Promising Ayurvedic Herbs In The Management Of Kitibha (psoriasis)- A Review

Psoriasis is one of the commonest skin disorders seen in routine clinical scenario, in entire world around 80 million people suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is differentiated by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, chin, navel area, and scalp. Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms. Men and women are affected with equal frequency. The disease may begin at any age, but typically starts in adulthood. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis, lymphomas, cardiovascular disease and depression. Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 30 percent of individuals with Psoriasis. It is noted that around 2% of population are touching with Psoriasis. In present study review on Herbs frequently used in treating psoriasis were compiled. The Herbs Nimba, Stri Kutaja, Guduchi, Daruharidra, Bhallataka Haritaki, Aragvadha, Amalaki, Karveera, Saptaparna, Khadira, Vasa, Guggulu, Chitraka & Katuki are reviewed to be having Vata or Kapha balancing properties. The pharmacological studies showing that Nimbidin of Neem having anti psoriatic property, The Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Stri Kutaja and Guduchi are having anti oxidant and anti psychotic properties which are helpful in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.

Rare association of multiple etiologies in a severe oligoasthenospermic male

We report a rare case of a 30 year old man diagnosed with severe oligoasthenospermia, where the infertile condition is traced back to a multiple etiologies. Routine semen analysis and sperm function tests followed by hormone analysis are carried out to diagnose the condition as well as the severity. The initial findings prompt us to perform Ultrasound scanning of testis and Trans Rectal Ultrasound Scanning [TRUS] to check the anatomical and functional status of the accessory reproductive organs. Semen analysis and sperm function tests provide an insight into the severity of the condition. The hormonal analysis, Ultrasound scanning of testis and TRUS of accessory reproductive glands confirms the association of hormonal imbalance, testis and accessory gland defects which results in the observed infertile condition with severe sperm defects. A thorough investigation of infertile subjects is essential for appropriate diagnosis and effective personalized treatment owing to the probability of multiple etiologies. Incomplete diagnosis can have adverse effects in treatment and Assisted Reproductive Techniques [ART]

Maternal grandmothers with advanced age reproduction are more likely to have Down syndrome grandchildren

Down syndrome [DS], trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal syndrome that affects one in 600-800 live births. The advanced maternal age is the only well known risk factor to cause DS. Our study revealed that many young mothers produced DS children than advanced age mothers in India. A total of 150 suspected DS cases were investigated cytogenetically. Randomly selected 200 healthy families in South India were used as controls. Logistic regression was performed on case-control dataset which was generated by randomly selecting the child from each of the control families. Pedigree analyses indicated that the maternal grandmothers had advanced age during conception of their daughters who gave birth to DS child. Case-control status was used as dependent variable, whereas parental and grandparental age was used as covariates. Logistic regression was reported as odds ratios, univariate and multivariate. The age of maternal grandmother showed highly significant difference in odds ratio, indicating that the advanced age of maternal grandmother was the possible risk factor. Therefore, it is important to sort-out the effect of advanced age mothers vs grandmothers on increased frequency of DS reported in different populations

Diminished fertility in men with increased BMI

The incidence of obesity as a risk factor for normal life is increasing worldwide. Its impact on hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, is well recognized. Previous studies have proved the association between female obesity and infertility and several linked genes have been worked out. However, a little is known about the effect of obesity on male reproductive system and infertility. Recently some clinical studies have reported diminished semen parameters like sperm count, sperm motility and vitality and changing in reproductive hormones in over weight and obese men. Lack of such study in Asian countries and particularly in Indian population who are genetically more prone to obesity necessitates picking up this research to achieve robust findings in this regard