71 research outputs found
Physicochemical screening and shelf life evaluation of Kuṅkumādi Ghṛta prepared using Kesara and Nāgakesara
No full textIntroduction: Kuṅkumādi Ghṛta (KG) is an Ayurvedic formulation commonly recommended in skin disorders, especially Mukhadūṣikā (Acne vulgaris). Kesara (stigma of Crocus sativus Linn.) is a prime ingredient in the formulation. However, due to high cost and increased adulteration in Kesara, 'Nāgakesara' (Mesua ferrea Linn.) is suggested by Ayurvedic experts as a substitute. Nāgakesara is relatively lower in cost and possesses similar therapeutic attributes to that of Kesara. Recent studies have established standard manufacturing procedures and clinical efficacies of Kesarayukta (with Kesara) Kuṅkumādi Ghṛta (KKG) and Nāgakesara yukta (with Nāgakesara) Kuṅkumādi Ghṛta (NKG) in Mukhadūṣikā. In spite of wide utility of KG in Ayurvedic practice, no published work on its shelf life is available so far. Aims and Objectives: To establish the physicochemical profile and evaluate the shelf life of KKG and NKG. Materials and Methods: Total three batches of KKG and NKG each were prepared in the laboratory by adopting Ayurvedic classical guidelines and the findings were systematically recorded. Comparative differences in organoleptic characters (colour, odour, taste, touch) and values of different physicochemical parameters (Ash value, pH value, Total solid content, Specific gravity, Refractive index, Loss on drying, Acid value, Iodine value, Saponification value, Peroxide value and Rancidity tests) of raw materials [herbal ingredients, Go Ghṛta, Mūrcchita Ghṛta (MG)] as well as finished products (KKG and NKG) were recorded. Long term (real time) shelf life testing was carried out at the intervals i.e., at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 16 months. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of samples was also carried out. Results and Conclusion: The average percentage loss in final product was 10.18% in KKG and 7.58% in NKG. The shelf life of MG, KKG and NKG is 16 months. After 16 months, Go Ghṛta showed negative rancidity test, while MG, KKG and NKG showed positive rancidity, indicative of onset of deterioration after 16 months. Present findings validate the Ayurvedic principles stipulating medicated Ghṛta to have a shelf life of 16 months. Chromatographic study showed few differences between KKG and NKG samples. Data obtained by present study may be considered as standard for future researches
An evaluation of coverage and compliance of mass drug administration 2006 for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas of Gujarat
No full textBackground: Mass drug administration (MDA) means once-in-a-year administration of diethyl carbamazine (DEC) tablet to all people (excluding children under 2 years, pregnant women and severely ill persons) in identified endemic areas. It aims at cessation of transmission of lymphatic filariasis. Objective: What has been the coverage and compliance of MDA in Gujarat during the campaign in December 2006? Study Design: Cross-sectional population based house-to-house visit. Setting: Urban and rural areas in Gujarat identified as endemic for filariasis where MDA 2006 was undertaken. Study Variables: Exploratory - Rural and urban districts; Outcome - coverage, compliance, actual coverage, side effects. Analysis: Percentage and proportions. Results: Twenty-six clusters, each comprising 32 households from six endemic districts, yielded an eligible population of 4164. The coverage rate was 85.2% with variation across different areas. The compliance with drug ingestion was 89% with a gap of 11% to be targeted by intensive IEC. The effective coverage (75.8%) was much below the target (85%). Side effects of DEC were minimum, transient and drug-specific. Overall coverage was marginally better in rural areas. The causes of poor coverage and compliance have been discussed and relevant suggestions have been made
ROLE OF BASE PLATFORM TO PREPARE PARPATI KALPANA W.S.R. TO RASA PARPATI
No full textParpati Kalpana is one of the famous Kalpanas of Rasashastra which is widely used and considered as a boon for digestive disorders. The Parpati name is given to this Kalpana as per its Papad or Parpata – thin flake – like appearance. Parpati Kalpana is mainly divided into Sagandha and Nirgandha Parpati Kalpana. Rasa Parpati is the type of Sagandha Parpati Kalpana. To prepare Parpati kalpana, at least one ingredient should get liquefied at normal heating and should get solidified when it gets cooled down, not only that, to get the thin flake like structure specific pressure needs to be applied. In present study Rasa Parpati was prepared by using Samaguna Kajjali (Equal quantity of Parada and Gandhaka) and to check the cooling effect and the role of base platform; here three different platforms were made i.e. cow dung and wet clay mixed platform, only wet clay platform (Earthen platform) and ice block platform. Total nine samples of Rasa Parpati were prepared, three on each platform to check which platform is convenient to prepare Rasa Parpati. The average thickness of Rasa Parpati was found minimum (2.83 mm) on cow dung and wet clay mixed platform whereas the maximum (4 mm) on ice block platform i.e. 4 mm. Average thickness of Rasa Parpati made on earthen platform was 3.57 mm which is thicker than the Cow dung and wet clay mixed platform and thinner than the ice cube platform. Which indicates the best platform to make thinnest Parpati is cow dung and wet clay mixed platform
Antidiabetic claims of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: critical appraisal and role in therapy
No full textABSTRACTCurrently, available conventional options for diabetes mellitus have certain limitations of their own, and options from medicinal plants with antihyperglycemic activities are being searched to meet the need. Antidiabetic properties of Tinospora cordifolia are highly appreciated in Ayurveda and even in recent modern researches. Several studies on its extracts (viz. immune- modulatory, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, hormone regulator etc.) and isolated phytoconstituents (like tinosporin, berberine, jatrorrhizine etc.) have reported that it is a preventive and curative antidiabetic herb, which are substantiated by clinical trials. Scattered information pertaining to antidiabetic potential of Tinospora is reported. Present review encompasses (i) in-depth information of reported antidiabetic activities of the plant in light of available experimental and clinical studies, and (ii) understanding on the possible mechanism of its action in combating the complex pathology of diabetes
Evaluation of skill-oriented training on enhanced syndromic case management (ESCM) of reproductive tract infections / sexually transmitted infections (RTI/STIs) of care providers from three-tier health-care system of Gujarat
No full textBackground: Enhanced syndromic case management (ESCM) deals with reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections. Capacity building of service providers not only boosts the program but also inputs from them improve the quality of services. Objectives: To (1) identify problem areas from providers' perspectives and the gaps in knowledge and application and (2) assess the gains (if any) through pre and post-training evaluation. Materials and Methods: A total of 121 participants (medical/para medical) from various medical colleges, district/sub-district hospitals/ community health centers, and urban dispensaries across Gujarat were trained at a teaching institute. Trainings were of 2-3 days duration involving different learning methodology. Pre- and post-training evaluation were done on a designed pro forma and data were entered in MS office Excel 2007. Gains in knowledge/skills if any were assessed by comparing pre-/post-evaluation responses and applying test of significance (x2 test). Observations: Out of total 121 participants, half (60) were doctors and the rest were paramedics [staff nurse (SN) and lab technicians (LT)]. Doctors revealed significant gain in basics of reproductive tract infections (RTI) and sexually transmitted infections (STI), syndrome identification, STI/HIV co-infection, and ESCM and less gain in asymptomatic STI/ complications, vulnerability, male reproductive organs, causes of vaginal/urethral discharge, STI complications, cervical cancer screening, and limitation of syndromic management. Gain was statistically significant in basics of RTI/STI amongst adolescent in paramedics; lab technicians showed significant gain in knowledge of laboratory-related areas. Conclusion: Assessment revealed (1) poor baseline knowledge and (2) gains following training sometimes significant and other times not significant even in core areas. Quality monitoring and contents/ methodologies modification are essential for robust trainings. Gains in skills could not be assessed through this evaluation
Knowledge and awareness of diabetes among diabetic patients in hilly terrains of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh
No full textImmunomodulatory Activity of Shilajatu (Asphaltum punjabinum) Processed in Different Media: An In Vivo Study
No full textImmunomodulators modify the immune response of the body to a threat by potentiating it, but conventional immunomodulatory drugs are associated with higher costs and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, the exploration of herbal immunomodulators is a need of time. Shilajatu is a compound of therapeutic importance that is described in Ayurveda as Rasayana (Immunomodulator). The current study has been planned to assess the Rasayana property (Immunomodulatory activity) of Shilajatu (Asphaltum punjabinum) collected from two market sources i.e. Amritsar and Nepal, processed in Water and Triphala Kwatha (decoction prepared from fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki), Terminalia bellirica Gaertn. Roxb. (Vibhitaki) & Phyllanthus emblica L.(Amalaki) on cell-mediated immunity. It involved Wistar strain albino rats, weighing 180 ± 20 g of either sex, which were divided into five groups. Test animals were subcutaneously sensitized (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) with triple antigen solution on day 1 and the test drug was administered orally at the dose level of 100 mg per kg in four groups and one group was served as negative control. On the seventh day, again 0.1 ml was injected into the plantar aponeurosis, and hind paw edema was assessed at 24 and 48 hrs for cell-mediated immunity. Groups with drug intervention have shown more edema inhibitory percentage than the water control group at all intervals. Besides, Shilajatu samples processed in Triphala Kwatha have shown a better immunity-enhancing profile than water-processed samples at both the time intervals i.e., 24 and 48 hrs. Therefore, Shuddha Shilajatu can be used as a potent immunomodulator in the management of various diseases as well as enhancing the immunity of a healthy person. Moreover, processing media and supply sources of drugs should be considered for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes
Shelf life evaluation of Shirishavaleha: A preliminary study
No full textContext: Shelf life of the drug can be considered up to the period it gets deteriorated and does not get any alteration in its physicochemical state. Every product has definite shelf life, which depends on various physical, chemical, environmental, and biological factors. Ancient seers have clarified shelf life of various compound formulations. However, there is a need to revalidate and ascertain the shelf life of individual formulations by following parameters prevalent in respective scenario.
Aim: To evaluate shelf life of Shirishavaleha prepared in the presence of water (SW) and Kanji (SK) as liquid media through accelerated stability study.
Subjects and Methods: Physicochemical parameters were measured at 40°C ± 2°C temperature and 75% ±5% relative humidity. Analysis was repeated at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months, and average 10% degradation of both the test drug samples was calculated and extrapolated to find the shelf life.
Results: The sample prepared in the presence of Kanji (SK) showed more extractive values and sugar contents and found to have longer shelf life (2.6 years) than SW (1.4 years).
Conclusion: Shirishavaleha prepared with Kanji (SK) is comparatively more stable than the sample prepared with water (SW)
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