It is a popular perception prevailing throughout the globe that, the traditional practices (let it be Ayurveda, Siddha or Unani) doesn't produce any adverse effects. The utilization of thesed drugs since thousands of years itself supports this notion. But, in present scenario, increased globalization of these practices has raised concerns about their safey and efficacy, whichcreated doubts on Indian heritage. To tackle these concerns, a system like Pharmacovigilance is needed to be established. Considering this, Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi launched Pharmacovigilance Programme for ASU Drugs and announced establishment of a National Pharmacovigilance Resource Centre at IPGT &RA, Jamnagar which will look after drug related incoveniences of traditional practices. The present article will provide a brief outlook of the programme since inception.

The study was conducted for the clinical evaluation of 'Menorid Capsules' (A Proposed Herbomineral formulation) in the management of Menopausal Syndrome on various scientific parameters. Thirty clinically diagnosed cases were selected from O.P.D. / I.P.D. of the National Institute of Ayurveda Hospital, Jaipur and S.M.S. Medical College attached Hospital, Mahila Chikitsalaya, Jaipur. The cases were randomly divided into three groups - Group I (Control Group - Oral Conjugated equine estrogen), Group II (Trial group - Menorid Capsules) and Group III (Placebo group - Capsules filled with Starch). It was observed that overall clinical improvement was maximum in patients of Group II. Overall improvement in Laboratory parameters was maximum in patients of Group I. Patients of Group III developed mild improvement in the feeling of wellbeing. The patients of Group I developed some adverse symptoms, but no adverse effects were reported in any of the patients of the Group II & III. From the current research project, it can be concluded that the trial drug 'Menorid capsules' is a safe, dependable and cost effective remedy for the management of the patients of Menopausal Syndrome.

Depression is the commonest psychiatric disorder affecting 121 million peoples worldwide. Vishada and Avasada are the two conditions in Ayurveda , which are similar to depression. Ayurveda is enriched with various 'Medhya rasayana drugs' in which Brahmi ghrita is one herbal formulation. A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out with the aim to evaluate the anti depressant and psychoactive effect of Brahmi ghrita on depression. Total 42 patients fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode were registered for study. Out of 42, 35 patients completed the treatment. In these, total 25 patients were managed with Brahmi ghrita and 17 with placebo capsule. In the former group, 20 patients completed the treatment, whereas in the later,15 patients completed treatment. Specialized Ayurvedic rating scales like Manasa Pariksha Bhava, Manasa Vibhrama Pariksha as well as Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (H.D.R.S.) was adopted to assess the effect of therapy. The effects were also examined on Chief complaints and associated complaints of depression. When effect on H.D.R.S. was analyzed, Brahmi ghrita showed moderate improvement in 50% patients and mild improvement in 35% patients. Its total effect was statistically highly significant (p<0.005) as compared to placebo. Also, in overall effect, Brahmi ghrita resulted in moderate improvement for 40% patients and mild improvement for 55% patients, which is statistically significant at 1% level as compared to placebo.

Shinshapa (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) belongs to family Fabaceae. Stem bark of Shinshapa is mentioned in Gridhrasi (Sciatica) by Acharya Vangasena. It suggests that Shinshapa may have analgesic and anti inflammatory properties. No references available on Pharmacological activity in the form of Ghanavati of stem bark of Shinshapa. To provide experimental basis to it, this study has taken up. Shinshapa (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) Ghana vati (Dried water extract) as test drug and Parijata (Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.) Ghana vati (Dried water extract) as reference standard drug were assessed for analgesic and anti inflammatory effect on Wistar strain albino rats and Swiss albino mice at a dose level of 200mg/kg po and 260 mg/kg po respectively. Dose fixation was done according to Paget and Barnes (1969). Anti inflammatory activity was evaluated by employing, Carageenan induced hind paw oedema in albino rats and Formaldehyde induced hind paw oedema in albino rats, while analgesic effect was evaluated by employing, Formaldehyde induced paw licking in albino rats and Tail Flick Response in mice. Result indicates presence of only the moderate effect in reference standard- Parijata and weak to moderate anti-inflammatory and moderate analgesic activity in the test drug- Shinshapa. Thus it can be suggested that this study failed to provide an un-equivocal experimental evidence as basis for their clinical efficacy in the treatment of Gridhrasi (Sciatica).

Bio-science problem is very wide and deep. Mathematical application in various bio-sciences problems is emphasized. The simple and relative equations have been developed for the determination of different constant values from iodine value.

Ayu is defined as conjunction of body, mind, soul and senses. Each has been given due importance in the maintenance of health and prevention and cure of disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) is one of the crippling diseases, claiming maximum loss of human power. It is not only a disorder of locomotor system, but also is a systemic disease and named, after its chief pathogenic constituents i.e. Ama and Vata in Ayurveda. The main causative factor, Ama is the result of malfunctioning of digestive and metabolic mechanisms. The disease is initiated by the consumption of diets prepared with some ingredients of opposite qualities (Viruddha Ahara) and simultaneous indulgence in Viruddha Ahara in the pre-existence of Mandagni. Though, according to Ayurveda, Ama and Vata are chiefly pathogenic factors, Kapha and Pitta are also invariably involved in its pathogenesis. Primarily the pathogenesis (Samprapti) originates in the gastro-intestinal tract (Annavaha srotasa) then branches out through the Madhyama rogamarga, the middle aspect of pathogenic process of disease, with special inclination for Shleshma sthana especially articular joints (Sandhi). Rasa, Asthi and Majja Dhatus are primarily involved. Dushyas like Mamsa Dhatu, Snayu and Kandara are also affected. Sandhishoola, Sandhishotha, Inhibition of joint movement (Stabdhata) and intolerability on touch in joints (Sparshasahyata) are salient feature of the disease. The disease Amavata has a chronic course and malaise, anorexia, heaviness of the body nausea, fever etc. are responsible for crippling of the patients in the long run. In the present study, Matra Basti with Prasarani Taila, Vatari Guggulu are selected as the remedy of Amavata, due to properties like Amanashana, Vatashamana, Deepana, Pachana and Rasayana Prabhava.In the present study, 28 patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis divided into two groups were treated with Vatari Guggulu orally and along with Prasarani Taila Matra Basti for 30 days. The effects of therapy were assessed by a specially prepared clinical research proforma. The result showed that better symptomatic relief was observed in Matra Basti group in comparison to Vatari Guggulu group.

The kidneys play a very important role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the body. They perform several important functions like normal fluid and acid base balance, electrolyte balance, production and secretion of hormones and excretion of metabolic products. Kidneys are highly vascularized organs receiving around 20-25% of the cardiac output, because of this reason they are constantly exposed to xenobiotics including environmental pollutants, and hence are on the risk of nephrotoxicity. In Ayurveda several drugs are used as nephroprotectives, in this study the well known Ayurvedic compound formulations ' Varunadi Ghrita' and 'Tiladi Kshara' were used to evaluate the nephroprotective effect against gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity. Total 36 animals in 6 groups were taken and weighed. Test drugs and vehicles were administered to respective groups, after two hours, Gentamycin (60 mg./kg. I.P) was administered to all groups except water control group for 15 consecutive days. On 16th day animals were weighed again and sacrificed by cervical dislocation and severing the jugular veins. Blood samples and kidneys were collected for estimation of serum biochemical investigations and histopathological studies respectively. Accurately weighed kidney tissues were also taken and homogenate was prepared for the estimation of different biochemical investigations. The result in the context of the objective of the study emerges that Varunadi Ghrita possess moderate nephroprotective activity. However, the study could not provide basis for its relevance to the probable efficacy of the test drug in kidney stone induced nephropathy.

Kitibha is a type of kshudra kushtha described in different Ayurvedic classics. It is a Vata-Kaphaja disorder. The clinical symptoms of Kitibha described in Ayurveda resembles with the clinical symptoms of Psoriasis. The clinical features of Kitibha described by Kashyapa represents remission, relapse and seasonal variation, which is present in Psoriasis. It is one of the most common dermatological problems of unknown etiology. It is a chronic, genetically determined, inflammatory and proliferative disease characterized by dry, well-circumscribed, silvery scaling papules and plaques of various sizes with spontaneous remission, relapse and seasonal variation. Lesions distributed all over the body with silvery scales, covering loops of dilated superficial capillaries underneath which are presented as tiny bleeding points on removal of scales (Auspitz's sign). It affects about 2% of world population. Various races and communities differ in the susceptibility to this disease. In India it affects about 1.5% of population including both the genders. It appears to be common in Europeans than in Orientals. Psoriasis like other skin disorder is a challenge to the medical sciences. In modern medicine there is no definite treatment for this disease. The medicines which are available to treat the disease are not very effective and cannot be used for long term management because of their local and systemic side effect as well as toxicity. Medicines which are used in Ayurveda are safe and being practiced since thousands of years. A large number of drugs are described in Ayurveda for the treatment of kushtha. Keeping this view in the mind, Guduchi and Bakuchi were selected as oral drugs and a Taila for local application which contains Tuvarak taila, Chakramarda beej, Snuhi ksheer and Gomutra was chosen.

Kushmanda is a well known plant since Vedic period. It is botanically known as Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cong. belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. It has been highlighted for its Medhya, Mutral, Vrishya etc. properties by various Ayurvedic authors. Its seeds are used by some tribals for enhancing sexual power. The seeds of Benincasa hispida procured from Agra (U.P.) were authenticated in pharmacognosy laboratory of I.P.G.T. & R.A. to prepare granules in the pharmacy of Gujarat Ayurved University. Total 30 patients were randomly divided in two groups and treated with: Placebo - wheat flour tablet, 2 tab. twice daily with 3 gms of sugar and lukewarm water and Kushmanda seed granules, 6 gms twice daily with lukewarm water for 45 days. The assessment was done on the basis of changes in seminal parameters and sexual health parameters. The study revealed that Kushmanda seed granules increased penile erection, rigidity and orgasm etc.

Pothaki - Trachoma is one of the diseases, having multiple follicles in the lids resembling red mustard seeds, occurring mainly due to vitiation of Kapha Dosha. Trachoma is a specific communicable keratoconjunctivitis usually of chronic nature caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis. It is primarily affecting the superficial epithelium, characterized by formation of follicles, papillary hyperplasia and pannus; the natural resolution of which is by cicatrisation involving potentially considerable visual disability. The study was done on 49 patients of Pothaki-Trachoma. Pippalyadi eye drops were instilled in group A and Ofloxacin in group B as a standard control. After enrollment of the patients in the study, vital signs and symptoms of Pothaki-Trachoma such as discharge, itching, heaviness, swelling etc. were studied before and after the treatment. Amongst the registered patients 16 patients completed the course of treatment in group A and 15 patients in group B. In group A, 43.75% patients got moderate improvement, 50.00% got mild improvement and 6.25% were unchanged, whereas none of the patients were completely cured. In group B, 26.67% got marked improvement, 53.33% were moderately improved and 20% got mild improvement.

Depression is an important psychiatric disorder in medical condition. This can interfere significantly an individual's ability to function. The difficult life situation and unrealistic thinking are most important precipitating factors for depressive disorder in majority of cases. These problems cannot be tackled completely through pharmacotherapy unless their causes are rooted out completely by psychotherapeutic intervention. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an established treatment for depressive illnesses. In the present study a comparative evaluation of CBT has been done with the Sattvavajaya, the Indian form of psychotherapy described in ancient medical literature of Ayurveda. The intra group comparisons based on the assessment of results on N-I scale, MHQ and Adjustment scale have been presented, which demonstrate comparable results.

Stroke is not a disease in itself but is heterogeneous group of disorders. Hemiplegia is one of the most frequent clinical presentations of stroke (CVA). Pakshaghata is clearly correlated with hemiplegia according to signs and symptoms described in various Ayurvedic literatures. Though ample research is being carried out for alleviating the disease and new avenues are being explored for treating early ischemic injury, yet the disease still remains incurable. In this study the line of treatment for Pakshaghata i.e. Virechana Karma as mentioned by Charaka has been studied. Basti Karma, the first line of treatment for Vata Vyadhi like Pakshaghata was selected for the study. After the completion of the study, comparative admirable results were observed by Basti Karma in contrast to Virechana Karma.

Kikkisa is Tridoshaja Vyadhi clinically characterized by burning, itching, stretch marks on the body particularly on the abdomen, thighs and breast region. It is usually found in the second trimester of pregnancy particularly in the seventh month due to the overstretching. It can be correlated with Striae gravidarum from modern science. It is the major problem of modern cosmetic conscious era, where more than 90% of the women suffer from this condition. It makes much psychological distress to the women. Considering the above facts, for the present study 64 patients were selected for clinical study, out of which 57 patients completed the course of treatment and were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was further divided into two sub-groups i.e. preventive and curative. In group A, 10 gm of Savarnakara Ghrita was given twice a day for oral administration for two months. In group B, Savarnakara cream in sufficient quantity was given for local application twice a day for two months. In group C, wheat flour capsule (500 mg) was given twice with Krishna Mruttika Lepa twice a day for two months. Better therapeutic response had been observed in Group B than Group A. In Group C, the condition of most of the patients started deteriorating. It was found that therapy is more effective in preventive group than in curative group.

Pratishyaya is a complex disease involving several symptomatologies and diverse pathogenesis. It is well known for its recurrence and chronicity. Recurrence of the disease occurs because the Doshas reside in their latent stage (predisposing stage) & give rise to the same disease when aggravating factors are favourable. The specific features of a child like Dosha Dushya Malalpata, Saukumaryata, Aparipakwa Dhatu, Asampurna Bala etc. lower the immune status of the child & makes him/her more susceptible for repeated infections like Pratishyaya. Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (RURTI) are can be corelated with Pratishyaya. URTIs include colds and influenza-like illnesses having significant impact on the health and academic performance of students.The textbook of modern medicine clearly states that there is no proper standardized treatment for URTIs & has lots of limitations. Injudiciously use of antibiotics & steroid to infants and young children leads to depression of immune system. Therefore, patients are continuously looking with a hope towards Ayurveda to overcome this challenge. In the present study, total 40 patients were registered and randomly divided into two groups. In group A, Mustakadi Avaleha & in group B, Gojihwadi Avaleha was given for 6 weeks.The Nidana, signs & symptoms were observed carefully to get idea about the Samprapti of the disease. The effects of therapy in both groups were assessed by a specially prepared proforma. The result obtained showed striking similarity. In both the groups, an apparent difference in all the sign & symptoms was observed. In Mustakadi Avaleha and Gojihwadi Avaleha group maximum number of patients i.e. 53.33% and 46.67% of patients respectively showed marked improvement.