Background: Agni is essential factor residing inside the human body, responsible for health and disease. Agni is important for dietary recommendations, lifestyle-related advice, and the choice of therapeutic interventions. It transforms the food into energy, helps in immunity and overall well-being. In context with Agni, contemporary science explains about the gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms essential for digestion, nutrient- assimilation, and immune modulation. Objective: To explores the conceptual and functional relationship between Agni and gut microbiota. Methods: A comprehensive review of Ayurvedic texts was conducted. Parallelly, a systematic literature search was performed across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and DHARA using keywords such as “Agni,” “digestive fire,” “gut microbiota,” “gut-brain axis,” “dysbiosis,” and “metabolic disease.” Result: Agni is considered as the Mula of health and longevity. A state of Sama Agni (balanced digestive-fire) facilitates efficient metabolism, disease resistance, and psychological well-being. In contrast, Mandagni corresponds to reduced microbial diversity, diminished short-chain fatty acid synthesis, gut-brain axis signalling, and heightened disease susceptibility. In parallel, contemporary research consistently affirms the role of gut microbiota in maintaining metabolic equilibrium, with dysbiosis implicated in chronic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, IBS, and autoimmune pathologies. Conclusion: Agni and the gut microbiota reflect a shared importance on balancing homeostasis as the cornerstone of health. By synthesizing ancient metabolic wisdom with contemporary microbiome research, an integrative model can be developed for the prevention and management of digestive and metabolic disorders.
The global resurgence of herbal medicine underscores a paradigm shift in healthcare and regulatory landscapes, with market projections reaching USD 160.6 billion by 2030. Despite widespread cultural acceptance and rising demand, significant disparities persist across national and regional pharmacopoeias in defining quality, safety, and efficacy benchmarks for herbal products. This review systematically examines the regulatory frameworks and pharmacopoeial monographs of key global players—including WHO, USP, Ph. Eur., API, and others—with a focus on standardisation challenges. A comparative case study on Valeriana species reveals divergent approaches to botanical identity, assay thresholds, contaminant limits, and therapeutic framing, highlighting gaps between traditional and modern standards. The analysis emphasises the urgent need for harmonisation, integrating validated analytical methods, safety protocols, and region-specific ethnopharmacological knowledge. Furthermore, the evolving landscape of national policies and WHO strategies from 1999 to 2018 reflects increasing institutional efforts toward formalising traditional medicine systems. The paper advocates for unified, evidence-based herbal monograph frameworks that reconcile scientific rigour with traditional practices, thereby enabling global acceptance and regulatory coherence for herbal medicinal products.
The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal Ayurvedic energy booster powder aimed at enhancing stamina, vitality, and physical strength. Eight medicinal herbs Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Amla (Phyllanthu semblica), SafedMusli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Gokshura (Tribuluster restris), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and Dry Ginger (Zingiber officinale) were selected based on their traditional adaptogenic and energizing properties. The herbs were cleaned, shade-dried, powdered, and mixed using the geometric blending technique to obtain a uniform formulation. The powder was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical parameters, flow properties, preliminary phytochemical content, microbial load, and short-term stability. Results revealed that the formulation possessed light brown color, mild aromatic odor, fine texture, good flow properties, and moisture content within acceptable limits. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and carbohydrates, supporting its potential efficacy. Microbial evaluation and stability studies confirmed the safety and shelf stability of the powder. The study concludes that the polyherbal formulation is a safe, stable, and effective natural energy booster, suitable for enhancing physical performance and vitality.
Millets, a diverse group of small-seeded cereals, are among the earliest domesticated crops and continue to play a vital role in food security, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Their global and regional distribution reflects not only agro-ecological suitability but also socio-cultural preferences and economic considerations. India remains the world’s largest producer, contributing significantly to global millet cultivation, while Sub-Saharan Africa is equally prominent. This paper examines the geographical distribution of millets across the world with a focus on India, highlighting historical evolution, regional trends, ecological determinants, and policy implications. Drawing upon secondary data from FAO (2021, 2024), ICRISAT (2024), and peer-reviewed literature, this paper emphasizes the importance of millets in ensuring food and nutritional security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting climate resilience. The study concludes that millet production and distribution are shaped by environmental, economic, and policy-driven factors, and that targeted interventions can enhance their role in global and regional food systems.
Diet is the best medicine. Change in diet patterns globally has thrown the world into the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). A recent report from 2019 indicated that approximately 7.9 million deaths and 187.7 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were attributable worldwide to dietary risk factors for NCDs, with DALYs being more significantly linked to these risks. This data serves as a pressing call to all governments throughout the world to take necessary steps to develop healthy communities. The convergence of Food Science, Pharmaceuticals, and Preventive Medicine is encouraging a return to a natural food-based lifestyle. Modern dietary shifts, characterized by the consumption of junk food and low-fibre diets, have led to widespread nutritional deficiency states, further leading to disease. The term Nutraceutical was coined in 1989 by Dr. Stephen DeFelice, a portmanteau combining the words Nutrition and Pharmaceutical. It is defined as any substance, be it a food or a part of food, that provides medicinal and health benefits, including the prevention and further treatment of a disease. Food products that provide health benefits and aid in reducing the risk of chronic disease, apart from their basic nutritional value, may also be covered under this term. Globally, the nutraceutical market is experiencing fast growth, valued at $74.7 billion in 2020. This review is therefore aimed to discuss the basic concept of herbal nutraceuticals, their role in health and in disease states, with special reference to Moringa oleifera.
Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is associated to the Moringaceae family, is commercially grown for its nutritive importance and amazing pharmacological activities in Himalayan range but is commonly planted throughout the equator. Moringa seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits are marvelously treasury of phytonutrients, polysaccharides, oil, protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids. This review artefact firstly portrayed the nutritional and non-nutritional configuration of M. oleifera which encompasses carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, fibers, fatty acids, lipids, polyphenols, alkaloids, glucosinolates, saponins, oxalates, and phytates. The review also unfolds bioactivities (antimicrobial, wound healing, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anti-hypertensive, cardiovascular, and cholesterol-lowering, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, CNS, anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic, anti-obesity) of the M. oleifera along with its application in nutraceuticals. In addition, the analysis highlights the quantitative chemical analysis methods used for separation, ablution, and depiction of organic molecules from M. oleifera, processing and commercial application of M. oleifera. This complete review also provides acumen into food fortification and toxicity profile along with pre-clinical and clinical studies of M. oleifera for the first time. oleifera is a premium provenance of vitamins, nutrition, and minerals for implementation in foods. The actinic effects recommend the use of bioactive constituents in the evolution of ingenious food, feed, biotechnology, cosmetics, agriculture, and drug compounds. To conclude, Moringa oleifera illustrates the potential of nutritionally domain, biotech-enhanced herbs in building resilient and health-focused food systems for the future.
Rural health continues to be a critical challenge in India, where the AYUSH systems [Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and Sowa Rigpa] offer culturally relevant and affordable healthcare options. Despite long-standing policy commitments, systematic evidence on their integration into rural health remains limited. This study presents a two-decade (2000–2024) bibliometric analysis of AYUSH research in rural health, based on data retrieved from PubMed and Scopus. Network visualization through VOSviewer was used to examine publication trends, authorship and institutional collaborations, keyword co-occurrence, and citation patterns. A total of 421 publications were identified (PubMed = 108; Scopus = 313), with a notable surge in output after 2014, concurrent with the launch of the National AYUSH Mission. India emerged as the leading contributor, while international collaborations, though limited, are growing with partners such as the USA, UK, and Australia. Ayurveda and Yoga dominated the research landscape, whereas Siddha and Unani received comparatively less attention. Collaboration networks revealed significant fragmentation, reflecting institutional silos. Overall, AYUSH scholarship in rural health is expanding but remains uneven. Addressing gaps through stronger cross-institutional collaborations, focus on underrepresented systems, and inclusion of cost-effectiveness and implementation research will be crucial. These findings are consistent with national and global frameworks such as the National Health Policy 2017, the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023, and the Gujarat Declaration 2023, and they provide actionable insights for advancing evidence-informed rural health strategies.
Achāra Rasāyana (code of conduct) described in the classical Ayurveda compendium Charaka Saṁhitā – refers to a “rejuvenation through conduct,” encompassing a code of ethical, psychosocial, and lifestyle guidelines. This article examines Achāra Rasāyana as an ancient framework for psychosocial and behavioral health, integrating textual perspectives with contemporary empirical research. We review classical descriptions of Achāra Rasāyana (e.g. truthfulness, non-violence, moderation in diet and sexual activity, regular sleep, compassion, and spiritual practice) and explore their alignment with modern findings in psychology, psychiatry, and public health. A narrative literature review was conducted, drawing on Ayurvedic texts and current scientific studies. Thematic discussions compare Achāra Rasāyana’s principles to interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, and lifestyle psychiatry approaches. Modern clinical studies are highlighted – for instance, research shows that cultivating honesty, altruism, adequate sleep, and other behaviors emphasized by Achāra Rasāyana yields benefits for mental and physical well-being. Achāra Rasāyana’s emphasis on enhancing sattva (mental purity) while reducing rajas/tamas (agitation/inertia) is discussed in the context of psychophysiological stress reduction. Applications in integrative mental health care are proposed, such as incorporating Achāra Rasāyana guidelines into preventive counseling, lifestyle modification programs, and public health campaigns. The review concludes that Achāra Rasāyana, though formulated millennia ago, anticipates many elements of contemporary psychosocial interventions and offers a culturally rich, holistic paradigm for promoting mental health and resilience and merits evidence-based research in this arena of psychosocial health.
Grahani, described in Ayurveda as the functional integrity of the digestive system, is governed by Agni (digestive fire). Impairment of Agni due to irregular diet, lifestyle, or psychological stress leads to Grahani Dosha, which closely parallels Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in modern medicine. IBS is a multifactorial disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Ayurvedic management emphasizes rekindling Agni, eliminating Ama (metabolic toxins), and restoring digestive balance through individualized approaches based on Dosha predominance. Classical interventions such as herbal formulations including Kutaja, Bilva, and Musta, along with Panchakarma therapies like Virechana and Basti, form the mainstay of treatment. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of formulations like Bilvadi Churna, Chavyadi Churna, Grahaninigraha Churna, and Kutajadi Avaleha, which possess Deepana, Pachana, and Grahi properties, offering symptomatic relief. Takra (buttermilk) is highlighted as a key dietary intervention for gut health. Studies further indicate that integrating stress management practices such as yoga enhances therapeutic outcomes. Panchakarma interventions contribute significantly to detoxification and re-establishing gut homeostasis. The available research demonstrates that Ayurvedic protocols not only alleviate IBS symptoms but also improve overall well-being, making Ayurveda a holistic and effective approach for Grahani Dosha management. However, larger and more rigorous clinical studies are required to validate these findings and strengthen their acceptance in contemporary practice.
Background: Herbal and Ayurvedic medicines, deeply rooted in India’s traditional healthcare systems, have gained global prominence due to increasing demand for natural and holistic therapies. Their adoption in India is shaped by cultural, social, economic, and health-related factors, yet a comprehensive synthesis of these drivers is lacking. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to consolidate insights into the adoption of Herbal and Ayurvedic medicines in India, exploring demographic trends, motivations, health conditions, influencers, and barriers, while identifying gaps for future research. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, using keywords such as “Herbal medicine,” “Ayurvedic medicine,” “India,” “adoption,” and “consumer behavior.” Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on usage patterns, motivations, influencers, and barriers in India. Data were synthesized thematically, focusing on demographics, health applications, social influences, and market dynamics. Results: The review identified 45 studies highlighting widespread adoption across diverse demographics, driven by perceived safety (“natural,” “no side effects”), cultural traditions, and family influence. Common applications include general ailments (e.g., cough, cold), skin problems, and chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, thyroid). Key influencers include family (parents, spouses), medical professionals, and, increasingly, digital media. Barriers include cost perceptions, limited awareness, and insufficient scientific evidence. The COVID-19 pandemic boosted adoption, particularly for immunity. Conclusion: Herbal and Ayurvedic medicines are integral to India’s healthcare, with adoption driven by cultural and health-related factors. Addressing barriers like cost, awareness, and evidence gaps through research, education, and policy can enhance their integration into modern healthcare.
Flat foot (pes planus) is common in young adults and can impair function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), yet its burden among medical and nursing students-who experience prolonged standing and walking- remains under-recognised. This narrative review synthesises evidence on the prevalence of flat foot in medical, nursing, and comparable student populations; summarises functional and quality-of-life consequences using validated assessment tools; and explores emerging integrative approaches incorporating exercise, yoga-based interventions, and Ayurvedic therapies. Available data indicate a non-trivial prevalence of pes planus in medical students, heterogeneous across studies due to variable definitions and tools, with symptomatic cases reporting pain, fatigue, reduced functional capacity, and impaired foot-specific HRQoL. Validated measures such as the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6), Navicular Drop Test, Arch Index, and foot-specific HRQoL questionnaires (e.g. Foot Function Index-Revised, Foot Health Status Questionnaire) allow robust quantification of this burden. Exercise-based interventions, including "foot-core" strengthening and neuromuscular training, improve arch structure and function, and yoga-based programmes and Ayurvedic local therapies offer culturally congruent adjuncts for symptom relief and functional improvement, though high-quality trials in medical and nursing students are lacking. Well-designed longitudinal and interventional studies in health-professions students are needed to inform screening, prevention, and integrative management strategies.
The present research focused on the development and evaluation of polyherbal pharmaceutical excipients derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha arvensis, and Elettaria cardamomum to mask taste and odor in oral dosage forms. Individual plant materials were powdered, sieved, and extracted using aqueous and ethanolic solvents. The extracts were combined with the powders to formulate polyherbal excipients, which were characterized for organoleptic, physicochemical, and compatibility properties. The excipients exhibited favorable color, aroma, sweetness, and cooling sensation, while FTIR analysis confirmed no chemical interactions among constituents. Incorporation into model paracetamol tablets demonstrated effective bitterness masking, acceptable hardness, low friability, and rapid disintegration. Stability studies over three months indicated retention of sensory and functional attributes, confirming the suitability of the excipients for oral formulations. The findings suggest that the developed polyherbal excipients can serve as natural, safe, and patient-friendly alternatives to synthetic taste-masking agents, enhancing patient compliance and acceptability of bitter oral medications. This study provides a foundation for further formulation development and industrial application of Ayurvedic excipients in pharmaceutical preparations.
This review article explores the nutritional and therapeutic potential of millet-based recipes, emphasizing their relevance in both traditional Ayurveda and modern dietary practices. Millets, small-seeded cereals including ragi, bajra, and little millet, are highlighted for their richness in fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals, making them suitable for managing iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, and obesity. The article presents detailed preparation methods for recipes such as Ragi Laddu, Bajra Laddu, Little Millet Daliya, and Finger Millet-Palm Jaggery Cookies, focusing on techniques like germination and roasting that enhance nutrient bioavailability and safety. Nutritional tables provided illustrate the carbohydrate, protein, mineral, and vitamin profiles of various grains, alongside their glycemic indices. The discussion underscores the value of millet integration into mainstream diets for combating malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, while advocating for further innovation in ready-to-cook millet products suited to contemporary lifestyles.
The present study investigated the in vitro synergistic acid-neutralizing and Pitta-balancing potential of hydroalcoholic extracts of Cuminum cyminum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Phyllanthus emblica. Individual extracts and their combined formulation (1:1:1) were evaluated for acid-neutralizing capacity, buffering capacity, simulated gastric fluid neutralization, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The polyherbal formulation demonstrated superior acid-neutralizing capacity compared to individual extracts and exhibited enhanced buffering action by maintaining higher pH levels upon incremental acid addition. In the simulated gastric fluid model, the combined extract significantly elevated gastric pH, indicating improved acid resistance. Total phenolic content was highest in the combined formulation, correlating with increased antioxidant activity. The DPPH radical scavenging assay confirmed concentration-dependent antioxidant effects, with the polyherbal blend showing the greatest inhibition. The findings suggested a synergistic interaction among phytoconstituents such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, contributing to enhanced gastroprotective potential. Overall, the study supported the traditional Ayurvedic rationale of combining digestive herbs for effective acid regulation and Pitta balance under in vitro conditions.
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition with global prevalence and complex etiology. Although modern treatments exist, their limitations—including side effects, high costs, and relapse—have led to a resurgence of interest in traditional medical systems such as AYUSH and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Despite growing research interest, there has been no comprehensive bibliometric evaluation of how psoriasis has been studied within these traditional systems of medicine over time. Objective: This study aims to provide a four-decade bibliometric review (1980–2024) of psoriasis research within traditional medical systems. Methods: Bibliographic data were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus using the keywords “Psoriasis” and “Traditional Medicine.” Eligible documents (n = 2,110) were filtered by predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. VOSviewer software was used to perform bibliometric mapping and visualization of co-authorship, institutional collaboration, keyword co-occurrence, and citation networks. Results: A total of 1,341 documents from PubMed and 769 from Scopus were analyzed. China, India, and the United States were leading contributors. Co-authorship networks showed moderate collaboration, mostly within regional clusters. Keyword analysis revealed a clinical and experimental focus with common terms including “psoriasis,” “humans,” “treatment outcome,” “herbal medicine,” and “inflammation.” Research gaps identified included limited randomized clinical trials, lack of standardization, and insufficient patient-reported data. Conclusion: This study provides the first systematic bibliometric overview of psoriasis-related research in traditional systems of medicine, revealing both progress and persistent gaps. The findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and large-scale clinical validation to enable global integration of traditional therapies for psoriasis.
Introduction: Iron deficiency is a predominant nutritional problem in India, with high prevalence rates in women and children. Palm jaggery (Borassus flabellifer L.), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and Punarnava root (Boerhavia diffusa) are traditional foods, which are essential sources of dietary iron and other micronutrients for the tribal and rural communities. Geographical, environmental, and processing factors, however, cause very large variations in the iron content as well as bioavailability of these foods. This research seeks to chart the geographic diversity in iron fortification and related phytochemical constituents of such indigenous foods with the help of High-Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Methodology: Optimized Finger millet, Punarnava root, and Palm jaggery samples were collected from different Indian regions and were subjected to metabolomic profiling on the Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid Mass Spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Data processing was done using Compound Discoverer 3.3.2.31, with online databases integrated for comprehensive metabolite identification and quantification. Results: HRMS analysis revealed considerable geographical disparity in iron content along with the iron-modulating phytochemical profile in all samples. Siderophores, sulfur-and selenium-containing compounds, polyphenols, and organic acids were the major metabolites recognised, all of which were found to contribute to iron binding, absorption, and antioxidant activity. Particularly, Tamil Nadu Palm jaggery had high levels of diselane and selenophosphate, Dehradun Finger millet had catechin and ferulic acid in huge quantities. Uttarakhand Punarnava root had high levels of citric acid and glycitein. These findings highlight the complex interaction between geographical location and the nutrition content in local foodstuffs. Conclusion: This research offers the initial holistic mapping of iron enrichment and phytochemical diversity in Palm jaggery, Finger millet, and Punarnava root in India. The findings underscore region-based dietary advice and the revival of native food systems for the prevention of iron deficiency and the improvement of public health. Future studies must prioritize bioavailability studies and the effect of traditional processing on these findings to deliver the results in the form of effective nutritional intervention.
Ayurveda concepts of Ahara (dietetics) emphasise that eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease in addition to providing nutrients. The ideal food that is consumed provides energy for the body and mind. The Ayurvedic theory of food administration stated that the similar quality of food items nourishes the similar types of tissue components in the body. Ayurveda describes therapeutic and nutritional uses of various types of food items and their processing methods. The food items are classified into grains, millets, milk etc. Ayurvedic dietetics or nutraceuticals construct a health-promoting, disease-preventing substance. Intake of rich nutrient food provides immunity which is not only helpful to protect against infections but also supports the management of diseases. Nutraceuticals are natural bioactive materials that provide demonstrated physiological benefits or reduce the risk of chronic diseases, above and beyond their basic nutritional function. Acharya Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata also accepted the importance of diet, specially the beneficial one. All the activities of this world, as well as efforts made for eternal emancipation depend upon diet, thus cereals are the greatest in comparison to other things.
Background: India's diverse geography has historically shaped the nutritional profile of its crops and medicinal plants. Traditional foods such as Punarnava root (Boerhavia diffusa), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and Palm jaggery (Borassus flabellifer/Phoenix sylvestris) are widely used in both diets and Ayurveda, but their nutritional composition may vary significantly with regional agro-climatic factors. Objectives: This study investigates the macro-and micro-nutrient composition of nine samples of these food materials, each collected from three different states of India, with a focus on how geographical variation influences nutrient density. Methods: Proximate analysis (AOAC, 2012) was used to determine carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre, and calorific value, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was applied to quantify key minerals (Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Zn). The results were compared against ICMR-NIN (2020) Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Results: Significant inter-regional differences were observed. Punarnava root showed moderate carbohydrate content (50-53%) and high crude fibre (17-18%), with iron concentrations ranging from 2400-3100 mg/100 g. Finger millet was carbohydrate-rich (71-73%) and an exceptional source of calcium (3600-3950 mg/100 g), with iron values between 3950-4400 mg/100 g. Palm jaggery was the most energy-dense (379-382 kcal/100 g), contributing notably to potassium (2400-2550 mg/100 g). Conclusion: Nutrient density in these traditional foods is not uniform but strongly influenced by geography. Such variation reinforces the importance of regional sourcing for nutraceutical applications and validates Ayurveda's long-held emphasis on "Desha" (land/region) in food and medicine selection.
Vaidyachandrodaya is an ancient Ayurvedic Nidana text authored by Shree Trimallabhatta. Diagnosis (Nidana) forms the first and most crucial stage of Chikitsa (treatment), and this work systematically elaborates diagnostic principles and disease evaluation.To highlight the literary structure, diagnostic approach, and distinctive features of Vaidyachandrodaya in comparison with classical Nidana texts. A literary review of Vaidyachandrodaya along with comparative references to Madhava Nidana was undertaken to analyze its structure, arrangement of chapters, and unique contributions. The text is composed in poetic form and contains 81–82 chapters termed Avalokana, each named after a specific disease. It elaborates Ariṣṭa Lakṣaṇas, Doṣa prakopakara causes, and detailed symptomatology of various diseases such as Jwara, Atisara, Grahani, Arsha, Ajeerna, and Krimiroga. It also describes diagnostic procedures including Mutra Pareeksha and Mala Pareeksha. Although the order of diseases largely follows Madhava Nidana, certain additions, omissions, and rearrangements of chapters make it distinctive. The inclusion of specific disease-based Avalokanas and systematic listing of chapters further reflect its structured composition. Vaidyachandrodaya is a significant Nidana Grantha that presents a systematic and poetic exposition of disease diagnosis in Ayurveda, contributing uniquely to the classical diagnostic literature.
Pittaja Mukhapaka (Aphthous Ulcer) is an inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa that compromises oral comfort and interferes with routine activities. Its prevalence has increased due to lifestyle factors such as tobacco chewing and smoking. In Ayurveda (the ancient Indian system of medicine), Gandusha (therapeutic gargling) is considered a prime measure for maintaining oral health (Mukha Swasthya). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this classical formulation. A single-group clinical study was conducted on 32 randomly selected participants diagnosed with Pittaja Mukhapaka (Aphthous Ulcer). The intervention involved Durva Siddha Ghrita Gandusha administered for 7 days. Assessments were recorded on the 0th and 7th days to note differences in clinical outcomes, while the 2nd and 5th days were specifically observed for any adverse drug reactions or complications. A post-treatment follow-up was carried out on the 9th day. In addition, literary data were reviewed from Ayurvedic Samhitas (classical texts), modern texts, and prior research to substantiate the findings. The results demonstrated significant relief in inflammation and discomfort, highlighting the role of Gandusha (therapeutic gargling) in enhancing local circulation, facilitating drug absorption through the oral mucosa, and promoting oral health. The study concludes that Durva Siddha Ghrita Gandusha is an effective upakrama (therapeutic procedure) in managing Pittaja Mukhapaka (Aphthous Ulcer), offering a simple, non-invasive and holistic approach to oral care.
