Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine (SLJIM)

Comparative quality evaluation on branded Triphala tablets in Ayurveda drug market of Sri Lanka

2024-01-23T05:54:05+0530

At present standardization is essential to guarantee the quality of products as the market of all commodities has become global. The objective of this study was to comparatively evaluate the quality of four different branded Triphala tablets and one capsule (sample A, B, C, D, and E) available in Ayurveda drug market of Sri Lanka. All the brands were purchased from Ayurveda drug market and assessed for organoleptic, physical, chemical and pharmaceutical parameters. According to the results, total ash values (5.4%, 5%, 3.3%, 5.7%, 4.9% respectively) were above the standard limit of 2%. Water-soluble ash (0.9%, 2.4%, 1.6%, 2.7%, 1.2%) and acid-insoluble ash (2.5%, 2%, 1.9%, 2%, 1%) values were <3%. Water-soluble extractive values (7.35%, 13.08%, 20.03%, 11.28%, 8.18%) were higher than alcohol-soluble extractive values (7.25%, 12.23%, 13.48%, 9.7%, 8.15%) in all brands. Loss on drying at 1050C of all were below 12%. Ethanolic extracts of all were positive for tannins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, glycosides and carbohydrates and negative for alkaloids, terpenoids and proteins. Only C was positive for saponins. TLC (Toluene: Ethyl-acetate: Formic acid/3:5:1) showed similar patterns for all brands. HPTLC fingerprints of all were alike in terms of number of peaks and their intensity, except tablet C with four additional peaks. A, C and E passed the weight variation test. Friability of A, B and C were below standard limit of 1%. Disintegration time of A was below the standard limit of 15minutes. Hardness ranged from 172N to 503N. As there is a considerable variation in physical and pharmaceutical parameters of all brands, it is urgent to maintain common standardization parameters in Ayurveda drug market.

Physico-chemical analysis of Valu kashaya (decoction prepared by using sand) used in Suthika roga (Complication of post-partum)

2024-01-23T06:02:01+0530

Valu decoction is a classical formulation mentioned in authentic Traditional textbooks. It is predominantly categorized into two types, namely Valu decoction I and Valu decoction II. While the method of preparation remains consistent for both methods, the ingredients employed differ. The decoction is primarily utilized to address postpartum complications. It consists of twelve plantbased ingredients and sand of river or stream. The present study primarily focuses to lay down analytical standards for Valu decoction I. The selection of quality and correct ingredients was the first step in standardizing herbal decoction. The relevant plant species were identified, and their validity confirmed using phytochemical investigation. The study was conducted to reveal the variations in organoleptic parameters (color, odor, and taste), physico-chemical parameters (pH, specific gravity, refractive index and brix value). Refractive index evaluates purity of preparation was found to be 1.33. pH value which evaluates the quality of the drug was found to be 5.18. Alkaline pH favors high microbial contamination of the herbal preparations, but it is slightly acidic in nature. Brix value use for evaluation of how much dissolved sugar is in a liquid solution was found to be 1.23. Foaming ability index was used to determine the foaming ability of aqueous decoction of herbal material was found to be1.36. Specific gravity is an evaluation parameter affirming wt/ml should always be more than carrier solvent (water). Notably, the majority of phytochemical constituents, including saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids, were present in significant quantities across the samples.

Assessment of anti-oxidant activity and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography characters of different compositions of Triphala powder

2024-01-23T06:09:40+0530

Triphala: a polyherbal formulation used in both Ayurveda and Sri Lankan Traditional Medical practices. Aim of the present study is to compare the chemical characteristics of distinct compositions of Triphala powder as mentioned in various Ayurveda Authentic Texts. Dried fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC), Terminalia bellirica Gaertn. (TB), and Phyllanthes emblica (PE) were purchased and authenticated. Followed by a comprehensive literature review, five different compositions of Triphala dried powdered samples as S1 (1:1:1), S2 (1:2:3), S3 (1:2:4), S4 (1:2:2) TC: TB: PE respectively and S5 – 1:2:4 ratio based on the fruits of TC: TB: PE were subjected to ethanol extractions. Anti-oxidant activity and High-Performance ThinLayer Chromatography (HPTLC) characters of the five samples was evaluated. HPTLC analysis of the samples against the standard solutions of Gallic acid (GA) and Tannic acid (TA) was carried out with Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (2:5:1.5) as the mobile phase. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay against the standard Ascorbic Acid (AA). The HPTLC analysis of all five samples showed similar patterns with respect to their peaks and intensities while showing peaks corresponding to the peaks of standards. A high level of anti-oxidant activity was found in the samples varying in the decreasing order of S3 (1:2:4) > S1 (1:1:1) > S4 (1:2:2 )> S2 (1:2:3) > S5 (1:2:4 Fruits). In spite of the high level of antioxidant activity observed with all five samples, the most pronounced level of antioxidant activity was found in S3 powder sample. Further studies need to be carried out on bioactivity studies to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of different compositions of Triphala powder.

Comparative evaluation of Triphala mouthwash with three different proportion combination

2024-01-23T06:20:00+0530

Oral health is an essential component of overall health and a satisfactory quality of life. The oral disease is termed as Mukharoga in Ayurveda. Gandusha is mentioned as one of the major therapies in Ayurveda medicine for both preventing and treating oral diseases. Acharya Sharangadara mentioned Triphala as a Gandusha and it consists of three myrobalans, which are Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Phyllanthus emblica. Triphala is used as equal and unequal proportions. In the present study, Triphala mouth wash (TM) is prepared in the form of Kwatha (Decoctions) according to the Ayurveda Bhaisajyaratnavali. Then the same ingredients were used with different propotions to prepare the decoctions. They were considered as mouth wash based on the comments of Sharangadhara. The prepared decoctions were comparatively analyzed with standardization parameters. Decoctions were prepared in 3 ratios as follows: 1:1:1(TM1), 1:2:3 (TM2) and 1:2:4 (TM3) and assessed the organoleptic, physiochemical and phytochemical. Moreover, pharmacological properties were also evaluated using the authentic text books and the modern research findings. Dichlormethane fractions of Thriphala decoction in all three proportions were used to develop TLC and HPTLC fingerprints equivalent to gallic acid and tannic acid under the Toluene: Ethyl acetate: formic acid 2:5:1.5 solvent system. pH values of TM1, TM2 and TM3 were 3.98, 3.92, 3.96 respectively. The Foaming index was found to be less than 100 in all the three proportions. Phytochemical screening shows the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids etc. The TLC and HPTLC fingerprints showed the presence of tannic and gallic acid as active ingredients when visualized under UV at 254 and at 366 nm and the Triphala mouth wash prepared in 1:2:3 ratio showed the highest Rf values. Based on the pharmacological properties and actions, all the three proportions of Thriphala mouth wash can be used for oral diseases, but the effectiveness of therapeutic action may vary slightly according to the proportions of decoction.

Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health and well-being

2024-01-23T03:36:05+0530

In the current Anthropocene epoch, characterized by intensified, human-induced environmental crises, natural disasters the interconnectedness of human health and the health of the planet has become more evident with the resulting responsibility to promote healthy living conditions1. In our interconnected world, health challenges transcend borders, and addressing them necessitates comprehensive solutions that consider the complex interplay of factors influencing health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that current healthcare systems have limitations and vulnerabilities. This highlights the importance of adopting preventive and healthpromoting strategies that go beyond national boundaries. Concepts such as planetary health and One Health are emerging as integrated, unifying strategies to optimize the health of people, animals, plants, and the planetary ecosystem.

To address the complex global challenges of the 21st century including: geopolitical conflicts, economic crises, environmental disasters, and pandemics, it is crucial to rethink healthcare. This reimagining is essential for successfully reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a better and more sustainable future for everyone. It is critical to carefully address the social and environmental determinants of health beyond conventional notions of healthcare limited to sick care. is critical. Agreeably, healthcare must prioritize explicitly the well-being and prosperity of individuals and communities looking more broadly at social policies impacting health such as agriculture and food, transportation, city planning, housing, racism, sexism, gun safety, criminal justice, war and peace. Embracing principles such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC), preventive healthcare, multi-sectoral collaborations, social justice, environmental responsibility, and digital technology innovations can pave the way for more equitable and resilient societies.

Therapeutic potential of Thabasir in Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine: A scientific review

2024-01-23T06:30:27+0530

Thabasir (Bamboo salt) is a white silica exudation found in the internodes of stems of the female bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea). This concrete like crystalline is an opaque, white, irregular shaped, light, soft and brittle substance. It contains 90 % silica as a hydrate of silicic acid, peroxide of iron, potash, lime, aluminium and vegetable matter. Traditionally it has been used in various ailments such as hyperdipsia, diarrhoea, vomiting, heart diseases, cough, asthma, jaundice, fever, tuberculosis, bronchitis, leprosy, paralytic complaints, anaemia and as a general tonic in convalescents. Further, in recent years scientists have shown more interest in Thabasir due to its medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic values. However, up to now, no research studies have been carried out to prove its therapeutic effects scientifically, as mentioned in Unani medicine. Therefore, the information available in this review would help to do further research in this regard. Hence, this review aims to explore the information available in the literature regarding therapeutic potential of Thabasir in the field of indigenous medicine. All the available information on Thabasir was compiled from search engines of electronic databases such as Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus and classical texts. The literature search revealed that Thabasir possess pharmacological properties such as cardiac exhilarant, cardiac tonic, astringent, cooling, dessicant, febrifuge, general tonic, sexual tonic, tissue builder, aphrodisiac, spermopiotic, thirst quencher, hemostatic, expectorant, diuretic and general tonic. It can be concluded that Thabasir is a potential therapeutic agent in Sri Lankan indigenous medicine.

A Review on Unani Management of Amraz e Qalb

2024-01-23T06:37:42+0530

One of the body's essential organs is the heart, also referred to as Qalb. The Unani system of medicine defines the cardiac diseases under Amraz e Qalb. All over the world, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for the foremost cause of mortality. Regardless of developing and non-developing countries CVDs cause a greater burden of disease. Unani scholars gave the utmost important to every facet of the treatment of Amraz e Qalb. Effective principles of treatment to be followed have been recorded along with effective Mufrad vo Murakkab Advia (Single and compound medicines), Ilaj bil Tadbeer (Regimenal therapies) and, Hidayat (Advice). The study is aimed at compiling those effective regimes paying particular attention to the drugs that have shown potent cardioprotective activity. Authentic Unani text books, and pharmacopoeias were reviewed to get information on Amraz e Qalb and its management. A search of scientific journals and research articles was conducted to determine the cardioprotective activity of the commonly given medications. There are sufficient natural medications to adequately treat CVDs. While more scientific research needs to be conducted in the future, this study has provided a significant quantity of information on the management of Amraz e Qalb that might be used for the successful treatment of CVDs

Clinical evaluation of Dashangalepa formula for pain and swelling of joint diseases with in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity

2024-01-23T03:58:12+0530

Joint diseases are categorized into different types based on their symptoms in Ayurveda, predominant symptoms with pain and swelling, loss of activity, present deformities. Among them Sandigatha vata (osteoarthritis) and Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) are very common conditions. Dashangalepa is used as topical application to manage acute and chronic painful inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. Aim of this study to evaluate the efficacy of reducing pain and swelling with anti- inflammatory activity. Volunteer Sixty (60) patients with Sandigatha vata or Amavata were selected and divided into two groups (n=30). Group I and II apply the test drug Dashangalepa and reference drug Rumalaya gel respectively. Pain was evaluated using universal pain assessment tool and swellings of the joints were taken by using tape measurements, in every 14 days for 8 weeks. Biochemical investigations were estimated for ESR, RH-factor, C-reactive proteins, SGOT, SGPT. Statistically significant reduction (P< 0.05) was observed in symptoms treated with test drug. Biochemical parameters not showed any alterations in pre and post treatment stages, which confirmed its safer efficacy. In vitro anti- inflammatory activity of Dashangalepa aqueous acidic preparation and Rumalaya gel were assessed separately using Human Red Blood Cell membrane stabilizing activity method, results revealed activity of both test and reference drug are similar and activity is increased by increasing the concentrations. Results can be concluded that test drug is similar herbal formula to previously proven reference drug, with safer effective anti-inflammatory pain and swelling reducing herbal formula for treat joint diseases.

Efficacy and safety of virgin coconut oil and king coconut oil compared to liquid paraffin as a moisturizer for mild atopic dermatitis: A pilot study

2024-01-23T04:12:36+0530

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition due to altered skin barrier. There is no cure for the condition, but it can often be managed with proper care and treatment. Application of a moisturizer is a mainstay of treatment to manage the condition. Therefore, this study assessed the effectiveness and safety of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and king coconut oil (KCO) compared to liquid paraffin as a moisturizer for mild atopic dermatitis. The study was conducted as a pilot study of a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison trial on patients with mild atopic dermatitis. Patients were randomized to receive VCO, KCO or liquid paraffin. The outcome measures were SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index and Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) score and instrumental measurements of skin moisture and skin lipid levels at two weeks intervals for 3 times. The results showed a significant improvement of eczema was seen in relation to SCORAD index and POEM scores in all three arms. Significant improvement of moisture levels was seen in KCO and liquid paraffin arms. However, no improvement of lipid levels was seen in all three arms. It was concluded that, this pilot study shows that VCO, KCO and liquid paraffin are equally effective moisturizers for the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis. VCO and KCO can be used instead of hydrocarbon-based liquid paraffin in the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis as those vegetable oils are relatively inexpensive and widely available in Sri Lanka.

Effect of Desmodium triflorum on bleeding time: A pilot study

2024-01-23T04:37:29+0530

Natural herbs are popular in current society due to less side effects. Desmodium triflorum, is such a valuable plant and crushed leaves are applied on minor wounds to prevent bleeding by villagers. Anyway, the scientific investigations carried out on medicinal plants are fewer. Thus, the current study was launched in the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine to fill the gap to a certain extent and to find out the effect of Desmodium leaves on bleeding time. The students of the faculty were considered as the target group due to easy handling and narrow age limit. Bleeding time was tested with the less invasive Duke method. As the control, normal bleeding time of the selected group (n=16) was obtained. The same group was used for the test also, to overcome issues such as age gap, sex gap and health differences. In the test, the pricked site was applied with pure crushed leaves (25 mg) of Desmodium. Then, at every 30 seconds, the site was screened for bleeding with the blotting paper (after removing the plant materials). The bleeding time was obtained at the time of stoppage of bleeding. The average bleeding time of control and test was 71.50 and 39.50 seconds respectively and the difference was statically significant (P<0.05) under the paired t test. It is obvious that the bleeding time has an effect from the crushed plant materials. Bleeding time is controlled mainly by the constriction of blood vessels and formation of platelet plugs in the wound area. The reduction of bleeding time by the plant could be due to its phytochemicals such as tannin, flavonoids which have astringent effect that reduce the blood flow to the area. Further, Anti prostaglandin property of phytochemicals reduce vasodilation. Thus, the study will be a platform for scientists to conduct more investigations on the plant and develop a naval drug for wound bleeding.

Siddha and Ayurvedic management of Ovarian Cyst: A case study

2024-01-23T05:01:42+0530

Ovarian cysts are common finding in general gynecology. An ovarian cyst is one of the most common causes of ovarian dysfunction, which has a direct impact on fertility. A female patient aged 18 visited the outpatient clinic of the Herbal Health Care Centre in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, on 19.01.2021, with lower abdominal pain for two years, reduced menstrual intervals for one year, and pain in the right lower quadrant. She reported having experienced localized soreness a few months back. There was a sudden onset of pain without any prior history. The left ovarian cyst (size-43 mm) in an ultrasound scan reported. The laparoscopic approach for removing the cyst. The woman had somewhat recovered from her ovarian cyst symptoms, nevertheless. Then the left ovary had a 14mm cyst, per the results of the ultrasound scan that was done on 2019. According to the ultrasound scan obtained on 2020, as depicted in, the cyst was gradually expanding and had grown to a diameter of 23 mm. At the patient's request, the doctors affiliated with the herbal health care centre began the Siddha Ayurvedic course of treatment given Sathavary (Asparagus racemosus) decoction 60 ml twice a day, before meal, Karisalai (Eclipta alba) syrup 20ml twice a day after meal. Tripala tablet 2, twice a day after meal. Kanchanara guggulu 2 twice a day after meal. The patient has seen a demonstration of Kayakalpha exercise. There are two exercises in it. Aswini Mudra and Ojus Breath are among them. On September 1, 2021, the ninth day of the most recent menstrual cycle, an ultrasound examination was carried out six months after the patient had begun treatment. According to the report, the left ovary was normal in size and appearance, and the ovarian cyst had shrunk in size. This case study serves as an example of how Siddha Ayurvedic medicine can effectively treat ovarian cysts without the need for surgery.