ABSTRACT
Amavata is a chronic immune-inflammatory systemic disorder mainly affecting synovial joints, caused due to formation of Ama and its association with vitiated Vata dosha and deposition in Shleshma sthana i.e., (joints). Clinical features of Amavata resembles with Rheumatoid Arthritis, it poses a challenge for the physician owing to its chronicity, morbidity and complications. The treasure of Ayurveda therapeutics has laid out detailed treatment line for Amavata. A 40years old female patient reported to our hospital with Shoola and Stambha of metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands followed by Shoola in corresponding knee joints 1 year back. This was succeeded by Shoola and mild Sotha on bilateral wrist, ankle and elbow joints. Blood investigations of the patient revealed that she was anemic with Hb-8.2g/dl, had elevated ESR-74 mm Hg fall in 1st hr, and reactive RA factor. Based on clinical examination and blood investigations, diagnosis of Amavata was made and Ayurvedic treatment protocol was advised with Baluka sweda (sudation) as external application for 21 days, Agnitundi vati before food for 7 days, Dashmoolarasnadi kashayam and Simhanad guggul after food for oral intake for 60 days. The patient was asked for follow up every 15 days up to total of 60 days. Assessment was done subjectively based on clinical symptoms and blood investigations as objective parameters. There was substantially significant improvement and the patient felt relieved from Shoola, Shotha and Stambha of the joints after the treatment. This case study reveals the potential of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in management of Amavata.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of standardized hydroalcholic extract of Commiphora mukul (HECM) in animal model of chronic stress medicated depression, namely olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) model in rats. Effects of 14-day (subacute) oral pretreatment of HECM (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were evaluated on depression and stress related parameters on OBX rats. Separate groups for sham control, OBX control and positive controls namely imipramine (20 mg/kg), fluoxetine (30 mg/kg) and desipramine (15 mg/kg) were also maintained. Behavioral and physiological parameters in open field and elevated plus maze were recorded. HECM showed dose-dependent reversal of OBX-induced physiological effects such as reduction of body weight, body temperature, heart rate and serum sodium concentration. HECM also showed reversal effects on OBX induced food intake increase and hyperactivity in open field and elevated plus maze paradigm. In conclusion, HECM demonstrated restorative effects in OBX induced depression model in rats probably due to stress reliving mechanisms.
ABSTRACT
The present work aims to document the phenological diversity of flowering and fruiting in guggul with reference to climate. Commiphora wightii flowering and fruiting patterns were monitored in Kaylana (Jodhpur, Rajasthan) over a period of 24 months. Observations on flowering and fruiting phenology were carried out monthly, from March 2010 to May 2012. Flowering and fruiting patterns were studied qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Flowering and fruiting occurs throughout the year but maximum observed in April and May, respectively and second time in November. Strong positive correlation between flowering/fruiting and monthly mean daily maximum temperature (Flowering r = 0.762, P˂ 0.01, Fruiting r = 0.714, P˂ 0.01) indicate that flowering and fruiting are enhanced by higher temperatures. Fruiting was negatively correlated with mean monthly relative humidity at 6 O’ clock in the morning (r = -0.59, P ˂ 0.05). Regression analysis also revealed positive linear relationship between mean monthly maximum temperature and flowering percentage (R2 = 0.58118, F1/10 = 13.87652, P ˂ 0.01). Similarly, a positive but quadratic relationship (R2 = 0.704, Fx/y = 10.71643, P ˂ 0.01) was also observed between flowering and mean monthly minimum temperature.
ABSTRACT
Commiphora mukul commonly known as Guggul is one of the oldest and commonly consumed herb for promoting heart and vascular health. Present study was undertaken to evaluate cardioprotective potential of Commiphora mukul against isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into three main groups: sham (saline only), isoprenaline control (saline and isoprenaline) and Commiphora mukul treated (Commiphora mukul and isoprenaline) groups. Commiphora mukul was administered in three doses 100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1 p.o. for 30 days. On 29th and 30th day, the animals of isoprenaline control and Commiphora mukul pretreatment groups were administered isoprenaline (85 mg kg-1; s.c.), consecutively at an interval of 24 hr. Isoprenaline administration produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in myocardial antioxidants; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myocyte injury marker enzymes creatine- phosphokinase - MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) along with enhanced lipid peroxidation; malondialdehyde (MDA) in heart. Commiphora mukul pretreatment reversed the isoprenaline-induced oxidative changes in rat myocardium by significant (p<0.05) increase in SOD, CAT, GSHPx, GSH and reduction of MDA. In addition to improving myocardial antioxidant status, Commiphora mukul also prevented the leakage of LDH and CK-MB from heart. Further, histopathological examination showed the reduction of necrosis, edema and inflammation following Commiphora mukul pretreatment. Based on present findings, it is concluded that Commiphora mukul may be a potential preventive and therapeutic agent against the oxidative stress associated ischemic heart disease owing to antioxidant and antiperoxidative activity.