Effect Of Nauclea Orientalis (bakmi) In The Form Of Parisheka Sweda And Yoga Vasti In The Treatment Of Grudhrasi (sciatica)

Authentic texts describe Grudhrasi under Vata Roga. One of its main clinical features is a pain that radiates from Sphik Pradesha (buttocks) to Pada (foot). It can be corelated with sciatica. Piyusharnava, describes that Parisheka Sweda using Nauclea orientalis (Bakmi) as a treatment for Katigaha (Lumbago). Vasti Karma using N. orientalis (Bakmi) is in practice and Vasti is the best treatment for Vata Roga. Seventy-five patients suffering from Grudhrasi (sciatica) were treated with Parisheka Sweda, Vasti and combined therapy. Parisheka Sweda was carried out for a period of seven days. Vasti was performed as Yoga Vasti. Both therapies were carried out in combined therapy group; namely, Parisheka Sweda followed by Yoga Vasti. All three groups showed statistically significant reduction in all the symptoms but there was no statistical difference between groups. Parisheka Sweda and Yoga Vasti using Nauclea orientalis (Bakmi) can be recommended as an effective treatment for Grudhrasi (sciatica).

Anti-inflammatory Activity Of Aqueous Bark Extract Of Thespesia Populnea In Rats

This study examined the oral anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract of Thespesia populnea Linn bark. Soland. Ex. Corr. (Family: Malvaceae) which is used by Sri Lankan native practitioners to treat skin ailments and arthritis. This was tested in conscious male Wistar rats using carrageenan induced paw edema model and three oral doses; 1250, 2500 and 5000mg/kg. Indomethacin was used as the reference drug. The result showed that the aqueous extract of bark significantly P<0.05 and dose dependently inhibited both early (1-2 h) and late phase (4-5 h) of inflammation in the carrageenan model. In addition, it inhibited the intermediated phase (3 h). The anti-inflammatory activity of the highest doses of extract was comparable to that of indomethacin. The extract did not display overt signs of toxicity and was neither hepatotoxic, renotoxic nor hematotoxic even with chronic administration. It is concluded that aqueous bark extract of Thespesia populnea can function as an orally active, safe and potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Ethnomedicinal Uses In Scorpion Poisoning (gonusu Visha) In Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine

Scorpions use their sting as a defensive weapon or as a mechanism to incapacitate prey. The scorpion sting possesses venom and the character of the poison depends on the scorpion species. Some may lead to death. Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional physicians treat scorpion sting by administering medicines internally and externally, in various forms. Data was gathered from Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medical books, through interviewing physicians, research journals and internet. Herbs, minerals and animal sources are used to treat scorpion sting. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, cardioproective, respiratory protective, neuroprotective properties and anti-scorpion venom activity of these ingredients are scientifically proven. Due to these properties, these ingredients are capable of overcoming the symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, itching, spasms, neurotoxicity and also cardiac and respiratory failure occurring through scorpion sting. It is concluded that Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional physicians possess multi-faceted, effective treatment methods for scorpion stings which can be scientifically proven.

Gastroprotective effect of Piper betle Linn. leaves grown in Sri Lanka.

Background: Piper betle Linn. (Piperaceae) is used as a remedy for gastric ulcers in traditional medicinal systems in Sri Lanka. However, the gastroprotective activity has never been proven scientifi cally using betel leaves grown in Sri Lanka. Objective: To evaluate the gastroprotective activity of hot aqueous extract (HAE) and cold ethanolic extract (CEE) of P. betle in rats as the experimental model. Materials and Methods: Three doses (200, 300, and 500 mg/kg/bw) of both extracts were evaluated for the gastroprotective activity against ethanol induced gastric ulcers in rats. The parameters evaluated were (a) effects of HAE on mucus content adhering to the wall of the gastric mucosa, (b) acidity (total and free), (c) volume and (d) pH of the gastric juice. Results: Oral administration of HAE and CEE provided marked dose dependent (HAE: r2 = 0.97; CEE: r2 = 0.96) and signifi cant (P ≤ 0.05) protection against gastric damage caused by absolute ethanol. The gastroprotective effect of CEE was comparable with that of HAE. Further, gastroprotective activity of the highest dose of both extracts were signifi cantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) than that of misoprostol, the reference drug. The HAE signifi cantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the mucus content adhering to the wall of the gastric mucosa and inhibited the volume of gastric acid. However, acidity (total and free) and pH of the gastric juice remained unaltered. Conclusion: It is concluded that both HAE and CEE of P. betle leaves have a strong gastroprotective activity.

Adverse pregnancy outcome in rats following exposure to a Salacia reticulata (Celastraceae) root extract

The root extract of Salacia reticulata Wight (family: Celastraceae) is used in Sri Lanka by traditional practitioners as a herbal therapy for glycemic control even during pregnancy. It is recognized that some clinically used antidiabetic drugs have harmful effects on pregnancy but the effects of the S. reticulata root extract on reproductive outcome is unknown and deserves examination. We determined the effects of the S. reticulata root extract on the reproductive outcome of Wistar rats (250-260 g) when administered orally (10 g/kg) during early (days 1-7) and mid- (days 7-14) pregnancy. The root extract significantly (P<0.05) enhanced post-implantation losses (control vs treatment: early pregnancy, 4.7 ± 2.4 vs 49.3 ± 13 percent; mid-pregnancy, 4.7 ± 2.4 vs 41.7 ± 16.1 percent). Gestational length was unaltered but the pups born had a low birth weight (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 6.8 ± 0.1 vs 5.3 ± 0.1 g; mid-pregnancy, 6.8 ± 0.1 vs 5.0 ± 0.1 g) and low birth index (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 95.2 ± 2.4 vs 50.7 ± 12.9 percent; mid-pregnancy, 95.2 ± 2.4 vs 58.3 ± 16.1 percent), fetal survival ratio (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 95.2 ± 2.4 vs 50.7 ± 12.9; mid-pregnancy, 95.2 ± 2.4 vs 58.3 ± 16.1), and viability index (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 94.9 ± 2.6 vs 49.5 ± 12.5 percent; mid-pregnancy, 94.9 ± 2.6 vs 57.1 ± 16.1 percent). However, the root extract was non-teratogenic. We conclude that the S. reticulata root extract can be hazardous to successful pregnancy in women and should not be used in pregnancy complicated by diabetes

Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds inhibits sexual competence but not fertility of male rats.

According to Ayurvedic literature of Sri Lanka, roasted seeds of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Family: Moraceae) has aphrodisiac activity. However, some reproductively active young men in rural areas of Sri Lanka claim that consumption of these seeds few hours prior to coitus disrupts sexual function. Because of these two conflicting claims, it was thought useful to scientifically investigate the effects of A. heterophyllus seeds on male sexual function and fertility. This was done using a seed suspension in 1% methylcellulose (SS) in rats. In a sexual behaviour study using receptive female rats, an oral administration of 500 mg/kg dose of SS markedly inhibited libido, sexual arousal, sexual vigour and sexual performance within 2 hr. Further, the treatment induced a mild erectile dysfunction. These antimasculine effects on sexual function was not evident 6 hr post treatment indicating rapid onset and offset of action. Further, these actions on the sexual behaviour was not due to general toxicity, liver toxicity, stress or reduction in blood testosterone level but due to marked sedative activity. In a mating study, SS failed to alter ejaculating competence and fertility. These results suggest that A. heterophyllous seeds do not have aphrodisiac action, at least, in rats.

Effects of transcutaneous needle stimulation on the immune response in rabbits.

Studies in the field of neuroimmunomodulation have shown that endorphins such as methionine-encephalin may have an immunomodulatory role. This study was undertaken to test whether transcutaneous needle stimulation, which is known to release such peptides from the central neurones, has an effect on immune response in rabbits. Twelve healthy rabbits, in three similar subgroups, were exposed to pathogenic Escherichia coli and their immune response was studied under different experimental conditions. Our results show that needle stimulation causes a reversal of stress induced suppression of antibody production. Further studies are necessary to evaluate any therapeutic uses these observations may have in humans.