Exploring Anticancer Properties of Medicinal Plants against Breast Cancer by Downregulating Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2.

Plants have a history of being employed in managing breast cancer. However, no scientific evidence supports the idea that these plants can effectively reduce the level of HER2 expression. In this study, extracts from 10 medicinal plants were evaluated for their anticancer properties against HER2-positive breast cancer cells through various methods, including the SRB assay, comet assay, annexin V-FITC dual staining, and immunoblotting. All extracts exerted antiproliferative activity against HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Furthermore, Terminalia chebula (T. chebula), Berberis aristata (B. aristata), and Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) reduced HER2 expression in tested cell lines. In addition, an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was observed after the treatment. A comparative proteomics study showed modulation in the proteome profile of breast cancer cells after treatment with T. chebula, B. aristata, Punica granatum, M. pruriens, and Acorus calamus. Metabolic profiling of lead plants revealed the existence of multiple anticancer compounds. Our study demonstrates the considerable potential of the mentioned plants as innovative therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing.

BACKGROUND: Since ancient times, the essential element sulphur has played an important role in different medical fields. It is one of the main materials used in herbo-mineral pharmaceutics in Ayurveda. However, for Ayurvedic pharmaceutical preparations, the purity of sulphur is crucial in avoiding any harmful reactions and to enhance the medicinal quality. Therefore, it is subjected to a process called 'gandhaka shodhana' using cow's milk, ghee or occasionally plant extracts. The plant, Eclipta alba (L.) Hassak, containing many bioactive compounds, is one of the extracts known to be used in the 'shodhana' process of sulphur. However, in comparison to the laboratory purification method of sulphur neither the effect of this 'shodhana' process in removing impurities from sulphur nor its effect on the structure and morphology of sulphur has been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: This study identifies physical, morphological, and structural changes that occur in sulphur when it is subjected to the 'shodhana' process compared to the changes that occur in sulphur obtained after simple laboratory purification. METHODOLOGY: Both samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Observed physical changes such as colour, allotropic form, odour, hardness, transparency, and lustre of the samples were also determined using recommended techniques. RESULTS: Although the laboratory purification method separates the sulphur from physical and chemical impurities, Ayurveda 'shodhana' process with E. alba converts the sulphur into a more pharmaceutically suitable form by making it more nebulous and introducing higher brittleness, FT-IR data shows removal of chemical impurities from sulphur during 'shodhana' process in contrast to laboratory purified sample.

Patterns of concomitant use of Ayurveda and conventional anti-diabetic formulations - Experiences at a tertiary care Ayurveda hospital, India.

BACKGROUND: Majority of the population relies on traditional medicines for many of their health related problems. Particularly individuals with chronic illness like diabetes mellitus (DM) are more likely to simultaneously use herbal medicines. Many of such users believe that traditional medicines are natural and therefore safe, but this is a dangerous over simplification. Some herbal medicines may be associated with adverse effects, which include interactions with prescribed drugs. Information on such concomitant use of anti-diabetic drugs along with Ayurveda medicines is limited in Indian scenario. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To survey the patterns of concomitant use of Ayurveda and conventional anti-diabetic drugs by diabetic patients attending an out-patient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi, India through a validated questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a questionnaire-based survey, carried out after the approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee, subsequently registered at CTRI. A questionnaire to assess the pattern of concomitant use was developed; content was validated and pre-tested by a pilot study in 40 patients, further refined and used in the survey. The data was analyzed to evaluate the patterns of concomitant use of Ayurvedic and conventional anti-diabetic drugs. RESULTS: About 95.9% of diabetic patients were taking herbo-mineral formulations concomitantly with conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Although 45.3% of diabetics were using Ayurveda interventions under the supervision of qualified AYUSH physicians, remaining involved in procuring the drugs over the counter (OTC) or from the local vendors. In majority of these instances, the use of Ayurveda formulations was not communicated with their physicians. CONCLUSION: The observations reveal that a majority of the diabetics (95.9%) were taking one or the other form of herbal preparations along with their conventional anti-diabetic drugs and about 44% among them were using these concomitantly. Thus, generating awareness on good practices of drug use seems to be essential.

Traditional Ayurvedic and herbal remedies for Alzheimer's disease: from bench to bedside.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder prevalent worldwide among elderly populations. Owing to limited efficacy, side effects, and poor patient compliance for current rationally designed therapies, options are being searched from alternate therapies such as Indian (Ayurvedic), Chinese, or other traditional systems. Areas covered: Following a comprehensive literature search, the authors provide a review encompassing: (1) pathophysiological changes involved in AD, (2) Ayurvedic holistic approach and herbal medicines to manage dementia and AD, and (3) traditional plants and their phytoconstituents effective in AD with description of possible mechanism of action. Expert opinion: Traditional remedies could be adjunct therapeutic options to allay wide-ranging pathological cascades of AD. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach of treatment along with a list of nootropic herbs and formulations that are the rich sources of antioxidants, anti-amyloidogenic, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory compounds that are found to modulate neuroendocrine-immune activities, enhance memory, intellect, rejuvenate brain functions, and improve quality of life. A strong knowledge base of traditional systems coupled with contemporary science may provide new functional leads for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders at preventive, promotive, and curative levels, and evolution of new drug therapies and development processes, though further research is needed.

Herbal and Holistic Solutions for Neurodegenerative and Depressive Disorders: Leads from Ayurveda.

Neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression and anxiety pose a sizable global health problem, accompanying substantial burden of disorders, suicides, physical comorbidities, high fiscal expenses, and poor quality of life. There is a recent upsurge in global interest toward the area of traditional therapies and phytomedicines are widely admired by researchers owing to their natural source and fewer side effects. On the contrary, conventional synthetic drugs have been reported with undesirable but inevitable ill effects having poor patient compliance. Thus, herbal medicines are being preferred over synthetic drug therapies as an effective remedy for many brain disorders. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to treatment along with several nootropic herbs having multi-dimensional bioactivities in various disorders. Scattered information is available pertaining to traditional Ayurvedic remedial options for various mental disorders. Present review encompasses: (i) common brain disorders and the associated changes (ii) Ayurvedic holistic approach to manage neurodegenerative and depressive disorders, and (iii) important Ayurvedic single herbs and polyherbal formulations with description of their traditional usage and administration. Concomitantly, it opens up for future investigations and standardization on Ayurvedic nootropic herbs.

Analytical profile of Kukkutanda Tvak Bhasma (incinerated hen egg shells) prepared by two different methods.

BACKGROUND: KukkutandaTvakBhasma (KTB) (incinerated hen egg shells) is one of the important calcium-rich medicines used to treat leukorrhea, urinary tract infections, etc. Ancient scholars suggested that KTB prepared with processed Hingula (cinnabar) is more potent than Bhasma prepared without Hingula. Hence, in the present study, an attempt has been made to prepare incinerated hen egg shells using two different methods with and without cinnabar and their analytical profiles have been developed. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To develop analytical profile of KTB prepared by two different methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two samples of KTB were prepared. Sample KTB-A was prepared by KumariSwarasa (juice of Aloevera Tourn. Linn.) and sample KTB-B was prepared in the presence of Hingula as a medium for Marana using electric muffle furnace. The final product of both the samples of Bhasma were analyzed by organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical parameters and advanced sophisticated instrumental technologies such as particle size detection, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: 22.75% and 41.16% of Calcium was detected in samples KTB-A and KTB-B, respectively. 0.29% and 0.15% of magnesium was found in samples KTB-A and KTB-B respectively. Both the samples of Bhasma were found to contain calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2. CONCLUSIONS: Minimum four Puta (incineration cycles) with average 800°C temperature is required to prepare KTB through electric muffle furnace using KumariSwarasa and processed Hingula as a medium. An average particle size was found as 9.35 µm and 9.97 µm in samples KTB-A and KTB-B, respectively. XRD study reveals that raw KukkutandaTvak is CaCO3 (calcite) and CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) whereas both the Bhasma contain CaH2O2 (portlandite syn) and Ca(OH)2.

Critical Review of Rasaratna Samuccaya: A Comprehensive Treatise of Indian Alchemy.

Rasaratna Samuccaya (RRS) a 13th century C.E. alchemical treatise, authored by Vagbhata, is a useful compilation related to preparation and properties of drugs of mineral and metallic origin. This text throws light on the state of Indian expertise in the field of alchemy regarding the extraction, purification, conversion of metals/minerals into therapeutically suitable forms, various instruments developed for alchemical purposes and treatment of numerous diseases by using herbo-mineral preparations. The present work is an attempt to summarize the key features of RRS to highlight its utility and contribution in the development of Indian alchemy. To study and summarize the important, comprehensive and specific points mentioned in RRS and to elaborate the contribution of RRS in the field of Indian alchemy. A critical review of RRS from Suratnojjvala Hindi commentary by Ambikadatta Shastri was done and the collected information was compared with other available literature of Rasasastra. Research of modern science was also utilized to explore some facts mentioned by Vagbhata. RRS is a precise treatise among available ancient literature. It comprises of all eight branches of Ayurveda, although it mainly deals with therapeutic aspects of Rasasastra and emphasizes the use of metals and minerals in treating nearly 68 types of ailments. It contains 30 chapters, 3871 verses and detailed description of 960 formulations. Classification of metals and minerals; description of some new instruments, formulations and averting use of metals and minerals in pregnancy are the key features of RRS.

Anti-arthritic Activity of Dashanga Ghana (An Ayurvedic Compound Formulation) Against Freund's Adjuvant Induced Arthritis in Charles Foster Albino Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Arthritis is the most common cause of disability, limiting the activities of adults throughout the world. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long-term usage of these drugs have resulted in adverse effects. Besides this, currently a number of medicinal plants are under scientific evaluation to develop a promising remedy in these cases. There is a need to investigate the complete therapeutic potential of these herbals for providing newer and safer treatment options with minimum side effects. Considering this, a polyherbal Ayurvedic compound formulation (Dashanga Ghana) has been studied in experimental animals to evaluate anti-arthritic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dashanga Ghana has been prepared in the laboratory by following standard guidelines. Charles Foster albino rats were used to evaluate the activity through Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Dashanga Ghana is found to possess significant anti-arthritic activity. Further studies are required to identify and characterize exact active phyto-constituents and to elucidate the exact mechanism of action, which is responsible for the observed pharmacological profile.

Nootropic (medhya) effect of Bhavita Sankhapuspi tablets: A clinical appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Nootropic (medhya) potential of sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.) is reported in Ayurvedic literature and modern studies are now validating the same. In spite of plentiful preclinical researches already carried out during the past decades, only meager clinical efforts exploring its nootropic activity have been reported. Present clinical study is an attempt to evaluate the nootropic effect of Sankhapuspi tablets. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nootropic effect of sankhapuspi tablets prepared by three Bhavana (levigation) of its curna (powder) with its own Svarasa (fresh juice). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty volunteers between the age 16 and 25 years participated in this single group pre-post study. Weschler's memory scale was adopted to collect data before (pre) and after (post) intervention period (2 months). Paired t-test was used for analyzing the data. RESULTS: In auditory immediate test and delayed test, 41.03% and 48% improvement was found which statistically highly significant (<0.001). In visual immediate and delayed test 32.5% and 44.87% improvement was found respectively, which shows highly significant result (<0.001). CONCLUSION: Results reveal that sankhapuspi tablet shown highly significant results in improving memory, especially in long term memory loss in younger age group.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Citrus jambhiri Lush. fruit.

BACKGROUND: Citrus jambhiri Lush., commonly known as Jambira Nimbu in Sanskrit is medium to large indigenous tree with spreading habit, less spiny than lemon and belonging to the family Rutaceae. In Ayurveda, it is used in many pharmaceutical procedures of purification (Sodhana), calcination (Marana) etc., Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its fruit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of fruit and its powder, histochemical tests and preliminary physicochemical investigations were done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results showed prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, aerenchyma cells, oil globules, pitted vessels, scalariform vessels, juicy sac, etc., Preliminary physicochemical analysis revealed loss on drying (1.1%), ash value (1.4%), alcohol soluble extract (28.6%), and water soluble extract (53.3%). These observations can be of use in future studies.

Yoga: As an adjunct therapy to trim down the Ayurvedic drug requirement in non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of a large number of drugs showing anti-hyperglycemic activities, none of them have been successful in complete management of diabetes mellitus (DM). Yoga and Ayurveda are the two schools of thought in India, which have a history of curing diseases since thousands of years. Yogic techniques and Ayurvedic herbs have proven their anti-diabetic potential without inducing untoward effects. The present study combines Ayurvedic medication with Yoga techniques as a new approach toward healing DM. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of Yoga therapy in the management of non insulin-dependent DM (NIDDM) and to decrease the oral drug dose requirement of guduci ghana Tablet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty known NIDDM patients of both genders, who were on guduci ghana (solidified aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers.) tablets from past 2 months as Ayurvedic remedy for DM were selected. Along with guduci ghana administration, the subjects were instructed to follow Yogic procedures including Asanas, pranayama, and suddhi kriyas. The study was conducted for 8 weeks, wherein fasting blood sugar (FBS) and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) levels along with relief in sign and symptoms were assessed at every 2 weeks intervals, and according to relief in sign and symptoms, tapering of drug dosage was carried out. The obtained data were analyzed statistically by applying paired t-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results obtained were promising as the relief in diabetic symptomatology was highly significant in terms of P value. 80.83% reduction in dose of guduci ghana tablets and 7.85% and 8.78% fall in FBS and PPBS levels, respectively, after the complete course of treatment. The obtained P value showed highly significant results.

Assessment of genotoxic potential of hridayarnava rasa (a herbo-mineralo-metallic ayurvedic formulation) using chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality assays.

OBJECTIVES: Herbo-mineral formulations are being successfully used in therapeutics since centuries. But recently, they came under the scanner for their metallic contents especially the presence of heavy metals. Hence it is the need of the hour to assess and establish the safety of these formulations through toxicity studies. In line with the various toxicity studies that are being carried out, Government of India expressed the need for conducting genotoxicity studies of different metal- or mineral-based drugs. Till date very few Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulations have been studied for their genotoxic potential. The present study is aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of Hridayarnava Rasa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was prepared as per classical guidelines and administered to Swiss albino mice for 14 consecutive days. Chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality assay were done to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the test drugs. Cyclophosphamide (CP) was taken as positive group and results were compared. RESULTS: All treated groups exhibited significant body weight gain in comparison to CP group. Results revealed no structural deformity in the above parameters in comparison to the CP-treated group. CONCLUSION: Reported data showed that both tested samples of Hridayarnava Rasa does not possess genotoxic potential under the experimental conditions and can be safely used.

Ayurvedic management of adverse drug reactions with Shvitrahara Varti.

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are an expression that describes harm associated with the use of medications at therapeutic dose. Traditional medicines also can develop ADRs due to their improper use. Shvitrahara Varti, one of such medicines holds Bakuchi as a component and is to be used judiciously. Furanocoumarins like psoralen present in Bakuchi makes skin hypersensitive and causes phytophotodermatitis in few cases. Hence, one should be careful while using medicines that contain Bakuchi. One such case is observed, where extensive reactions with application of Shvitrahara Varti were noticed and managed with Ayurvedic treatment.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of Tamra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper) prepared from Ashodhita (Unpurified) and Shodhita (Purified) Tamra in Rats.

The use of metals in traditional medicines is very often seen as matter of concern these days, especially the Bhasma preparations which are always under stringent observations for containing highly reactive inorganic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others. One of the Bhasma extensively used in routine Ayurvedic practice is Tamra (copper) bhasma. If it is not prepared properly or Shodhana procedure is not done properly, it acts as a poison. To indicate its toxic potential, Ashtamahadoshas (eight major ill effects) have been quoted in classics and due emphasis have been given to its Shodhana procedure. In the present study, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita and Ashodhita Tamra was subjected to oral toxicity study to ascertain the role of Shodhana process on safety profile of Tamra bhasma on subchronic administration to albino rats. Both the samples were administered to rats for 45 consecutive days at the doses of 5.5, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed on 46(th) day and parameters like hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. Results showed that Tamra bhasma prepared from Ashodhita Tamra has pathological implications on different hematological, serum biochemical and cytoarchitecture of different organs even at therapeutic dose level (5.5 mg/kg). Whereas, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita Tamra is safe even at five-fold to therapeutic equivalent doses (27.5 mg/kg). These observations emphasize the role of Shodhana and importance of dose in expression of toxicity of the medicinal preparations.

Validation of standard manufacturing procedure of Guduci sattva (aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers) and its tablets.

INTRODUCTION: Guduci Sattva is a highly valued formulation among ayurvedic physicians, commonly recommended in conditions such as Jvara (fever), Daha (burning sensation) and other conditions of Pitta predominance. In spite of its numerous medicinal attributes, no published work is available until date on manufacturing guidelines along with its quality control parameters. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to develop the standard manufacturing procedure for preparation of Guduci Sattva and its tablets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 batches of Guduci Sattva were prepared in the laboratory. During its preparation, pharmaceutical findings and observations were systematically recorded. To maintain quality control, Guduci Sattva tablets were further subjected to analysis such as shape, diameter, width, hardness, weight variation, disintegration time (DT) and friability. Qualitative analysis to detect the presence of various functional groups and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile were also carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average percentage of dried Sattva obtained was 3.8%. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method as per pharmacopoeal specifications. Optimum hardness, weight of tablets, DT and friability of Guduci Sattva tablets were found complying with official standards. Alkaloids, carbohydrates and starch were found present in Sattva tablets. Number of peaks obtained in HPTLC also corresponds to this finding. Data obtained by present study may be considered as standard for future studies. CONCLUSION: The average percentage of dried Sattva obtained was 3.8%. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method as per pharmacopoeal specifications. Optimum hardness, weight of tablets, DT and friability of Guduci Sattva tablets were found complying with official standards. Alkaloids, carbohydrates and starch were found present in Sattva tablets. Number of peaks obtained in HPTLC also corresponds to this finding. Data obtained by present study may be considered as standard for future studies.

Anti-diabetic formulations of Naga bhasma (lead calx): A brief review.

INTRODUCTION: Ayurvedic formulations usually contain ingredients of herbal, mineral, metal or animal in origin. Naga bhasma (lead calx) is a potent metallic formulation mainly indicated in the treatment of Prameha (~diabetes). Until date, no published information is available in compiled form on the formulations containing Naga bhasma as an ingredient, their dose and indications. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to compile various formulations of Naga bhasma indicated in treating Prameha. AIM: The present work aims to collect information on various formulations of Naga bhasma mainly indicated in treating Prameha and to elaborate the safety and efficacy of Naga bhasma as a Pramehaghna (antidiabetic) drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Critical review of formulations of Naga bhasma is compiled from various Ayurvedic texts and the therapeutic efficacy of Naga bhasma is discussed on the basis of available data. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Antidiabetic formulations of Naga bhasma were discovered around 12(th) century CE. There are 44 formulations of Naga bhasma mainly indicated for Prameha. Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduci (Tinospora cordifolia) and Madhu (honey) enhance the antidiabetic action of Naga bhasma and also help to prevent diabetic complications as well as any untoward effects of Naga bhasma. On the basis of the reviewed research, it is concluded that Naga bhasma possesses significant antidiabetic property.