ABSTRACT
The Ayurvedic formulary has a long history of endogenous innovation. Its epistemic logic is best understood through the language of Oushadhayogam (polyherbal combination/ dosage forms). Punarnavadi kwatha (PUK) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, which is also known as Punarnavashtaka kwatha. It is generally used to treat diseases of respiratory system, bronchitis, liver diseases, hepatitis, joint inflammation, kidney stones, wounds, skin diseases, and gout. The present study intended to explore the Ethanobotanical diversity of Punarnavashtaka kwatha in Kerala Ayurveda market. Materials and Methods: Thorough search in classical Ayurvedic literature to collect data in PUK and cross-sectional survey to collect data of ingredients PUK used in Ayurveda industry. Results and Discussions: The ingredients of PUK along with botanical source of 5 Kerala Ayurveda manufactures were analysed and compared with AFI. The ingredients Punarnava, Nimba, Patola, Sunthi, Abhaya was common in all the manufactures. But marked variation in other ingredients were found in market samples of PUK when compared to AFI, except first sample. Conclusions: There are some ethanobotanical diversity in ingredient list of Punarnavadi kwatha (PUK) in Kerala Ayurveda market.
ABSTRACT
The Malayalam month of Karkidaka fall during monsoons rather classically known as the Varsha ritu (July-August). Kerala is a hub of unique healthcare practises. One such practice is the “Karkidaka Chikitsa” which includes both internal and external medications taken during the month. Karkidaka Kanji fondly known as Oushadha Kanji is a medicated gruel, either consumed along with these treatments or alone during this period. In Varsha ritu, there will be decreased Jatharagni and Sharira bala. Hence the seasonal adaptations are carried out for Tridosha shamana and Deepana. This maybe the principle behind adopting Karkidaka Kanji by traditional practitioners of Kerala. In the present study details of the recipe was collected form among the traditional practitioners, Ayurvedic doctors of Kerala and the results were tabulated. An in depth literature survey was done for analysing the properties of the medicines used in the preparation. The analysis showed that this is an example of ritucharya modified according to Desa and Satmya. This study highlights the importance of documenting the ethnic practises for further reference.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Patola is an important plant drug used in many Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. The source plant of Patola is Trichosanthes cucumerina var. cucumerina, belonging to Cucurbitaceae family, found distributed (growing wild) throughout India especially in Bengal, Gujarat, Konkan, Deccan and Kerala. It is an extensively climbing annual herb with slightly downy or pubescent slender five angular 杅urrowed stems. It is found climbing over small trees, hedges and suitable supports. The present work is taken up with an objective to standardize Patola with detailed physical and preliminary phytochemical standards. Methods: Samples of Trichosanthes cucumerina var. cucumerina (Patola) was collected from Thellakom, Kottayam district. The plant was properly identified and authenticated by Dept of Botany, University of Kerala. The sample was shade dried and stored in an air tight container. Physicochemical, phytochemical, chromatographic and heavy metal analysis was carried out as per ICMR procedures. Result: On physicochemical evaluation water soluble extractive value was 9.07+ 0.012 and alcohol soluble extractive value was 18.72+ 0.027. Heavy metals copper, cadmium, iron and lead levels were within normal limits. HPTLC was carried out with Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid as solvent system and 3 spots were obtained. Conclusion: Patola, Trichosanthes cucumerina var. cucumerina, Phytochemicals, HPTLC, AAS.