Manajit Bora’s research while affiliated with Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and other places

Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. also recognised as a good luck plant, it is commonly used to treat fever, asthma, rheumatic bone pains, smallpox, joint pain, bleeding skin eruptions, and as an abortifacient. In this study, standardisation tests like physicochemical and HPTLC were carried out on leaves of the plant as per Pharmacopoeia. Results of the micro powder study showed fragments of mesophyll parenchymatous tissue embedded with brownish materials, oil globules and bundles of acicular crystals. The mixture of toluene, ethyl acetate, and formic acid (8.5:3.0:0.5v/v) was used as a mobile phase to obtain the HPTLC fingerprint profile. Photo-documentation of methanolic leaf extract, when observed under UV 254 nm, revealed 13 bands, 11 bands under UV 366 nm, and densitometric scanning revealed 13 peaks at 520 nm. By HPLC, 12 peaks were obtained when a methanol and water (60:40) mixture was used as the mobile phase. The antioxidant property of the methanolic leaf extract of C. fruticosa was analysed by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging techniques. The DPPH radical scavenging method showed that the IC 50 values of C. fruticosa and standard ascorbic acid were 70.317±0.51849 and 11.13±1.29179 μg/mL, respectively. The IC 50 values of C. fruticosa and standard trolox were found 47.2348±1.56651 and 37.6146±1.24248 μg/mL, respectively when it was analysed by the ABTS radical scavenging method. The total flavonoid and total phenolic content of the methanol extract of C. fruticosa was determined to be 0.7298±0.00162 µg QE/mg and 34.92±0.01808 µg GAE/mg, respectively.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinological disorder that involves dysfunctions across multiple endocrine axes, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axes. Our review focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of PCOS through an endocrinological perspective, emphasizing the complex interactions between multiple endocrine axes. We have discussed the roles of the HPG, HPA, and HPT axes in PCOS. Dysregulation of the HPG axis, particularly the altered gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse frequency resulting in elevated ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone, is central to the hyperandrogenism and anovulation, observed in PCOS. We have further highlighted the contributions of the HPA and HPT axes, where elevated adrenal androgen levels and hypothyroidism intensifies the phenotypes of PCOS. Additionally, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, commonly associated with PCOS, aggravates hormonal disturbances and heighten the risk of metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels of anti-Müllerian hormone have also been emphasized as a key factor in inhibiting follicular growth, leading to impaired ovarian function and hyperandrogenism. This review further supports that PCOS is a multifactorial condition involving complex feedback mechanisms between the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive systems. Furthermore, there remains a huge scope for deciphering the precise molecular interactions between the HPG, HPA, and HPT axes in PCOS, which could pave the way for targeted therapies for better management of both the endocrine and metabolic aspects of this disorder. This review will benefit researchers to get an endocrine perspective on PCOS.

The objective of this study is to assess the safety profiles of Ayurvedic formulation Vyosadi guggulu (VG) in Wistar rats. Acute, subacute and subchronic toxicity studies were conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA). Approvals from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC), Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Kolkata were obtained prior to carry out the animal experimental studies. Standardized trial drug VG supplied by Indian Medicine Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL), Uttarakhand. A single dose of VG at 2000mg/kg body weight was given to Wistar rats through oral gavage in acute toxicity study. Subchronic oral toxicity study was conducted out at three doses 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight and administered orally daily for 90 successive days. The doses were derived from a 28 days repeated dose oral toxicity study. Animals in the acute toxicity study were monitored for gross pathological examination, weekly feed and intake, mortality, weekly body weight changes, and general clinical symptoms. Animals were examined for mortality, weekly changes in body weight, general clinical signs, weekly feed and water intake, clinical biochemical investigations, hematological parameter analysis, examination for gross pathological changes, organ weight measurement, and histopathological investigations in the 90-day toxicity study. In acute toxicity study, the single dose of 2000mg/kg of VG was found to be safe. In 28 days and 90 days repeated dose oral toxicity studies all tested doses of VG were proven to be safe. In both studies, there was no significant adverse effect in food and water consumptions, hematological and clinical biochemistry parameters at any dose. No treatment related abnormal features were noticed during histopathological evaluation in 90 days oral toxicity study. The no observed adverse effect level from subchronic toxicity was found to be 1000mg/kg in Wistar rats. Major findings: The present study showed that Vyosadi guggulu is safe at single oral dose of 2000mg/kg in Wistar rats. In the subchronic toxicity studies all tested doses of VG were proven to be safe and the No Observed Adverse Effect Level was found to be 1000mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats.

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 complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats. Methods Arthritis was induced by single injection of 0.1 ml complete Freund’s adjuvant into the intraplanter surface of left hind paw of Wistar rats. TG was administered orally at the doses of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. In the preventive dose group, TG was administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, orally for 28 days. Paw swelling, joint circumference, serum rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, serum IL-1 β , TNF- α and histopathological parameters were assessed for the evaluation of arthritis. Effects of TG were compared with standard allopathic drug ibuprofen. Results TG reversed complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats when used for 14 and 28 days. Serum rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, IL-1 β and TNF- α were decreased in rats treated with both standard drug ibuprofen and TG. Conclusion Oral administration of TG reduced experimentally induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats by reversing elevated level of serum biochemical markers as well as reducing joint destruction similar to ibuprofen. Results obtained from the study paved the way in exploring more specific mechanisms of action of TG involving in vitro and in silico models.

Therapeutic Insights into Herbal Medicine through the Use of Phytomolecules offers a comprehensive exploration of the pharmacological potential of plant-derived compounds. The book provides an in-depth look at the therapeutic applications of phytomolecules in various health conditions. It begins with an analysis of bioactive phloroglucinol compounds and progresses to cover plant-based approaches for managing rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and antiviral activity. The volume also covers the molecular mechanisms of flavonoids, the preclinical pharmacology of Indian medicinal herbs, and the neuroprotective role of andrographolide in Parkinson's disease. Designed to inform and inspire, this book is ideal for researchers, clinicians, and students interested in the therapeutic potential of natural products.

The safety and toxicity of Ayurvedic and herbal drugs have undergone extensive examination by researchers, with Ayurveda historically leading the charge in establishing safety parameters for medicinal practices. Against this backdrop, the present review aims to focus on the potentially harmful effects of improperly using Ayurveda herbs and herbo-mineral formulations. It considers how the emerging field of Ayurpharcoepidemiology can help with this urgent problem. Conducting a thorough investigation into this topic involved exploring ancient Ayurvedic texts like “Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharngadhara Samhita, Madhava Nidanam, Bhava Prakasha, Ayurvedic formulary of India,” and “PubMed” with the keyword “Ayurveda Medicines and Safety”. It screened the published articles related to the safety of Ayurveda medicines. This comprehensive review highlighted the chronic awareness demonstrated by ancient Ayurvedic scholars regarding safety concerns, highlighting their dedication to advancing the Ayurveda system for safety. In response to these findings, there is a serious need to integrate Ayurpharmacoepidemiology as an interdisciplinary discipline bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific methodologies. This integration can address the complexities of Ayurvedic and herbal medicine safety and reinstate Ayurveda's global prominence with safety as a paramount concern.

Immune-mediated bowel diseases (IMBD), notably ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, impose a substantial global health burden due to their intricate etiology and escalating prevalence. The nexus between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome in IMBD is a dynamic and complex field of study. Several studies have evidenced the capacity of intestinal parasites to modulate the gut microbiome, inducing alterations in microbial diversity, abundance, and metabolic activity. These changes are crucial in influencing the immune response and contributing to the development of IMBDs. Simultaneously, the gut microbiome functions as a linchpin in sustaining intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation. Dysbiosis, marked by shifts in gut microbial composition, is intricately linked to IMBD pathogenesis. Imbalances in the gut microbiota contribute to hallmark features of IMBDs, such as heightened gut permeability, chronic inflammation, and aberrant immune responses. The bidirectional interaction between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome adds a layer of complexity to understanding IMBDs. Specific parasites, including hookworms and Necator americanus, exhibit immune downregulation and potential therapeutic applications in celiac disease. Conversely, infections with Strongyloides stercoralis and Blastocystis mirror IBD symptoms, underscoring the intricate relationship between parasites and disease pathogenesis. Further investigation is imperative to comprehensively unravel the mechanisms linking intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome in IMBD. This understanding holds the potential to pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies aiming to restore gut microbiota homeostasis and alleviate the debilitating symptoms of these conditions. Harnessing the intricate interplay among parasites, the gut microbiome, and the host immune system may unveil novel approaches for managing and treating IMBDs.

Natsiatum herpeticum and Sphenoclea zeylanica plants are known to contain minerals and many bioactive compounds which provide several health benefits on consumption. The present review aimed to glorify the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents, metal contents, amino acid analysis, anti-nutritional content, antioxidant properties, and anti-microbial analysis of two wild edible plants, N. herpeticum and S. zeylanica of North-East India. The total phenolic and vitamin C content in N. herpeticum is higher than in S. zeylanica, but the flavonoid content is the same in both plants. The metal contents are the same in both plants, although the potassium content is too high. The plant S. zeylanica contains sixteen essential and non-essential amino acids, and their quantitative estimation was also evaluated. It was found that S. zeylanica contains high oxalate. The antioxidant property of N. herpenticum and S. zeylanica was carried out by three. DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS free radical scavenging activity, and Hydrogen peroxide. The antioxidant property of S. zeylanica is comparatively more than that of N. herpenticum. The leaves of S. zeylanica have significant antimicrobial activity.

Immune-mediated bowel diseases (IMBD), including Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, represent a significant global health burden with their complex etiology and increasing prevalence. The connection between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome in immune-mediated bowel disease is a complex and evolving field of research. Several studies have demonstrated that intestinal parasites can modulate the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Parasitic infections can result in alterations in the gut microbial community, including changes in microbial diversity, abundance, and metabolic activity. These changes can influence the immune response and contribute to the development of IMBDs. In contrast, the gut microbiome serves a pivotal function in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation. Dysbiosis, characterized by changes in the gut microbial composition, has been associated with the pathogenesis of IMBDs. Imbalances in the gut microbiota can result in increased gut permeability, chronic inflammation, and aberrant immune responses, all of which are hallmarks of IMBDs. The bidirectional interaction between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome further complicates the understanding of immune-mediated bowel diseases. Certain parasites, such as hookworms and Necator americanus, have been found to downregulate immune responses and may have therapeutic potential in treating celiac disease. On the other hand, infections with parasites like Strongyloides stercoralis and Blastocystis have been shown to mimic the symptoms of IBD, highlighting the intricate relationship between parasites and the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additional investigation is required to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the association between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome in immune-mediated bowel disease. This knowledge could potentially lead to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies that aim to restore gut microbiota homeostasis and alleviate the symptoms of these debilitating conditions. By understanding and harnessing the complex interplay between parasites, the gut microbiome, and the host immune system, researchers may uncover novel approaches for the management and treatment of immune-mediated bowel diseases.