Ashok Bk

• Research Officer at Himalaya Drug Company

A nutritional supplement FFD‐002 composed of micronutrients, macronutrients, and herbal actives was formulated with ingredients known for therapeutic effect in diabetes management. The study evaluated the effect of supplementing FFD‐002 on diabetes and related complications. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by administering a single dose of stre...

Balachaturbhadra churna (BCBC) is an extensively used poly-herbal formulation of Ayurveda for pediatrics disorders. It is indicated for respiratory disorders, fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. It is practiced as a potent immune enhancer in children. The present study was undertaken to evaluate immunomodulatory activity of BCBC to validate the classic...

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is potentially a serious adverse effect of the currently used antitubercular chemotherapeutic regimens containing isoniazid (INH), rifampicin and pyrazinamide. The present study revealed administration of antitubercular drug regimen leads to increase in the level of SGPT, SGOT and bilirubin indicating considerable hepato...

Nelsonia canescens (Lam).Spreng. from Acanthaceae family is traditionally known as Bada-rasna in the western part of Odisha, India. Ethnic people use root of this plant for its anti-inflammatory properties in the name of Rasna, a well known Ayurvedic analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. Hence, present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-inflamma...

Introduction: Arthritis is the most common cause of disability, limiting the activities of adults throughout the world. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long-term usage...

Ayurvedic formulations containing Vatsanabha (aconite) as a main ingredient are in lime light now days due to increased importance of pharmacovigilance. Tribhuvanakirti Rasa (TKR) is amongst these formulations and is used widely for the treatment of various fevers. In spite of the therapeutic importance of Vatsanabha, there is great controversy ove...

Disorders like hyperacidity and gastric ulcers are found very frequently now days because of a faulty lifestyle. Starches (Satwa) obtained from the rhizomes of two plants namely, Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Fam. Zingiberaceae) and Maranta arundinacea Linn. (Fam. Marantaceae) are used in folklore practice, as Tugaksheeree, for the treatment of the a...

Plants occupy an important place in folk medicine all over the world for centuries and indigenous communities have developed their own specific knowledge on plant resources, uses, management, and conservation. Research interest and activities in the area of ethno medicine have increased tremendously in the last decade. Currently, scientists are evi...

Vitamin K occurs widely in foods and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, as well as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiosteoporosis properties. A previous study indicates that long-chain menaquinone-7 may be more bioavailable than vitamin K and short-chain menaquinones. In the present study, acute, subacute...

Diabetes mellitus is a persistent health problem that requires innovative strategies to improve health and needs a multifactorial approach for the treatment. Saptarangyadi Ghanavati, a formulated Ayurvedic compound consists of herbs with anti-diabetic potential. To evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities of Saptarangydi Ghanavati...

The aim of the study was to find out the immunomodulatory effect on humoral anti-body formation of Vyaghriharitaki avaleha (VHA). Standard procedure of Doherty (1981) was followed. Wister strain albino rats of either sex weighing between 160-240 g were selected and divided into 3 groups. First group received tap water serving as the normal control....

INTRODUCTION Diabetes affects 25.8 million people of all ages, amongst them18.8 million people are diagnosed and 7.0 million people are undiagnosed worldwide 1 . Approximately 4% population worldwide suffering from diabetes is expected to increase by 5.4% in 2025 2 . According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, India today heads the wor...

The present study was carried out to evaluate immuno-modulatory activity of Triguna Makaradhwaja for humoral antibody formation and cell mediated immunity in established experimental models. Study was carried out in Wistar strain albino rats of either sex and test drug was administered orally at a dose of 3.15 mg/kg along with Guduchi Ghana and hon...

Background: In the present era, because of the life-style, the disorders such as hyperacidity and gastric ulcers are found very frequently. Satwa (starch) obtained from the rhizomes of two plants namely Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. and Maranta arundinacea Linn. are used in folklore practice for the treatment of above complaints under the name Tugaksh...

Over the centuries, herbs have served as a major source of medicines for prevention and treatment of diseases including diabetes mellitus. These herbs are getting more importance around the globe and many studies have provided safety and efficacy of such herbal drugs in different condition. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers) is reported...

Ipomoea sepiaria Koenig Ex. Roxb is considered to be one of the source plants of the classical herb Lakshmana. In folklore, the herb is well known for its laxative activity. This plant belongs to Convolvulaceae family. It is observed that the plants of this family especially the species of Ipomoea are rich in purgative resins. The present experimen...

The use of metals in traditional medicines is very often seen as matter of concern these days, especially the Bhasma preparations which are always under stringent observations for containing highly reactive inorganic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others. One of the Bhasma extensively used in routine Ayurvedic practice is Tamra (copper...

Wound and healing are the two sides of the surgical coin, on which an expert surgeon has to play his role very sincerely. Proper healing of wounds is essential for the restoration of anatomical continuity and disturbed functional status of the skin. A group of herbs having healing property were combined and a ghee based herbal formulation called “J...

Lepidium sativum Linn. (Chandrashura) of Family Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) is being used by the people of Gujarat for treating inflammatory condition like arthritis. To evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity, Charles Foster albino rats were selected and experiments were carried out in three groups, therapeutic dose group, twice of therapeutic dose...

Lekhana Basti (medicated enema) is a Tikshna formulation which is basically aimed for Apatarpana of the body. The present study (medicated enema) was undertaken to evaluate its anti-hyperlipidemic activity in diet-induced hyperlipidemia animals. Parameters like changes in body weight, organ weight, serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum...

Present study was undertaken to evaluate analgesic activity of root of Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng, a folklore medicinal plant used as the one of the source plant of Rasna. Study was carried out at two dose levels (270 mg/kg and 540 mg/kg) in albino rats. Analgesic activity was evaluated in formalin induced paw licking, and tail flick methods...

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder, characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Ayurvedic herbs are relatively low cost, more suitable and have negligible side-effects than synthetic oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents. Guduchi is reported as highly potent anti-diabetic...

Distress is one of the most dangerous epidemics having potential to cause severe somatic and psychiatric disorders. Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy) drugs in Ayurveda can be an answer to prevent stress induced disorders. Rasayana powder, an Ayurvedic formulation, is used for health promoting and anti-ageing benefits. The present study was conducted...

The present study was undertaken to investigate diuretic effect of root of Linaria ramosissima (Wall.), Scrophulariaceae, a folklore plant, in albino rats. Suspension of root powder in 2% gum acacia was administered to experimental rats orally at doses of 450mg/kg. The diuretic effect was evaluated by measuring urine volume, pH of urine and urinary...

INTRODUCTION Assessment of status of the equilibrium in Dosha, Dhatu and Mala is of great importance for disease management in Ayurveda. Equilibrium of these factors is considered as very essential for maintaining a healthy status in an individual. Therefore to overcome the diseased condition and to prevent it, use of both drug and diet has been re...

The rhizomes of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India has advocated Shodhana (Purification) procedure to be done prior to its use. Hence in the present study comparative oral acute toxicity of raw and classically processed Vacha rhizome was undertake...

Effect of Euphorbia fusiformis Buch.-Ham. ex. D. Don root powder on intestinal transit time was carried out after standardizing the kaolin expulsion test by administering 40% kaolin to overnight fasted Swiss albino mice. Evaluation on intestinal transit time was carried out by using this standard procedure by administering the drug at 130 mg/kg and...

In Ayurveda, metals are converted into Bhasmas for internal consumption by processing them through various processes like Shodhana (purification and/or detoxification), Marana (incineration), etc. and then used in the treatment of various diseases. These procedures not only decrease the possible harmful effects of metals but also said to increase t...

Linaria ramosissima (Wall.) Janch., Scrophulariaceae, a folklore plant, has been claimed for its diuretic activities by traditional practitioners. The present study was undertaken to investigate the diuretic activity of L. ramosissima leaves in albino rats. Suspension of leaf powder in 2% gum acacia was administered to experimental rats orally at d...

Ayurvedic system of medicine holds a number of drugs that improves the immunity. Āmalaki (Emblica officinalis) is one such drug. Researches with crude extracts of Āmalaki have proven the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. But, works on Āmalaki Rasāyana are not found reported. Considering this, two samples of Āmalaki Rasāyana (AR7 and AR21...

Medicinal plants play an important role not only as traditional medicine but also as trade commodities. With depleting natural resources, cultivation of medicinal plants has become the need of the hour to meet the growing demand of herbal drug requirement in the field of medicine. But using chemicals in the form of pesticide and fertilizers may hav...

Population in an industrialized world is afflicted by urinary stone disease. Kidney stones are common in all kinds of urolithiasis. One distinguished formulation mentioned by Sushruta for management of Ashmari (urolithiasis) is Pashanabhedadi Ghrita (PBG), which is in clinical practice since centuries. Validation of drug is the requirement of time...

Ghrita (ghee) is the foremost substance of Indian cuisine from centuries. Ayurvedic classics described eight kinds of ghee from eight different animal milk, among them ghee made from cow milk is said to be the superior and ghee of ewe milk is said to be the inferior and also detrimental to heart. The present study was undertaken to evaluate chronic...

Haritaki is praised as the best salutary drug which can be used in almost all ages of human life and is reputed for its Anulomana property. In Ayurveda, it has been mentioned that fruits of Haritaki when used in different forms give different type of actions. As the prime therapeutic utility of Haritaki is Anulomana, in the present study, two dosag...

Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.), an important and extensively used medicinal plant is advised to be internally administered after Shodhana by Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. With lack of reported data and quoted only by classical text Chakradatta, it has become an important and inquisitive subject to be scientifically evaluated. Hence in the present...

Ayurveda advocates Shodhana (Purificatory procedures) for poisonous substances to render it safe and effective for therapeutics. But mentioning of Shodhana for a non poisonous plant like Vacha is a matter of great curiosity with regards to the purpose of Shodhana. In this review an attempt has been made to analyse the concept and relevance of Vacha...

The present study has beenundertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of two varieties of Pippali in acute and sub-acute experimental models of inflammation in albino rats. Four different market samples of each variety of Pippali were procured from different regions of India. The samples collected from South India which have given more ex...

Ashwagandharishta, an Ayurvedic classical formulation, is the remedy for Apasmara (epilepsy), Murchha (syncope), Unmada (psychosis), etc. Recent studies in animal models have shown that n-3 PUFAs can raise the threshold of epileptic seizures. The indigenous medicinal plant, called Atasi (Linum usitatissimum Linn.) in Ayurveda, or flax seed, is the...

The rhizome of Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as epilepsy, headache, eye disorders, insomnia, loss of memory, etc. Previous studies demonstrated that Vacha rhizome is having significant anticonvulsant activity against various induced seizures models in experimental animals. Ayu...

The present study was undertaken to evaluate adaptogenic activity profile of a classical compound Ayurvedic formulation Amalakayas Rasayana in experimental animals. Amalakayas Rasayana (AR) was tested for its adaptogenic activity by determining anti-stress and anti-ulcer activity in forced swimming induced hypothermia and stress induced gastric ulc...

The immunomodulatory activity of Shirishavaleha prepared from two different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth), i.e., Twak (Bark) and Sara (Heartwood) as main ingredients was evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in established experimental models. The study used Wistar rats of either sex weighing 200 ± 40 g, wh...

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity of Sarasvata choorna. The anxiolytic activity was evaluated in elevated plus maze (EPM) and the anti-depressant activity was evaluated in forced swimming test (FST). The efficacy of Sarasvata choorna was compared with the standard anti-anxiety (diazepam 2 mg/kg...

Basti therapy is used widely for treatment of various diseases in the field of Ayurveda with several proven clinical applications, however; the exact mechanism through which the benefits are obtained are yet to be ascertained in the light of the contemporary developments in clinical science. It is also not clear that when administered Basti the act...

Seeds of Kupeelu (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.), a known poisonous drug, is used extensively in various Ayurvedic formulations with great therapeutic significance. Ayurveda recommends the administration of Kupeelu only after passing through specific purificatory procedures in different media like cow's urine (Go mutra), cow's milk (Go dugdha), cow's...

The present study was undertaken to evaluate adaptogenic activity profile of a classical compound Ayurvedic formulation Amalakayas Rasayana in experimental animals. Amalakayas Rasayana (AR) was tested for its adaptogenic activity by determining anti-stress and anti-ulcer activity in forced swimming induced hypothermia and stress induced gastric ulc...

The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the physicochemical and chromatographic profile of dried tuberous roots of Euphorbia fusiformis. Physicochemical parameters like loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash, water insoluble ash, various extractive values, pH etc., were carried out. Further, qualitative tests for various fu...

The present study was undertaken to evaluate cardioprotective activity of Makandi (Coleus forskohli Willd.) Churna and Ghanavati on the basis of electrocardiographic, biochemical, cardiac output and histopathological parameters against isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in diet induced hyperlipidaemic rats. The drug treatment and hyp...

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Dashana Samskara Churna and its paste form were examined in different animal models. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in acute, sub-acute and chronic inflammatory models and compared with Phenylbutazone, Diclofenac sodium and Dexomethasone standards, respectively. Analgesic activity was evaluate...

In recent years, many Ayurvedic formulations are being researched to provide an effective antidepressant and anxiolytic drug in the field of psycho-pharmacology. The present study was planned to evaluate the anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet comprising three herbs Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers), Aamalaki (Emblic...

The present study was undertaken to evaluate diuretic activity of Euphorbia fusiformis root powder in Wistar strain albino rats. Randomly selected animals were divided into three groups of six animals each. The root powder was suspended in distilled water and administered orally at a dose of 90 mg/kg therapeutically equivalent dose (TED) and 180 mg...

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of Veerataru [Dichrostachys cinerea (Linn.)] Kwatha in experimental animals by following the standard procedure. Randomly selected animals were divided into three groups of six animals each. The root of Veerataru was administered orally in the form of Kwatha at a dose of 5.4 and...

The present study was carried out to evaluate anti-microbial and wound healing activities of leaves of Cordia macleodii Hook. f & Thoms, a folklore medicinal plant. Anti-microbial activity was evaluated against clinically important bacteria, yeast and fungal strains using agar disc diffusion method. Excision and incision wound models were used to e...

The present study was carried out to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory activity of Brihatpanchamoola Kwatha prepared by root bark and stem bark of Brihatpanchamoola in Carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. Wister strain albino rats of either sex were selected and divided into four groups of 6 animals each. The test drug was administered or...

The present study is carried out to evaluate the immuno-modulatory activity of Vacha Dhatryadi Avaleha in albino rats. Vacha Dhatryadi Avaleha was prepared by classical method and evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-medicated immunity in established experimental models. Test formulation was administered at the dose of 900 mg/kg and pa...

Acorus calamus is a valued drug used extensively in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Due to high market demand, Acorus is being cultivated. Hence the study was undertaken to analyze the morphological and chemical characteristics of Acorus calamus Linn. especially β-asarone collected from its cultivated as well as wild sites and demonstrate any similarities...

Antinociceptive activity of Euphorbia fusiformis root powder was investigated using acetic acid writhing, tail flick and formalin induced paw licking tests. The test was performed at two dose levels in Swiss albino mice and Wistar strain albino rats. Oral administration of Euphorbia fusiformis root powder did not produce any significant effect on a...

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of root and stem of Cissus rependa Vahl.(Vitaceae), a folklore medicinal plant of Gandhamardana hill ranges of Orissa, was carried out on albino rats and mice at the dose of 180 mg/kg and 260 mg/kg respectively. The effect on inflammation was studied on carrageenan and formalin induced paw oedema models and...

INTRODUCTION Thalassaemia is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorder, affecting children worldwide having highly variable clinical expression. This disease has a vast prevalence in the state of Gujarat 1 and is seen globally as a major haematological disorder 2. Successful treatment of Thalassaemia requires two key elements viz., blood...

In the present study, toxic effects of powder of seeds of Butea monosperma (Linn.) Kuntze were evaluated for a period of 3 months in albino rats. Control group received distilled water. The powder suspension was orally given to the treated group at a dose of 800 mg/kg/day for 90 days. Parameters like body weight, weight of important organs, biochem...

Dhattura is a well known and frequently used drug in Ayurveda. Since its seeds are considered to be highly toxic, Ayurveda advocates specific procedures called Shodhana (purification procedures) before rendering it into a safe therapeutic drug. The present analytical study was carried out on seeds of two species of Dhattura namely Datura innoxia Mi...

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Shirishavaleha prepared from two different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth.), viz. the bark (Twak) and the heartwood (Sara). The activity was screened in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model in albino rats. The raw materials were collected and authent...

Immunity plays a key role in maintaining the health of an individual. Therefore, the rational modulation of the immunity through psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune (PNI) axis is useful for the prevention as well as for the curing of the diseases. As immunomodulation is a parameter for evaluation of the rasayana effect of a drug, the same has been studie...

The present study was carried out to evaluate anti-tussive activity of Shirishavaleha prepared by two different parts of Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck Benth.) i.e. bark (Twak) and heartwood (Sara) in sulphur dioxide (SO 2) induced cough model in mice. Randomly selected animals were divided in to four groups of 6 animals each. The test drug was adminis...

This study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal profile and determine the safety of Mahayograj guggulu, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation. Mahayograj guggulu, manufactured by Shree Baidynath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt. Ltd., Gwalior Road, Jhansi - 284 003 (of batch number-07 and manufacturing date October 2004) was procured from the local market....

The present pharmacological investigation was undertaken to study the anti-pyretic activity of Guduchi ghrita formulations in albino rats against yeast induced pyrexia. Seven groups of six animals were used for the experiment. The yeast induced pyrexia method was standardized first by injecting 12.5% yeast suspension (s.c) followed by recording the...

Ayurveda has given prime importance to Mutravaha srotas (urinary system) and Srotogata Vikaras (urinary disorders). Being a system responsible for homeostasis of fluids in the body it also detoxifies the body by eliminating certain waste products through urine. When diseased, people produce symptoms such as, increased or decreased urine production,...

Various types of stress not only harm the mental function, but also cause diseases by weakening body defenses. Rasayana therapy has an advantage over the conventional Kayachikitsa treatment in such conditions, as it is capable of counteracting the stress, promote the adaptogenic abilities of the body, enhance mental endurance, etc. These are the so...

Mahasudarshan Ghan Vati is a classical preparation of fourty five ingredients, it has been in use since long as an antipyretic in Ayurvedic practice. The drug was screened for its safety/toxicity studies in acute and chronic models in albino rats. The limits of all the four heavy metal content are found to be within the permissible limits. No morta...

Navratna rasa, an ayurvedic proprietary medicine based on classical formulation has been in use since long for general debility, rickets and calcium deficiency in Ayurvedic practices. The drug was screened for its safety/toxicity studies in acute and chronic models. No mortality and behavioral changes were observed during the course of acute toxici...