Acute and subacute oral toxicity evaluation of Ayurvedic formulation Tapyadi loha in rats.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of traditional medicine that provides treatments for a wide range of acute and chronic health problems. It is a common myth amongst people that Ayurvedic drugs have no side effects, whereas the fact is that these drugs can cause adverse effects. Despite their wide use, the safety data of many Ayurvedic formulations are still unavailable. Tapyadi loha is an Ayurvedic formulation traditionally claimed for iron deficiency anemia in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. However, no scientific study has been conducted to evaluate its oral toxicity. Hence, the present study evaluated the acute and subacute oral toxicity of the Tapyadi loha according to the OECD test guidelines 425 and 407, respectively. Tapyadi loha did not cause mortality nor any signs of toxicity when given once orally at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Subacute toxicity study showed no mortality as well as no behavioral, hematological, biochemical and histopathological abnormalities in rats treated with Tapyadi loha formulation at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. It is concluded that the Tapyadi loha is safe at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg and 28 days repeated dose of 1000 mg/kg by oral route in rats.

Liquid biopsy in ovarian cancer: the potential of circulating miRNAs and exosomes.

Ovarian cancer still remains the most lethal female cancer, since in most cases it is diagnosed at an advanced stage. Usually after completion of primary treatment chemoresistance occurs, and recurrent disease is finally observed. Liquid biopsy, based on minimally invasive and serial blood tests, has the advantage of following tumor evolution in real time, offering novel insights on precision medicine. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating cell-free microRNAs (cfmiRNAs) and circulating exosomes represent the major components of liquid biopsy analysis. Liquid biopsy has been already implemented in ovarian cancer, and most studies so far are mainly focused on CTCs and ctDNA. This review is mainly focused on the clinical potential of circulating miRNAs and exosomes as a source of liquid biopsy biomarkers in ovarian cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and response to treatment.

Application of Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Methods for Chemical Characterization of an Ayurvedic Herbo-Mineral Preparation: Maha Yograja Guggulu.

Rasa Shastra is an exclusive branch of ayurveda that uses processed metals and minerals in various combinations. Though the formulations are time tested, safety and quality concerns are being raised since the past two decades. In view of this, it becomes mandatory to generate quality control profiles of such formulations by following available parameters. Considering this, we attempted to develop standard manufacturing procedures of Maha Yogaraja Guggulu and generate preliminary physicochemical profiles using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The results from high-performance thin-layer chromatography revealed presence of organic constituents from plant material. X-ray diffraction indicated that the prepared drug contained cinnabar (mercury sulfide; Rasa sindhura), cassiterite (tin oxide; Vanga bhasma), litharge (lead oxide; Naga bhasma), and iron dioxide and magnetite (di-iron oxide; Loha and Mandura bhasma). The observations of the present study are preliminary and first of its kind that may be considered as baseline data for future studies.

Role of Agnikarma in Sandhigata Vata (osteoarthritis of knee joint).

INTRODUCTION: Sandhigata Vata is one of Vata Vyadhi characterized by the symptoms such as Sandhishoola (joint pain) and Sandhishopha (swelling of joint). Osteoarthritis (OA) is degenerative joint disorder, represents failure of the diarthrodial (movable, synovial-lined) joint. OA of knee joint comes under the inflammatory group which is almost identical to Sandhigata Vata described in Ayurveda with respect to etiology, pathology, and clinical features. Agnikarma (therapeutic heat burn) is one which gives instant relief from pain by balancing local Vata and Kapha Dosha without any untoward effects. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Agnikarma with Rajata and Loha Dhatu Shalaka in the management of Janugata Sandhivata (OA of knee joint). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 diagnosed patients of Janugata Sandhivata were registered and randomly divided into two groups. In Group-A, Agnikarma was done with Rajata Shalaka while in Group-B Agnikarma was performed by Loha Shalaka in four sittings. Assessment in relief of signs and symptoms was done by weekly interval, and Student's t-test was applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Group-A provided 76.31% relief in pain while Group-B provided 83.77% relief. Relief from crepitus was observed in 57.13% of patients of Group-A, while 57.92% of patients of Group-B. There was statistically insignificant difference between both the groups. Loha Shalaka provided better result in pain relief than Rajata Shalaka. CONCLUSION: Agnikarma is effective nonpharmacological, parasurgical procedure for pain management in Sandhigata Vata (OA of knee joint).