Bhavana, an Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Method and a Versatile Drug Delivery Platform to Prepare Potentiated Micro-Nano-Sized Drugs: Core Concept and Its Current Relevance.

Scholars of ancient Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine) were extremely reasonable and had strong scientific rationality in fundamental concepts, which are also applied to drug manufacture and therapy. Bhavana is a unique traditional method of transformation of raw material/substances into the drug by levigation or wet grinding of powdered drugs with juice/decoction/solution of plant, animal, or mineral origin. This method adds the unique capability of affecting the physicochemical and biological properties of a drug, making the drug quicker, augmented, and persistent action with minimal dose. Despite the fact that Bhavana has a wide range of applications in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, there is only a limited amount of knowledge of its fundamental notions. A comprehensive review was performed on the core concepts of Bhavana, alongside its possible pharmacotherapeutic effects and relevance in drug development, by probing Ayurvedic claims in light of published pharmaceutical, analytical, and pharmacological reports. Various processes, such as thermo- and photochemistry, physicochemical reactions, and mechanic chemical changes, appear to occur during Bhavana.

Efficacy of external application of oil and gel dosage forms of Aragvadhadi formulation in combination with Rasayana Churna in the management of Shwitra (vitiligo) - An open-labeled comparative clinical trial.

Introduction: Aragvadhadi Taila (ART) is one of the herbomineral formulations mentioned in Chakradatta indicated in Shwitra (vitiligo). Modification of Taila form into gel form reduces the risk of contamination in view of arsenical contents (Manahshila, Haratala) assures precise dose administration at desired site (by avoiding spreading). The gel is a comparatively acceptable dosage form than that of medicated oil. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Aragvadhadi formulation in Taila (ART: Aragvadhadi Taila) and gel (ARG: Aragvadhadi gel) dosage forms with the internal administration of Rasayana Churna in the management of Shwitra. Materials and methods: The study was a randomized open labeled, involving 66 patients of Shwitra that were randomly divided into two groups. Patients registered in group A (n = 34) were treated with local applications of ART and group B (n = 32) with ARG for 2 months. Rasayana Churna (3 g), along with the equal quantity of honey and Ghrita was given twice a day after the meal in both groups. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to evaluate the effect of therapy in the individual group for subjective criteria like vitiligo area scoring index score, size and number of patches, Rukshata (dryness), Saparidaha (burning sensation), Bahalatva (thickening), Kandu (itching) while the comparison of results between the groups for the same by applying Coefficient of Variation (CV). Results: Group B showed better and consistent results in all signs and symptoms except Rukshata, Saparidaha in terms of Coefficient of Variation. In both the groups, statistically highly significant improvement was found in signs and symptoms of Shwitra such as Saparidaha, Kandu, size of patches and number of patches; however, the difference between the groups was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Both the forms (ART, ARG) of Aragvadhadi formulation along with Rasayana Churna were found as a safe and effective treatment in vitiligo with significant pigment regeneration capacity as topical use for application over 2 months.

Role of Haratala Shodhana in the therapeutic efficacy of Rasamanikya along with Guduchi Ghana in the treatment of Ekakushtha (psoriasis): A double-blind randomised clinical trial.

Introduction: Rasamanikya (RM) and Guduchi Ghana (GG) are well-known formulations for treating skin disorders in Ayurveda. The drug RM is prepared from Shuddha Haratala (processed orpiment) as a single ingredient. In the present study, RM was prepared from the Haratala, which was Shodhita, with two different media, viz., Kushmanda Swarasa and Churnodaka. In the classics, the preparation of RM is mentioned in the Kushmanda Shodhita Haratala. However, the availability and cost of Kushmanda are the main points of concern in the present era. Shodhana of Haratala by Churnodaka is more cost-effective than Kushmanda Swarasa. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the comparative efficacy of RM prepared by Churnodaka Shodhita Haratala (CSHRM) and RM prepared by Kushmanda Shodhita Haratala (KSHRM) with GG in Ekakustha (psoriasis). Materials and methods: The study was a randomized double-blind study involving 76 patients with Ekakushtha that were randomly divided into two groups. Patients registered in group A (n = 37) were treated with CSHRM with GG (125 mg + 375 mg) and group B (n = 36) with KSHRM with GG (125 mg + 375 mg) for 8 weeks. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired t-test were applied to evaluate the effect of therapy in the individual group for subjective criteria like the PASI score, Matsyashakalopamam (looks like the scales of a fish), Rukshata (dryness), Aswedanam (anhydrosis), Daha (burning), Strava (discharge), Unnati (raised patches), Kandu (itching), Mahavastu (broad-based), and Vaivarnya (discoloration), while the comparison of results between the groups for the same was done by applying the Coefficient of Variation (CV). Result: CSHRM with GG showed better results in all signs and symptoms except Matsyaskalopamam, Aswedanam, Strava, Mahavastu, Nindra and DLQI in terms of the coefficient of variation. In both groups, statistically highly significant (P > 0.001) improvement was found in the signs and symptoms of Ekakushtha. However, the difference between the groups was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: Rasamanikya prepared with both media Shodhita Haratala along with Guduchi Ghana was discovered to be a safe and effective psoriasis treatment.

Comparative pharmaceutico-analytical study of Rasamanikya prepared by two different Shodhana media of Haratala (orpiment).

Introduction: Foremost, Rasamanikya is described in Rasendra Chintamani by Acharya Dhundhuknath. It is a formulation that is prepared from the arsenical drug, i.e., orpiment (Haratala). Haratala is classified under Uparasa Varga in Rasa classics and is also included under Schedule E1 in D and C act 1940. In classics, there are so many media mentioned for purification process (Shodhana) of orpiment. In the present study, Kushmanda Swarasa (juice of Benincasa hispida [Thunb.] Cogn) and Churnodaka (lime water) are adopted as the purification media for orpiment. Aim: The aim of this study was to standardize the pharmaceutical procedure of Rasamanikya and develop a comparative analytical profile of both the formulation, i.e., Rasamanikya prepared by Kushmanda Swarasa and Churnodaka Shodhita Haratala. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in two stages as follows: Shodhana of Haratala and preparation of Rasamanikya by Kupipakwa method. Both the samples of Rasamanikya were analyzed for organoleptic and physicochemical parameters. The samples of final products were also analyzed through sophisticated analytical parameters, i.e., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), CHNS and O, Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Results: Average 2 h duration was required for the preparation of Rasamanikya formulation from 600 g of purified orpiment. In XRD analysis, both samples have different diffraction patterns. In ICP-AES analysis, both samples have the same percentage of arsenic. More percentage loss was noted in the TGA of Rasamanikya prepared with Churnodaka Shodhita Haratala than that of Kushmanda Swarasa Shodhita Haratala. Conclusion: Rasamanikya prepared by two different media of Shodhita Haratala did not found to have a substantial difference in pharmaceutical procedure. However, there was a considerable difference in the analytical study. Kupipakwa procedure can be used for large-scale preparation.

Comparative pharmacognosy and phytochemical evaluation of leaf, root and stem of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Bakuchi).

Background: Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. Corylifolia L.), frequently familiar as Bakuchi in Samskrit, is an endangered and medicinally important plant. Its medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American Pharmacopoeia, and in different traditional systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. However, no scientifically pharmacognosy study has been reported on leaf, root, and stem part of P. Corylifolia L. Classics emphasized the use of leaf, root and stem of P. Corylifolia L. for on the management of dental carries, diarrhea, dysentery, etc., in the form of local application as well as internal administration. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate comparative pharmacognosy, phytochemical studies, and physicochemical analysis of leaf, root and stem of P. Corylifolia L. Materials and methods: Studies of leaf, root, stem, and their powder for phytochemical tests, histochemical tests, psoralen chemical test, and physicochemical analysis were performed by standard methods. Result: All the different parts of the plant exhibit oleoresin and other cellular contents, i.e., vessels fibers, lignified pitted vessels, etc., in pharmacognosy studies. In phytochemical study; observations indicate that coumarins, steroids, and flavonoids are present in leaf, stem, and root samples. Basified alcoholic extracts of powders of all test samples showed yellowish color of fluorescence at 366 nm whereas none of the samples showed any color at 254 nm during chemical test of psoralen. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study on leaf, root and stem of Bakuchi (P. corylifolia L.) contributed Certain pharmacognostical parameters i.e; oleoresin, vascular bundles, parenchyma cells with rhomboidal crystals, pericyclic fibres etc parameters that will be applicable for authentication and identification of the parts of drug. There is a need to focus on the preliminary throughput phytochemical screening of plants for their probable use in therapeutics. As no published evidences are developed on comparative pharmacognosy and preliminary physicochemical analysis of leaf, root and stem of P. corylifolia L. plant, the results documented in the present study may be used as a standard in subsequent studies. These observations can be of use for further research studies.

Chronic toxicity study of Sameera Pannaga Rasa in Charle's foster albino rats.

INTRODUCTION: Sameera Pannaga Rasa (SPR) is a Kupi Pakwa Rasayana (a mercurial-arsenical formulation of Ayurveda prepared by specific pharmaceutical-controlled, indirect heat treatment [sand bath] in glass bottle) that contains Shodhita Parada (processed mercury), Shodhita Gandhaka (processed sulfur), Shodhita Haratala (processed arsenic trisulfide), Shodhita Somala (processed arsenic oxide) and Shodhita Manahshila (process arsenic disulfide) in equal quantity as ingredients. Parada, Haratala, Manahshila and Somala are highly potent minerals which are included in the Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 under Schedule E1 because of their toxic nature in crude form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, SPR was evaluated for safety profile through its chronic toxicity study in Charle's foster albino rats. The test drug was made into suspension in vehicle (4 ml honey and 7 ml distilled water). The test drug was administered orally once a day for 90 consecutive days in the dose of 11.25 (therapeutic dose [TED]), 56.25 (5 times TED) and 112.25 mg/kg (10 times TED). Animals were sacrificed on 91st day and animals of recovery group were sacrificed on 121st day. Parameters such as hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. RESULTS: Test drug at a higher dose level and recovery study showed no toxic effect in albino rats during chronic toxicity study. CONCLUSION: SPR is found to have no toxic effect in albino rats during the repeated dose, oral, chronic toxicity study of 90 days, even at 10 times therapeutic equivalent dose (112.25 mg/kg) and even during recovery period of 1 month. It may be safety used at TED level.

Anticancer activity of Yashada Bhasma (bioactive nanoparticles of zinc): A human pancreatic cancer cell line study.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Efforts to improve cancer treatment through nanotechnology are at the developmental stage, and it will be gracious if the drug with anticancer property itself is a nanoparticle. Bhasma is organomineral complexes which are bioactive nanoparticles. Yashada Bhasma (incinerated processed zinc) is widely used in Ayurveda for various diseases, and there are evidence that ZnO nanoparticles are promising antitumor agent. However, no studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Yashada Bhasma in pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two types of test drugs, Parada Marita Yashada Bhasma (PMY) and Vanaspati Jarita Marita Yashada Bhasma (JMY), were prepared as per the guidelines of pharmaceutics of Ayurveda. Particle size analyses of Yashada Bhasma and Zeta potential study was carried out initially. Further human pancreatic cancer cell line (MIA PaCa-2) study was done using in vitro sulforhodamine B assay, keeping adriamycinas control. After 48 h of incubation, antiproliferative effects were assessed. RESULTS: JMY and adriamycin showed dose-dependent growth inhibition of cancer cells. Both Yashada Bhasma samples showed a cytostatic effect at this concentration. CONCLUSION: The study leads to new avenues for cancer treatment by developing such unique and highly effective bioactive nano-sized therapeutic agent.

Process standardization of Swarna Makshika Shodhana (purification) in Triphala Kwatha (decoction).

BACKGROUND: Swarna Makshika (SM) is a brassy golden yellowish mineral with chemical composition of CuFeS2 that is widely used in therapeutics to treat various disease conditions such as Prameha (diabetes), Pandu (anemia), Kushtha (skin diseases) and Jwara (fever). This mineral needs to be processed by the following specified Ayurveda guidelines in order to make it therapeutically safe and more potent. These processes include Shodhana (preliminary process of eliminating unwanted substances), Marana (incineration) and Amritikarana (nectorization) that are mandatory and play a crucial role in therapeutics. However, till date, no published reports are available on standard manufacturing procedure of SM Shodhana. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to develop the standard manufacturing procedure of SM Shodhana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methods described in Rasaratna Samuchhaya were followed to perform Shodhana process. Shodhana of SM was carried out in three batches (600 g in each batch) by seven quenching in Triphala Kwatha (TK, decoction of Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica Roxb. and Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) maintaining batch manufacturing records. Organoleptic and physicochemical analysis of media, i.e., TK and SM was carried out. RESULTS: After Shodhana, golden yellowish luster of SM was completely lost and it turned into dark black coarse powder. The hardness went on decreasing and brittleness went on increasing. Average 532 g of Shodhita SM (88.67%) from 600 g of SM was obtained. Average time required for achieving red hot stage was 24.81 min. Analysis of the media revealed an increase in pH, specific gravity, and total solid contents. CONCLUSION: The adopted method for Shodhana of 600 g of SM can be considered as easy, convenient and standard.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed.

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. belonging to Fabaceae family is an important endangered plant that has been therapeutically used to treat different pathological manifestations since ages. It is commonly known as Bakuchi in Sanskrit. Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its seed. A lot of adulterations are also present in the market. The present study is aimed towards evaluating pharmacognostical and histochemical characteristics of the seeds of P.corylifolia Linn. in detail. Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of seeds and histochemical studies were noted by following standard methods. Pharmacognostical evaluation of seed shows the presence of volatile oil, silica deposits and stone cells. The observations found in current work can be considered as reference standards in future studies.

Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disease Managed with Ayurvedic Treatment: A Case Report.

Autoimmune bullous diseases are a group of rare, acquired disorders characterized by overlapping features, resistance to treatment, and potential fatality. They need quick and proper management to avoid fatal complications. Ayurveda is found to provide better relief in some autoimmune disorders. Herein, we report a 40-year-old male of autoimmune bullous skin disorder (Visphotaka) who failed to respond to allopathic medicines and was subsequently treated with Ayurvedic medicines and achieved complete remission.

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.

Comparative Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of Navina (fresh) and Purana (old) Guggulu.

OBJECTIVE: Guggulu (Commiphora wightii [Arn.] Bhandari) is a well-known anti-hyperlipidaemic drug. Guggulsterones are active components of this drug which are responsible for this effect. The activity of Guggulu may depend upon its nature, fresh samples are recommended for their brhmana (body mass increasing) effect; while lekhana (scarificant) effect is attributed to the old one. The comparative Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of fresh and old samples has not been reported till date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly collected and one year old samples of Guggulu were processed in gomutra. Patients who satisfied inclusion criteria of Hyperlipidaemia were randomly distributed into two groups and the drug was administrated in a dose of 1 g with luke warm water twice a day for eight weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found in the symptoms of Medoroga and Lipid profile with treatment in both the groups. Fresh sample of Guggulu proved to have a better effect in lowering serum cholesterol (5.76%), triglyceride (17.17%), and very low density lipoprotein VLDL (18.36%) levels while old sample of Guggulu provided mild effect in lowering serum triglyceride (13.64%), VLDL (11.07%) and non-significant increase in serum HDL-cholesterol (0.94%). Old sample of Guggulu also provided significant decreases in body weight (7.69%) and BMI (7.82%). CONCLUSIONS: Old Guggulu showed better effect on body weight, BMI and cardinal symptoms along with significant lipid lowering effect whereas fresh Guggulu showed better result on lipid profile.

Review of research works done on Tamra Bhasma [Incinerated Copper] at Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar.

The metal, Tamra though mentioned in Ayurveda with a wide range of therapeutic utilities; is attributed with Ashta Maha Dosha. Hence, one should be cautious while using Tamra Bhasma. Considering the significance of Tamra in therapeutics, many studies have been carried out at different centers of India. Aim of the present study was to compile such available research works done on Tamra in the Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (RS and BK), IPGT and RA, Jamnagar and provide brief information about pharmaceutical, analytical, and pharmacological studies. Total eleven studies on Tamra Bhasma, which revalidated the impact of classical guidelines, safety issues, and therapeutic utilities, were screened from PG Department of RS and BK, Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. All studies revealed that Tamra Bhasma is safe clinically, experimentally at Therapeutic Equivalent Dose (TED) levels as no toxic hazards were reported during the treatment period. In all aspects (pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and clinical) Somnathi Tamra Bhasma has proven to be better than Tamra Bhasma. The clinical efficacy of Tamra Bhasma has been evaluated in Shvasa, Kasa, Yakrit Pliha Vriddhi, Grahani, etc. conditions. Satisfactory responses with a decrease in the intensity of signs and symptoms were reported in all the studies. Though certain limitations were observed in these researches, the results can be considered as a lead for further well stratified studies covering larger population. No adverse effects were reported in any of these studies.