Characterization of lead sulfide obtained from Naga Bhasma.

BACKGROUND: Lead sulfide nanoparticles were manufactured from lead oxide using a procedure described in the Ayurveda formulary of India, which involved using a quantum of the heat of up to 60 puta, which is officially known as the Shasti puta Naga Bhasma. OBJECTIVE: The study shows sulfurization of nanoparticles decreased their toxicity due to the lower solubility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present work used the arsenic sulfide media and traditional puta for processing and the characterization of the same has been conducted. Different analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo-gravimetry analysis (TGA) were used. RESULTS: Powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis all showed that the produced nanoparticles are lead sulfide nanoparticles with a particle size of an average of 84.60 and the crystalline average size of 69.06 nm. CONCLUSION: The rounded, rod, oval, cubic, and circular morphology of the produced lead sulfide nanoparticles can be seen in the SEM image. The stretching and bending functional groups in the sample were alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, alkyl alpha, beta-unsaturated, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid, aliphatic amines, primary amines, secondary amines, alkyl halides, are studied through the FTIR spectrum.

Preliminary data on cytotoxicity and functional group assessment of a herb-mineral combination against colorectal carcinoma cell line.

OBJECTIVES: The invasive screening methods and the late stage diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are contributing for the devastative prognosis. The gradual shift of the disease pattern among younger generations requires the implementation of phytochemicals and traditional medicines. Arkeshwara rasa (AR) is a herb-mineral combination of Tamra bhasma/incinerated copper ashes and Dwigun Kajjali/mercury sulphide levigated with Calotropis procera leaf juice, Plumbago zeylanica root decoction and the decoction of three myrobalans (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Emblica Officinalis decoction)/Triphala decoction. METHODS: The SW-480 cell line was checked for the cytotoxicity and the cell viability criteria with MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. The acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) assay revealed the depth of apoptosis affected cells in the fluorescent images. The FTIR analysis exhibited the graphical spectrum of functional groups within the compound AR. RESULTS: The IC50 from the 10-7 to 10-3 concentrations against SW-480 cells was 40.4 µg/mL. The staining of AO/EtBr was performed to visualize live and dead cells and it is evident from the result that number of apoptotic cells increases at increasing concentration of AR. The single bond with stretch vibrations of O-H and N-H are more concentrated in the 2,500-3,200 cm-1 and 3,700-4,000 cm-1 of the spectra whereas, the finger print region carries the O-H and S=O type peaks. CONCLUSIONS: The AR shows strong cyto-toxicity against the SW-480 cells by inducing apoptosis. It also modulates cellular metabolism with the involvement of functional groups which antagonizes the strong acids. Moreover, these effects need to be analyzed further based in the in vivo and various in vitro models.

Pharmaceutical characterization and exploration of Arkeshwara rasa in MDA-MB-231 cells.

BACKGROUND: The diverse specificity mode of cancer treatment targets and chemo resistance demands the necessity of drug entities which can address the devastating dynamicity of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To check the anti-tumour potential of traditional medicine rich in polyherbal components and metal nanoparticle namely Arkeshwara rasa (AR). MATERIAL METHODS: The AR was prepared in a modified version with reference from Rasaratna Samuchaya and characterized using sophisticated instrumental analysis including XRD, SEM-EDAX, TEM, TGA-DSC, and LC-MS and tested against the MDA-MB-231 cell line to screen cell viability and the cytotoxicity with MTT, SRB and the AO assay. RESULTS: XRD pattern shows cubic tetrahedrite structure with Sb, Cu, S peaks and trace elements like Fe, Mg, etc. The particle size of AR ranges between 20 and 30 nm. The TGA points thermal decomposition at 210 °C and the metal sulphide peaks in DSC. LC-MS analysis reveals the components of the formulation more on the flavonoid portion. The IC50 value of MTT and SRB are 25.28 µg/mL and 31.7 µg/mL respectively. The AO colorimeter substantiated the cell viability and the apoptosis figures of the same cell line. The AR exhibits cytotoxicity and reaffirms the apoptosis fraction with SRB assay. CONCLUSIONS: The Hesperidine, Neohesperidin, Rutin components in the phytochemical pool can synergize the anti-tumour potential with either influencing cellular pathways or decreasing chemo resistance to conventional treatment. AR need to be further experimented with reverse transcription, flow cytometry, western blotting, etc.

Ayurvedic preparations of Raudra Rasa inhibit agonist-mediated platelet activation and restrict thrombogenicity without affecting cell viability.

Ayurveda is considered to be one of the most ancient forms of medicine still practiced. The Ayurvedic preparation Raudra Rasa and its derivatives have been widely employed against cancer since the 12th century, but the effect of these traditional formulations on platelet function and signaling has not previously been examined. Here we demonstrate that Raudra Rasa and its derivatives significantly reduce thrombin-induced integrin activation and granule secretion in platelets, as observed by reduced PAC-1 binding and P-selectin externalization, respectively. These formulations also inhibited thrombin-stimulated phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential in platelets. Consistent with the above, Raudra Rasa significantly reduced thrombin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the platelet proteins, as well as phosphorylation of the enzymes AKT and GSK-3ß. In summary, Raudra Rasa inhibits agonist-mediated platelet activation without affecting cell viability, suggesting it may have therapeutic potential as an anti-platelet/anti-thrombotic agent.

Screening of anti-cancerous potential of classical Raudra rasa and modified Raudra rasa modified with hiraka bhasma (nanodiamond) through FTIR & LC-MS analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Raudra rasa is an ayurvedic medicine explicitly prescribed for the treatment of arbuda (cancer), whereas hiraka bhasma has the potential to promote cancer healing properties. Together, these two medicines provide multifunction benefits. This paper analyses the functional groups of Raudra rasa modified with hiraka bhasma and compares it with the classically prepared raudra rasa. To identify the functional group, organic ligands, and active compounds present in samples of raudra rasa (CRR) and modified raudra rasa with hiraka bhasma (MRR) contributing to cancer alleviation by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) & LC-MS analysis. METHODS: Classical raudra rasa (CRR), its ingredients, shadguna kajjali (SK); decoction of Piper betel Linn. (PBD); Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (ASD); Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (BDD); Piper longum Linn. (PLD); cow urine (GM), & similarly modified raudra rasa (MRR), its ingredients, hiraka bhasma (HB); shadguna rasasindura (SHR); water-soluble extract of Piper betel Linn. (PBE); Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (ASE); Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (BDE); cow urine ark (GA); Piper Longum Linn. (PLE) were subjected to FTIR and LC-MS analysis. RESULTS: Among all 15 samples studied, maximum numbers of peaks (21) were seen in MRR indicating a greater number of functional groups. Further, in MRR, a maximum peak in the double bond region is suggestive of its higher stability compared to CRR. Both the compound is preliminarily a mixture of the number of functional groups like; fluoro, methyl, amino, hydroxy, nitro, methylamino, carbonyl, and iodo groups, having known anti-proliferative activities. By the FT-IR analysis, the biologically active compounds in aqueous and methanol extract of CRR & MRR were identified that have anti-cancerous compounds. In the present study, a total of 40 major compounds like alkaloids, amino acid, carboxylic acid, Flavonoids, Nucleoside, Nucleotide, phenylpropanoid, Sphingosine, stilbenoid, sugar, phosphate, terpenoids, vitamin from aqueous & methanol extract of CRR & MRR were identified by LC-MS. CONCLUSIONS: This research paper highlights the presence of different functional groups and bioactive compounds known to have anti-cancer activities. Thus, this review suggests future recommendations for the design and development of improved anticancer drugs with higher efficacy.

Physico-chemical characterization of kajjali, black sulphide of mercury, with respect to the role of sulfur in its formation and structure.

BACKGROUND: Kajjali is used as a base for Ayurvedic herbo-mineral medicines. It is a combination of mercury with sulfur in varying proportions. The ratio of sulfur (S) added to mercury (Hg) directly relates to the therapeutic efficacy of the compound. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the physico-chemical characteristics of samaguna gandhaka kajjali (Hg: S = 1:1) and shadaguna gandhaka kajjali (Hg: S = 1:6). MATERIALS AND METHODS: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetry analysis, and atomic absorption spectroscopy were applied to characterize each type of kajjali. RESULTS: It was found that the particle size of the formed kajjali compound increases with a decrease in the mercury to sulfur ratio. The presence of excess sulfur does not change the surface oxidation states as revealed by the XPS analysis. No trace of mercury has been found in both samaguna gandhaka kajjali (SGK-1) and shadguna gandhaka kajjali (SGK-6), indicating a complete Hg reaction with S. CONCLUSION: Kajjali simulates nanomaterial of the modern era and possesses therapeutic efficacy as mentioned in classical Ayurveda texts. Complete trituration of mercury and sulfur combination ends up with this kajjali formation incorporating the potency of nanotherapeutics.

Transmission modes of COVID-19 disease pandemic in the light of ancient wisdom of Ayurveda medicine: a review.

Human-to-human transmission of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurs most often when people are in the incubation stage of the disease or are carriers and have no symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 transmission on different levels showed that the cold and dry climate, hot wind and relative humid wind, maximum wind speed, turbulent wind, intensified recirculating flow were causing transmission higher than factors. The role of environmental factors described in Ayurveda like air, water, soil, season, frequent earthquakes, sunlight exposure, frequent thunderstorm with lightening, and factors from arthropods were revalidated in perspective of COVID-19 transmission. The authors searched the information regarding epidemic diseases in Ayurveda textbooks. Pubmed, Science Direct, Wikipedia, Elsevier, Lancet, and Springer were approached for the latest knowledge relating to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Google Scholar search engine was thoroughly checked upon for scientific evidence regarding the Ayurveda drugs. Various environmental factors like soil, air, water, frequent earthquake disasters, wildlife animals, aquatic birds, space, inevitable disastrous factors, weather or seasonal hazards, violent thunderstorm with lightning, intermediate hosts, sunlight exposure etc. were considered for their role in the genesis of the disease. The Ayurvedic concepts behind the etiology and development of epidemics are the same as modern epidemiological theories. The mysteries of many aspects of the current pandemic might be deciphered by traditional medicine knowledge and thus adding upon to the integrative medicine concept.

Characterization and antimicrobial study of Trinakantamani (Amber) Pishti.

Background: Trinakantamani Pishti (TMP) is a cardio-tonic (Hridya), styptic (Rakta Stambhaka), astringent (Kashaya) formulation frequently used in varieties of bleeding disorders such as bloody diarrhea (Raktatisaara), Raktarsha (bleeding piles), and disorders of excessive menstruation (Atyartava). Still, no published data is available regarding its characterization. Aim: To generate a fingerprint for raw and processed TMP using sophisticated instrumental techniques to assess antimicrobial activity of TMP. Materials and methods: Three samples of TMP were prepared using the standard reference method. Characterization of TMP was carried out by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDEX) with scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial activity was carried out by the well-diffusion method. Results: Analysis by scanning electron microscope revealed maximum particle size <5 µm and <3 µm in the raw sample and TMP, respectively. Minimum particle size in TMP ranges from 1 to 2 µm and 701 nm. EDEX analysis shows carbon and oxygen as major constituents while Na, Mg, Ca, Si, Fe, and S were present in traces. XRD pattern indicates the amorphous nature of the drug, while FTIR analysis reveals the presence of functional groups such as O-H, CO2, C = O, C-N, N-H. Heavy metals, total microbial count, and microbial limit test were found to be under permissible limits. Anti-microbial study against tested pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium did not show any effect of TMP. Conclusion: The results of EDEX study showed that Pishti samples have the small particle size i.e., 701nm than the raw i.e., 1-2 µm, which may facillitate absobtion of drug into the body. All heavy metals in the samples were within the permissible limit. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are the chief elements of drug which confirms similarity to the Amber, Since the present work is the first published literature on characterization and anti-microbial study on TMP, the outcome can be considered as fingerprint for the drug prepared using the mentioned reference method.

Critical review of Ayurvedic Varnya herbs and their tyrosinase inhibition effect.

INTRODUCTION: The aspiration for light skin (fair complexion) is becoming pronounced in a greater number of people in the present times with natural products being more in demand than their synthetic counterparts. Research in the area of skin-lightening agents is an expanding field with the knowledge being updated regularly. In Ayurveda, varnya, raktaprasadana, tvacya are few terms specifying skin lightening with respect to its modern counterpart i.e., Tyrosinase inhibition, the most commonly reported method of skin lightening. AIM: The present review is undertaken for screening twenty herbs from Varnya Mahakasaya, Lodhradi varnya gana, Eladi varna prasadana gana and few varnya formulations to evaluate their probable modes of action through which the skin lightening is effected as per both Ayurveda and biomedical concepts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Critical review of herbs to show varnya property is compiled from various Ayurvedic texts as well as from multiple articles on the internet to justify their skin lightening property on the basis of data collected. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: All the twenty herbs reviewed are found to act as varnya directly (citation as varnya) or indirectly (alleviation of pitta and rakta) as per Ayurveda and to interfere in melanogenesis pathway through tyrosinase inhibition as per biomedicine. This shows their potential to act as good skin whitening agents. Sunthi being a part of many varnya formulations, is the only herb among all reviewed in the present study found to exhibit tyrosinase inhibition without any Ayurvedic citation of varnya property.