Narayanam Srikanth

• Deputy Director General at Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences

Background: Ayurveda offers a rich repository of medicinal formulations that have been traditionally used for various health conditions, including obesity. Scientific validation is essential to establish their efficacy and safety in contemporary healthcare. Aim: In this present study, it was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Nav...

Yogaraja guggulu is an important classical polyherbal formulation used in the Ayurvedic medicine system for treating various disease conditions like Vatavyadhi (neurological and musculoskeletal disorders) and sandhigata vata (osteoarthritis). The present study was aimed to assess the safety of Yogaraja guggulu through acute and 90-day repeated oral...

BACKGROUND Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) represents a major health concern among the tribal population of India, with frequent acute pain crises significantly compromising the quality of life of the affected individuals. As an inherited disorder, there is no definitive cure for the condition. Hydroxyurea remains the primary therapeutic option and is typ...

BACKGROUND The Indian herbal medicine system Ayurveda has a rich history associated with use of gum Guggulu ( Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari; CM) for its therapeutic properties. In the present study, CM resin and Guggulu- based polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation (PHAF; having Guggulu as one of the major components) were evaluated for the estimati...

BACKGROUND Musk is a substance of animal origin, secreted by mature male musk deer ( Moschus moschiferus ), which contains muscone, an active ingredient which is traditionally used in the treatment of various kinds of ailments. METHODS In the present study, we have made a detailed analysis based on the physicochemical characterization of musk raw...

BACKGROUND Liver diseases account for 4% of global deaths, with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma being the leading causes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, is a significant contributor to liver cirrhosis. The prevalence of NAFLD is rising globally, with an estimated prevalence of 37.8%...

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease and a major cause of joint impairment and physical debility, common in elderly, women and laborious workers. The available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are being prescribed to manage the condition; however, newly discovered alternatives are looked upon by the practi...

The Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of Tamil Nadu, accounting for approximately 7.95 lakh individuals (1.1% of the state's population), faces significant barriers in accessing quality and affordable healthcare. Limited research exists on their socio-economic and health conditions, underscoring the need for comprehensive data to address their specif...

A bstract The Unani system of medicine, originating in Mesopotamia, first spread to ancient Egypt and later to Greece following the fall of Egypt. Greek philosophers and physicians organized these ancient healthcare concepts into a structured science of medicine. This system continued to evolve in Western Asia, including among Arab and Iranian scho...

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral infections affecting individuals in all age groups worldwide. A variety of microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp., Vellionella sp. etc. are known to be involved in progression of this infection. Many medicinal plants have been used in various systems of traditional medicine for...

Background: Scheduled Tribes (STs) in rural areas often face economic deprivation, social marginalization, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, employment, and income-generating opportunities. This community-based study assessed demographic data and NCD risk factors among STs in Kalrayan Hills, Kallakurichi Distri...

Manipur (North-East India), located inside the Indo-Burma biodiversity hot spot, has a rich history of systematic usage of traditional medicinal plants. This study aimed to systematically document and quantify ethno-medicinal information from Senapati and Kangpokpi districts of Manipur State. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among informan...

This report is a balanced document and it has taken into account all the concerns of DTU report and of the safety concerns raised in different case reports or published series. The report provides carefully analyzed scientific information that will aid in informed decision making. Like any other medicinal preparation, be it paracetamol or antibioti...

Background Hypertension presents as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with approximately two-thirds of the global hypertensive population concentrated in low- and middle-income nations. Sarpagandha Mishran is an Ayurveda intervention utilized for the management of hypertension. The objective of the study is to assess the clinica...

Background Migraine is acknowledged as an intricate and incapacitating neurological malady, profoundly exerting a potent influence on the health-related quality of life of patients causing disability, and augmented burden on families, and entire communities. Notwithstanding the strides made in the field of headache disorder management, there remain...

This research investigates the Ayurvedic Gel Formulation (AGF), an Ayurvedic product, utilizing various analytical techniques to assess its quality, safety, and stability. The AGF underwent stringent packaging in containers, following ICH guidelines Q1A (R2), to undergo extended shelf-life studies at 30°C ± 2°C and 60% RH ± 5% RH. Continuous evalua...

Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidaemia are interconnected metabolic disorders with rising prevalence worldwide, posing significant public health challenges. These conditions often coexist, forming a metabolic syndrome characterized by elevated glucose levels, excess body fat, and abnormal lipid profiles, leading to severe complications suc...

Background: The global cancer burden is predicted to rise by 40 % around the year 2030. Cancer-related mortality is exacerbated by the fact that the disease is becoming increasingly resistant to standard treatments. Efforts are being made, therefore, to discover a powerful natural substance that could serve this function. The identification and und...

The definition and comprehension of prebiotics have undergone a substantial transformation over the years, culminating in a consensus in 2016 among an expert panel from the International Scientist Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). This revision suggests that prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of probiotics, thereby b...

Standardizing any herbal formulation using scientific methodologies will enhance the quality and authenticity of the final product. The main aim of the current study is to standardize the AYUSH-64 coded polyherbal formulation, which consists of four ingredients viz., Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br., Apocynaceae, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex. Benth., Pl...

Background Anal fissure is a common proctologic condition that causes significant pain and anguish to patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and well-being. There are various treatment options for anal fissure, ranging from pharmacological agents that reduce anal sphincter tone to surgical interventions for cases resistant to medic...

INTRODUCTION Urolithiasis is the third most prevalent disease of the urinary tract. The symptomatology of Ashmari closely aligns with the clinical presentation of urolithiasis mentioned in contemporary medical science. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of Shvadamshtradi Kashaya and Hajarulayahuda Bhasma in treating urolithia...

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 potentia...

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a major public health concern that leads to pain, disability and decreased quality of life. A similar condition has been described in Ayurveda under the name Sandhigata Vata which is caused by vitiation of Vata in the body. Objectives: Evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerability of Yograj Guggulu,...

Background: With advancing age among older adults, the associated debilities increase, indicating a deteriorating health status as there is a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. Ayush Rasayana A and B are coded Ayurvedic medicines developed from herbal extracts. This study has been planned to prevent debilitating conditions an...

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 u...

Rasapanchaka i.e. Rasa (taste), Guna (property/ quality/ attribute), Virya (potency), Vipaka (bio-transformed Rasa ), and Prabhava (exceptional activity) enumerate drug action. Amongst these, Rasa (taste) is perceivable by the tongue. However, this conventional method is moreover subjective and has its limitations; hence it is essential to explore...

Background: The global cancer burden is predicted to rise by 40 % around the year 2030. Cancer-related mortality is exacerbated by the fact that the disease is becoming increasingly resistant to standard treatments. Efforts are being made, therefore, to discover a powerful natural substance that could serve this function. The identification and und...

Shodhana (purification/detoxification) is an important aspect of Ayurveda. It has been described in several important pieces of literature. In this study, we performed shodhana process on Langali (Gloriosa superba Linn.) tubers of family Liliaceae, a semi-woody herbaceous climber with significant therapeutic properties. We compared the unprocessed...

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 mention...

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, offerin...

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. timor...

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...

Introduction Diet and lifestyle play pivotal roles in Ayurveda’s preventive and therapeutic principles. The rich culinary heritage of Kerala harmoniously aligns with Ayurvedic dietetic principles. With the recent designation of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, there has been a surge of interest in integrating millets into dietary practice...

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 dysen...

Background Lapis judaicus, or Jews stone (Badarashma), has been used in treating kidney and bladder stones since ancient times by Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal practitioners. A limited number of studies have been carried out using Ayurvedic preparations derived from gems or precious stones that were used traditionally. In Ayurveda, Rasa Shastra inc...

BACKGROUND One of the most widely popular brews globally is green tea/black tea, prepared by steeping the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze plant. The examination of shelf-life proves to be a crucial tool in Ayurvedic formulations, particularly for ensuring the prolonged durability of the finished products. METHODS The formulation underwent...

BACKGROUND Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the major public health concerns that affects about 50%–90% of women. Even though the condition is associated with psychosomatic symptoms, conventional management is mainly focused on reducing pain only. This study is designed to evaluate the potential of Ayurvedic management in dysmenorrhea, addressing bot...

BACKGROUND Vatarakta , also known as Adhayavata , is attributed to diverse etiological factors, such as imbalanced dietary practices, occupational factors, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental influences. The symptomatology of Vatarakta resembles that of gout in contemporary medicine. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), colchicine, and...

INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a worldwide public health issue affecting 20%–30% of adults, with dominance in men, particularly in the obese population. Current interventions focus on lifestyle modifications, highlighting the need for effective pharmacological options. This study explores the clinical efficacy of Arogyava...

AYUSH Carctol S is a coded Ayurvedic compound formulation developed for treatment of cancer. The safety of the test drug was not established in the experimental animals yet, hence the present study was highlighted the same through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The acute oral toxicity study of the test drug was performed in swiss albino mi...

Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions of people across the world. Trayodashang guggulu (TG) is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for the treating joint diseases since decades in the Indian system of traditional medicine. The aim of the study was to evaluate anti-arthritic activity of TG against comp...

Background: Scheduled Caste (SC) population forms a large section of the Indian population who are often marginalised and deprived of social, economic and health benefits due to ignorance and socio-cultural milieu. Though various studies have been conducted on the socio-economic and political conditions of the SC population in Tamil Nadu, limited d...

Demand of medicinal plants is growing exponentially due to its extensive use in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The major problem is the variation in quality and quantity of phytoconstituents with the collection of medicinal plants in each batch. Though, the quality and quantity of phytoconstituents in plants are influen...

BACKGROUND Nasya karma, Ayurveda nasal drug delivery system, is considered as one of the potent therapeutic modalities among Panchakarma. The uniqueness of the procedure lies in the fact that nasal drug delivery can bypass normal liver metabolism and BBB (Blood Brain Barrier), opening up a faster drug-delivery pathway. Available studies on ‘Nasya’...

Background This study focuses on analyzing stigmasterol, a key compound found in Streblus asper lour., in both stem bark and small branches, and investigates its potential as an alternative source. Objective To analyze the stigmasterol content in both stem bark and small branches of S. asper through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) te...

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the membranes lining the nose due to allergen exposure and is characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, or postnasal discharge. The prevalence varies worldwide, perhaps due to the geographic and aeroallergen differences, with 10% to 30% of the world’s population experi...

Background: Presbycusis is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss in both ears at high frequencies, which affects more than half of the older adults by the age of 75 years and is often accompanied by tinnitus and cognitive deterioration. Unfortunately, there are no treatments available to restore hearing loss. Treatment mainly focuses on impro...

Background Bharngyadi Kvatha Churna (BKC) is an important polyherbal formulation mentioned in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) for the treatment of intermittent fever and chronic fever but lacks the presence of standardised quality control parameters. Aims The aim of the present study was to develop a quality standard of BKC and to carry out...

INTRODUCTION Traditional medicine is a valuable heritage that has enriched people’s daily lives. Globalization requires a common framework for communicating the details of the medical system in various contexts such as medical research, clinical diagnosis, and medical statistics. The acronym of the NAMASTE portal stands for National Ayush Morbidity...

INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, typically characterized by anovulation, hormonal imbalances, obesity, infertility, and associated features, with a significant impact on the physiological and psychological wellbeing of females belonging to the reproductive age group. Due to the multifactorial etiology, trea...

Bauhinia vahlii Wight and Arn. is a commonly used climber in traditional medicinal practices. The present work introduces a validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for identifying the superior B. vahlii species from various regions in India, such as Pune, Jhansi, and Ranikhet, by analyzing phytochemical markers. The curr...

This study was conducted to know the health statistics of the historically marginalized Scheduled Caste people (SC) in 5 SC predominant village councils of Thiruvananthapuram district. This is an observational, cross-sectional survey study planned after due approval from the institutional ethical committee. The Ayurveda Mobile Health Care Programme...

Background:As per WHO report, Iron - deficiency is the most common form of anemia accounting about 50% of all anemia cases. Even though a lot of Ayurveda formulations are available readily, in this arena, a cumulative efficacy and safety report has to be better evaluated. Hence the present review was planned to come out with a more productive concl...

The Himalayan state Sikkim is the homeland of 26% of flowering plants in India. Among the state, the North Sikkim district has dense vegetation and a vast diversity of flora. The present study intended to conduct floristic exploratory studies in the North Sikkim district according to the protocols provided by the Central Council for Research in Ayu...

Background The RP-HPLC method has been established to simultaneous estimation of seven markers in polyherbal formulation JKC using the C 18 (25 × 0.46 cm, i.d,5 µm) column. The mobile phase consisted of methanol: water (80:20) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and observed retention time at 2 to 11 min with sharp points. The marker compounds viz. Androg...

BACKGROUND Serratia marcescens is a well-known Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in soil, animal skin, hospital environment, and plant-based raw materials. It is an opportunistic pathogen that causes serious infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infection, wound infection, meningitis, and respiratory and urinary tract infect...

BACKGROUND Work-related stress has been found to have a detrimental effect on the individual’s productivity, quality of work, health, and personal life. Nursing has been identified as an occupation with high stress levels owing to complex job requirements that demand full physical and mental attributes, high responsibility, and job timings. Many Ay...

INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis (OA) is the foremost prevalent progressive musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the gradual and persistent degradation of cartilage tissue within joints due to bone friction. The risk factors associated with the development of OA include the female gender, advanced age (geriatric population), elevated body weight or...

BACKGROUND Anal fissure is a common proctologic condition that causes significant pain and anguish to patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and well-being. There are various treatment options for anal fissure, ranging from pharmacological agents that reduce anal sphincter tone to surgical interventions for cases resistant to medic...

INTRODUCTION: Traditional medicine is a valuable heritage that has enriched people's daily lives. Globalization requires a common framework for communicating the details of the medical system in various contexts such as medical research, clinical diagnosis, and medical statistics. The acronym of the NAMASTE portal stands for National Ayush Morbidit...

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 steady mutation lead to the desperate search for effective treatment and preventive measures for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) globally. Ayurveda describes various medications that have been recognized for their pharmacological properties, particularly immunomodulation and anti-viral propert...

A bstract The Journal of Indian Medical Heritage (formerly known as Bulletin of the Institute of History of Medicine, Bulletin of the Indian Institute of History of Medicine , and Journal of Indian Institute of History of Medicine ) published by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi. The journal publishes literar...

Coptis teeta Wall. (Family: Ranunculaceae) is a a small perennial herb also known as golden thread herb, Mamira and Mishmi. It is used in the treatment of ailments in traditional Systems of Medicine i.e., Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese system of medicine. The aim of the studies was Morphoanatomical, powder analysis, and preliminary Phytochemic...

Background Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum Vent) is widely used in Ayurveda and in ethnomedical practice for the treatment of inflammation, pain, diarrhea, non-healing ulcers, and cancer. Owing to the high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, simultaneous targeting of proteins involved in both EBV...

Background: Despite the medicinal value of the staminate flower of coconut (Cocos nucifera L) there is no data available in the archives for botanical as well as chemical standardisation of flowers of C. nucifera. Aim: Pharmacognostic characters and a phytochemical parameter can be used as a quality standard for authentication of the flower of C. n...

The COVID-19 pandemic in the later phase showed the presence of the B.1.1.529 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 designated as Omicron. AYUSH-64 a poly herbal drug developed by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has been recommended by Ministry of Ayush in asymptomatic, mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. One of the earlier, in-silic...

Clinical saftey of Ayurvedic co0mpound formulations in Osteoarthritis of Knee

Efficacy and safety of Ayush AGT gel-based cream in superficial external wounds: Study protocol of an open-label multicenter interventional single-arm trial. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2022;6:200-5. This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which a...

Swasthya Rakshan Programme (SRP) provides health care services through Ayurveda, an initiative of the Government of India that aims to survey and create alertness of essential health appliances to ameliorate society from its grassroots level. The present study aimed to survey the prevailing health standards of residents in certain districts of Indi...

Background: In Ayurveda, metal and mineral-based formulations are popularly practised for their pleasant applicability and first-rate potency. There is no doubt about the safety and potency of Ayurveda Rasa Aushadhis if they are prepared and used as per the terms mentioned in the literature. For the globalisation of Ayurveda, safety and efficacy wi...

Prameha diagnostic Proforma (PDP) is a tool designed to diagnose Prameha disease and its subtypes with an indication of dosha involvement. This study aims to validate and check the reliability of the Ayurvedic Diagnostic tool for Prameha Roga. The intended outcome of this study is to obtain a uniform diagnosis at the dosha level. A cross-sectional...

Agro-waste is the outcome of the under-utilization of bioresources and a lack of knowledge to re-use this waste in proper ways or a circular economy approach. In the Indian medicinal system, the root of Cyperus scariosus (CS) is used at a large scale due to their vital medicinal properties. Unfortunately, the aerial part of CS is treated as agro-wa...

Background: Bronchial Asthma (BA) is a major health concern that interferes with the quality of life. Better health‑care strategies based on an integrative approach are still needed for the management of BA. In light of this, the scope of complementary and traditional medicine therapies should be explored. Objectives: The objectives of this study...

Background Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory in a significant proportion of patients. Ayurveda management for RA ( Amavata ) has shown promising clinical outcomes in routine clinical practice and as per published research studies. Objective The stud...

The development of a nation hinges upon the health and well-being of its populace. However, tribal communities, often marginalized and neglected, face numerous challenges due to their reluctance to engage with other communities for essential services. Understanding the health status of these communities is paramount. This study aims to evaluate the...

BACKGROUND With advancing age amongst the elderly, the associated debilities increase, indicating a deteriorating health status as there is a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. The study has been planned to prevent debilitating conditions and improve the quality of life in the elderly population. OBJECTIVE To assess the effe...

Background With advancing age among older adults, the associated debilities increase, indicating a deteriorating health status as there is a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. Ayush Rasayana A and B are coded Ayurvedic medicines developed from herbal extracts. This study has been planned to prevent debilitating conditions and...

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects joints and can have extra-articular manifestations. The etiology of RA is unknown, and healthcare systems bear a considerable burden due to its increasing prevalence. Ayurveda has taken the foremost place in managing the corresponding disease “Amavata” through a variety of i...

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects joints and can have extra-articular manifestations. RA usually tends to be progressive and leads to substantial health care burdens, both in terms of disability and economic costs. Despite the various treatment modalities available, there is still an urgent need for safe and...

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the membranes lining the nose due to allergen exposure and is characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, or postnasal discharge. The prevalence varies worldwide, perhaps due to the geographic and aeroallergen differences, with 10% to 30% of the world’s population experi...

Background: Personalized approach in prescribing health advocacies and treatment of diseases based on Prakriti vis‑a‑vis human constitution is unique to Ayurveda. Standardization in the assessment of Prakriti is the need of the hour. The methodology for designing the Prakriti assessment scale (PAS) from Ayurveda classics has been published. The pre...

The medical legacy of Hyderabad is a testament to its historical significance, dating back to a period when Europe was ensconced in the Dark Ages. Over four centuries ago, the city proudly housed the most advanced hospital of its time, demonstrating a commitment to healthcare that included inpatient and outpatient facilities, a residential medic...

Bronchial asthma (vis-à-vis Tamaka Swasa in Ayurveda) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway. Multiple Ayurvedic formulations are prescribed by Ayurveda physicians for Tamak Swasa. Vyaghri Haritaki is one such commonly prescribed poly herbal classical Ayurvedic formulation. A multicentre single-arm study was conducted at three Ayurveda Re...

Ayush sector is capturing global market, after the wave of SARS‑Cov‑2. Ayurveda, a TraditionalIndian System of Medicine, which is classified as a Traditional and Complementary System (T andCM), is now being viewed globally for a holistic care. World Health Organization (WHO) has beenconstantly supporting the development of T and CM globally. Recent...