International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

6

Authors: Prashant Rajiv Madankar, Sampada S. Sant

The basic physiology of Ayurveda mostly consists of three fundamental things, i.e. three Doshas, seven Dhatus and three Malas. Out of these, Dhatus mainly perform the function of holdingtogether the bodily elements. Meanwhile Rakta Dhatu is one of the important Dhatu out of seven Dhatu’s. As compared to modern science, which merely describes it as blood, the composition, nature and functions described in the functions of Raktadhatu are very broad and any kind of imbalance in it affects the whole body. Ayurveda covers Raktadhatu in much wider aspect. Ayurvedic texts reveal that Rakta dhatu has much broader concept than blood.

6

Authors: Saroch Vikas, Amandeep

Despite decades of dramatic progress in their treatment and prevention, infectious diseases remain a major cause of death and debility and are responsible for worsening the living conditions of many millions of people around the world. In spite of lot of advances in the field of microbiology, we are unable to answer challenges mentioned above. Hence, an effort has been made to compile the management strategies of Ayurveda to find answers for the above problems. Compilation of management strategies depicted in Charaka Samhita, Harita Samhita, Bhela Samhita and Bhaisajyaratnavali helps the researchers to plan study design and to find a solution for microbial management challenges. Extensive search of texts Charaka Samhita, Harita Samhita, Bhela Samhita and Bhaisajyaratnavali was done by the author while composing a book entitled Kala-azar in Ayurveda and the materials were segregated, consolidated and edited from that book. Charaka mentioned twenty varieties of krimi along with their management and they are broadly grouped under external (ectoparasite) and internal (endoparasite). Each krimi is described in respect to etiology, habitat, form, shape, color, type, clinical features and treatment. Many eliminative and alleviative therapies are described in Charaka Samhita for the effective management of krimi. Krimighna mahakasaya (aksiva, marica (piper nigrum), gandir, kebuka (costus specious), vidanga (embelia ribes), sindhuvara (vitex nigundo), kinahi (albizzia lebbeck), goksura (tribulus terrestries), vrsaparnika, musakarni (merremia emerginata), jambir, rasona, camel‟s milk, butter milk, yavaksara, etc. are useful in eradicating krimi. Embelia ribes acts as ascaricidal, anthelmintic, carminative, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and febrifuge. With the advent of antimicrobial agents, some medical leaders believed that infectious diseases would soon be eliminated and become of historic interest only. Nevertheless, we now realize that as we developed antimicrobial agents, microbes developed the ability to elude our best weapons and to counterattack with new survival strategies

7

Authors: Gupta Neelam, Singh Jasmeet, Bharati Sarvesh Kumar, Singh A.K.

An imbalance in Dosh equilibrium is termed as ‘Roga’. Among Tridosha, Vata is responsible for all Cheshtas (activities) and most of the diseases. General treatments of Vatavyadhi are Snehana, Svedana, Mridu Samshodhana, Basti, Vatahara Aushadha, Ahara and Vihara. Snehana and Svedana are specific line of treatment for Vatavyadhi besides being the chief Purvakarma procedure for Panchakarma therapy. Sneha Dravya possesses Drava, Sukshma, Sara, Snigdha, Manda, Mridu and Guru properties which are just opposite to those of Vata, therefore, it alleviates the Vata. Snehana therapy is administered to a person in two different ways, external applications as Abhyanga(massage), Unmardana(rubbing), Lepa(paste), Pariseka(pouring of oil), Janu vasti, Kati vasti, Griva vasti, Moordha tail, Shiropichu,Shirodhara, Shiro vasti, Gandusha(gargling), Akshitarpana(application of medicine over the eyelids), Karnapoorana(filling the ear with oil) etc. Internal application has been divided into three varieties on the basis of their effect viz., Brimhana, Shamana and Shodhana. Both external and internal Snehana are effective in Vatavyadhi. Svedana is the process by which perspiration is induced in the body which removes stiffness, heaviness and coldness of the body, by opening of the blocked channels. Acharya Charaka has classified Svedana in two groups- Agni Sveda and Niragni Sveda.

8

Authors: Todkari Dinesh Prakash, Swapna B. Zerikunthe

Aahar Kalpana (Dietary Guidelines) is a unique concept described in Ayurveda classics. Aahar plays a decisive role in development, sustenance, reproduction and termination of life. In 2015 WHO (World health organisation) highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with food safety, under the theme “From farm to plate, make food safe”. In this regards there are many guidelines given in Ayurveda texts which has its contemporary relevance. The present paper focuses on the ethics in dietetics (Ayurvedic view), food hygiene, importance of food in life and some concepts in Ayurveda relating to the food which is to be discarded.

10

Authors: Sharma Om Prakash, Kaundal Ramesh, Hiremath Jyoti, Kumar Ashwani, Garg Gaurav

Age Related Macular Degeneration or ARMD is a degenerative disease associated with ageing that affects the macula and causes gradual loss of central vision. It is the leading cause of the vision loss and blindness in developed countries, in population above the age of 65 years. It is caused by hardening of small arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the retina which deprives the macula of oxygen and nutrition results in a slow but progressive loss of vision. The condition is characterized by degeneration of light sensitive cells of the central region of the retina-the macula which malfunctions and eventually dies, resulting in gradual decline and loss of central vision, while peripheral vision is retained. Visual loss can occur within months, or over many years, depending on the type and severity of ARMD. There are two main types of ARMD- ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. Visual loss caused by ARMD cannot normally be reversed. The overall results of modern treatment in both types of ARMD are not very encouraging. Ayurvedic herbal treatment has a significant role to play in the treatment of this medical condition, both for the dry and wet types. Ayurvedic herbal medicines prevent a deterioration of the retina as well as the optic nerve, and provide micronutrients to the macula which transmits the sensation of vision to the brain. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of ARMD with a view to understand the possible role of Ayurveda in the management of ARMD.

10

Authors: Neelam, K.N. Dwivedi, B.Ram

The traditional system of medicine together with folklore medicine continue to play a significant role in our health care system. Palash is a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. The botanical source of Palash is Butea monosperma Lam. Kuntze. It is a medium sized deciduous tree which is widely distributed throughout the greater part of India. Palash belongs to family Fabaceae and is popularly known as „flame of the forest‟. The plant is traditionally reported to possess astringent, bitter, alterative, aphrodiasiac, anthelmintic, antibacterial and anti-asthmatic properties. Bark yield red juice known as „Butea gum‟ or „Bengalkino‟. The widespread uses of Palash in traditional system of medicine have resulted in their extensive chemical analysis for their bioactive principles. This article briefly reviews the botany, chemistry and pharmacology of Palash.

11

Authors: Sharma Pooja, Sodhi Danisha, Gupta Vikas, Dadhich N.K

Ayurveda may be interpreted as a science in which the knowledge of life exists or which helps a man to enjoy a longer duration of life. If we look at different people in the world around us, we observe that all of us are not simply alike. In Ayurveda every individual is in unique form. Not only each individual has different size and shape but its physiological and even psychological characters are different. This is because they have prevalent Panchmahabhuta, Dosha or Triguna at the time of birth which decides their constitution. Once this fundamental constitution is set, it is like permanent stain on white cloth. Once this preponderance is decided, every tissue and every system in the body has this predominance in them and hence they function according to that. If proper care is not taken then, this slight predominance may lead to certain disorders. This is all because of Prakriti (constitution). According to this predominance every individual needs certain type of food, drinks and behavior to keep him healthy and „way of life‟ redirects here. The term „lifestyle‟ can denote the interests, opinions, behaviors and behavioral orientations of an individual group. The lines between personal identity and the everyday doing that signal a particular lifestyle become blurred in modern society. Through this article, I have made an endeavor only to evaluate inter-relationship between Prakriti and lifestyle or any other type of effect of lifestyle using on individual Prakriti.

17

Authors: Gaurav Soni, J. Manohar, Sandeep Langhne

The art of healing of the ailments has been known from the time immemorial. Many indigenous ways and methods have been followed for the relief of suffering of mankind since Vedas. Agnikarma is one among the Para surgical procedures which have been mentioned in Ayurvedic literature. Acharya Sushruta has preached, practiced and documented the details of Agnikarma which is followed by many renowned authorities till date. Agnikarma is mainly indicated in Ruja Pradhana, Vata and Kaphaja vyadhis. „Agnikarma‟ was an asset of Ayurvedic surgeons which has been used widely in the clinical practice since time immemorial. The profound influence and utility of Agnikarma becomes clear from the extensive descriptions about this Para – surgical procedure in various Ayurvedic texts belonging to both Saṃhita and Saṃgraha period. Dahana Upkarana, Agnikarma classification, Dagdha Bheda, Samanaya- Vishesha Lakṣaṇa, Pluṣṭa dagdha, Dur dagdha, Ati dagdha, Agnikarma Kala, Agnikarma Anaraha and Agnikarma Vidhi etc i.e. nearly every aspect is defined broadly in Classical texts. The various therapeutic modalities of tissue heating that produce tissue heating differ from one another in their effects due to the site of tissue heating rather than any difference in its nature. Living tissues appears to be affected by temperature changes so need arises to study the various actions of Agnikarma on principles of Physiology and Anatomy of Contemporary Science to prove the worth of procedure in more scientific way so that lost trust in procedure is regained both by clinicians and academicians, thus proving at par knowledge of use of heat or Agni as part of treatment since Samhita Kaala in this modern era.