Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global public health crisis, so also in India. As per the World Health Organization's report, half of the total anemia is IDA. Ayurveda offers several formulations for the management of IDA. Given in this context, a systematic review was carried out to understand the role of Ayurvedic formulations for the management of IDA. For this purpose, articles were obtained from PubMed and through hand search process. Of the 37 articles identified, 10 articles were finally selected for the review. Of the 10 studies identified, 3 studies were (n = 10) exclusively focused on pregnant women, 2 studies (n = 10) were exclusively focused on pediatric age group, 1 study (n = 10) was exclusively focused on geriatric anemia and 4 studies (n = 10) were focused on general population. The response of most of the Ayurvedic formulations was better than Allopathic formulations and there was no untoward effect as observed with iron salts. Statistically significant results were obtained in favor of most of the Ayurvedic formulations in subjective and hematological parameters. Among six different formulations, Sarva-Jvara-Hara Lauha is suggested as the drug of choice for IDA as the Hb regeneration with this drug is highest- 0.16 g/dl/day, as reported by one of the studies. In addition, Punarnavadi Mandura is currently used as an anemia correcting agent at the community level promoted by the National Rural Health Mission and is included in the Accredited Social Health Activist's drugs kit. As most of these Ayurvedic formulations are found effective against IDA, their usage should be fostered at all level in addition to modern allopathic medicines.

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Introduction: Jatyadi ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated in the treatment of various types of ulcers. Aim: The study was designed to explore the wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita in diabetes - induced rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, diabetes mellitus was induced to 6 to 8-week-old male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin cut 65 mg/kg body weight intravenously by 15 min prior to the administration of Nicotinamide at 230 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Animals having diabetes were used for grouping namely, diabetic control (DC), Ghrita control (GC), positive control (PC), i.e., mupirocin HCl, Jatyadi Ghrita treatment and one group of non-DC. Full-thickness excision wound was created and diameter was recorded. Daily clinical observations were recorded. A wound scoring method was developed. Wound diameter and score were recorded on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 15. Photographs were taken at the same time interval points. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly. Animals were sacrificed at regular intervals to collect the wound area tissue for histopathology analysis. Obtained data was analyzed statistically. Results and Observation: It was observed that there was no significant difference in diameter and percent change in wound healing as compared to any control. However, clinical score and histopathological changes in Jatyadi Ghrita group were improved from the second day of the study as compared to control. Conclusion: This indicates that the drug has similar wound healing activity as compared to the modern drug mupirocin HCl.

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Background: Acute cough represents the most common illness evaluated in the outpatient settings. Available remedies for its management are generally allopathic combinations of antihistamines and decongestants that achieve antitussive activity, but often with unpleasant side effects prompting the need to explore safer and effective options. Honitus is an Ayurvedic proprietary herbal cough syrup with benefits of honey, intended to provide relief in acute nonproductive cough and throat irritation without causing drowsiness. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of Honitus in reducing acute nonproductive cough and throat irritation in comparison to a standard marketed allopathic cough syrup intended for use in similar conditions. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized double-blind study conducted in 105 individuals who received orally 2 tsp (10 ml) of either Honitus or marketed cough syrup (MCS) four times a day for 3 days. Response to treatment was evaluated from baseline to the end of treatment period on the basis of changes in day and night frequencies of cough, throat irritation and development of adverse events (AEs). Results: Honitus was found safe and effective in reducing symptoms of acute nonproductive cough, throat irritation, and comparable to MCS in reducing day and night frequencies of cough, the time to relief from cough and throat irritation and the Physician's Global Assessment of cough. Honitus showed comparably better results than MCS on throat irritation, the duration of relief from cough and throat irritation without causing drowsiness. No AEs related to study or study products were reported. Conclusion: Honitus Syrup is safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of acute nonproductive cough and throat irritation without causing drowsiness.

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The scientific paper has been developed over the past three centuries into a tool to communicate the results of scientific inquiry. Scientific writing must have of a high standard because it is related with the process of gaining knowledge for the learned as well as new learners. In ancient era, specific writing methodology was adopted by the scientists to prepare standard and highly-scientific manuscripts in the field. Tools such as Tantrayukti (techniques for writing/decoding treatise), Tachchhilya (inclinations), Kalpana (compositions), etc., have been described in the classics to maintain the quality standards of scientific literature. Due to well-established writing methods, scientific literatures such as Samhita (Ayurvedic texts), Samgraha-grantha (compendia), Nighantu (lexicons), etc., were written uniformly and good quality literature was generated. The characteristics of good scientific writing for Shastra (treatise) have been described in the Vimanasthana of Charaka Samhita which is known as Tantraguna. The Tantraguna covers the key points of the writing such as language, order, length, method, etc. After reviewing and analyzing these Tantraguna, it can be concluded that the ancient writing method can be compared with some aspect to current introduction, methods, results and discussion structure of scientific writing. This analysis may help to empower and strengthen the current standards of scientific writing by editing new aspects of ancient writing method.

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Introduction: The burden of lifestyle disorders is rapidly increasing worldwide. Modernization, affluence, science and technological development lead to still more sedentary life styles. By exposing oneself to all these factors human being unknowingly invited a number of diseases, out of which Sthaulya (obesity) is one which disturbs physical, mental and social health of an individual. Aims and Objectives: To identify the main lifestyle related Aharatmaka (dietary factors), Viharatmaka (physical activities) and Manasika (psychological) factors associated with Sthaulya (obesity) among the patient aged in between 20-60 years. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey study was done among 250 patients of Sthaulya (obesity) visiting outpatient department of the Institute from the period May 2013 to June 2014. The patients were selected using simple random sampling method. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institute and Lifestyle related questionnaire was used for survey study which was based on the etiological factors mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics. Observations and Conclusions: The survey study revealed that intake of Guru and Snigdha Ahara (heavy fatty food), Avyayama (lack of involvement in physical activities), Divasvapna (day sleep) and psychological distress are the main lifestyle related factors strongly associated with the Sthaulya (Obesity)

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Background: Tectaria coadunata (Wall. Ex Hook and Grev.) C. Chr (Kukkutnakhi) is a pteridophyte fern which is found in Western Ghats, Kerala Ghats, and Mahendragiri forest region. It is used by many Vaidyas in hyperlipidemic conditions and obesity. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and antihyperlipidemic activity of T. coadunata in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Oral acute toxicity study was carried out in female Wistar rats as per OECD 425 guideline. Antihyperlipidemic activity of powder of T. coadunata (540 mg/kg) was carried out in high-fat diet–induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar albino rats. Results: T. coadunata rhizome powder at the dose of 2000 mg/kg did not produce any mortality and toxic effects during acute toxicity study in female rats. Test drug produced highly significant (P < 0.001) reversal in the triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol along with nonsignificant decrease in the cholesterol level in rats fed with hyperlipidemic diet. Further, T. coadunata has shown nonsignificant decrease in serum urea, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin direct while statistically significant decrease in bilirubin total in comparison to cholesterol control group. Histopathological study has shown reversal of adverse changes induced by hyperlipidemic diet in heart, liver, and kidney. Conclusion: It is concluded that drug is safe up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg in rats. Rhizome of T. coadunata has shown antihyperlipidemic activity in rats, which suggest its potential role in hyperlipidemia and associated conditions.

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As far as the rights of consumers are concerned, the International Organization of Consumer's Union (IOCU) in 1983 has specified about the eight rights of a consumer. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986 then prescribed six “Rights of Consumers,” which are protected under the act. However, these rights can be observed in the ancient Indian texts such as Brihat-trayee, Narad Smruti, and Kautilya Arthashastra., in the form of rights given to patients. For the purpose of present study, the implemented methodology includes – (1) study of the consumer rights described by IOCU and CPA, (2) detailed review of literature for observance of replication of these consumer rights in the ancient Indian texts and (3) a comparative study of the present consumer rights with the rights of patients observed in ancient Indian texts. This study shows that the substance of consumer rights is not a recent evolution, but the foundation of these rights has been laid well beforehand in the ancient times, which were provided to the patients by medical profession as well as by the rulers. The current scenario of protection of consumer rights is the replication of this ancient practice only.

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Background: The study was aimed to investigate the antitussive and anti-asthmatic activities of ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata (TDEE) leaves byin vivo andin vitro models. Recently, indole alkaloids (monoterpenoid indole alkaloids) have been approved as investigational new drug for clinical trial in respiratory diseases, and T. divaricata has already proven its potential for the presence of indole alkaloids. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity studies of TDEE were performed in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines no. 425. The sensitized guinea pigs were screened out and divided into control, standard, and TDEE-treated groups. Anti-asthmatic activity of TDEE was assessed byin vitro guinea pig tracheal chain method andin vivo bronchoprotective test method using aminophylline as a standard drug. Taken codeine as standard, antitussive activity was evaluated by in vivo citric acid-induced tussive response. Results: TDEE was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg, body weight. TDEE exhibits maximum bronchi relaxation of 91.66% and 92.83% against acetylcholine and histamine-induced contraction, respectively. TDEE exhibited maximum and significant (P < 0.001) bronchoprotection of 42.28% at the dose level of 200 mg/kg, body weight. TDEE at aerosolic dose of 6% (w/v) exhibited decreased average cough frequency (4.83 ± 0.30) which is quite significant (P < 0.001) and effective as compared to standard drug codeine. Based on the histopathological evidences, TDEE-treated groups showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and had restored epithelial damage. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed the potent antitussive and anti-asthmatic activities of T. divaricata, which support its further implication for the treatment of cough-associated complications such as cough variant asthma.

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Introduction: Ayurveda has a novel concept of Vishamashana. Vishamashana means taking food irregularly or without following a particular time. Aims: In the present era, due to the competitiveness in each and every field of life, today's individual does not get sufficient time for taking food and to maintain its quantity and quality. Vishamashana became a very common habit and trend in the modern developed era. As per the Ayurvedic Siddhanta, Vishamashana aggravates all the three Doshas and it is also said to be an important cause of vitiating the Agni. Hence, present survay was conducted to assess the effect of Vishamashana on health. Material and Methods: survey study has been done on 100 persons having habit of Vishamashana. Persons were divided into two groups: Group A for volunteers and Group B for patients. A special proforma was prepared for the assessment of health status based on Swastha Lakshanas of Charaka Samhita and Kashyapa Samhita. Results: In the survey study, majority of patients of Group B were found to have Avara health status and Group A had Madhyama health Status.

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Introduction: CALCI-7 (CA) is an ayurvedic proprietary medicine, used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, scientific proof for its anti-osteoporotic effect and mechanism of action remain unclear due to which present study was under taken. Materials and Methods: Ovariectomy was performed to induce osteoporosis. Rats were given CA 100 mg/kg, p.o. and estrogen 0.0563 mg/kg, i.m. once a day from day 1 to day 42. Animals were weighed weekly for body weight variation. At the end of 42 days treatment, urine and the blood samples were collected for analysis of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Immediately, after sample collection, the uterus was carefully removed and weighed. Results were analysed using ANOVA. Results: CA treatment to ovariectyomized (OVX) rats showed significant improvement in body weight, increased levels of calcium and phosphorus levels in serum while levels were found to be decreased in urine as compared to OVX group. The significant increase in uterine weight and femur length were observed in treatment groups. In the histopathological examination bone structure showed a normal structure with lacuna and various lamellae without any damage or porosity in bone in the formulation and estrogen-treated group. Conclusion: The present findings are strongly suggestive that CA possesses comparable efficacy to estrogen and thus can be useful in the postmenopausal osteoporosis.

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Introduction: Tonsillitis is a common illness in the childhood period. There are about 7,455,494 cases of tonsillitis in India per year. Tonsillitis can be compared with Tundikeri in Ayurveda. In the present study, Kanchnara Guggulu tablets and Pratisarana of Tankana-Madhu were selected. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Kanchnar Guggulu and Tankana-Madhu Pratisarana in the management of Tundikeri in children. Materials and Methods: In the present study, a total of 31 patients aged between 5 and 16 years attending the outpatient department of Kaumarbhritya Department and Shalakya Tantra Department were registered. Among them, 26 patients completed the treatment. Kanchnara Guggulu tablets were administered orally in Group A and in Group B, Pratisarana with Tankana-Madhu was done along with the oral administration of Kanchnara Guggulu tablets. Results: The results showed that in Group A, 21.43% of patients got complete remission, 42.86% of patients got marked improvement and 35.71% of patients got moderate improvement. In Group B, 25% of patients got complete remission, 58.33% of patients got marked improvement and 16.67% of patients got moderate improvement. Conclusion: Both the groups showed highly significant results in all cardinal and associated features of Tundikeri. Kanchnara Guggulu and Tankana-Madhu Pratisarana are a safe and effective modality for the treatment of Tundikeri.

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Background: Science is not a mere conglomeration of facts, but the systematic arrangement of facts ascertained through observations and interpretations. Surveys are based on observation which helps in the comprehensive examination of an area or population for a particular purpose. Surveys help in the evaluation and revalidation of existing facts or principles and also in finding out new facts. Ayurveda, the time-tested medical system of India also expanded the horizon of its knowledge by means of keen observation and surveys. Ayurveda visualizes health and disease through a psychosomatic approach. Doṣa prakṛti mentioned in Ayurveda incorporates both somatic as well as psychic features. Thus, it represents the total psychosomatic constitution of the person. Besides, physical, sensual, intellectual, or moral characteristics and attributes can be understood under the broad heading of Triguṇa. Ayurveda has elaborated the psychic dispositions of a person based on Mānasa prakṛti. Hence, each and every person has all the three qualities of mind all the time, but there is a relative variation of these in different persons and this determines the three separate Mānasa prakṛti, namely, Sātvika, Rājasika, and Tāmasika which is also known as Mahāprakṛti. Aim: This article aims at an overview on the formation of an inventory for the gross assessment of Mānasa prakrti. Methods and Materials: Initially Mānasa prakṛti inventory comprising of fifty statements has been developed based on literature. The inventory was later subjected for face validation method. There after it was used for pilot survey study. Results: One hundred volunteers were easily categorized underSatva- Rājasādhika (32%), Rājasa- Tāmasādhika (24%), Satva- Tāmasādhika (24%), Rājasādhika (18%), Tāmasādhika ( 4%) andSātvika Prakṛti (2%). Conclusion: Hence, this Mānasa prakṛti inventory was effective as an effective applicable test to assess psychic disposition of an individual.

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Introduction: Thalassemia major is a malignant type of genetic disorder and iron overload is the main complication of the disease which results due to frequent blood transfusions. Gandhakadi Yoga has been proved effective against iron overload in experimental studies and pilot voluntary study, hence, taken for clinical evaluation in the present study. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Gandhakadi Yoga as an adjuvant therapy in the management of thalassemia major. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 patients of age group 2–12 years were registered and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (trial group-Gandhakadi Yoga with blood transfision (BT)) and Group B (control Group-with BT and iron chelation therapy). The assessment was done based on the subjective and objective parameters after12 weeks of treatment, with a follow-up of 12 weeks. The data obtained in clinical study was analyzed using Student's “t” test. Results: Trial drug provided highly significant result (P < 0.001) in most of the subjective parameters and BT interval was prolonged. In Group A, the maximum improvement was found in three patients (13.04%); moderate improvement in 15 patients (65.22%) and mild improvement in five patients (21.74%). No adverse drug reaction was reported during the clinical study. Conclusion: Gandhakadi Yoga provided better results than control in subjective and objective parameters, BT interval and general health status, hence, has an effective role as an adjuvant in the management of thalassemia major.

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Background: Though Sushruta Samhita is considered as the chief surgical treatise, Maharshi Sushruta has also emphasized on the preventive and curative aspects of diet. Dwadasha Ashana Pravichara is one of the unique concepts of Sushruta Samhita which can be considered as the root of diet therapy. In Dwadasha Ashana Pravichara, diet pattern is described for both healthy and diseased people. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of Ekakala Bhojana in Agnimandya patients. Materials and Methods: Patients fulfilling the criteria of selection were selected for the present study and were divided into two groups using simple random sampling method. Patients were treated for 10 days. The patients in Group A were treated with Trikatu tablet and those in Group B were given Ekakala Bhojana and placebo tablet. Effect of therapy was assessed on the basis of Abhyavaharana and Jarana Shakti. Results: Group B (Ekakala Bhojana) shows better results than Group A in the parameters of Abhyavaharana and Jarana Shakti except in Udgarashuddhi. Group B (65.19%) shows better result in Ahara shakti than that of Group A (55.76%). Conclusion: Agnimadya may be treated at primary level without the use of any medicine and only by reducing frequency of meal to Ekakala Bhojana.

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Background: Morinda pubescens J.E.Sm. (Rubiaceae) is an important medicinal plant used in indigenous system of medicine i.e., Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of M. pubescens in gentamicin induced acute renal failure in rats. Methods: Nephrotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by administration of gentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 10 days. Simultaneously, the treatment was conducted with water extract bark of M. pubescens (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and its ethyl acetate fractions (100 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for ten days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.) is used as standard drug. Using renal biochemical markers creatinine, urea, uric acid, BUN, albumin, protein, and other parameters are kidney weight, body weight, urine volume and histopathology of the kidney. Statistical analysis was performed by using one - way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test. Results: It was observed that the water extract and its ethyl acetate fractions bark of M. pubescens has brought back the altered levels of biochemical markers and other parameters to the near normal levels. Histopathological study revealed treatment groups also shows the normal texture of kidney. Conclusions: The present study possessed nephroprotective activity but ethyl acetate fraction was found to exhibit greater nephroprotective activity than the water extract.

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Background: Makaradhwaja, a herbomineral preparation, is a popular aphrodisiac and rejuvenator in traditional medicine. It is prepared from purified gold, mercury, and sulphur in different proportions by the application of gradually increasing heat in modified electrical muffle furnace (Valuka Yantra). To find out major and minor trace elements and structural composition of Makaradhwaja, its chemical characterization is needed. Aim: This study aims to develop preliminary physicochemical profile of Shadguna Balijarita Makaradhwaja (SBM). Materials and Methods: Physicochemical characterization of Shadguna Balijarita Makaradhwaja was carried out by adopting various techniques, viz. X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine structure and contents. Results and Conclusion: Shadguna Balijarita Makaradhwaja contains 12131 ppm of gold in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry study. FTIR study revealed few organic compounds. Structurally, it is a mercuric sulfide having an empirical formula HgS.

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