Journal of Natural Remedies

Preethi Mohan ¹, Madhumita Kumar ², Abhayakumar Misra ³, P. Rammanohar ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Agada Tantra and Vyavaharayurveda (Toxicology, Jurisprudence and Forensic Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Vallikavu – 690546, Kerala, IN
2 Department of ENT, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi – 682041, Kerala, IN
3 Department of Rasasastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacy), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Vallikavu – 690546, Kerala, IN
4 Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveada, Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Vallikavu – 690546, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Aegle marmelos is a folklore medicine which is widely consumed as an anti-hyperglycaemic drug, its properties are known since prehistoric times. Plenty of cell line as well as animal research have reported the anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the drug. Even though quality researches are necessary to fulfil further human studies and marketing, no quality assessments for these studies have been undertaken till date. The aim was to critically analyse the quality standards and evaluate the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of A. marmelos in rodent model researches. The search strategy was done using the key words ‘Aegle marmelos, along with ‘Diabetes or Hyperglycaemia,’ in different databases like PubMed (n = 45), Google Scholar (n = 43) and Science Direct (n = 46). However, the filter used during the search was ‘Animal experimentation’. All animal experimentations collected with the keyword search was analysed for the inclusion criteria like serum glucose estimation as primary outcome, timeline of publication 1997 to 2017 in English and treatments containing any part and any form of A. marmelos in single or in combination. Based on the inclusion criteria, 11 articles were selected for the review. Data extraction underwent a blind procedure independently by two reviewers. If full texts were not available, communicating the authors was also tried and all the four authors responded. All the studies selected after screening were given unique codes, to ensure blind review. Result observed indicated higher reduction of serum glucose levels in hyperglycaemia-induced rodent models. After administering the drug, significant changes were observed in total cholesterol as well as triglycerides. Rest of the LDL, HDL, SOD and serum insulin were an in-significant find. Sample size calculation was not mentioned in any of the studies. Only 9% of the studies reported on blinding and 18% reported on randomisation. This might have affected the internal validity of the studies. It can be concluded that A. marmelos is effective in lowering the serum glucose levels in experimental hyperglycaemia. Further research has to be conducted to explore its target specific mode of action. This may lead to the development of an effective anti-hyperglycaemic drug with minimal side effects.

Keywords

Ayurveda, Diabetes, Prameha, Vilwa.

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Preethi Mohan ¹

Affiliations
1 Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Kollam – 690525, Kerala, IN

Abstract

The occurrence of IUGR (Intra uterine growth retardation) is estimated to be approximately 5% in the population and it is considered as the third leading cause for perinatal mortality in India. Despite plentiful management options, none is effectively proved in improving placental circulation and foetal weight gain. Indian medicine practices a herbal decoction with Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn., Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex. Smith and sugar. The pharmacological potentials of this decoction was attempted to explore here in this review based on available researches. Thorough internet search was performed to derive the data. Recent researches on detailed chemical composition and its possible pharmacological action also had been detailed. It is an effective formulation in improving placental and umbilical cord circulation, aids in improving foetoplacental circulation to a greater extent with negligible side effects.

Keywords

Kasmaryadi Decoction, Upavishtaka, Sushkagarbha, IUGR

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James Chacko ¹, B. Varshanath ², Delvin T. Robin ², Preethi Mohan ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Kayachikitsa, Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda College, Mahe – 673310, Puducherry, IN
2 Department of Swasthavritta, Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kollam – 690525, Kerala, IN
3 Department of Agadatantra, Amrita School of Ayurveda, Vallikavu, Kollam - 690525, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Background: Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis (PPP) is one of the debilitative skin disorders having a prevalence of 0.050 to 0.12 % worldwide, which is hallmarked by sharply demarcated erythematous pustular lesions over the body. Modern treatment provides certain moisturizers, topical steroids, light therapy, and systemic therapies in the long run, but recurrent crops of pustular lesions are the main problem. Here a case of PPP treated with Ayurvedic protocol is discussed. A 65-year old female patient complained of blackish-red pustular desquamative lesions over the upper and lower limb associated with occasional oozing after itching with extreme hardness and rough texture over the affected area for three years. The ailment was diagnosed as kitibha (a type of psoriasis), and the treatment was organized accordingly. The patient received continuous virechana (purgative therapy) for three months at a rate of six days per month, followed by pathya (wholesome food), topical application, and internal medications. Auspitz signs and PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) assessment, along with symptomatic improvement in signs and symptoms, were used to quantify the outcome of the disease. After receiving the initial bowel cleansing medications such as Patolakaturohinyadi Kashaya, Saribadyasava, and Manibhadragula, the patient claimed complete recovery from the acute phase. The second phase was followed by continuous virechana (purgation therapy) for three months at a rate of six days per month, which showed no signs of relapse for three consecutive months in the affected areas. Even though PPP is incredibly challenging to treat, shodhana (purificatory therapy) for six consecutive months can potentially prevent relapse. This opens up the future scope for structured clinical trials in the treatment of disease.

Keywords

Ayurveda, Case Report, Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis, Purgation Therapy, Relapse

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