ABSTRACT
Herpes zoster commonly known as shingle's caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Recent studies have shown that exosomes play important role in pathogenesis as well as spread of herpes. Leeches when applied over affected part of herpes sucks the blood and there by interferes with extracellular communication through these exosomes and their by showing pain reduction, reduction in burning and arrest progression of disease. This technique is cost effective and easy to apply. In Ayurveda herpes can be correlated with Pittaj visarpa. Principle of treatment is Raktmokshan (~Bloodletting) and Pradeha (~Local application of medicines). Bloodletting with Jalauka (~Medicinal Leeches) is specifically indicated in management of Pitta dominant disorder. A 65-year-old female known case of Type 2 Diabetes (DM) and presented in Casualty of Government Ayurved College, Nagpur (GACN). We treated her Herpes zoster on the basic principles of management of Pittaj Visarpa. Management of Type 2 DM was continued as per modern medicine consultant. Rapid decrease in pain severity was observed after the 1st setting of leech therapy according to Zoster Specific Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) Questionnaire. After each seating pain reduction was observed. Repeated application of Jalauka along with internal medications gave complete relief. Ayurveda pain management in herpes zoster by leech therapy gives innovative easy, better and cost effective treatment. Adaptive trials are necessary to explore further practical applicability of Ayurveda and modern treatment together. Future research on effect of leech application on exosomes is necessary.
ABSTRACT
Background: Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has become alarming, burdeninghealth care systems throughout the world. Prediabetes is an intermediate step before manifestation offull blown DM. Effective intervention at this step would help stop/slow progression to DM.Objective: This study aimed at use of a polyherbal combination (PDBT e constituted of Tinospora cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gymnema sylvestre, Zingiber officinale and Momordica charantia) alongwith life style modification compared to a placebo in prevention of DM among prediabetic individuals.Materials and Methods: The study was a double blinded, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial.Participants were divided in to a group on PDBT and life style management (LSM) and second on placeboand LSM. Participants in the intervention group received 2 gm/day of PDBT. All participants received theintervention for a period of 6 months.Results: One hundred and fourteen participants were enrolled in the study, 57 each in intervention andcontrol group. At the end of the study, 8 participants from the intervention group, compared to 15participants in the control group had converted to DM. There was a 47% risk reduction in the interventiongroup. Participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant decrease in their bloodglucose level (fasting and PP), HbA1c, fasting serum insulin and HOMA-IR values. There was no significant change in BMI. No adverse effects were reported by any participants.Conclusion: PDBT along with LSM in prediabetic participants was associated with reduction in conversion to DM than placebo along with LSM without any adverse effects.© 2018 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).