Amrita Sharma’s scientific contributions

Ayurveda is the ancient knowledge of scientific system of Indian medicine. This medicinal system incorpo-rates the use of Dravyas –medicinal plants, which proved to be an effective means of human care in the pre and post Vedic periods. One among many such plants is Devadaru. Etymologically the word ‘Devada-ru’ itself personify the plant as ‘Devta’ or divine tree, because it provides environment with solitude and its medicinal values. To explore more about Devadaru pharmacognostical study of stem bark was conducted. To authenticate the sample of Devadaru, comparison of organoleptic characteristics of stem bark and its powder was done which reveals that stem bark has some aromatic compounds. Based on organoleptic characteristics obtained and microscopic observations, genuineness of the raw material was authenticated. The microscopic study of cut sections and powder of stem bark was done. The observations could be con-sidered to be the reference standards in future studies and will be of immense help in standardization of Ayurvedic medicines to meet the international parameters.

Ayurveda is the ancient knowledge of scientific system of Indian medicine. This medicinal system incorpo-rates the use of Dravyas –medicinal plants, which proved to be an effective means of human care in the pre and post Vedic periods. One among many such plants is Devadaru. Etymologically the word ‘Devada-ru’ itself personify the plant as ‘Devta’ or divine tree, because it provides environment with solitude and its medicinal values. To explore more about Devadaru pharmacognostical study of stem bark was conducted. To authenticate the sample of Devadaru, comparison of organoleptic characteristics of stem bark and its powder was done which reveals that stem bark has some aromatic compounds. Based on organoleptic characteristics obtained and microscopic observations, genuineness of the raw material was authenticated. The microscopic study of cut sections and powder of stem bark was done. The observations could be con-sidered to be the reference standards in future studies and will be of immense help in standardization of Ayurvedic medicines to meet the international parameters.

An inflammatory condition of male genitalia called Balanoposthitis is made of two words in which Balanitis means inflammation of glans penis and Posthitis means inflammation of prepuce internal part of skin genitalia (prepuce) and is common in uncircumcised population. It primarily occurs due to unretractable foreskin, poor personal hygiene, peeling off of epithelium, secretions from the glands provide damp, warm environment for growth of different organisms which makes the area susceptible for various infections. In the present case study a male patient presented with pain, redness, whitish discharge, greyish-whitish scales over glans penis, mild swelling in groin region and pain in the groin region. It is very much evident that any health issue that affects reproductive organ can also impact various aspects of life, causing anxiety stress, relationship problems or poor self-esteem. But routine examination of penis can create awareness if something wrong is detected. The basic focus of management in Balanoposthitis is to control the acute infection and prevent recurrence along with appropriate hygiene measures. In this case patient of Vat-Pittaj prakruti was successfully managed on Ayurvedic principles, by balancing the vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha with Shaman chikitsa and encouraging results were found without any untoward effect during the 4 week course of management. Traditional system of medicine is a known wealth of herbs and has potential to manage various ailments of modern era.

Twak has intimate relationship with the Doshas, Sparsnendriyaas a whole is considered as Vatasthana. Twak and Rasadhatu are considered as Bahya Rogmarg. Eczema is widely considered to be specific type of Kushtha known as Vicharchika, with complex pathology, varying presentations, and various treatment modules within the context of Ayurveda. The Kushtha is generally used as a universal term for all kinds of skin disorders, which is further classified in two divisions i.e. Mahakushta and Kshudrakushta and Vicharchika is mentioned under Kshudrakushta. Vicharchika is considered as Rakta Pradoshaja Vikaras. Recurrences and chronic course is a distinct feature for this disease. Eczema is primarily managed with top-ical steroids, antiseptic, immune-suppressors drugs to inhibit immune and inflammatory response. Howev-er, it does not provide treatment for the root causative factors. Ayurveda provides principle-based treatment for eczema by cleansing vitiated Dosha and balancing the Dosha and Dhatus. The case report involved a female patient of Pitta-Kaphaj Prakruti with exudate, intense itching, and erythema of the skin.Within one month of the beginning the treatment, eczematous lesions were improving and even after two months, the patient showed no signs of recurrence.