Effect of Karamardadi Yoga versus diclofenac sodium in post-operative pain management: A randomized comparative clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative pain is Nociceptive i.e., anticipated unavoidable physiological pain which is caused due to tissue trauma. Drugs such as NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) and Opioids are used for post-operative pain management but are associated with their own drawbacks. Karamardadi Yoga has been in use in Ayurvedic practice for analgesia. It is known to relieve pain and can be used to supplement anaesthesia and also get rid of adverse effect of modern analgesic drugs. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To study the comparative effect of Karamardadi Yoga and Diclofenac sodium in post-operative pain management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized clinical trial with Group A (Control Group: Tab Diclofenac sodium 50 mg as a single dose) and Group B (Trial Group: Cap Karamardadi Yoga 500 mg as a single dose). Those who had undergone haemorrhoidectomy operation under local anaesthesia were selected as per inclusion criteria. Vitals, desirable effect and undesirable effect, total surgical time, requirement of 1(st) dose of analgesic, requirement of rescue analgesic and pain determined by VAS (Visual Analog Scale) were the assessment criteria and were observed and recorded. RESULTS: Karamardadi Yoga does not show any undesirable or serious ill effects and altered values of vitals as per statistical analysis. As per VAS scale, pain felt by Trial group was earlier than control group. CONCLUSIONS: Karamardadi Yoga has analgesic property but its analgesic property and pain threshold capacity is lesser than those of Diclofenac sodium.

Nootropic efficacy of Satvavajaya Chikitsa and Ayurvedic drug therapy: A comparative clinical exposition.

INTRODUCTION: Ayurveda is known for philosophical basis, and its approach to psychological ailments is quite different from conventional system of management. Satvavajaya Chikitsa (Ayurvedic psychotherapy) is a nonpharmacological approach aimed at control of mind and restraining it from unwholesome Artha (objects) or stressors. Withdrawal of the mind from unwholesome objects is known as Sattvavajaya Chikitsa or it is a treatment by Self Control. Charaka defines it as a mind controlling therapy in which a stress has been laid on restraining of mind from unwholesome objects. Thus, it includes all the methods of Manonigraha and Astanga Yoga (Yogic techniques) too. Indian philosophy portrays Astanga Yoga as a primary tool to control mind; hence it can be used as Satvavajaya Chikitsa. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate efficacy of Satvavajaya Chikitsa and Aushadhiya Medhya Chikitsa for improving Smriti in young healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally, 102 physically healthy volunteers between age group 16 and 25 years were divided into two groups. In Group A, Satvavajaya Chikitsa was adopted in form of Yogic procedures such as Asana, Pranayama, Chanting etc., with counseling and placebo. Group B was Shankhapushpi tablets made with whole part of Shankhpushpi plant was used as standard control. The Weschler's memory scale (WMS) was adopted to collect data before and after intervention period of 2 months. Paired and Unpaired t-test were used for analysis the data in Sigmastat Software. RESULTS: Group A (Satvavajaya + placebo) with counseling showed statistically highly significant result (P < 0.001) in verbal retention for similar pair, verbal retention for dissimilar pair and visual immediate tests; while Group B (Shankhapushpi tablets) showed significant result (P < 0.01) in auditory delayed, visual delayed, auditory recognition and visual recognition tests. CONCLUSION: Satvavajaya Chikitsa shows better results in immediate recollection in terms of short-term memory; while Shankhapushpi found much better in long-term memory enhancement on various tests of WMS.

Importance of Manas Tattva: A searchlight in Yoga Darshana.

Since time immemorial 'Manas' has been the subject of curiosity for scholars, scientists and philosophers. The reason behind this curiosity is its importance in the development of mankind. Human being is superior to other creatures in the series of development. This supremacy of man remains in his quality to work after thinking, which is the function of 'Manas'. No other animal is capable to think logically. This is the only reason which leads the mankind to the crest of development in every aspect. To highlight the concept of Manas in Yoga Darshana, information extracted from Yoga literatures and Ayurvedic Samhitas. In Indian culture mind has been described from various angles. Vedic, Philosophical and Ayurvedic literatures have a vast and exclusive description of Manas. Philosophers either Astika or Nastika have described Manas Siddhanta vividly. Though many kinds of difference of opinions are there, Yoga Darshana accept the importance of mind in the process of perception and even for the birth of any individual.

Yoga: As an adjunct therapy to trim down the Ayurvedic drug requirement in non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of a large number of drugs showing anti-hyperglycemic activities, none of them have been successful in complete management of diabetes mellitus (DM). Yoga and Ayurveda are the two schools of thought in India, which have a history of curing diseases since thousands of years. Yogic techniques and Ayurvedic herbs have proven their anti-diabetic potential without inducing untoward effects. The present study combines Ayurvedic medication with Yoga techniques as a new approach toward healing DM. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of Yoga therapy in the management of non insulin-dependent DM (NIDDM) and to decrease the oral drug dose requirement of guduci ghana Tablet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty known NIDDM patients of both genders, who were on guduci ghana (solidified aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers.) tablets from past 2 months as Ayurvedic remedy for DM were selected. Along with guduci ghana administration, the subjects were instructed to follow Yogic procedures including Asanas, pranayama, and suddhi kriyas. The study was conducted for 8 weeks, wherein fasting blood sugar (FBS) and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) levels along with relief in sign and symptoms were assessed at every 2 weeks intervals, and according to relief in sign and symptoms, tapering of drug dosage was carried out. The obtained data were analyzed statistically by applying paired t-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results obtained were promising as the relief in diabetic symptomatology was highly significant in terms of P value. 80.83% reduction in dose of guduci ghana tablets and 7.85% and 8.78% fall in FBS and PPBS levels, respectively, after the complete course of treatment. The obtained P value showed highly significant results.

Nootropic (medhya) effect of Bhavita Sankhapuspi tablets: A clinical appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Nootropic (medhya) potential of sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.) is reported in Ayurvedic literature and modern studies are now validating the same. In spite of plentiful preclinical researches already carried out during the past decades, only meager clinical efforts exploring its nootropic activity have been reported. Present clinical study is an attempt to evaluate the nootropic effect of Sankhapuspi tablets. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nootropic effect of sankhapuspi tablets prepared by three Bhavana (levigation) of its curna (powder) with its own Svarasa (fresh juice). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty volunteers between the age 16 and 25 years participated in this single group pre-post study. Weschler's memory scale was adopted to collect data before (pre) and after (post) intervention period (2 months). Paired t-test was used for analyzing the data. RESULTS: In auditory immediate test and delayed test, 41.03% and 48% improvement was found which statistically highly significant (<0.001). In visual immediate and delayed test 32.5% and 44.87% improvement was found respectively, which shows highly significant result (<0.001). CONCLUSION: Results reveal that sankhapuspi tablet shown highly significant results in improving memory, especially in long term memory loss in younger age group.

Seasonal variations in physicochemical profiles of Guduchi Satva (starchy substance from Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers).

Guduchi Satva (GS), the starchy material extracted from the Guduchi stem is well-known Ayurvedic single drug formulation having a wide range of therapeutic utility. Species of the plant, stem size, collection time, season and maturity of the plant may affect the yield and physico-chemical profile of GS. However, published data on such variations is lacking. Considering this, present study is planned to screen seasonal variations in physico-chemical profile of GS. 18 batches of GS were prepared in six different seasons (3 batches in each season) and findings were systematically recorded. The obtained Satva was further subjected to relevant physico-chemical parameters. Principal component analysis method was adopted to analyze variations. Maximum yield of Satva was obtained in Shishira Ritu(January-February) while the minimum in Grishma (May-June). Variation in taste and color was found in Satva prepared in Varsha Ritu. All functional groups were found to be same in each season. Total alkaloidal contents found bit higher in Varsha and Vasanta. More residual x-variance in alcohol soluble extract and more leverage were observed in water soluble extract due to impact of seasonal spells.

Validation of standard manufacturing procedure of Guduci sattva (aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers) and its tablets.

INTRODUCTION: Guduci Sattva is a highly valued formulation among ayurvedic physicians, commonly recommended in conditions such as Jvara (fever), Daha (burning sensation) and other conditions of Pitta predominance. In spite of its numerous medicinal attributes, no published work is available until date on manufacturing guidelines along with its quality control parameters. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to develop the standard manufacturing procedure for preparation of Guduci Sattva and its tablets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 batches of Guduci Sattva were prepared in the laboratory. During its preparation, pharmaceutical findings and observations were systematically recorded. To maintain quality control, Guduci Sattva tablets were further subjected to analysis such as shape, diameter, width, hardness, weight variation, disintegration time (DT) and friability. Qualitative analysis to detect the presence of various functional groups and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile were also carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average percentage of dried Sattva obtained was 3.8%. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method as per pharmacopoeal specifications. Optimum hardness, weight of tablets, DT and friability of Guduci Sattva tablets were found complying with official standards. Alkaloids, carbohydrates and starch were found present in Sattva tablets. Number of peaks obtained in HPTLC also corresponds to this finding. Data obtained by present study may be considered as standard for future studies. CONCLUSION: The average percentage of dried Sattva obtained was 3.8%. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method as per pharmacopoeal specifications. Optimum hardness, weight of tablets, DT and friability of Guduci Sattva tablets were found complying with official standards. Alkaloids, carbohydrates and starch were found present in Sattva tablets. Number of peaks obtained in HPTLC also corresponds to this finding. Data obtained by present study may be considered as standard for future studies.

Evaluation of near-fatal reactions to allergen immunotherapy injections.

BACKGROUND: The overall incidence of near-fatal reactions (NFRs) after immunotherapy injections is unknown. Investigation of NFRs might identify preventive strategies that could avert fatal immunotherapy reactions. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the incidence and characteristics of NFRs to allergen immunotherapy. METHODS: In a brief survey of fatal reactions (FRs) and NFRs administered to practicing allergists, 273 of 646 respondents reported NFRs after immunotherapy injections; a NFR was defined as respiratory compromise, hypotension, or both requiring emergency epinephrine. Respondents were mailed a 105-item questionnaire regarding the details of NFRs and circumstances of these events. RESULTS: During the period from 1990 through 2001, the incidence of unconfirmed NFRs was estimated at 23 per year (5.4 events per million injections). There were 68 confirmed NFRs on the basis of responses to the long survey, with a mean case incidence of 4.7 per year or 1 NFR per million injections. Asthma was present in 46% of near-fatal reactors and in 88% of fatal reactors identified in this study. Hypotension was reported in 80% and respiratory failure occurred in 10% of NFRs and exclusively in asthmatic subjects. Epinephrine was delayed or not administered in 6% of NFRs versus 30% of reported FRs (OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.4-39.8; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Confirmed NFRs were 2.5 times more frequent than FRs. Favorable outcomes of NFRs when compared with FRs could be related to lower asthma prevalence and appropriate management of life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Screening for health behaviors in ambulatory clinical settings: does smoking status predict hazardous drinking?

Although a link between alcohol consumption and smoking behavior is well documented, the majority of studies have focused on individuals dependent on both alcohol and nicotine. The present study examined the likelihood of hazardous drinking as a function of smoking status, gender, age, ethnicity, and education in a sample of 676 medical and dental patients whose drinking covered the spectrum from abstinence to high levels. We hypothesized that hazardous drinking would be more common among young, male respondents who were current smokers and that past smokers would show a risk of hazardous drinking that was intermediate between that of current smokers and nonsmokers. Results showed that younger age, fewer years of education, male gender, and current smoking status were significant predictors of hazardous drinking. However, there was no relationship between a past history of smoking and current risk of hazardous drinking. Evaluation of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) showed that it was no more useful as a screening instrument than a single question that elicited current smoking status. These findings suggest that patients who report current smoking should routinely be asked about their current alcohol consumption. Interventions should then be tailored to address smoking and, if appropriate, hazardous drinking as well.