Transforming Medicinal Oil into Advanced Gel: An Update on Advancements.

The present study delves into the evolution of traditional Ayurvedic oil preparations through innovative strategies to develop advanced gel formulations, aiming at amplifying their therapeutic efficacy. Ayurvedic oils have a rich historical context in healing practices, yet their conversion into contemporary gel-based formulations represents a revolutionary approach to augment their medicinal potential. The primary objective of this transformation is to leverage scientific advancements and modern pharmaceutical techniques to enhance the application, absorption, and overall therapeutic impact of these traditional remedies. By encapsulating the essential constituents of Ayurvedic oils within gel matrices, these novel strategies endeavor to improve their stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery mechanisms. This review highlights the fusion of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge pharmaceutical technology, paving the way for more effective and accessible utilization of these revered remedies in modern healthcare.

Impact of Shodhana an Ayurvedic purification process on cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of Croton tiglium Linn.

BACKGROUND: Croton tiglium Linn. (CT) which is commonly called Jaypal is used in Ayurvedic preparations like Ichhabhedi Ras, Asvakancuki Rasa. Due to its toxic contents, seeds of Croton tiglium are purified before use, by the process mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts called Shodhana meaning purification. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to study the impact of Ayurvedic Purification process on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Croton tiglium Linn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Croton tiglium Linn. Seeds were processed for Shodhana by soaking in water, heating with milk (Snehan) and later grinding in Lemon Juice (Bhavana). Aqueous and Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared before and after purification i.e. Shodhana. Cytotoxicity of the Croton tiglium was studied against Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line by MTT assay. Ames test was performed to study the mutagenicity of the extracts in Salmonella typhi TA 98, 100 and 102 strains. Phytoconstituents were studied by using LCMS analysis. RESULTS: The results indicated decrease in cytotoxic concentration (IC50) of Croton tiglium seeds after purificationa from 3.03 mg/mL to 0.99 mg/mL in aqueous extract and 18.56 mg/mL to 5.45 mg/mL. Genotoxicity study by Ames test indicated Croton tiglium Linn. Croton tiglium Linn. Seeds are non-genotoxic in strains like S. typhi, TA 98, 100 and 102. There was change in Phytochemical profile before and after shodhana. CONCLUSION: Although both the concentrations are practically non-toxic, the decrease in cytotoxic concentration indicates Purification process as described in classical ayurvedic texts i.e. Shodhana has definitely increased the potency of the seeds of Croton tiglium Linn.

Assessment of the systemic toxicity of Laghu vishagarbha taila, an Ayurvedic medicated oil formulation after dermal exposure.

Laghu vishagarbha taila (LVT) is a medicated oil preparation used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and applied topically for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. It contains some mildly poisonous phytoconstituents which may show untoward effects upon application. The present study evaluated the toxicity of LVT in the acute, subacute, and subchronic dermal toxicity study in Wistar rats. LVT was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standard methods prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, while acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out as per OECD 402, 410, and 411 guidelines, respectively. In the acute dermal toxicity study, a single dose of LVT (2000 mg/kg) was applied topically to rats, while in subacute and subchronic dermal toxicity study, the rats were topically applied LVT (1000 mg/kg) up to 28 and 90 days, respectively. LVT did not cause any alterations in clinical signs and no mortality or moribund stage was observed. The change in weekly body weight was insignificant compared with the vehicle control group. In subacute and subchronic dermal toxicity study, there were no significant changes in behavior, body weight, feed consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ weight, and histological parameters compared with vehicle control rats. Topical application of single and repeated doses of LVT in rats did not exhibit adverse effects and suggests that the LD50 of LVT is more than 2000 mg/kg in the acute dose and NOAEL is more than 1000 mg/kg/day in repeated dose application.

Oral toxicity evaluation of gokshuradi guggulu, an ayurvedic formulation.

Gokshuradi guggulu is an important classical polyherbal formulation used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of various chronic diseases like kidney stones and diabetes. However, no scientific attempts were made to evaluate its oral toxicity. Hence, the present study evaluated the acute and 28 days repeated dose sub-acute oral toxicities of gokshuradi guggulu in rats. Gokshuradi guggulu was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standards prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. In acute oral toxicity study, Wistar rats were orally administered a single dose of gokshuradi guggulu (2700 mg/kg) and clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage were observed for 14 days along with weekly body weight. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and the gross morphology was carried out during necropsy. In sub-acute (repeated dose) oral toxicity study, the rats were orally administered gokshuradi guggulu (270, 1350 and 2700 mg/kg) once daily up to 28 days. Clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage, weekly body weight, weekly feed and water consumptions, biochemical and hematological investigations, urine analysis, and major organ weights and histopathology were carried out. In acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, gokshuradi guggulu administration did not show any alteration in parameters or any adverse effect as compared to vehicle treated group. There was no mortality or moribund state observed in any group in both studies. Administration of gokshuradi guggulu in acute and 28 days repeated doses did not exhibit any toxicity or adverse effect at the doses used and NOAEL was found to be 2700 mg/kg.

In silico evaluation of the compounds of the ayurvedic drug, AYUSH-64, for the action against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

BACKGROUND: Outbreak of Corona Virus Disease in late 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic global Public health emergency. Since there is no approved anti-viral drug or vaccine declared for the disease and investigating existing drugs against the COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: AYUSH-64 is an Ayurvedic formulation, developed and patented by Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, India, has been in clinical use as anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic drug for few decades. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate AYUSH-64 compounds available in this drug against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) Main Protease (Mpro; PDB ID: 6LU7) via in silico techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different molecular docking software's of Discovery studio and Auto Dock Vina were used for drugs from selected AYUSH-64 compounds against SARS-CoV-2. We also conducted 100 ns period of molecular dynamics simulations with Desmond and further MM/GBSA for the best complex of AYUSH-64 with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Among 36 compounds of four ingredients of AYUSH-64 screened, 35 observed to exhibits good binding energies than the published positive co-crystal compound of N3 pepetide. The best affinity and interactions of Akuammicine N-Oxide (from Alstonia scholaris) towards the Mpro with binding energy (AutoDock Vina) of -8.4 kcal/mol and Discovery studio of Libdock score of 147.92 kcal/mol. Further, molecular dynamics simulations with MM-GBSA were also performed for Mpro- Akuammicine N-Oxide docked complex to identify the stability, specific interaction between the enzyme and the ligand. Akuammicine N-Oxide is strongly formed h-bonds with crucial Mpro residues, Cys145, and His164. CONCLUSION: The results provide lead that, the presence of Mpro- Akuammicine N-Oxide with highest Mpro binding energy along with other 34 chemical compounds having similar activity as part of AYUSH-64 make it a suitable candidate for repurposing to management of COVID-19 by further validating through experimental, clinical studies.

Topical application of Jatyadi Ghrita and Jatyadi Taila accelerates wound healing in Sprague-Dawley rats: a study in gamma-radiation-induced skin wound model.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced skin wounds/dermatitis can occur due to therapeutic, occupational, or accidental exposure to ionizing radiation. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of standardized Ayurvedic formulations [Jatyadi ghrita (JG) and Jatyadi taila (JT)] against 60Co-γ-radiation-induced acute skin wounds in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Animal's [Sprague-Dawley rats (200 ± 20 g)] flanked skin was locally exposed to 45 Gy radiation (R45Gy) in Cobalt-60-teletherapy unit (Bhabhatron) to generate radiation wounds. JG and JT were applied topically twice daily on wounds from day 14 onwards after appearance of moist desquamation and wound healing efficacy was observed for a period of 42 days. RESULTS: R45Gy induced significant time dependent changes in rat's skin with erythema on day 7 followed by dry and moist desquamation. JG and JT application significantly (p < .001) reduced skin damage score, wound area (92% and 97% respectively on day 42), and bacterial load, when compared with R45Gy and showed better efficacy than sucralfate and betamethasone (positive controls). Formulations significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant defenses, reduced inflammatory infiltrates and collagen fibers deposition as evident by decreased myeloperoxidase and hydroxyproline levels, and also reduced transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) expression. Further, histology revealed reduced epidermal hyperplasia and dermal thinning with improved densities of hair follicles. Formulations were found to be nontoxic on 28 days application. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that JG and JT accelerated wound healing in irradiated skin tissue by faster re-epithelialization; reducing inflammation, collagen fibers deposition, and TGF-ß1 expression, indicated their potential human application in countering radiation wounds.

Combination of system biology to probe the anti-viral activity of andrographolide and its derivative against COVID-19.

The present study aimed to investigate the binding affinity of andrographolide and its derivative i.e., 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide with targets related to COVID-19 and their probable role in regulating multiple pathways in COVID-19 infection. SMILES of both compounds were retrieved from the PubChem database and predicted for probably regulated proteins. The predicted proteins were queried in STRING to evaluate the protein-protein interaction, and modulated pathways were identified concerning the KEGG database. Drug-likeness and ADMET profile of each compound was evaluated using MolSoft and admetSAR 2.0, respectively. Molecular docking was carried using Autodock 4.0. Andrographolide and its derivative were predicted to have a high binding affinity with papain-like protease, coronavirus main proteinase, and spike protein. Molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed for each complex which suggested the strong binding affinities of both compounds with targets. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that both compounds modulated the immune system by regulating chemokine signaling, Rap1 signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, RAS signaling, p53 signaling, HIF-1 signaling, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The study suggests strong interaction of andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide against COVID-19 associated target proteins and exhibited different immunoregulatory pathways.

Beneficial effect of standardized extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber and its active constituents on experimental constipation in rats.

The tubers of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Elephant foot yam), principally consumed as crop food and vegetables, are used in ethno-medicinal practices in mitigation of constipation and piles. Hence, present study evaluated the effect of tubers of A. paeoniifolius and its active constituents glucomannan and betulinic acid on experimentally-induced constipation. The tuber and its extracts were standardized as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and physicochemical constants were found within the pharmacopoeial limit. HPTLC fingerprint profile of extracts has been developed using suitable mobile phase. Methanolic extract was subjected to column chromatography. The isolated phytoconstituents were characterized by FT-IR, NMR and MS and identified as betulinic acid and ß-sitosterol. Functional constipation was induced in rats by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg) for first 3 consecutive days. The rats were orally treated with methanolic and aqueous tuber extracts in the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, glucomannan (300 mg/kg) and betulinic acid (1.5 mg/kg) for 7 days. The parameters viz. number of stools, wet weight of stools and moisture content of stools and intestinal transit were studied. Treatment with tuber extracts, glucomannan and betulinic acid showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in fecal parameters and intestinal transit in constipated rats. The effects were comparable to standard laxative drug, sodium picosulfate (5 mg/kg, orally). The results indicated that tuber extracts and its active constituents showed laxative effect and relieved constipation. It is concluded that tuber of A. paeoniifolius exhibited beneficial effect in functional constipation possibly through its laxative action. The study validates its ethno-medicinal use in correction of constipation. The principal constituents, betulinic acid and glucomannan in tuber extracts might have played important role in relieving the constipation.

Tissue distribution of mercury and copper after Aarogyavardhini Vati treatment in rat model of CCl4 induced chronic hepatotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Aarogyavardhini Vati is a classical Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation. It contains mercury and copper compounds as principal minerals along with other minerals and herbal ingredients. Aarogyavardhini Vati is indicated in chronic liver ailments. However, safety concerns are often raised regarding the use of mercury containing ayurvedic drugs in disease conditions due to the risk of mercury and copper toxicity. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to address the safety concerns regarding mercury and copper toxicity from Ayurvedic herbomineral formulations by investigating accumulation of these minerals in tissues and subsequent toxicity in chronic hepatotoxicity rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantification of mercury and copper in Aarogyavardhini Vati was done. Chronic hepatotoxicity was induced in the Wistar rats by repeated administration of CCl4 for 8 weeks. Animals were treated with Aarogyavardhini Vati for various durations. Post treatment of 8 weeks, serum biochemical marker estimations was done. Estimation of mercury and copper from the liver, kidney and brain tissues was done after animal sacrifice. Histopathology evaluation of visceral organs was also performed. RESULTS: Treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati exhibited significant accumulation of mercury in the kidney but not in the brain and liver. Similarly, no significant accumulation of copper was observed in liver, kidney, and brain due to the treatment of Aarogyavardhini Vati. Serum biochemical and histopathological changes were not affected by the treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati. CONCLUSION: Aarogyavardhini Vati did not show any biologically significant potential to cause toxicity due to its mercury and copper content when administered for prolonged duration to rats with chronic hepatotoxicity.

Glutathione-redox status on hydro alcoholic root bark extract of Premna integrifolia Linn in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model.

BACKGROUND: Premna integrifolia Linn. is a medicinal plant of an Ayurvedic importance and proved to have an anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and hypo-lipidemic activity. Glutathione (GSH) redox status is an important parameter to assess the antioxidant activity of any neutraceuticals. OBJECTIVE: In order to assess the anti-oxidant potential of hydro alcoholic extract (HAE) of P. integrifolia, this study was aimed to evaluate the GSH redox status in high fat diet induced experimental atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study comprises sixty Wistar rats and they were divided into six groups: the first group served as control, the second group was fed with high fat diet and the third, fourth and fifth groups were fed with high fat diet along with various concentrations of HAE of 200, 400 and 500 g/kg.b.wt respectively and the sixth group was administered high fat diet along with 10 mg/kg b.wt of atorvastatin for 30 days. GSH-dependent enzymes like GSH-peroxidase (GPx), GSH-reductase (GR) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were estimated in hemolysate, kidney, heart and liver of experimental rats. RESULTS: Analysis of GSH levels showed a significant decrease in hemolysate, heart and kidney (p < 0.05) and liver (p < 0.01) in high fat-fed rats when compared to control. Activities of GPx, GR and G6PD in hemolysate and heart (p < 0.001), liver and kidney (p < 0.05) in high fat-fed rats when compared to control. Dose-dependent increase was observed in rats treated with various concentrations of HAE. CONCLUSION: The HAE of root bark of P. integrifolia is proved to have a protective role on antioxidant defense in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model. As a whole P. integrifolia increases the GSH content in a dose-dependent manner and in turn altered the redox cycle.

Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of kanchnar guggulu, an Ayurvedic formulation.

OBJECTIVE: Kanchnar guggulu is a compound Ayurvedic formulation used in clinical practice for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. The present study investigates its cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. METHODS: The hydro-alcoholic (50%) extract of kanchnar guggulu was prepared. Its antimitotic activity was assessed in an Allium cepa assay, while its antiproliferative effects were studied in a yeast proliferation model. Methotrexate was used as a standard anticancer agent. RESULTS: In the Allium assay, all concentrations of the extract (1, 2 and 3 mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.02 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the division of A. cepa root cells, decreasing root growth and mitotic index compared to control; this effect was concentration-dependent for kanchnar guggulu extract. In the antiproliferative studies, treatment with the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu (1, 5 and 10 mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL) resulted in marked reduction of dividing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and inhibition of cell viability compared to control. The cytotoxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu, shown by its antimitotic and antiproliferative effects, may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolics. CONCLUSION: Kanchnar guggulu exhibited a cytotoxic effect by inhibiting cell division (antimitotic) and reducing cell proliferation. These results substantiate its potential for the treatment of cancer and support its traditional use in the treatment of cancer.

Review of Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A. DC.: Pharmacognostic, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Perspective.

Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A. DC. is a medicinal plant abundantly found in India. Its uses are mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic literature and by many folklore claims. The plant is also of extreme economic importance. Its seeds are mainly used as an antidiabetic remedy. All pharmacological and toxicological aspects of this plant are discussed in this review.

Ninety days repeated dose oral toxicity study of Makaradhwaja in Wistar rats.

CONTEXT: Makaradhwaja is a KupipakwaRasayana. Since it contains two heavy metals, namely mercury and gold, it is essential to evaluate its safety. Hence, the present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate toxicity and target organ of toxicity of Makaradhwaja if so. AIMS: The objective was to evaluate toxicological profile, the target organ of toxicity and to find no observed effect level (NOEL) or no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in rats after oral administration for ninety consecutive days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Makaradhawaja preparation was administered to male and female Wistar rats for ninety consecutive days at 2.7, 13.5, and 27 mg/kg body weight. All relevant biochemical and hematological changes were observed. At termination, all the rats were sacrificed and necropsy was performed. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Dunnett's test followed by analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in high-dose group kidney weight of both sexes which could not be correlated with histopathology findings and serum biochemistry. Therefore, the change was not considered as an adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: The dose level 27 mg/kg of Makaradhwaja was found as NOAEL and dose level 13.5 mg/kg of Makaradhwaja was found as NOEL.

Anti-atherosclerotic activity of root bark of Premna integrifolia Linn. in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model rats.

Premna integrifolia Linn. is a medicinal plant used in "Dhasamula" drug preparation of Ayurvedic systems of medicine in the treatment of various ailments like bronchitis, dyspepsia, liver disorders, piles, constipation, hyperlipidemia and fever. The anti-atherosclerotic activity of hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of root bark of P. integrifolia was evaluated in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into six groups: the first group served as control, the second group was fed with high fat diet and the other three groups were fed with high fat diet along with various concentrations of HAE and the last group was treated with atorvastatin for 30 days. Lipid and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index, and cardiac markers and histopathological evaluation of aorta were determined in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. HAE of P. integrifolia produced a significant and dose-dependent anti-atherosclerotic activity in terms of reduction in lipids and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index, HMG-CoA reductase activity, marker enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alteration in collagen and calcium contents, mild mineralization and focal rupture of intima and media of aorta was noticed in treated groups as compared to the control. The results suggested that anti-atherosclerotic activity of HAE of P. integrifolia Linn. was due to its modulatory activity on metabolic pathway of lipid. The results contribute to the validation of the traditional use of Agnimantha in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats.

Chenopodium album Linn. leaves prevent ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaves of Chenopodium album Linn. are traditionally used for correction of kidney diseases and urinary stones. The present work investigated the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Chenopodium album on experimentally-induced urolithiasis in rats to substantiate its traditional use as antilithiatic agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaf extract was standardized by HPLC. Urolithiasis was induced in rats by administration of 0.75% v/v of ethylene glycol (EG) in distilled water and in addition, vehicle or methanol (CAME) or aqueous (CAAE) extract of the leaves of Chenopodium album each in the dose 100, 200 and 400mg/kg or Cystone (750mg/kg) were administered daily orally for 28 days. Urolithiasis was assessed by estimating the calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid, and creatinine in both urine and plasma. The volume, pH and oxalate levels were also estimated in urine. The renal oxalate content was estimated in kidney while calcium oxalate deposits were observed histologically. RESULTS: The treatment with CAME or CAAE for 28 days significantly attenuated the EG-induced elevations in the urine and plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid and creatinine along with decrease in urine volume, pH and oxalates. The treatments also decreased renal tissue oxalate and deposition of oxalate crystals in kidney due to EG treatment. The effects of CAME and CAAE were comparable to standard antilithiatic agent, cystone. The findings indicate the preventive effect of CAME and CAAE which can be due to inhibitory effect on crystallization and stone dissolution. The effect was attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids and saponins. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Chenopodium album leaves exhibited antilithiatic effect and validates its ethnomedicinal use in urinary disorders and kidney stones.

Anti-atherosclerotic activity of root bark of Premna integrifolia Linn. in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model rats / 药物分析学报

Premna integrifolia Linn. is a medicinal plant used inDhasamuladrug preparation of Ayurvedic systems of medicine in the treatment of various ailments like bronchitis, dyspepsia, liver disorders, piles, constipation, hyperlipidemia and fever. The anti-atherosclerotic activity of hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of root bark of P. integrifolia was evaluated in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into six groups:the first group served as control, the second group was fed with high fat diet and the other three groups were fed with high fat diet along with various concentrations of HAE and the last group was treated with atorvastatin for 30 days. Lipid and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index, and cardiac markers and histopathological evaluation of aorta were determined in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. HAE of P. integrifolia produced a significant and dose-dependent anti-atherosclerotic activity in terms of reduction in lipids and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index, HMG-CoA reductase activity, marker enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alteration in collagen and calcium contents, mild mineralization and focal rupture of intima and media of aorta was noticed in treated groups as compared to the control. The results suggested that anti-atherosclerotic activity of HAE of P. integrifolia Linn. was due to its modulatory activity on metabolic pathway of lipid. The results contribute to the validation of the traditional use of Agnimantha in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats.

Antidiabetic activity of Chandraprabha vati - A classical Ayurvedic formulation.

BACKGROUND: Chandraprabha vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, markedly used for mitigation of Prameha, which correlates in many ways with obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to investigate effect of Chandraprabha vati in experimentally-induced hyperglycemia and lipid profile alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidiabetic effect of Chandraprabha vati was studied in fifty five Wistar rats. Graded doses of Chandraprabha vati (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 7 days to normal and alloxan-hyperglycemic rats (65 mg/kg, intravenously), and to glucose loaded normal rats for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting plasma glucose levels were assessed on different time intervals along with plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Metformin (500 mg/kg, orally) was used as standard drug. RESULTS: Chandraprabha vati did not cause any significant reduction in plasma glucose levels of normal rats (p > 0.05) but normalized the impaired glucose tolerance at 60 and 120 min (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) in OGTT when compared to vehicle control. In alloxan-hyperglycemic rats, administration of Chandraprabha vati (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced plasma glucose at 3 h, 12 h, 3rd day and 7th day (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) along with reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides levels (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) when compared to diabetic control group. The effects were comparable with metformin. CONCLUSIONS: Chandraprabha vati exhibited anti-hyperglycemic effect and attenuated alterations in lipid profile. The results support the use of Chandraprabha vati for correction of Prameha in clinical practice.

Gastrokinetic activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber in rats.

AIM: The tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Family-Araceae), commonly called suran or jimikand, has medicinal and food value. It is used in ethnomedicinal practices for correction of gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation and hemorrhoids. The present study evaluated the effect of A. paeoniifolius tuber on gastrointestinal motor functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tuber was collected in December 2011, and its methanolic extract was standardized with the major phenolic compound, betulinic acid, by high-performance liquid chromatography. Rats were orally administered methanolic (APME) or aqueous (APAE) extract (250 and 500 mg/kg, each) of tuber for 7 days. Metoclopramide (MET) (3 mg/kg, orally) was used a reference prokinetic drug. The gastrointestinal parameters viz. number of feces, wet and dry weight and moisture content of feces, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit were evaluated. The isolated tissue preparations were used to check the effect of the extracts on fundus and intestinal contractility. The glucomannan and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: The pre-treatment of extracts significantly increased the number of feces, wet and dry weight of feces, moisture content, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit. Results were comparable to MET. Further, APME and APAE showed a contraction of fundus and ileum in isolated preparations. APME and APAE were also found to have fair amount of glucomannan, total phenolics, and flavonoids. The results indicate the gastrokinetic potential of the tuber extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of glucomannan and betulinic acid present in the extracts. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the tuber of A. paeoniifolius exhibits gastrokinetic activity and substantiates its traditional use in gastrointestinal motor disturbances.

Experimental and histopathological observation scoring methods for evaluation of wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita.

INTRODUCTION: Jatyadi ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated in the treatment of various types of ulcers. AIM: The study was designed to explore the wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita in diabetes - induced rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, diabetes mellitus was induced to 6 to 8-week-old male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin cut 65 mg/kg body weight intravenously by 15 min prior to the administration of Nicotinamide at 230 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Animals having diabetes were used for grouping namely, diabetic control (DC), Ghrita control (GC), positive control (PC), i.e., mupirocin HCl, Jatyadi Ghrita treatment and one group of non-DC. Full-thickness excision wound was created and diameter was recorded. Daily clinical observations were recorded. A wound scoring method was developed. Wound diameter and score were recorded on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 15. Photographs were taken at the same time interval points. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly. Animals were sacrificed at regular intervals to collect the wound area tissue for histopathology analysis. Obtained data was analyzed statistically. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: It was observed that there was no significant difference in diameter and percent change in wound healing as compared to any control. However, clinical score and histopathological changes in Jatyadi Ghrita group were improved from the second day of the study as compared to control. CONCLUSION: This indicates that the drug has similar wound healing activity as compared to the modern drug mupirocin HCl.

Repeated dose oral toxicity of Trivanga Bhasma in Swiss albino mice.

Trivanga Bhasma, a metallic preparation containing Bhasmas of Naga (lead), Vanga (tin) and Yashada (zinc), was studied for repeated dose toxicity in Swiss albino mice to estimate No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) or No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). A total of 80 Swiss albino mice of either sex with an average body weight of 28-30 g were equally divided into four groups (Group I, II, III, and IV). Group I served as control and was given vehicle (honey: water in 2:3 ratio) Group II, III, and IV received Trivanga Bhasma @ 7.8, 39.5,and 78 mg/kg body weight for 90 consecutive days. The effect of drug was assessed on body weight, feed and water consumption changes, hematological, and histopathological parameters. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed and examined for gross pathological changes. Histopathological evaluation was performed for control and high dose group. Trivanga Bhasma was found to be safe. No significant clinical signs were noted in all groups studied. No major alterations were observed during histopathological evaluation. Hence, dose rate of 78 mg/kg body weight was established as NOAEL. It is suggested to carry out a toxicity study at possible higher doses and in a different species so as to establish target organ of toxicity.