RESUMO
Triphala, a simple combination of Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, have proven antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. But, work on Chaturthamalaka Rasayana, containing Triphala, under four alternate combinations, was not found reported yet. For this, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different four combinations under Chaturthamalaka Rasayana on leucocytes and immunoglobulin with special reference to immunomodulatory activity in albino wistar rat model. Four combinations of test drugs were prepared as per classical textual guidelines mentioned in Charaka Samhita. 36 wistar strain albino rats were used in the study. Immunosuppression done by Cyclophosphamide which induced neutropenia. Total leucocyte count (TLC) (cells/mm3), % Neutrophil count and Serum immunoglobulin level (in ZST units) were parameters used to evaluate. All the data were collected and analysed using paired‘t’ test and one way ANOVA test, followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison ‘t’ test. All the test formulations showed much better effect in comparison with the improvement noted in control group, as a cytoprotective agent. However, with respect to immunostimulation, the control group showed better effect in comparison to the test formulation. Chaturthamalaka Rasayana possesses significant cytoprotective activity and moderate immunostimulant activity. Among the four combinations, all test samples were found effective in immunosuppressive rats. Test sample IV containing Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki found more potent than or as similar as response in comparison of standard group (Levamisole). Chaturthamalaka Rasayana might be consider as a cost effective and adulteration free alternative formulation over used of costly Chyavanaprasha Avaleha.
RESUMO
In Ayurveda, Rasayana is mentioned as a unique preventive as well as curative therapy to achieve healthy long life. The modern medical world is seeking for an alternative class of immunomodulatory drugs, which is nothing but the category of Rasayana. Among this Rasayana formulation, Chaturthamalaka Rasayana (CR) is the one that formulation, mentioned just after Chyavanprasha Avaleha in classical literature of Charaka Samhita. CR consists of four formulations. It is nothing but the simple permutation and combination of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica Roxb.) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.) collectively called as Triphala. In present study, it was prepared according to the classical standard operative procedure (SOP) so as to evaluate a physicochemical and phytochemical profile of CR as per standard lab protocols, for all the four formulations under CR, along with the main three raw drugs which ensure the quality. This pharmaceutical analysis differentiates one compound from another by developing its identification markers. As the CR has not been yet studied before, it will be more helpful to evaluate the pharmaceutical screening of this four formulations as an initial step towards standardization. In the future, this study will be helpful to prepare the monograph of CR in the Ayurvedic formulary of India (AFI).