Nanoscale Diamond-Based Formulation as an Immunomodulator and Potential Therapeutic for Lymphoma.

Integrative medicine practices, such as Ayurveda, are popular in India and many South Asian countries, yet basic research to investigate the concepts, procedures, and medical benefits of ayurvedic products has received little attention and is not fully understood. Here, we report a functional nanodiamond-based traditional Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation, Heerak Bhasma (Ayu_ND), for the treatment of solid tumors called Dalton's lymphoma generated in CD1 mice. Ayu_ND-mediated immunostimulation significantly reduces tumor cell proliferation and induces apoptosis aided by the active participation of dendritic cells. Immunomodulatory Ayu_ND treatment is highly immunostimulatory and drives dendritic cells to produce TNF-α. Treatment with Ayu_ND significantly reduces the tumor volume, inhibits metastasis in distant vascularized organs, and increases the life span of tumor-bearing animals compared with untreated littermates. These events were associated with elevated serum levels of the protective cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α and downregulated the disease, exacerbating TGF-ß. Ayu_ND-mediated therapeutic success was also accompanied by the depletion of regulatory T cells and enhanced vaccine-induced T-cell immunity, guided by the restoration of the memory CD8+ T-cell pool and prevention of PD-1-mediated T cell exhaustion. The results provide a basis for further evaluation of ayurvedic formulations and drug efficacy in treating cancers.

Mechanistic insights from the review and evaluation of ayurvedic herbal medicines for the prevention and management of COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The need for specific therapeutics against infectious diseases is made very important at this moment by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2. Vaccines containing live attenuated or heat-inactivated pathogens elicit robust immune responses, but their safety is sometimes not assured. Subunit vaccines consisting of the most potent antigenic protein or carbohydrates of the pathogen are safer but often induce a weak immune response. Traditional Ayurveda medicines have a long history of safety and may act as immuno-modulators or vaccine adjuvants. They can reduce the amount of vaccine booster doses required to elicit an immune response against any pathogen. The main objective of this review is a mechanistic evaluation of the antiviral potential of Ayurveda herbal compositions for their ability to increase cytokine expression and enhance NK cell activity, activate CD4/ CD8 + T cells, and increase the formation of IL-2 and IFNγ against SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Various peer-reviewed publications, books, monographs, and reputed search engines were reviewed in depth. Information available from the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and in recent in silico analyses were compared in order to understand the mechanism of action of herbal components against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: It was found in various molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies that many bioactive natural components of Ayurvedic medicines could prevent viral entry or multiplication within a human host. CONCLUSION: Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be used either independently as therapeutics or as a complement to the modern-day recombinant vaccines with immediate effect. Ayurveda-based adjuvant therapy can also efficiently manage the secondary symptoms of COVID 19 patients.

Ayurvedic metal nanoparticles could be novel antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The pandemic COVID-19 has affected more than seventy million people globally. The whole world is eagerly waiting for an effective antiviral therapy to combat COVID-19, but it is yet to get. The emergence of COVID-19 makes imperative the need for safe and potent antiviral drugs. Many metal nanoparticles exhibit significant antiviral potential against many viral diseases. The Ayurvedic system of medicine is the treasure of many metal nanoparticulate drugs termed as Bhasma. RECENT FINDINGS: Gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron oxide nanoparticles are effective against coronavirus. A possible mechanism of action of the metal nanoparticles against coronavirus is a disruption of outer layers of coronavirus. Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma and Yashada Bhasma are recommended for COVID-19 treatment due to the ability to reduce the plasma interleukins, interferons and TNFα levels. SUMMARY: The Ayurvedic Bhasma preparations are unique metal nanoparticles. These metal nanoparticles are safe, stable in solid state and are having excellent biological activities. Ayurvedic metal nanoparticles, Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma and Yashada Bhasma could be proved as novel antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral and adjuvant activities.

Evaluation of ameliorative effect of two selected plant drugs on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep.

Chronic arsenic poisoning is one of the serious health hazards in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. It occurs due to contaminated subsoil water. The aim of this study is conducted to find out the ameliorative effect of turmeric and P. foetida powder on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep. Twelve sheep were divided into four groups; groups I, II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite at 6.6 mg/kg body weight for 133 days; groups I and II animals were treated by turmeric and P. foetida powders respectively at 500 mg/kg dose for the last 49 days; the fourth group was control. Arsenic content was estimated in faeces, urine and wool in every 15 days. Biochemical, haematological, antioxidant parameters and DNA fragmentation were also assessed. Turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased arsenic elimination through faeces, urine and wool. Haemoglobin content and TEC were decreased in groups I, II and III; however, these were improved significantly (P < 0.05) by turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment. Increased activity of AST, ALT, blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in groups I and II. The reduced SOD and catalase activity were significantly (P < 0.05) restored at the end of the experiment in turmeric and P. foetida-treated groups. The test drugs are found significantly effective not only to eliminate arsenic from the body but also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure in sheep.

Herbometallic nano-drug inducing metastatic growth inhibition in breast cancer through intracellular energy depletion.

Cancer cells need extensive energy supply for their uncontrolled cell division and metastasis which is exclusively dependent on neighboring cells, especially adipocytes. Herein, we have introduced a novel herbometallic nano-drug, Heerak Bhasma nanoparticle (HBNP) from natural resources showing high potential in the reduction of energy supply thereby promoting cell death in breast cancer cells. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectra (ICP-OES), atomic absorption spectra (AAS), Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the physicochemical properties of HBNP. The differential light scattering (DLS) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyzed the cell-permeable size of HBNP, whereas, cell viability assay confirmed the non-toxic effect. Seahorse energy efflux assay, apoptotic cell quantification, ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, in vivo oxidative stress etc. were measured using standard protocol. The notable changes in cancer energy metabolism investigated by cellular Mito and Glyco-stress analyses confirmed the HBNP induced intracellular energy depletion. Also, a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently, extensive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generations were observed in presence of HBNP followed by the induction of cell apoptosis. The cell invasion and wound healing assay followed by reduced expression both protein (MMP 2, MMP 9) and cytokine (IL6, IL10) had signified the effectiveness of HBNP against cancer metastasis. In addition, HBNP also showed an excellent antitumor activity in vivo followed by developing healing characteristics due to oxidative stress. All these findings strongly suggest that HBNP has the potential to be the new cancer therapeutic. A schematic phenomenon represents the overall HBNP mediated anticancer activity via limitation of both fatty acid uptake and energy metabolism.

Evaluation of processed borax as antidote for aconite poisoning.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aconite root is very poisonous; causes cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. There is no specific antidote for aconite poisoning. In Ayurveda, dehydrated borax is mentioned for management of aconite poisoning. AIM OF THE STUDY: The investigation evaluated antidotal effect of processed borax against acute and sub-acute toxicity, cardiac toxicity and neuro-muscular toxicity caused by raw aconite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For acute protection Study, single dose of toxicant (35mg/kg) and test drug (22.5mg/kg and 112.5mg/kg) was administered orally, and then 24h survival of animals was observed. The schedule was continued for 30 days in sub-acute protection Study with daily doses of toxicant (6.25mg/kg), test drug (22.5mg/kg and 112.5mg/kg) and vehicle. Hematological and biochemical tests of blood and serum, histopathology of vital organs were carried out. The cardiac activity Study was continued for 30 days with daily doses of toxicant (6.25mg/kg), test drug (22.5mg/kg), processed borax solution (22.5mg/kg) and vehicle; ECG was taken after 1h of drug administration on 1TB, 15th and on 30th day. For neuro-muscular activity Study, the leech dorsal muscle response to 2.5µg of acetylcholine followed by response of toxicant at 25µg and 50µg doses and then response of test drug at 25µg dose were recorded. RESULTS: Protection index indicates that treated borax gave protection to 50% rats exposed to the lethal dose of toxicant in acute protection Study. Most of the changes in hematological, biochemical parameters and histopathological Study induced by the toxicant in sub-acute protection Study were reversed significantly by the test drug treatment. The ventricular premature beat and ventricular tachyarrhythmia caused by the toxicant were reversed by the test drug indicate reversal of toxicant induced cardio-toxicity. The acetylcholine induced contractions in leech muscle were inhibited by toxicant and it was reversed by test drug treatment. CONCLUSION: The processed borax solution is found as an effective protective agent to acute and sub-acute aconite poisoning, and aconite induced cardiac and neuro-muscular toxicity. Processed borax at therapeutic dose (22.5mg/kg) has shown better antidotal activity profile than five times more than therapeutic dose (112.5mg/kg).

Ameliorative effect of two Ayurvedic herbs on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in calves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic arsenic poisoning due to contaminated subsoil water is a threat to society in West Bengal, India and in Bangladesh. The human being may also be affected by the exposed cattle from the affected area by consuming milk, egg, meat and others. In Ayurveda, several herbs like Haridra (turmeric), Shunthi (dried ginger root) and others are used for the management of arsenic poisoning. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was conducted to find out the ameliorative effect of turmeric and ginger powder against experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four calves were divided into four groups (group I, II, III and IV) having six animals in each group. Animals of group I, II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite at 1mg/kg body weight for 90 days and in addition group II and group III animals were treated orally with turmeric and ginger powder respectively at 10mg/kg body weight from 46th day onwards. Group IV animals were given food and water without drug and served as control. Arsenic content was estimated in faeces, hair, urine and plasma in every 15 days. Bio-chemical, haematological and anti-oxidant parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Turmeric and ginger powder significantly (P<0.05) reduced the plasma and hair arsenic levels through increased excretion via faeces and urine. Haemoglobin level, TEC and TLC were decreased in groups I, II and III, however these were improved significantly (P<0.05) from 75th day onwards in turmeric and ginger treated groups. Increased activity of AST and ALT were significantly decreased (P<0.05) from 75th day onwards in group II and III. Blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were also significantly decreased (P<0.05) in group II and III than group I from 60th day onwards. The SOD and catalase activity were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in groups I, II and III, but these were restored at the end of the experiment in turmeric and ginger treated groups. CONCLUSION: The test drugs are found significantly effective not only to eliminate arsenic from the body but also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure, it may be concluded from the present study that turmeric and ginger can be helpful in the therapy of chronic arsenic toxicity in calves.

Concept of interactions between consumable substances in Ayurveda with special reference to foods and drugs.

Ayurvedic medicines are available in the market as over-the-counter products. Today people use prescription and nonprescription medicines along with Ayurvedic medicines for quick relief from ailments. In the ancient texts of Ayurveda, the concept of interactions with various examples of food interactions and food-drug interactions are mentioned. Recent studies and publications reported drug interactions of Ayurveda medicines and modern drugs. In the present review article, the concept of interactions mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts along with the examples of food interactions, food-drug interactions and the recent research work and publications indicating the interactions of the Ayurvedic drugs and drug interactions of Ayurvedic medicines and modern drugs are compiled. This will help the consumer of the prescription and nonprescription medicines with the Ayurvedic medicines to be cautious about the probable interactions.

Ancient concept of metal pharmacology based on Ayurvedic literature.

Metals have had a long history in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Mercury (Parada), gold (Swarna), silver (Rajata), copper (Tamra), iron (Lauha), tin (Vanga), lead (Naga), and zinc (Yasada) are used in therapeutics in an incinerated (Bhasma) form. The pharmacological actions, therapeutic indications, adverse effects and management of adverse effects of these metals are described and emphasis has been given to the proper preparation, rational dose and duration during clinical practice in the classics of Ayurveda. Most important observation is, there are no contraindications of these Bhasmas, indicating universal applicability to all age levels with suitable adjuvant, proper dose and duration.

Evaluation of Lauha bhasma on classical analytical parameters - A pilot study.

Lauha Bhasma is the most widely used bhasma preparation in therapeutics, but till date the temperature pattern to prepare Lauha Bhasma in electric muffle furnace is not fixed. So in this pilot study an attempt has been made to confirm the appropriate temperature pattern to prepare Lauha Bhasma. And emphasis has been given to evaluate this prepared Lauha Bhasma on classical analytical parameter, which reflects the physical and chemical properties of the Bhasma.

Chemistry of kupipakwa rasayanas - a review.

Kupipakwa Rasayanas are very popular and commonly prescribed preparations among the Ayurvedic physicians, and are looked upon as panacea. These are prepared in a specially designed glass bottle by gradual heating immersion in sand bath (Valuka Yantra). Particular chemical processes are involved in these preparations which also bear testimony to the great chemical knowledge prevailing in ancient India. In the present review, the probable chemistry of Kupipakwa Rasayanas has been discussed.

Safety and toxicity profile of some metallic preparations of ayurveda.

Metals and minerals are used profusely in practice of Ayurveda after proper incineration by the name of Bhasma. Some metals and minerals have the potency to produce toxic effects in human being. In this paper safety and toxicity profiles of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper, Cu), Lauha Bhasma (incinerated iron, Fe), and Yashada Bhasma (incinerated Zinc, Zn) has been presented, which reveal no serious deleterious effects on body function as a whole.