Immunomodulatory Effects of a Herbo-Mineral Ayurvedic Formulation in Experimental Models.

BACKGROUND: Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, encapsulates comprehensive principles and formulations for disease prevention and treatment. A herbo-mineral Ayurvedic formulation, IMMBO, comprising Mandoor Bhasma and 18 herbs has shown promising results in treating allergic rhinitis in clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: This discussed series of experimental studies were conducted to explore the immuno-modulatory potential of IMMBO. METHODOLOGY: A series of experimental studies were carried out in immunosuppressed rats to explore the immune-modulatory effects of IMMBO. RESULTS: IMMBO was effective in reinstating neutrophil activation, stimulating cellular and humoral immunity, and counteracting immunosuppression at the molecular level. The modulation of key signalling molecules, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κb), showcased the formulation's multifaceted impact. Additionally, its ability to block histamine release suggests potential in controlling allergic states, positioning it as a promising therapeutic candidate for immune-related disorders. However, the precise mode of action remains elusive, warranting further in-depth pharmacological studies. CONCLUSION: This research substantiates the ancient Ayurvedic wisdom using modern scientific parameters, endorsing IMMBO's potential as an immune-modulatory agent.

Proof of Efficacy Study to Evaluate an Ayurvedic Formulation in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: An Open Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is largely treated by using antihistamines and nasal sprays, either alone or in combination. However, these measures ease out the symptoms but do not address causative factors, and have their share of side effects and limitations. An Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, IMMBO, has been reported to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation in comparison with a fixed-dose combination of levocetirizine and montelukast. METHOD: This was a randomized, comparative, clinical study carried out on 250 patients at a medical college in India. The patients were enrolled according to the eligibility criteria of the study and randomized into two groups, to receive either Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, IMMBO, or a combination of levocetirizine and montelukast for 28 days. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) were calculated for evaluation of efficacy parameters.  Result: At the end of therapy both IMMBO and levocetirizine and montelukast combination showed significant improvement in TNSS in both treated population and per protocol population. The IMMBO group had a statistically higher reduction in TNSSs compared to the levocetirizine + montelukast group (-5.70 vs. -3.31; p<0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in the reduction of IgE levels between the groups (-351.54 vs. -208.79; p<0.05).  Conclusion: The findings of this study establish prima facie evidence about the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic formulation. However, the said Ayurvedic formulation needs to be further developed scientifically.

Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol for Hereditary Pancreatitis: A Case Report Demonstrating Disease Arrestation.

The case report presented here highlights the use of an Ayurvedic treatment protocol (ATP) in managing hereditary pancreatitis (HP) in a 14-year-old boy. HP is a rare form of pancreatitis caused by specific gene mutations that are inherited within families. It is known to be aggressive and can lead to pancreatic cancer in later stages. The boy, in this case, experienced multiple episodes of pancreatitis and required several hospitalizations despite following a conventional treatment approach, which included a dairy-free, protein and fat-restricted diet, and pancreatic enzyme supplementation. However, after starting the ATP in February 2022, which involved a modified diet and the use of herbo-mineral Ayurvedic formulations, the boy reported significant improvement in his general well-being and was able to lead a normal life without experiencing any discomfort. The ATP included a customized diet comprising dairy products with moderate amounts of fat and protein, along with specific herbo-mineral formulations and the withdrawal of pancreatic enzymes. The boy also received vitamin D3 supplementation. After approximately one year of following the ATP, the disease progression was arrested, as indicated by follow-up images and investigations. The size of the pancreatic duct decreased from 8 mm to 2.8 mm. This case report suggests that the ATP may have potential efficacy in managing hereditary pancreatitis and halting disease progression. However, it is important to note that this is a single case report, and further research and clinical studies are needed to validate the long-term benefits and understand the underlying mechanisms of Ayurvedic interventions in hereditary pancreatitis.