Hygeia journal for drugs and medicines

1a-2a

Authors: D. Suresh kumar

Ayurveda dates backat least 2,000 years in its codified form. However, it has roots that are muchdeeper. The present day Caraka Samhita,Suśruta Samhita and Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya refer to ancient and long-losttreatises like Nimi Tantram and Khāranādi. Nevertheless, in the absenceof authentic records it is difficult to prove the antiquity of Ayurveda. In thelate twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Ayurveda is traversing wellbeyond the boundaries of its homeland. It is fast becoming a transnational andmulticultural phenomenon. It is the fastest growing alternative medical systemin German - speaking Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The theory andpractice of Ayurveda revolve around the tridōṣa doctrine,which states that all biological activities in the human body are controlled bythree factors- vāta, pitta and kapha, collectively called tridōṣa. Dietaryand behavioural indiscretions and seasonal climatic factors causedestabilization of the tridōṣa,which slowly progresses through four stages (cayam, prakōpam,prasaram, sthānasamśrayam). This progression results in well-defined diseaseentities (vyakti) like jvaram, atisāram, grahaṇi, pāṇḍu, arśas etc. However, if left untreated, the disease progresses tothe sixth and last stage (bhēdam) at which it may or may not becurable. Ayurveda calls upon individuals to consume wholesome food and adoptdaily and seasonal regimen, so that the tridōṣaremain in steady state. Many diseases are said to appear on account of the evilactions committed in present and previous lives. Therefore, it is essential toindulge in ethical activities and to refrain from committing unethical acts, ifone wants to lead a disease-free life.

7-10

Authors: Sagar Savale

Plan: we have developed new a method for quantitative estimation of Rutin hence no UV spectroscopic method is available for the quantitative analysis of rutin for bulk analysis. Preface: U.V Spectrophotometric method has been widelyemployed for determination of analyte in a mixture. Our aim is to develop spectroscopic method for estimation of the Rutin m in ternary mixture by using U. V spectrophotometry. Methodology: The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. Therecovery studies confirmed the accuracy and precision of the method. Outcome: It was successfully applied for the analysis of the drug in bulk and could be effectively used for the routine analysis.

20-25

Authors: Alex Thomas and D.Suresh kumar*

Plan: Several authors have reported the presence of alarmingly high levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in ayurvedic medicines. Ayurveda employs several classes of medicines, among which gulika (tablets) are an important one. However, it is not known whether traditional ayurvedic pills are free from heavy metals. The present study was therefore, undertaken to study the heavy metal content of some representative ayurvedic tablets manufactured using herbs. Methodology: Samples of ayurvedic tablets were obtained from the market and the content of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury was determined using ICP-MS. Outcome: Among the 16 Ayurvedic tablets analyzed, 4 failed for lead, 2 for arsenic and 6 for mercury. All the tested samples had cadmium below the limit set by Government of India. A review of the available reports and the present study support the contention that tablets are the worst affected ayurvedic dosage form. Urgent measures are to be taken to control this problem.