- herbal Ayurvedic formulation on filarial lymphedema in different endemic areas of India. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by parasitic nematodes from Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi , or B. timori that are transmitted through mosquitoes. In Ayurveda, LF has been elaborately narrated under the heading Shlipada, and the literature also includes detailed therapeutic measures. Methods The multicenter, prospective, parallel group interventional study of a total of 180 participants were recruited within the duration through competitive enrollment. Diagnosed cases of grade I and grade II filarial lymphedema of Grade I and Grade II (lower extremities) were included in the trial. The study group was treated with MDA and AYUSH-SL or its placebo tablet. Results The control group had received MDA and a matching placebo. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in edema calculated for analysis by percentage reduction from baseline at the 4th, 12th and 24th week. Secondary outcome measures included improved quality of life (QoL), which was assessed using the Lymphatic Filariasis Specific QoL Questionnaire, and prevention of recurrence of acute episodes, which was evaluated by investigating the presence and severity of episodes in the past 4 weeks. The water displacement method for the evaluation of the efficacy of the intervention was shown to be highly significant compared to the baseline value (right leg; 3071.60 ± 970.482, 2828.40±829.339, p<0.001and Left leg; 3158.69 ± 1136.391, 2890.73 ±1077.475, p<0.001). Interpretation & conclusion There was significant improvement of Quality of Life in the LF QoL Questionnaire (p <0.001) at each follow-up visit in both groups. Safety estimations on hematologic and biochemical parameters were within limits and or changes were not significant. The results revealed that AYUSH- SL is safe and effective for FL due to its comprehensive anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic activities.

In present study Wedelolactone (WL) was identified from successive extracts of whole plant Eclipta prostrate (L.) L. using HPTLC, optimised extraction/isolation method and confirmed WL structure. Extraction, isolation and identification was performed though cold-percolation method, column chromatography and TLC, respectively WL was found abundantly in ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts at UV254 & 366nm, respectively at RF0.42 by using toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (6:3.5:0.5, v/v/v). In the Method IV got a pure pale green crystals (0.138g, % yield of 0.23) was adopted. Isolated compound verified by TLC and the structure confirmed by various spectroscopic tools. The study proposed high efficiency extraction-isolation method for WL, which could enhance the efficacy for identification of E. prostrate, studying such coumestan in extracts and herbal formulations. Study potentially aiding in developing advance anti-cancer and hepatoprotective dosages and quality control

Chronobiology pertains to the examination of biological rhythms. The phenotypic manifestation of the internal clock is referred to as chronotype. Currently, there exists a limited number of studies linking biomolecules and pathways to specific chronotypes. Metabolites, possess great versatility, and are crucial in defining the phenotype of an organism. Therefore, it would be of clinical significance to establish an association between the metabolite signature and chronotype. In our investigation, we conducted an analysis of the chronotypes of eight healthy volunteers using a validated ICER chronotype questionnaire, which is an adapted version of the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). By employing rapid resolution liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS) on serum samples from these volunteers, a comprehensive and unbiased profiling of metabolites was conducted to evaluate the signature metabolites and molecular pathways. Interestingly, the metabolic pathways of Purine, Glycerophospholipid, and Thiamine were noticed to be particularly prominent. Remarkable marker metabolites associated with morning and intermediate chronotypes included Thiamine triphosphate, Deoxyuridine, Cyclic GMP, Epinephrine, Glycocholic Acid, Adenosine triphosphate, Phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate, lysophospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidic acid. When analyzed in the intermediate and morning group, Adenosine triphosphate and glycoholic acid were found to be downregulated, while Phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate was upregulated. Our omics analysis clearly demonstrated a distinct differentiation between chronotypes based on their metabolism and associated pathways. Consequently, this offers a potential tool for the identification and characterization of marker compounds to assign chronotypes, thereby facilitating the incorporation of chronotherapy in disease diagnosis.

BACKGROUND Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The district’s varied habitats create a multitude of niches for plant species to thrive, resulting in a rich array of flora that includes endemic, rare, endangered, and economically important medicinal plants. The purpose of the present study was to explore and document the medicinal plant diversity in the specific area of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya. METHODS For the exploration, the Medico Ethno-Botanical Survey (MEBS) team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, surveyed reserve forest ranges and nearby forest areas of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, following the guidelines of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi. RESULTS The study documented a total of 184 vascular plant species belonging to 161 genera in 72 families. Among all the collections, angiospermic families were dominant, comprising 65 of the total number. The family Fabaceae represented the highest number of plants (19), while the genus Solanum exhibited the highest number of species (6). Herbs accounted for the majority (51%) of the plants’ habits compared to other plant habits. The enlisted plants were cross-verified with Ayurvedic texts, revealing that 67 plant species were indexed in the Ayurvedic literature with their therapeutic effect, disease indication, and respective formulations. The IUCN status of the explored plants was also evaluated and presented in tabulated form. CONCLUSION The floristic studies conducted in the study area provided valuable insights into the botanical wealth and species richness of the region, including medicinal plants of ayurvedic importance. The results and findings of this study can serve as baseline data for future research in the fields of ecological habitat analysis, phytochemical analysis, conservation, and cultivation of medicinal plants.

Background Tinospora cordifolia (TC), commonly referred to as Guduchi, holds a prominent position in the Indian traditional system of medicine and has been cited in Ayurvedic literature for its efficacy in the treatment of a range of ailments, including jaundice, urinary issues, diabetes, prolonged diarrhea, skin conditions, stomachaches, and dysentery. Methods The present study analyzed the content of phytochemical markers present in the stems of TC collected from five distinct geographical locations (TC-01 to TC-05) and assessed the corresponding variations in their in-vitro antioxidant potential. Results Lupeol content in various samples of TC varied from 217.9 to 510.9 μg/mg, while palmatine ranged from 0.002% to 0.025%. Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 0.77 to 6.35 mg GAE/g wt., and total flavonoid content (TFC) from 12.15 to 20.03 mg QCE/g wt., with IC50 values between 21.02 and 81.81 mg/mL. Elemental analysis of TC-01 to TC-05 showed significant essential elements and permissible levels of heavy metals. A shelf-life study of TC samples indicated stability beyond three years. Conclusion The considerable diversity in phytochemical content and antioxidant values underscores the substantial influence of geographical variation on the therapeutic potential of TC.

From a passionate Ayurveda scholar to a torchbearer, Padma Shri Dr. K. Rajagopalan has dedicated his life to teaching, preaching, and practicing Ayurveda in his distinctive style. After studying both Ayurveda (DAM) and allopathy (MBBS), he chose to be an Ayurvedic physician following his family tradition. He upheld the science of Ayurveda, claiming it to be potent enough to become the medicine of the future. Besides being an enthusiastic clinician, he was actively associated with various Ayurveda organizations and research programs. The rectitude and resolve behind this remarkable pioneer of Ayurveda is of more consequence, which highlights the major transformations in Ayurveda medical education. He is worthy of admiration, more so for his pivotal role in the formation of the Central Council of Indian Medicine, a statutory body for Ayurveda medical education. He also provided academic and clinical guidance to many of the scholars and physicians of Ayurveda. Among many other prestigious awards and honors accorded him, Dr. K. Rajagopalan received the “Padma Shri,” one of India’s most distinguished civilian awards, in 2003 in recognition of his valuable contributions to Ayurveda. While staying true to the traditions and tenets of Ayurveda, his exemplary accomplishments will be remembered by generations of Ayurveda practitioners all over Kerala.