The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcholic extract of "Shirishadi compound" in animal model.

The main objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory & analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of Shirishadi polyherbal compound on rats. Shirishadi compound consist of three herbal drugs namely- Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck), Nagarmotha (Cyprus rotandus) & Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum).In Ayurveda (ancient Indian system of medicine) all these herbs alone or in combination with other herbs are commonly used in the managmant of bronchial asthma. In the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test for acute inflammation, the extract of Shirishadi compound in doses of 50mg, 200 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight showed 77% and 79% and 81% inhibition of edema, respectively, at the end of 4h which is comparable to that of standard ( endomethacin) i.e. 92%. In the acetic acid induced writhing test the extract of Shirishadi compound ( 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight) showed a significant (p<0.001) reduction in the number of writhes with 65.6% and 70.9% of inhibition, respectively. In radiant heat tail-flick test the crude extract produced 58.1% (p<0.001) and 61.1% (p<0.001) elongation of tail flicking time 30 minutes after oral doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively . After 60 minutes the extract showed 56.3% (p<0.001) and 59% (p<0.001) elongation of tail flicking time. Experimental results showed that Shirishadi compound has persuasive anti-inflammmatory property along with significant analgesic activity.

The role of psychological factors in aetiopathogenesis and management of obesity related diseases.

The obesity is a challenging problem in to-days world which if left un tackled leads to a variety of associated illnesses like Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular disorders, Cerebro vascular accidents etc. The common etiological factors which are implicated include sedentary life style, genetic factors, dietary factors and endocrine factors, but the psychological factors are often overlooked which are the most important factor perpetuating binge eating behavour. The emotional instability, depression, stress, sexual abuse etc, often result in compulsive over eating leading to obesity. Thus the comprehensive management of obesity and the associated illnesses should include the proper tackling of these psychological components apart from other common therapies. The present article critically analyses the role of these factors in the causation of obesity and its different management strategies which includes sattvavajaya as an Ayurvedic technique.