ABSTRACT
Proper identification of drugs and their use in proper doses are important for successful treatment. Physalis minima Linn commonly known as country gooseberry has anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory potentials. The present paper is aimed to ascertain the proper identity of Tankari (Physalis minima Linn.) in Ayurvedic classics by a meticulous search and hence a review of the drug Tankari (Physalis minima Linn) was carried out in the texts of Ayurveda, modern literature, journals and online publications. The result of the search showed that the name "Tankari" is not found in Vedic lore. In Samhitas, it is mentioned in Bhavaprakasa. Reference of the drug "Sarngestha" is found in Brhattrayi, Bhela, Kasyapa, Cakradatta and Vangasena. It is variously named as Cirapotika, Kakatikta, and Vayasi by dalhana and he describes it as gaura (pale), vartula (round), and as having avagunthita/vesthita (covered) fruit which matches the description of Tankari (P. minima Linn). A search for terms Kakatikta and Vayasi showed Kakatikta to be synonymous to Sarngestha and Vayasi to be synonymous to both Kakatikta and Kakamaci (Solanum nigrum). Madanapala and Saligrama Nighantus have mentioned the name Cirapotika to be synonymous with Tankari. Sodhala has used the term Parpoti as a synonym of Tankari, which is the Gujarati name of P. minima Linn. Recent authors have considered Sarngestha as either P. minima or Cardiospermum helicabum. The regional names of P. minima are Cirpoti (Hindi), Cirboli (Marathi), also the folklore uses and pharmacological activities of P. minima are in accordance with the indications of Sarngestha in classics. Thus with a complete review of both Ayurveda and modern literatures, it can be concluded that the drug mentioned as Tankari in Bhavaprakasa is the same as Sarngestha mentioned in the classics. Cirapotika and Kakatikta are its synonyms. Cardiospermum helicabum is Karnaspotha, and hence Sarngestha of classics is P. minima which is supported by the regional names, pharmacological activity and folklore claims.
ABSTRACT
This report deals with lichen simplex chronicus of the scrotum present in a 33-year-old male, with severe itching. Histopathological features were suggestive of chronic dermatitis.
ABSTRACT
Mycological study of 100 cases of tinea versicolor was undertaken. Skin scrapings from 100 cases were subjected for culture in Sabouraud's dextrose agar, out of which 60 positive cultures (60%) were obtained.
ABSTRACT
25 patients with extensive tinea versicolor were treated with single oral dose of 400 mg of fluconazole. 25 patients returned for follow-up. Follow-up at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks showed 100% clinical cure rate and 92% mycological cure rate. No significant side effects were noticed. The majority of patients found the treatment effective, safe and convenient.