Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM) Impact factor SJIF (2012): 3.167

Context

.Our survey amongst practicing Ayurveda doctors had established the need for a standardized Prakriti assessment tool.³⁸ we have developed Sushrutha Prakriti Inventory (SPI) based on Ayurvedic concept of personality³⁹. The pilot study has yielded a scientifically developed tool called SPI with two parts SPI- Q (questions) and SPI- C(check-list) to assess the Prakriti of an individual.³⁹       

 Aim

To standardize Sushrutha Prakriti Inventory (SPI) based on Ayurvedic concept of personality through scientific methods.

Settings and design

 The SPI tool that was developed through a pilot study was administered to 1200 healthy volunteers of different age group of both male and female subjects from multi centres. The data obtained was subjected to Test-retest for Reliability and Experts Cross validity test, Correlations study between subjective and objective parameters by Cronbach’s alpha ⁽³⁶⁾ and Normality test by Kolmogorov Supernova ⁽³⁸⁾ for standardization of the tool.  

Methods

.The data was collected and subjected to the tests of Reliability, Validity and Normality. A total of 1200 subjects were taken for the test of Validation and 120 subjects for Test – retest Reliability and 120 subjects for Expert validation by experienced Ayurveda physicians   

Results

. Data analysis was done using SPSS-2006 version and there was found to be a strong reliability of the Questionnaire with Pearson correlation score for Vata, Pitta and Kapha being 0.990, 0.952 and 0.954 respectively; the Pearson   correlation score for Vata, Pitta and Kapha for Physical Check-list being 1.000, 0.996 and 0.999 respectively. With respect to Test – retest reliability scores for Vata, Pitta and Kapha for Questionnaire is 0.994, 0.975 and 0.976 respectively and 1.000, 0.997 and 0.983 for Vata, Pitta and Kapha respectively for physical Check-list giving a high rate of reliability. The SPI version with 90+60 quections that evolved after Content / Consensual validity by10 experts had Cronbach’s alpha between 0.61 to 0.80.Pearson’s correlations⁽³⁷⁾ of Subjective vs. Objective assessment was > 0.95 and Test-retest reliability was>0.95 for all three Prakriti. 

Conclusion

This study has yielded a scientifically standardized tool SPI with two parts, SPI- Q with 90 objective questions and SPI- C with 60 subjective Physical questions.

Background: Medovriddhi/hyperlipidaemia is an alarming health problem of modern society. It is important but modifiable risk factors in atherosclerosis, one of the major causes of hospitalization, death and loss of effective years in middle aged and older adults that affects the cerebro vascular, cardio vascular and peripheral vascular systems.

Objectives: 1. To evaluate the effect of Medohara arka on hyperlipidemia. 2. To evaluate the effect of  medohara arka administered after Lekhana vasti. 3. To compare the effect of both.

Method: In the present Clinical study two groups were made. In group – I, 40 patients with Hyperlipidaemia (especially raised values of either Cholesterol or Triglycerides) availing the selection criteria were selected.  In this group, Medohara arka (prepared by distillation of cow’s urine only) 40ml. with 10ml. honey has been administered for 30 days.  In group- II, 40 patients were selected who were fit for shodhana. In this group Lekhana vasti was administered with oral administration of medohara arka 40ml.  along with honey 10ml for 30 days.

Results: After completion of 30 days treatment with trial drug – I,  the average improvement with respect to different sign and symptoms viz. - weight, BMI, Skin fold thickness, total serum cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol,  HDL cholesterol  and Serum triglycerides were  26.6%, 26.6%, 20%, 22.12%, 8.33%, 4.17% and 0%vrespectively. Whereas in   group II cases the average improvements were 88.3%, 65%, 63.33%, 29.41%, 14.03%, 35.55% and 15.55% respectively.

Conclusion: The clinical assessment of result reveals that after 30 days of treatment 50% of the patients got mild improvement but rest 50% could not get any satisfactory improvement with trial drug-I where as in Group – II, 5% patients got maximum improvement, 75% moderate improvement, 15 % mild improvement and another 5% patients could not get satisfactory improvement.

Introduction: Ayurvedic literature highlights the symptoms of Pakshaghata as chestanivritti either in vama or dakshinaparshwa along with ruja & vakstambha. Pakshaghata(Hemiplegia) being one of the 80 nanatmajavatavyadhi can occur either due to dhatukshaya or margavarana. General vatavyadhichikitsa is best achieved through snigdhasweda & mridushodhana. But the specific treatment for margavarana is achieved through anabhishyandisnigdha dravya& srotoshuddikara chikitsa. Untreated margavarana in due course can result in other diseases like hridroga, vidradhi, pleeha etc. WHO defines stroke as rapidly developing clinical signs of focal disturbance of cerebral function lasting more than 24 hours. Here patients with Pakshaghata due to margavarana / ischaemic stroke was selected for the study. Materials & methods: This study is a single group with pre & post test design wherein 50 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Pakshaghata/ Ischaemic stroke was selected & were subjected to nityavirechana & shalipindasweda for 7 days followed by Shilajathuloharasayana in a dose of 6 gm o.d. with milk was administered for a period of 28 days. Results: Statistically highly significant results were found in muscle strength, finger & toe movements, hand grip & foot pressure (p= <0.001). Discussion: It was found that the response of the therapy was statistically significant with P value < 0.001 in terms of symptoms of Pakshaghata.

Background: Coleus amboinicus commonly known as Pattaajwain is a perennial herb with hairy, succulent, aromatic leaves smelling like thyme. Its leaves are extensively used in Indian traditional system as well as tribal medicines for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, diarrhoea, epilepsy, renal calculi & fever etc. Objectives: It is necessary to ascertain the authenticity of this drug when it is used for therapeutic purpose. Hence the present study was undertaken for systematic pharmacognostical evaluation of the leaves of Coleus amboinicus. Methods: The study includes macroscopical, microscopical evaluation along with estimation of its physico-chemical parameters such as ash value, extractive values and preliminary phytochemical screening. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloids, protein, glycosides & phenolic compounds. Conclusion: The study would be of immense value in botanical identification and authentication of plant drug and may help us in preventing its adulteration.

Ageing process and its responsible causative factors are remained matter of curiosity since era. Ayurveda accepts ageing as a natural phenomenon and is categorized under the heading of naturally occurring diseases. Swabhava (nature) and Kala (time factor) are accepted as causative factor for the same. In first 50 yrs of 21^st century, old age dependency ratio is expected to become double in more developed region and triple in less developed region. During census (India) 2001 it was interestingly found that majority of senile people were living in rural area and it was assumed that due to rural area life style people average life span is more than the people of urban area. While discussing about Rasayana; the domestic food & life style (Gramyaahara) has been considered as responsible factor for disease production in general. The consequences of domestic food intake are very much similar with probabilistic ageing. Collectively all these facts throw a light on new direction to think about ageing. 

Background: Obesity is multi factorial disease, defined as a state of imbalance between calories ingested versus calories expended would lead to excessive or abnormal fat accumulation. Its prevalence is on continuous rise in all age groups of the developed as well as developing countries in the world and it can be described as the "New World syndrome". Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperlipedimia play significant role in pathogenesis of obesity. Aim & Objective: To assess effect of Guggul on New World Syndrome. Material & Methods: References of Guggul are search out in classical as well as contemporary science in new world syndrome. Observation: During survey of Ayurvedic literature it was observed that different herbs, metals, minerals are used for treatment of obesity as single drug as well as in compound formulations. Among herbs Guggul occupied significant position and effectively used for treatment of obesity. It is oleogum resin, obtained from Commiphora mukul originate in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan having anti hyperlipidemic, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory property which is opposite to causative agent of obesity. Besides this Guggul also act as drug delivery medium and help in transportation of anti obesity agent to target site and performing their action when used with other anti obesity drugs. Conclusion: Guggul is effective in New World syndrome and probably acting by different pharmacological properties.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive Neuro-degenerative disorder in which a gradual decline in the memory along with one area of higher intellectual function is involved. Although AD develops differently for every individual, there are many common symptoms. Early symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns or manifestations of stress. According to Ayurveda, tridosha(humours) and triguna (mental humours) are the main cause for maintenance of health and manifestation of diseases, learning or acquisition of knowledge is a result of successive and complex interaction and coordination of Indriyas (cognitive and motor organs), Indriyartha (sense organs), Mana (psyche), Buddhi (intellect) and Atma(soul). Ayurvedic drugs can help in the management of Alzheimer’s by making the Tridosha and Triguna in a well‑balanced state and also by providing Medhya (intellect promoting) effect to improve the memory of the patients. Drugs mentioned as Medhya (intellect promoting) and those indicated to improve cognitive functions can be used successfully in cases of Alzheimer's disease.

In recent years Pollution, Radiation and Mental stress have become regular occurrences in people’s lives. These problems, compounded by improper lifestyle practices have led to imbalances in the body. Over time, these imbalances have caused a host of serious diseases, allergies and auto-immune disorders. Contemporary systems of medicine, although very effective in suppressing the symptoms of such problems has not yet found permanent solutions to most of these difficult and so-called incurable diseases. In Ayurved System of Medicine, Rasa Shastra one of the branch deals with Rasaaushadhi preparations which are very much useful and effective in various lifestyle related disorders, but unfortunately Rasashastra a Scientific Chemotherapy of Ayurved is at Cross-Roads. The influences and advancements of Pharmacy standards, Evidence Based Medicine protocols, a major Global toxic concept campaign and Ayurveda Fraternity Deception are making panic to the Ayurved community in general and Rasashastra (Pharmacy) division in specific. It is a fact, that in last few centuries in India, Vaidyas have been able to help many of patients from all over the world suffering from difficult and incurable diseases and all this was possible due to the use of Rasa preparations. It seems that drugs used in this era are losing their faster actions so ultimately changing efficacy levels. Rasa Shastra provides a genuine solution by providing such rasa aushadhis which has quick action and better efficacy in regards to Lifestyle management and Ayurved

The chest examination is performed more frequently than any other exam in the imaging department. It is important for radiographers to understand the standards for imaging the chest because good chest radiographs are critical in managing patient care. After completing this article, the reader should be able to:Identify the basic anatomy seen on a chest radiograph, describe the anatomical relationships of various organs in the chest and describe the basic positioning requirements for a chest examination.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. ADHD is characterized by inattention, including increased distractibility and difficulty sustaining attention, poor impulse control and decreased self-inhibitory capacity, and motor over activity and motor restlessness.  Children with ADHD have been found to have cognitive deficits, lower IQ, impaired social relationships with in the family and with peers as well as poor study skills and lower academic achievement. In Ayurveda it occurs due to vitiation of dhee (rational thinking), dhriti (intellect / retaining power of the mind), smriti (memory) which results into improper contact of the senses with their objectives and give rise to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. At present existing treatment has severe side effects. Latest researches in Ayurveda has given a new hope to parents of ADHD child.  All the Material for this review paper was collected by open med, PubMed, Google scholar search engine along with several Ayurveda text books which concluded that various Ayurvedic herbs are helpful to manage ADHD proficiently.

We present a case hypertrophy of pancreas in cadaver of a 45-year old man during routine dissection. In this case, there is enlargement of pancreas anterioposteriorly and superioinferiorly, and is seen behind the anterior abdominal wall, with marked hypertrophied liver.

For a long time, infectious (communicable) diseases were the biggest killer diseases globally. But now, the trend is changing towards increased prevalence of chronic diseases with causative factors mostly related to diet and lifestyle. Among them, gastritis (Amlapitta), a gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorder, has acquired majority of the share with causative factors like improper diet and habits, stress, spicy irritant food, oily foods, bakery products, etc., A single clinical trial with pre test, follow up and post test assessment was done with drug, amalaki in churna form advised twice daily after food for a month and also lifestyle including ahara, vihara and achara was advised. By the present study it can be concluded that amalaki churna(nityopayogi dravya) and lifestyle modification helps in controlling and is a safe and effective treatment for gastritis (amlapitta).

Key words: Amlapitta, Gastritis, Amalaki churna, lifestyle disease and modification

Abstract: The Mucocele or Mucus retention phenomenon is a salivary gland lesion of traumatic origin,   formed when the main duct of a minor salivary gland is torn with subsequent extravasation of the mucus into the fibrous connective tissue so that a cyst like cavity is produced. The wall of this cavity is formed by compressed bundles of collagen fibrils and it is filled with mucin. Mucoceles are usually associated with the minor salivary glands and hence are less likely to occur on the anterior hard palate and the attached gingiva, which do not typically possess minor salivary glands. This report describes a lesion of the lower lip that was definitively diagnosed by histologic examination as a mucocele or mucous retention phenomenon.

Classical texts of Ayurveda provide unique treatment modalities and medicaments for the disease conditions. In Charaka samhita classifications are made based on karmas called as Ganas and these are classified into 50 groups. Vedanasthapana Dashemani is one such group which is said to be more effective in curing the aliments of pain. In the present study a case of shirashula (headache) was administered with Vedanasthapana Maha Kashaya gana vati (500mg 2 capsules TID) for three days and the formulation has provided significant relief in symptoms. Hence it is concluded that Vedanasthapana dashemani is useful in alleviating the pain.

 Keywords: Ganas, Dashemani, Vedana.