Product development and characterization of the Ayurvedic herbo-mineral-metallic compound- Hridayarnava Rasa.

BACKGROUND: Herbo-mineral-metallic formulations are an inseparable part of the Ayurveda system of traditional medicine. Hridayarnava Rasa (HR) is a preparation containing metals like copper, sulphur, and mercury in processed forms and other herbs that do not produce toxic effects and adverse drug reactions when taken in appropriate dosage. Ayurveda practitioners use it in treating cardiac diseases like hypertension, cardiotoxicity and many more. The rasa-aushadhis possess characteristics such as rapid efficacy, little dosage required, and extensive therapeutic applicability. Hridayarnava Rasa [AFI Part-1, 20:55] has been employed for the treatment of various diseases from ancient times. A systematic study of these formulations manufacturing is required to maintain their quality, safety, and efficacy is a need of time to protect the immense faith of patients in Ayurveda. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to prepare HR as per standard operating procedures mentioned in the classical text and to characterize it physio-chemically using advanced analytical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HR was prepared and physicochemical analyses and assay of elements by ICP-AES were carried out as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (FEG SEM, EDAX), CHNS-O analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Particle size distribution analysis (PSD) was carried out. RESULTS: The XRD analysis of HR showed the presence of unreacted sulphur and sulfides of copper and mercury. FEG SEM revealed the particles in the form of aggregates as nanocrystallites in the range of 100-1000 nm. Elemental analysis showed the presence of copper, sulphur, and mercury in major, along with traces of iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. In FTIR analysis, 18 peaks were observed, which strongly suggests the presence of various organic groups. In the TGA, four peaks were seen, which can be attributed to sulphur volatilization and oxidative changes in mercury. In PSD analysis, 50% of the material was found below 16.40 µm. CONCLUSION: To establish a piece of fundamental knowledge and ensure uniformity of these rasa-aushadhis, it is imperative to conduct an analysis of their characteristics as per classical texts and modern analytical techniques. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the significance of each procedural step included in the preparation process. The inferences drawn are helpful as an essential aid for quality assurance and standardization of this herbo-mineral-metallic formulation.

Phytochemical profiling and biological activities of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.: an edible vegetable fern.

OBJECTIVES: Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. is an edible vegetable fern of the Himalayan region with high nutritional and therapeutic value owing to its richness in various secondary metabolites and both macro and micronutrients. CONTENT: This updated review discusses the general traditional use, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, nutritional value, pharmacology, and toxicity concerns of D. esculentum. SUMMARY: The plant parts, viz. rhizomes, shoots, fronds and leaves, have immense ethnomedicinal importance, being traditionally used to cure several health disorders. Among other pharmacological effects, this botanical reveals excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-leishmanial, antioxidant, anaphylactic, antipyretic, anthelmintic and hepatoprotective activities, directly attributed to the presence of many secondary metabolites. From a pharmacological point of view, the excellent antioxidant potential of D. esculentum suggests its promising use for nutraceutical or functional food formulation purposes. OUTLOOK: Considering the evidences on popular ethnomedicinal uses of D. esculentum as an edible vegetable, its immense bio-potential, and multiple pharmacological roles, there is a huge need to evaluate its therapeutic applications in light of standard clinical trials.

AYURAKSHA, a prophylactic Ayurvedic immunity boosting kit reducing positivity percentage of IgG COVID-19 among frontline Indian Delhi police personnel: A non-randomized controlled intervention trial.

Objective: The world continues to face the COVID-19 crisis, and efforts are underway to integrate traditional medicine interventions for its effective management. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of the "AYURAKSHA" kit in terms of post-interventional percentage of COVID-19 IgG positivity, immunity levels, and quality of life (QoL) against COVID-19. Method: This was a non-randomized controlled, prospective intervention trial, done after the distribution of 80,000 AYURAKSHA kits (constituent of Sanshamani Vati, AYUSH Kadha, and Anu Taila) among Delhi police participants in India. Among 47,827 participants, the trial group (n = 101) was evaluated with the positivity percentage of IgG COVID-19 and Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ) scores as a primary outcome and the WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (QOL BREF) scores along with hematological parameters as a secondary outcome in comparison to the control group (n = 71). Results: The data showed that the percentage of COVID-19 IgG positivity was significantly lower in the trial group (17.5 %) as compared to the control group (39.4 %, p = 0.003), indicating the lower risk (55.6%) of COVID-19 infection in the trial group. The decreased incidence (5.05%) and reduced mortality percentage (0.44%) of COVID-19 among Delhi police officers during peak times of the pandemic also corroborate our findings. The ISQ score and WHO-QOL BREF tool analysis showed the improved scores in the trial group when compared with the controls. Furthermore, no dysregulated blood profile and no increase in inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were observed in the trial group. However, significantly enhanced (p = 0.027) IL-6 levels and random blood sugar levels were found in the control group (p = 0.032), compared to a trial group (p = 0.165) post-intervention. Importantly, the control group showed more significant (p = 0.0001) decline in lymphocyte subsets CD3+ (% change = 21.04), CD4+ (% change = 20.34) and CD8+ (% change = 21.54) levels than in trial group, confirming more severity of COVID-19 infection in the control group. Conclusion: The AYURAKSHA kit is associated with reduced COVID-19 positivity and with a better quality of life among the trial group. Hence, the study encourages in-depth research and future integration of traditional medicines for the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical trial registration: http://ctri.nic.in/, identifier: CTRI/2020/05/025171.

Mucormycosis in the COVID-19 Environment: A Multifaceted Complication.

The second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused severe infections with high mortality. An increase in the cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) was reported predominantly in India. Commonly present in immunocompromised individuals, mucormycosis is often a life-threatening condition. Confounding factors and molecular mechanisms associated with CAM are still not well understood, and there is a need for careful research in this direction. In this review, a brief account of the diagnosis, management, and advancement in drug discovery for mucormycosis has been provided. Here, we summarize major factors that dictate the occurrence of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients through the analysis of published literature and case reports. Major predisposing factors to mucormycosis appear to be uncontrolled diabetes, steroid therapy, and certain cancers. At the molecular level, increased levels of iron in COVID-19 might contribute to mucormycosis. We have also discussed the potential role and regulation of iron metabolism in COVID-19 patients in establishing fungal growth. Other factors including diabetes prevalence and fungal spore burden in India as contributing factors have also been discussed.

Bhavana, an Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Method and a Versatile Drug Delivery Platform to Prepare Potentiated Micro-Nano-Sized Drugs: Core Concept and Its Current Relevance.

Scholars of ancient Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine) were extremely reasonable and had strong scientific rationality in fundamental concepts, which are also applied to drug manufacture and therapy. Bhavana is a unique traditional method of transformation of raw material/substances into the drug by levigation or wet grinding of powdered drugs with juice/decoction/solution of plant, animal, or mineral origin. This method adds the unique capability of affecting the physicochemical and biological properties of a drug, making the drug quicker, augmented, and persistent action with minimal dose. Despite the fact that Bhavana has a wide range of applications in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, there is only a limited amount of knowledge of its fundamental notions. A comprehensive review was performed on the core concepts of Bhavana, alongside its possible pharmacotherapeutic effects and relevance in drug development, by probing Ayurvedic claims in light of published pharmaceutical, analytical, and pharmacological reports. Various processes, such as thermo- and photochemistry, physicochemical reactions, and mechanic chemical changes, appear to occur during Bhavana.

Influence of Family Environment and Tobacco Addiction: A Short Report from a Post-Graduate Teaching Hospital, India.

Background: The initiation of tobacco addiction is complex, and several factors contribute to the onset of this behavior. It is presumed that the influence of family environment may pose a key factor in tobacco addiction. Tobacco-use has been highly observed in the Jamnagar district of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. No earlier study has focused on determining the pervasiveness of tobacco-use in families of tobacco users and non-users in this geographical area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the practice and pattern of tobacco-use (smoking and/or tobacco-chewing) in the families of tobacco-user patients. Methods: We studied the families of 65 tobacco-user patients (Group 1) who visited an outpatient clinic of an Ayurvedic post-graduate hospital with complaints of cough were studied and compared with age and gender-matched non-tobacco users (Group 2). The prevalence of tobacco use among the parents, siblings, and children of both groups was analyzed and compared. Results: The findings revealed that tobacco use among parents, siblings, and children in Group 1 was higher than Group 2 (p < 0.001). This meant that the problems of tobacco addiction are not always related to the individual, and therefore, tobacco-prevention strategies should focus on the entire family. Conclusions: These findings offer further insight into the promotion of smoking prevention interventions. Nevertheless, further research is warranted.

Chyawanprash: A Traditional Indian Bioactive Health Supplement.

Chyawanprash (CP) is an Ayurvedic health supplement which is made up of a super-concentrated blend of nutrient-rich herbs and minerals. It is meant to restore drained reserves of life force (ojas) and to preserve strength, stamina, and vitality, while stalling the course of aging. Chyawanprash is formulated by processing around 50 medicinal herbs and their extracts, including the prime ingredient, Amla (Indian gooseberry), which is the world's richest source of vitamin C. Chyawanprash preparation involves preparing a decoction of herbs, followed by dried extract preparation, subsequent mixture with honey, and addition of aromatic herb powders (namely clove, cardamom, and cinnamon) as standard. The finished product has a fruit jam-like consistency, and a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. Scientific exploration of CP is warranted to understand its therapeutic efficacy. Scattered information exploring the therapeutic potential of CP is available, and there is a need to assemble it. Thus, an effort was made to compile the scattered information from ancient Ayurvedic texts and treatises, along with ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and scientifically validated literature, that highlight the role of CP in therapeutics. Citations relevant to the topic were screened.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Bulbophyllum neilgherrense Wight. pseudobulb: A folklore plant.

BACKGROUND: Bulbophyllum neilgherrense Wight. is an epiphytic orchid used extensively by the tribes of Karnataka in various diseases such as heart disease, leukoderma, skin allergy and rheumatism. It is used both internally and as an external application. In rheumatism, pseudobulbs chopped and boiled in coconut oil are applied externally. AIM: This study aims to evaluate analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of B. neilgherrense Wight. pseudobulb powder in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shade-dried pseudobulb were pulverized into fine powder. The analgesic activity of test drug was evaluated with tail-flick response and formalin-induced paw licking and anti-inflammatory activity with carrageenan-induced paw edema and formaldehyde-induced edema in Charles Foster albino rats. Statistically, the values were assessed with one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's multiple t-test and Student's t-test for paired and unpaired data. RESULTS: Administration of pseudobulb powder showed significant increase in tail-flick response at 30 min (51.75%), at 60 min (108.24%), 120 min (81.12%), and 180 min (23.84%). Test drug produced nonsignificant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema at 1 h (37.25%) and 5 h (15.67%) compared to control group and did not produced any effect in formalin-induced edema. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that the test drug has central analgesic activity against radiant heat-induced pain, moderate anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation.

Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disease Managed with Ayurvedic Treatment: A Case Report.

Autoimmune bullous diseases are a group of rare, acquired disorders characterized by overlapping features, resistance to treatment, and potential fatality. They need quick and proper management to avoid fatal complications. Ayurveda is found to provide better relief in some autoimmune disorders. Herein, we report a 40-year-old male of autoimmune bullous skin disorder (Visphotaka) who failed to respond to allopathic medicines and was subsequently treated with Ayurvedic medicines and achieved complete remission.

Physicochemical Screening and Shelf Life Evaluation of Kunkumadi Ghrta Prepared using Kesara and Nagakesara.

INTRODUCTION: Kunkumadi Ghrta (KG) is an Ayurvedic formulation commonly recommended in skin disorders, especially Mukhadusika (Acne vulgaris). Kesara (stigma of Crocus sativus Linn.) is a prime ingredient in the formulation. However, due to high cost and increased adulteration in Kesara, 'Nagakesara' (Mesua ferrea Linn.) is suggested by Ayurvedic experts as a substitute. Nagakesara is relatively lower in cost and possesses similar therapeutic attributes to that of Kesara. Recent studies have established standard manufacturing procedures and clinical efficacies of Kesarayukta (with Kesara) Kunkumadi Ghrta (KKG) and Nagakesara yukta (with Nagakesara) Kunkumadi Ghrta (NKG) in Mukhadusika. In spite of wide utility of KG in Ayurvedic practice, no published work on its shelf life is available so far. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To establish the physicochemical profile and evaluate the shelf life of KKG and NKG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total three batches of KKG and NKG each were prepared in the laboratory by adopting Ayurvedic classical guidelines and the findings were systematically recorded. Comparative differences in organoleptic characters (colour, odour, taste, touch) and values of different physicochemical parameters (Ash value, pH value, Total solid content, Specific gravity, Refractive index, Loss on drying, Acid value, Iodine value, Saponification value, Peroxide value and Rancidity tests) of raw materials [herbal ingredients, Go Ghrta, Murcchita Ghrta (MG)] as well as finished products (KKG and NKG) were recorded. Long term (real time) shelf life testing was carried out at the intervals i.e., at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 16 months. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of samples was also carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average percentage loss in final product was 10.18% in KKG and 7.58% in NKG. The shelf life of MG, KKG and NKG is 16 months. After 16 months, Go Ghrta showed negative rancidity test, while MG, KKG and NKG showed positive rancidity, indicative of onset of deterioration after 16 months. Present findings validate the Ayurvedic principles stipulating medicated Ghrta to have a shelf life of 16 months. Chromatographic study showed few differences between KKG and NKG samples. Data obtained by present study may be considered as standard for future researches.

Efficacy of Vasa Avaleha and its granules on Tamaka Shwasa (bronchial asthma): Open-label randomized clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchial asthma is one of the chronic inflammatory disorders of the respiratory tract causing a huge number of deaths annually. Increased industrialization and pollution are the exacerbating factors for this situation. In Ayurveda, this miserable condition is comparable with Tamaka Shwasa. Synthetic drugs provide instant symptomatic relief in cases of bronchial asthma but are known to develop certain adverse drug reactions. Considering this, the current suffering population is looking hopefully towards other systems of medicine such as Ayurveda for better relief. Ayurveda has a number of formulations to treat Tamaka Shwasa and is in practice with proven efficacy. AIMS: To evaluate comparative clinical efficacy of Vasa Avaleha (VA) and its granules (GVA) in cases of Tamaka Shwasa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 patients were registered and randomly grouped into A and B. Patients of Group A were treated with VA, while Group B with GVA at dose of 6 g twice a day with lukewarm water for the duration of 28 days. Follow-up was done after 14 days. The results were assessed in terms of clinical recovery, symptomatic relief, and pulmonary function improvement. Effect of the treatment was assessed based on subjective and objective parameters. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in most of the cardinal and associated symptoms. Significant increase in peak expiratory flow rate, considerable decrease in absolute eosinophil count, and increased breath holding time were noticed. Withdrawal of modern emergency drugs, decreased frequency of attacks, improved quality of life were the major observations noticed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significance of traditional herbal formulations in noncommunicable diseases such as bronchial asthma, which can be used as an effective drug in place or along with modern drugs.

Clinical efficacy of Apamarga Kshara Yoga in the management of Shvitra (vitiligo).

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a progressive, idiopathic, pigmentation disorder of the skin, characterized by hypopigmented patches. This condition is compared with Shvitra in Ayurveda. Many Ayurvedic drugs are beneficial in such cases and Apamarga Kshara Yoga is one among them. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Apamarga Kshara Yoga in Lepa and ointment forms in the management of Shvitra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 50 patients of Shvitra were randomly grouped into two. Patients registered in Group A (n = 25) were treated with Apamarga Kshara Yoga Lepa and Group B (n = 25) with Apamarga Kshara Yoga ointment for 2 months. Rasayana Churna (3g) along with Honey and Ghee was given twice daily internally in the both groups. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found in the symptoms of Shvitra with treatment in both the groups. The difference in between the groups was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Both forms of Apamraga Kshara Yoga are effective in cases of Shvitra and can be good alternatives for contemporary medicines.

Standard manufacturing procedure for Laghu Malini Vasanta Rasa in context of Bhavana (levigation).

INTRODUCTION: Laghu Malini Vasanta (LMV) Rasa is a well-known Vasanta Kalpa (formulation). As per reference of Yoga Ratnakara, Rasaka and Maricha are chief ingredients in 2:1 proportion. Bhavana (levigation) is said to be given first with Navaneeta (freshly prepared cow's butter) and then with Nimbu Swarasa (lemon juice) until Ghrita Vimukta stage is reached. Quantity of Bhavana Dravya (levigating media) and duration of levigation are not mentioned. AIMS: To develop standard manufacturing procedure of LMV Rasa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in two stages - preparation of Yashada Bhasma and preparation of LMV Rasa and its tablet. A pilot study was carried out to fix quantity of cow's butter as levigation media. Based on results of the pilot study, LMV Rasa was prepared in two groups, that is, LMV 50 (LMV Rasa - prepared with weight of freshly prepared butter in 50% quantity of total ingredients) and LMV 75 (LMV Rasa prepared with weight of freshly prepared butter in 75% quantity of total ingredients). Complete drying of levigated mass and minimal spreading of fatty portion on filter paper was considered as the end point of levigation. Tablets of both samples were prepared by adding Pippali and honey in it and analyzed for their quality control parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-eight hours duration of repeated levigation was required in LMV 50 which was prolonged up to 48 h in batch carried out in rainy season. In LMV 75, comparatively maximum duration of 54 h was required for levigation which was prolonged in the rainy season to 88 h. In both groups, lemon juice required for repeated levigation was 10 times of quantity of butter added initially. CONCLUSION: From pharmaceutical point of view, preparation of LMV Rasa tablets with quantity of butter in 50% of total ingredients is more convenient.

Pharmaceutical standardization of Kamsaharitaki granules.

INTRODUCTION: Kamsaharitaki Avaleha is a well-known ayurvedic preparation. Considering certain inconveniences of Avaleha, an attempt has been made to convert it into granules that are convenient in handling, dispensing, and storage. AIM: To convert Kamsaharitaki Avaleha into granules form and develop standard manufacturing procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven pilot batches were prepared to fix the ratio of formulation composition. The procedure was repeated for 14 times to ensure the process validation. RESULTS: Converting into granules in presence of jaggery and Haritaki pulp is found to be difficult. Replacing these two with Khanda Sharkara and Haritaki powder yielded desired characteristics of granules. CONCLUSION: This modified proportion of ingredients can be considered as standard in preparing Kamsaharitaki Avaleha granules. As no manufacturing and physicochemical properties are available for Kamsaharitaki granules; the current findings can be considered as standard for future studies.

Rising risk of type 2 diabetes among inhabitants of Jamnagar, Gujarat: A cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Undoubtedly, diabetes is an incremental threat for the world health and substantial evidence now suggest that diabetes is strongly associated with patients' unhealthy lifestyle, behavioral patterns, and socioeconomic changes. Treatment modalities, in particular to this disease differs from patient to patient. In Ayurveda, this individuality is decided on the basis of Prakriti, Vaya, Bala, Desha etc., and hence it is essential to know these factors for successful management of diseases. AIM: To assess the role of demographic profile, changes in life style habits, dietary patterns, occupational and social background in increasing prevalence of type 2 diabete mellitus (DM) at Jamnagar region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted on randomly selected 350 diabetic patients of Jamnagar region. A survey proforma was prepared and detailed history of each patient fulfilling the diagnostic criteria was taken along with demographic profile. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSION: The obtained data reveals that, certain faulty dietary and life style regimes of this region are responsible in manifestation of DM. Its magnitude and low awareness warrants appropriate public health interventions for its effective control.

Fourier transform infrared analysis of Tamra Bhasma at different levels: A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Tamra Bhasma, one among the herbo-metallic preparations is extensively used in Ayurveda for different conditions. To make it safe to use, Tamra has to pass through a set of classical pharmaceutical procedures including a series of quenching in prescribed liquids, followed by incineration with black sulfide of mercury and herbal juice of Citrus jambhiri Lush. and corm of Amorphophallus campanulatus Linn. FTIR profiles of Tamra Bhasma at different levels is not available. AIM: To evaluate the chemical changes in Tamra Bhasma at different steps by following Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In current study, raw Tamra, intermediate samples obtained during purification, incineration and Amritikarana were analyzed using FTIR. RESULTS: It was observed that Shodhana procedure leads in the formation of bonds between surface particles of Tamra and Shodhana media. These formed bonds on the surface of Shodhita Tamra samples gave various sharp peaks representing presence of many functional groups. CONCLUSION: The FTIR spectra revealed that both Bhasma samples contained organic compounds probably in the form of a complex with common functional groups like alkyl, methyl, etc., which need further studies for exact characterization of the complexes.

Pharmaceutical standardization of Apamarga kshara.

Standardization of herbal drugs is essential to certify their quality and purity. Kshara (alkaline substance) of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.) is an important constituent in many Ayurvedic formulations, but its standard manufacturing process (SMP) is not attempted till date. This study is aimed to establish SMP for Apamarga kshara. In pharmaceutical process; generally the sediments of ash obtained at the end of washes will be discarded. However, in the study, we attempted to wash the sediments repeatedly by adding water to extract more Kshara. Apamarga was collected from the local area and authenticated. Kshara was prepared by following standard methods and the preliminary physicochemical profile was developed. It is observed that the ash yields Kshara even in the consecutive washes. First wash yielded 21.23% w/w Kshara, while the second and third washes yielded 9.38% w/w and 4.76% w/w, respectively. Repeated washes yield more Kshara. Hence, it is advocated to wash the ashes repeatedly. As the findings are encouraging, similar experiments can be extended to all other Kshara preparations.

Comparative Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of Navina (fresh) and Purana (old) Guggulu.

OBJECTIVE: Guggulu (Commiphora wightii [Arn.] Bhandari) is a well-known anti-hyperlipidaemic drug. Guggulsterones are active components of this drug which are responsible for this effect. The activity of Guggulu may depend upon its nature, fresh samples are recommended for their brhmana (body mass increasing) effect; while lekhana (scarificant) effect is attributed to the old one. The comparative Anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of fresh and old samples has not been reported till date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly collected and one year old samples of Guggulu were processed in gomutra. Patients who satisfied inclusion criteria of Hyperlipidaemia were randomly distributed into two groups and the drug was administrated in a dose of 1 g with luke warm water twice a day for eight weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found in the symptoms of Medoroga and Lipid profile with treatment in both the groups. Fresh sample of Guggulu proved to have a better effect in lowering serum cholesterol (5.76%), triglyceride (17.17%), and very low density lipoprotein VLDL (18.36%) levels while old sample of Guggulu provided mild effect in lowering serum triglyceride (13.64%), VLDL (11.07%) and non-significant increase in serum HDL-cholesterol (0.94%). Old sample of Guggulu also provided significant decreases in body weight (7.69%) and BMI (7.82%). CONCLUSIONS: Old Guggulu showed better effect on body weight, BMI and cardinal symptoms along with significant lipid lowering effect whereas fresh Guggulu showed better result on lipid profile.