RESUMO
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) are a rare group of diseases caused by uncontrolled proliferation of T cells which belongs to mature T cell lymphoma having indolent nature. Two thirds of the CTCL are comprised of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS). They are characterized by macules and patches which on later progresses to tumors or nodules with adenopathy and other organ infiltration. If left untreated the risk of developing infection increases with visceral involvement of skin, GI tract, lungs and adrenals. Diagnosis is done by histopathological appearance, cytogenetic analysis, etiology and the functional biology of neoplastic cells. Imaging techniques (MRI and CT) are widely done to assess the staging of disease and other tissue involvement. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and retinoids have been in use since long time, but possess many side effects. According to Ayurveda, CTCL can be caused by Ahara like Virudha, Agantuja bhavas, Beeja-beejabhaga-beejabhagavayava dushti and Ojas/bala hani. The clinical features can be related with Kushta and in later stage simulates Dhatugata kushta and Granthi-arbuda. The etiopathogenesis of CTCL can be considered as formation of Ama, Agnimandhya, Srothovaigunya, and Balahani. Management will be preventive, curative and palliative with Sodhana, Samana and Rasayana therapies
RESUMO
Background: Calamus (Acorus calamus Linn., Araceae) rhizome synonymously called sweet fl ag or Vacha is an aromatic herb indigenous to Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It has been used by the Ayurvedic practitioners since time immemorial for diseases ranging from weakness of memory to being used as an anthelminthic. Reports of its use have been found in books like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, etc., The major constituent of the oil of Vacha is a phenyl propanoid called -asarone, which is reported to show carcinogenic properties. Due to the toxic effects of -asarone, sodhana prakriya (detoxifi cation process) has been prescribed for Vacha before its inclusion in the Ayurvedic medicines. Shodhanaprakriya (S.prakriya) of Vacha has been mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. Objectives: This study was undertaken with an aim to fi nd out the mechanism involved in the S. prakriya of Vacha and also to suggest an alternate method for the conventional one. Materials and Methods: The conventional method was studied in the laboratory and equivalent alternate methods were designed based on the mechanism involved. Vacha samples were subjected to the conventional method as well as the alternate methods and the content of -asarone in the different samples was monitored using Gas Chromatography technique. Results: Various alternate methods have been devised based on the mechanism involved in the S. prakriya which have given results comparable with those of the conventional method. Conclusion: The scientifi c mechanism involved in the S.prakriya of Vacha has been established and alternate methods have been proposed.