BACKGROUND:Vitex trifolia L. is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Thai medicine for treatment of muscle pain and skin disorders. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Vitex trifolia (VTE) and to develop a stable topical herbal cream. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The analgesic activity of VTE was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in rats. A topical cream was developed containing VTE at 0.4% w/w, and its physical characteristics (pH, viscosity, spreadability, and phase separation), short-term and accelerated stability (at 4 °C and 30 °C for 90 days), and phytochemical contents (phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins) were analyzed. RESULTS:VTE (0.5-2.0 mg/ear) significantly reduced EPP-induced ear edema by up to 71.5% at 120 min (p < 0.001) and suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema by 45.3% at 4 h with a 250 mg/kg body weight (p < 0.001), showing comparable efficacy to standard drugs. The number of abdominal writhes in mice treated with VTE remained statistically comparable to the control group (p > 0.05), and no significant increase in latency time was observed in the hot plate model. The HCF5 cream exhibited favorable physical characteristics (pH: 4.26-4.99; viscosity: 8683-40,065 cP), and remained stable over 90 days, especially at 30 °C. Phytochemical analysis showed stable retention of total phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins with no significant degradation during storage. CONCLUSION:This study confirms the anti-inflammatory potential of VTE and its suitability for use in a stable topical herbal formulation.
Background Variation is the common phenomena in natural specimens; but is within certain limit and may show some association between various characteristics. The present study forms the basis of standardization for such natural specimens. Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki), one of the most useful Ayurvedic drugs has been worked out for the same aspect. Objective To obtain the range of variations and relation between different characteristics of T. chebula fruit collected from different geographical regions of India; to compare Ayurvedic parameters as mentioned for standards with physicochemical and morphological characteristics of T. chebula fruit; and to develop standards for T. chebula fruit accordingly. Materials and methods Ten samples were obtained by coning and quarting technique from about 3000 fruits obtained from ten different geographical regions, pan India; including one sample of T. pallida for determining variations and relation between usual parameters used for standards; along with assay of chemical group “total phenolic” calorimetrically; instead of any single active principle alone. Ayurvedic parameters as ‘Nimmjate’ (sinking in water) has also been obtained. Interrelation and correlation between morphological, physicochemical and Ayurvedic parameters were studied. Result Large variations, which are far from existing texts were found. Quality of the fruits as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for the drug is not available. Conclusion Ayurvedic parameters can be applicable only if the drug is self-collected to avoid any malpractice. The standard of the drugs as obtained here are far from that are reported in various recent texts.
BACKGROUND:DOMS is a common post-exercise syndrome characterized by pain, stiffness, and decreased muscle function. Conventional therapies have limited efficacy and have potential side effects. OBJECTIVE:This study explored the molecular mechanisms of Ficus religiosa's alleviation of DOMS using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study used a network pharmacology framework to identify and analyze the phytochemicals from F. religiosa. Databases like IMPPAT 2.0 were used to retrieve potential compounds, while SwissTargetPrediction predicted target proteins. Therapeutic targets were identified using Genecards and OMIM databases. Protein-protein interaction networks were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape software, while pathway enrichment was conducted using Enrichr. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTools (v1.5.7), followed by molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS to validate target-compound interactions. RESULTS:Of the 140 phytochemicals, 44 met the drug-likeness and bioavailability criteria and were associated with 39 potential therapeutic targets for DOMS. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune regulation as the primary mechanisms of action. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was identified as a critical target. Molecular docking showed that compounds such as α-eudesmol, epi-γ-eudesmol, and α-cadinol exhibited superior binding affinities for PTGS2 compared to ibuprofen. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that α-cadinol exhibited the most stable binding owing to its robust hydrogen bonding, whereas epi-α-cadinol displayed progressive stabilization and efficient accommodation inside the active region of the protein. CONCLUSION:This study suggests that F. religiosa could be used as a therapeutic agent for the management of DOMS. The key compounds, α-cadinol and epi-α-cadinol, show potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Prakriti, the Ayurvedic concept of individual somatic constitution, forms the foundation for personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies by classifying individuals based on distinctive physical, physiological, and psychological attributes. Traditional methods of Prakriti assessment, such as physician-administered questionnaires, clinical examinations, and observational techniques, though deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles, are often constrained by subjectivity, limited reproducibility, and a lack of standardization. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and digital health technologies offer new opportunities to modernize Prakriti assessment and enhance its reliability. This narrative review systematically located, selected, and synthesized relevant literature from scientific databases and institutional repositories to identify digital, AI, and ML tools applicable to the parameters outlined in the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) Prakriti Assessment Manual. Retrieved data were categorized according to their relevance to physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioral domains, emphasizing technologies that enable objective measurement and computational analysis. The review highlights the potential of integrating physiological sensors, image analysis systems, and computational algorithms with classical Ayurvedic approaches to improve the accuracy and clinical relevance of Prakriti analysis. The convergence of Ayurveda and digital health technologies holds transformative potential to generate evidence, enhance clinical applicability, and foster interdisciplinary research in personalized medicine. However, challenges related to data quality, interoperability, algorithmic interpretability, and domain-specific validation must be addressed to ensure credibility and wider adoption. Overall, digital innovations can significantly enhance the rigor, reach, and impact of Prakriti assessment in integrative healthcare.
BACKGROUND:Toxicity evaluation is an essential component of the preclinical safety assessment for herbal and herbo-mineral formulations intended for repeated use. OBJECTIVES:The present study was undertaken to assess the acute and subacute oral toxicity of an Ayurveda-based herbo-mineral formulation (HMF) comprising Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, and Kukkutandatvak bhasma in rats. METHODS:An acute toxicity of a prepared HMF was conducted at a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg in rats as per OECD guideline 423. Sub-acute toxicity of HMF was evaluated at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg by oral administration in rats in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407. RESULTS:No mortality and clinical signs of toxicity were produced in rats by a single oral administration of a 2000 mg/kg dose of HMF. In the subacute toxicity study, body weight gain and food consumption patterns in the HMF-treated groups were comparable to those of the vehicle control group. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters remained within physiological limits. The relative organ weights did not differ significantly between the control and HMF-treated groups. Histopathological evaluation of the organs of HMF-treated rats revealed normal findings. No delayed or residual toxicity was observed in the satellite group. CONCLUSION:HMF was found to be safe following a single 2000 mg/kg dose and at a 28-days repeated dose of 1000 mg/kg by the oral route in rats. The study findings support the safety of the HMF and provide a scientific basis for further preclinical and clinical development.
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) treatment often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing underlying inflammation and cartilage degeneration. In search of safer, long-term options, many patients turn to Ayurvedic remedies like Guggul (Commiphora wightii) and its formulations—Amritadi Guggul (AG) and Rasnadi Guggul (RG)—though biochemical validation remains limited. Objective: This study evaluates the immunomodulatory effects of standard guggulsterone extract (SGE), AG, and RG on synovial inflammation, mitochondrial stress, and complement activation, using the U937 monocyte cell line. Materials and Methods: Cells were stimulated with Phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA) and treated with varying concentrations of the extracts. Anti-inflammatory effects were measured via mRNA expression of iNOS, MMP-1, MMP-13, and VEGF-1. Macrophage polarization markers (CD68, CD86, CD163), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 assay), collagenase activity (gelatinase spot assay), and molecular docking with complement factor B (CFB) were also assessed. Results: Results showed that SGE, AG, and RG significantly reduced nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Treatments suppressed M1 macrophage markers without promoting M2 differentiation. 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimi- dazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC) - 1 assays indicated improved mitochondrial stability, while all formulations inhibited collagenase activity. Docking studies revealed strong interactions between guggulsterone and CFB, suggesting complement inhibition. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Guggul and its formulations to modulate macrophage activity, reduce inflammation, and support joint preservation in OA. Though limited by the use of a monocyte-derived cell line, the study lays the groundwork for future validation in primary cells and in vivo models.
BACKGROUND:Prediabetes is a subject of intermediate hyperglycaemia and a risk factor for various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, which are silent in features. Early Screening and preventive measures in terms of diet and lifestyle modification can help reverse the prediabetic stage. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurveda-based treatment protocol in the management of prediabetes and to compare it with the standard prediabetic care. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 40 patients meeting the criteria of HbA1C 5.7-6.4% and Indian diabetic risk Score of ≥60, with the age group of 18-70 years of either sex, participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups in which trial group, intervened with Integrated Ayurveda Treatment Protocol (IATP) contains Triphala lauha churna 3 g twice a day along with Ayurveda dietary and lifestyle intervention and control group received placebo powder 3 g twice a day for 90 days along with standard prediabetic care (SPC). The primary endpoints were changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), and secondary endpoints were lipid profile, diabetes quality of life (DQOL), and anthropometric measures. RESULTS:Study data indicate that IATP showed significant improvement in HbA1C compared to the SPC (p < 0.001). IATP also showed significant improvement in FBG (p < 0.001), PPBG (p = 0.0003), total cholesterol (p = 0.0004), high density lipoprotein (p = 0.003), low density lipoprotein (p = 0.01), serum triglycerides (p = 0.003), serum creatinine (p = 0.0011) and DQOL (p < 0.001). Comparable outcomes were noted in weight (p = 0.24), BMI (p = 0.05), and waist-hip ratio (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION:IATP intervention showed significant improvement in glycaemic outcomes, lipid profile compared to the SPC group. Comparable outcomes were observed in anthropometric measures.
Objective assessment of disease severity is necessary during management and clinical studies of Amavata. Various validated instruments are available for measuring disease activity in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A validated instrument for systemic Ama assessment in Amavata (RA) measures Ama, but does not determine the disease activity in these cases. The Ama-score did not correlate well with the disease activity score (DAS) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We, therefore, used another composite score, viz. Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) to assess its correlation with the Ama-score in patients with Amavata (RA).To evaluate the correlation between the Ama-score and CDAI in patients with Amavata (RA).CDAI and Ama-score were evaluated in two groups of patients with amavata (RA), Group A: treatment-naive patients (n = 13) and Group B: patients on treatment (n = 25) who are in remission. Ama-score was also assessed in apparently healthy volunteers without any overt symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal (Group C; n = 20). Spearman Rank Correlation was used for correlation between variables. Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test were used for inter-group comparison. P value < 0.05 was considered significant.The median Ama-score and CDAI in Group A were 44 (12–76.5) and 32 (24–43), and those in Group B were 2 (0–22) and 0 (0–2), respectively. The difference in the Ama-score (P = < 0.0001) and CDAI (P = < 0.0001) between Groups A and B is significant. There was no significant difference between Group B and Group C (P > 0.05). There is a significant correlation between Ama-score and CDAI in these subjects (Spearman r 0.6447, P < 0.0001; 95 % CI 0.4012–0.8031).There is a good correlation between ama-score and CDAI. Ama-score and CDAI with additional joint assessment can be combined to develop an objective Ayurvedic tool that can be used for patient management and reporting clinical studies in amavata (RA).
Interstitial cystitis (IC) with Hunner's ulcers is a chronic inflammatory condition often resistant to conventional therapies, which frequently offer only temporary relief or carry risks of bladder scarring. This report describes the clinical outcomes of Jatyadi Taila Uttarabasti (intravesical instillation) combined with Virechana Karma (purgation) and oral formulations-in managing severe IC. Two patients with chronic IC and Hunner's ulcers, non-responsive to conventional treatments, received individualized Ayurvedic treatment at the hospital. Clinical progress was documented using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and the IC-Quality of Life (IC-QoL) score, with a follow-up period of two years. Both patients demonstrated significant clinical improvement. Pain scores reduced from severe to near-zero, and urinary frequency and nocturia were normalized. Quality-of-life metrics showed substantial enhancement, with IC-QoL scores reflecting near-complete symptom resolution. Notably, these results remained stable throughout the two-year follow-up period. Patient 2 opted for a planned maintenance course in late 2024 to ensure clinical stability, despite the resolution of primary symptoms. This case series suggests that Ayurvedic management, particularly the use of Jatyadi Taila Uttarabasti for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, provides a cost-effective, non-invasive, and long-lasting alternative for severe IC and Hunner's ulcers.
BACKGROUND:Diabetes mellitus is a critically important metabolic disease, causing persistent hyperglycemia. Blood glucose levels can be effectively maintained by inhibiting the activity of α-amylase. α-amylase inhibitors manage postprandial hyperglycemia by delaying carbohydrate digestion. OBJECTIVES:Identification of a potent α-amylase inhibitor from 915 bioactive compounds of Madhumukthi Kudineer Chooranum (MKC) by combining siddha knowledge with computational and experimental methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Molecular docking of bioactive compounds present in MKC with α-amylase was performed, and the top ten compounds that exhibited binding affinities better than the standard inhibitor acarbose were evaluated for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties, followed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations (MDS). An in vitro enzyme inhibition assay was performed for the top lead for validation of the in silico findings. RESULTS:Lead 2, Hydroxyphenyl-bi-benzopyran-hexol from Cassia fistula demonstrated the stable protein-ligand interaction with a binding energy of -69.70 ± 3.93 kJ/mol. The crude Cassia fistula stem bark extract containing Lead 2 showed 57% inhibition of α-amylase. The IC50 values were calculated using a nonlinear regression approach based on a 4-parameter logistic (4 PL) model, yielding a lower IC50 value of 237.25 μg/ml for the extract, compared to the IC50 value of 264.59 μg/ml for acarbose. CONCLUSION:By integrating traditional siddha knowledge with advanced computational screening and in vitro validation, this study proposed a novel Hydroxyphenyl-bi-benzopyran-hexol compound from Cassia fistula as a promising natural α-amylase inhibitor. However, these findings are to be validated using animal studies before clinical research leading to a novel drug.
The exponential growth of unstructured data has presented new opportunities for leveraging computational techniques to uncover meaningful insights in diverse domains, including healthcare. In the context of India's pluralistic medical ecosystem, the Ministry of Ayush plays a central role in shaping policies related to traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Despite the increasing prominence of AYUSH, especially post-COVID-19, there has been limited scholarly engagement with its policy evolution through a data-driven lens. This study applies Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a topic modeling technique, to analyze annual reports published by the Ministry of Ayush from 2012 to 2023. The research aims to (i) identify recent focus areas in alternate healthcare policy, (ii) track temporal shifts in strategic priorities, and (iii) uncover underrepresented themes in institutional discourse. The findings reveal evolving trends such as increased emphasis on research, integration with mainstream health systems, digital initiatives, and global promotion. The study identifies four critical dimensions that remain underrepresented within Ayush policy discourse: the positioning of Ayush philosophy as a frontline public health framework, the articulation of an Ayush-centric health system paradigm, the programmatic integration of mental health, and the systematic incorporation of artificial intelligence beyond foundational digital health initiatives, thereby identifying areas requiring greater strategic attention and reform. By introducing topic modeling into Indian healthcare policy research, this paper fills a key methodological gap and offers empirical insights into the policy trajectory of Ayush. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first application of LDA to Ayush's policy literature.
In contemporary society, the prevalence of irregular lifestyles, particularly nocturnal habits, coupled with sub optimal dietary patterns and heightened psychological stress, has significantly contributed to gastrointestinal disturbances. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a multi factorial disorder, is often precipitated by stressors such as depression or systemic illnesses. Conversely, IBS itself may serve as a precursor to psychological disorders, underscoring the intricate gut-brain axis interplay. A symptomatic approach to management is insufficient, rather a focus on addressing the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is imperative for sustained gastrointestinal health and overall well-being. Epidemiological data indicate that IBS affects approximately 12%–15% of the Indian population, with a female predilection, being three times more prevalent in women than men. Ayurveda views Grahani as both an organ and a functional entity, where Grahani Dosha refers to its impaired functioning. If this dysfunction progresses, it leads to Grahani Roga, which is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of Grahani, in its context as an organ, Dosha, and Roga, is necessary to systematically analyze gastrointestinal disturbances. This case study discusses a 25-year-old male with a two-year history of poor appetite, weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, frequent bowel urges, and alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea, along with persistent insomnia. A structured treatment protocol was implemented to strengthen the gut-brain axis and manage Grahani Roga through internal and external purification therapies (Antar and Bahir Parimarjana Chikitsa). Over just 10 days, significant improvements were observed in the Rome IV criteria and scales related to IBS and anxiety. The findings highlight that Grahani, which involves altered bowel habits and nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption, can be classified as a syndrome that results from a complex interaction of various disorders, making it one of the Ashta Mahagada.
BACKGROUND:Psychosocial well-being is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of overall health, with stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation affecting individuals across various demographics. Meditation has been widely studied for its potential to enhance mental well-being. This study developed and validated the Nadamay meditation technique, a structured practice based on ancient Nada yoga principles from the Nada Bindu Upanishad. OBJECTIVE:To develop and validate the Nadamay meditation protocol, ensuring its comprehensiveness and content validity for promoting psychosocial well-being, including aspects of mental, emotional, and social health, across diverse populations. METHODS:The Nadamay meditation protocol was developed by incorporating the principles of the Nada Bindu Upanishad. 21 subject matter experts from various fields reviewed the seven meditation steps using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) methods. RESULTS:All seven steps demonstrated acceptable to excellent content validity, with CVR scores ranging from 0.52 to 1.0 and I-CVI scores from 0.76 to 1.0, exceeding critical thresholds. The Scale-level Content Validity Index Average (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.92, confirming excellent overall content validity and the protocol's comprehensiveness. CONCLUSION:The Nadamay meditation protocol is a structured, content-validated intervention for psychosocial well-being. While preliminary validation is promising, its inclusion of energizing practices like Kapalbhati and its broad design necessitate further feasibility and safety testing before widespread implementation.
The growing global recognition of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic system of medicine, highlights the urgent need for well-developed and validated measurement instruments to assess its core constructs and clinical concepts used in diagnosis and treatment. Although several psychometric and clinical tools have been designed to quantify these traditionally qualitative aspects, their evolution has often been marked by methodological inconsistencies and inadequate psychometric validation, limiting their acceptance and practical application in both research and clinical domains. Addressing this gap, the present systematic review aims to comprehensively identify, map, and characterize the existing measurement instruments developed or adapted for Ayurvedic constructs and concepts. It further seeks to delineate the methodological challenges encountered during their development and validation, and to suggest future directions for improving their psychometric rigor, clinical relevance, and scientific robustness to enhance their use in evidence-based Ayurvedic research. A systematic and exhaustive search will be carried out across multiple databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, AYUSH Research Portal, DHARA, Shodhganga, and Google Scholar, using a combination of controlled vocabulary (such as MeSH terms) and free-text keywords integrated with Boolean operators. In addition, reference lists of selected studies and grey literature sources will be screened to ensure comprehensive coverage. Two independent reviewers will perform study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment following standardized procedures. This protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251102044). Since this is a review protocol, definitive results are not yet available. However, the forthcoming review is expected to present an extensive overview of the current landscape of Ayurvedic measurement instruments, elucidate existing methodological and psychometric gaps, and propose strategies for their refinement. These outcomes will be instrumental in reinforcing the scientific foundation of Ayurveda, promoting methodological rigor, and fostering its integration into global healthcare systems.
BACKGROUND:Combinatorial Ayurvedic Rasayana extracts represent a rich source of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential. Withania somnifera (W) and its dual herbal Rasayana partners-Phyllanthus emblica (WP), Bacopa monnieri (WB), and Ocimum sanctum (WO)-are traditionally used to restore immune function, enhance resilience, and improve systemic health. Their multi-targeted phytoconstituents provide a promising approach for cancer therapy. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds from W. somnifera and its dual Rasayana extracts, evaluate their in silico binding affinity with cancer-related targets, and assess their in vitro antiproliferative potential compared with cladribine. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Phytocompounds were identified by GCMS and pharmacological activities were predicted using PASS-BAS. Molecular docking (Schrodinger- Glide) against 23 cancer-relevant proteins curated from TCGA and COSMIC datasets. Drug-likeness and ADME were evaluated with QikProp 3.0 and SwissADME. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations (100 ns, Desmond) were conducted for selected protein-ligand complexes to validate binding stability through RMSD, RMSF, SSE, and protein-ligand interaction analysis. Jurkat E6-1 leukemia cells were treated with W, WP3, WB2, and WO3 extracts for 24 h, and antiproliferative activity assessed via MTT assay. RESULTS:Of 62 screened phytocompounds, four key ligands -Campesterol (W), WP ligand, WB ligand, and Retinol (WO)-based on drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and compared with Cladribine. Docking revealed high affinities: WP3 with FAAH (-10), WB2 with PPARD (-9.08) and RBP4 (-9.5), WO3 with PPARA (-9.85) and RBP4 (-10.23), and W with CYP17A1 (-8.74). Enrichment analysis linked these targets to MAPK, JAK-STAT, and PPAR pathways. The MD results of both the complexes (5NUJ-445354 and 4D03-9592405) showed acceptable stability with dynamic adaptability, supporting the robustness of docking predictions. WP3 and WO3 had the highest antiproliferative activity (IC50 20.27 and 20.40 μg/mL) against Jurkat cells at 24hr and at 25 μg/mL. CONCLUSION:This first integrative in silico-invitro analysis of dual herbal Rasayana extracts reveals multi-target anticancer activity and validates the stability of the key protein-ligand interactions suggesting synergistic therapeutic potential of W. somnifera with P. emblica as promising lead formulations for further drug development.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refer to a range of symptoms of anatomical and physiological variations of the bladder and urethra in women and also the prostate in men. This involves storage and voiding related pathologies and clinically present with urgency, nocturia, weak stream of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder, dysuria, hesitancy, frequency, intermittency, etc. Medical and surgical management based upon core pathogeneses is under practice successfully but post-operative complications and high chances of post-operative urethral stricture are also on account. No gold standard management has been validated yet for the management of LUTS in contemporary Ayurveda clinical practice. This study refers to the Ayurvedic management of 10 clinical cases of LUTS through the 21-day protocol of 60 ml Bala Taila Matra Basti, and internal medicines like Haritaki (T. chebula Retz.) powder, Kanchanar Guggul and Varunadi Kwatha for 30 days and their assessment through uroflowmetry, and IPSS Score before and after the treatment. Remarkable improvement was observed in relieving the IPSS (26.97%) symptoms and post-voided residual urine volume (PVRV) (39.54%). Improvement in increasing average flow rate (Qavg), (41%), Maximum flow rate (Qmax.) (43.51%), and total voided volume (53.57%) were also observed in this study. Anulomana (promoting Normal motion of Vata) and Mootrala (diuresis) were the two clinical principles that helped to manage LUTS. Improved Peak flow (Qmax.), Average volume (Qavg.) and total voided volume are the key indicators of improved micturition function. Ayurveda management with Bala Taila Matra Basti can be considered for the management of LUTS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by irregular bowel movements and abdominal discomfort in the absence of detectable structural abnormalities. This condition significantly affects both physical and mental health. Although the precise etiology remains unclear, factors such as abnormal gut motility and sensory function, central nervous system disturbances, psychological stress, and luminal changes are implicated. IBS affects approximately 10–15% of the population, yet only 10% of those affected seek medical care. The prevalence is highest between ages 15 and 50, ranging from 3% to 22%, with young women more frequently affected than men. Conventional management primarily involves dietary modification, pharmacotherapy, and stress reduction, but these approaches rarely provide complete relief. Evidence indicates increased mortality risks associated with antibiotics and antispasmodics, highlighting the need for adjunctive therapeutic strategies. In Ayurveda, IBS is analogous to Grahani Roga, which is characterised by Muhurbaddha-muhurdrava Mala Pravritti (alternate formed and loose stools), Udara Shoola (colicky abdominal pain), Adhmana (abdominal distention), and Dourbalya (weakness). This report presents a 71-year-old female with frequent evacuation of stools of varying consistency (4–5 times daily), abdominal pain, bloating, generalised weakness, and reduced sleep for three years. The diagnosis of Grahani Roga was established based on clinical features, and the Rome IV criteria confirmed IBS with predominant diarrhea. The patient experienced minimal relief from three years of conventional therapy. She subsequently received Piccha Basti (enema) for 16 days and Shamana (pacifying) medicine for four months. Improvements were observed on the IBS-GAI, IBS-SSS, IBS-AR, and IBS-QoL scales, suggesting the potential benefit of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of IBS.
Tear of grade III in the posterior horn of medial meniscus is a serious knee injury. Arthroscopic surgery is usually advised to manage these cases with variable outcomes. A female housewife aged 32 years, presented with the complaints of pain, stiffness, swelling and occasional giving way of the left knee joint for 2 months; at outdoor patient department of Shalya Tantra (surgery) of our hospital, India on 02/05/2022. There was history of fall from stairs 2 months back. MRI findings were suggestive of grade III tear of posterior horn of medial meniscus extending up to inferior surface. She was advised arthroscopic surgery. Due to financial constraints, surgery was not opted. She was managed with oral Ayurvedic medicines: Abha Guggulu, Punarnavashtak Kwatha, Mukta Pishti, Brahma Rasayana; along with Matra Basti of Bala-Ashwagandha Taila and physiotherapy. After 9 months of systemic treatment and physiotherapy, complete healing was achieved as assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET). Standalone Ayurvedic management resulted in positive outcomes. The objective is to unveil the inherent healing potential of Ayurveda that may serve as a lead for further research and a hope for those who defer from surgery due to various constraints.
De-Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition characterized by wrist pain and swelling at the radial styloid process due to inflammation and thickening of the tendon sheath of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. Conventional treatment includes rest, analgesics, corticosteroid injections, and surgical release. In Ayurveda, this condition is correlated with Snayugata Vata, where Agnikarma (therapeutic heat) is recommended. A 55-year-old female presented with severe left wrist pain, swelling and difficulty in performing household work for 20 days. Finkelstein's test result was positive, with tenderness of grade-3 (withdrawal sign) and visible swelling. She underwent three sessions of Agnikarma using Suvarana Shalaka (gold rod) in a linear Bindu (point) pattern at weekly intervals. Outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Quick disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) score, and soft tissue tenderness scale. Complete pain relief and functional recovery of the wrist were achieved and sustained over an eight-month follow up period. Agnikarma alleviates Sroto-Avrodha(obstruction) enhancing Rasa-Raktadi Dhatu Samvahana (nutrient flow) and tissue extensibility. Suvarana Shalaka delivers continuous therapeutic heat through the conduction method without causing Dagdha Vrana (burn or blisters). This case report serves as a lead for future researches on the efficacy of Agnikarma with Suvarana Shalaka on Snayugata Vikara. It also suggests Agnikarma is a safe, cost-effective, day-care, drug-less treatment that obviates reliance on long-term use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
