Clinical studies in Ayurveda: A bibliometric analysis of articles indexed in AYUSH research portal.

Bibliometric analysis is a standard method for evaluating the quality and quantity of published articles. AYUSH research portal (ARP) is meant for the dissemination of research findings in the domains of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa, and Homoeopathy and allied faculties. The study attempts to understand the trend of published Ayurveda clinical trial-based articles in terms of quality and quantity. Three perspectives of research output assessed in this study are productivity in the field of Ayurveda, evidence from articles, and its involvement with the body system where disease or malfunctions are induced. Based on the study, it is observed that the highest number of articles have been published under the musculoskeletal, endocrine/metabolic/nutritional categories, and skin. Further, it is observed that only 4.50% of articles are categorized under the evidence of Grade "A" (randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) as per the World Health Organization's traditional medicine research guidelines. Out of the top 20 journals which publish Ayurveda-based research works, only five journals are indexed in reputed indexing platforms viz., PubMed and Scopus. The findings indicate that, Ayurveda clinical trials have to be planned meticulously and carried out as per the RCT guidelines for producing quality evidence so that the abysmal percentage of grade-A category articles will increase in ARP. Further, the journals, which are not yet indexed in standard indexing platforms, must strive to secure a place in them to ensure access to appropriate peers and effective dissemination of findings.

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.

Herbal remedies for Snake bites in Ethnic practices of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.

The present study expresses the Age Old Traditional Treatments for Snake Bites in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal people of this area have authentic information about antidotes for poisonous bites. They have been using different plant parts like leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, stem bark, tubers and roots as antidotes in the form of paste, powder, juice, infusion, decoction, and in crude form. These plant parts are sometimes mixed with other additives like goat milk, butter milk and urine of infants. The present study brought to light the unrevealed age old treatments for poisonous snake bites in general and some particular snake bites. This study consist 32 species belonging to 23 families.

Ethno Medical Studies In Talakona Forest Range of Chittor District, Andhra pradesh.

The flora of Talakona forest division has been studied for its ethnomedicinal wealth (Hemadri et al, Madhava Chetty et al). These studies have contributed immensely to the rural and forest economy. The present study revealed the medicinal use of 66 species of plants distributedin 40families. Many of the usages were unknown till date. About 65% of the medicinal applications of plants are for internal purposes. Majority of the external formulations are for conditions affecting the integumentary system | skin. They have been using these parts in the form of paste, powder, juice, decoction, infusion and also in crude form, with other additives like ghee, sesame oil and goat milk, to relieve from different ailments.

Ethno medical studies in kailasagirikona forest range of chittoor district, andhra pradesh.

The present study reveals the Ethno Botanical studies on uses of medicinal plants in Kailasagiri forest range of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Role of these studies in rural and forest economies is immense. Tribal people of this area have authentic information on medicinal values of different plant parts like leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, stem bark, tubers and roots. They have been using these parts in the form of paste, powder, juice, decoction, infusion and also in crude form, with other additives like ghee, sesame oil and goat milk, to relieve from different ailments. The present study brought to the light the immense hidden knowledge of Tribal people towards medicinal plants. Present study discloses the ethnic practices of 52 species belonging to 37 families to relieve different ailments like Skin diseases, Jaundice, Rheumatism, Burning micturation, Fevers, Intestinal worms, Menstrual problems ,Cough, Diarrhea, Head-ache, Cold, Diabetes, Tooth-ache, Asthma, Ear-ache, Eye diseases, Dandruff, Stomach-ache, Insomnia, Indigestion , Piles, Constipation, Cuts, wounds ,Abscesses, Sexual problems, Fractures, Galactagogue, Leprosy and Antidotes, Hair tonics, Abortificients, anti Abortifacients, Lice eradicators and Nasal drops.

Mini outbreak of Kaposi's varicelliform eruption in skin ward: a study of five cases.

BACKGROUND: Kaposis varicelliform eruption (KVE) represents widespread cutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in patients with preexisting dermatoses. Occasionally, this infection can present as a nosocomial infection in skin wards, if adequate bed-spacing and barrier nursing methods are not followed. We are reporting five cases of KVE; four cases acquired the infection in a makeshift ward after admission of the first case in May 2005, due to the renovation work of the regular skin ward. AIM: The purpose of this study is to create clinical awareness about this uncommon dermatologic entity and to stress upon the importance of bed-spacing and barrier nursing in skin wards. METHODS: Five cases of KVE, three females and two males with different primary dermatoses (pemphigus foliaceus--one, pemphigus vulgaris--two, paraneoplastic pemphigus--one and toxic epidemal necrolysis--one) were included in this study. Diagnosis was made clinically and supported with Tzanck smear and HSV serology. All the cases were treated with oral acyclovir. RESULTS: Four out of five cases of KVE recovered with treatment, one case of extensive pemphigus vulgaris with KVE succumbed to death. CONCLUSION: Mini outbreaks of KVE can occur in skin wards with inadequate bed-spacing and overcrowding of patients. Therefore adequate bed-spacing, barrier nursing and isolation of suspected cases are mandatory to prevent such life-threatening infections.

Role of achara rasayana in chittodvega.

Ayuveda "the science of life" deals with various dimensions of human being. In this age old science, psychological factors have been given equal importance as physiological factors in the etiology of various diseases. Though there are so many rejuvenation therapies, Achara Rasayana is mainly advocated for psychosomatic disorders. Chittodvega (anxiety neurosis) is one among those psychological diseases in which, the code of conduct (Achara Rasayana) plays an important role in both etiology as well as treatment. Here an attempt has been taken to clarify the role of Achara Rasayana in the disease Chittodvega.

Vrksayurveda of parasara--an ancient treatise on plant science.

Vrksayurveda of Parasara is a great contribution to the Botany in ancient India. N.N. Sircar and Roma sarkar edited this text with English translation. Notes with comparative references of modern botany were added. This book can be placed in all probability in between 1st century B.C to 4th century A.D by its linguistic style. Many scientific branches of Botany including origin of life, ecology, distribution of forests, morphology, classification, nomenclature, histology and physiology were dealt in this ancient work. Though it is presumed that this book was written by Parasara to teach Botany to preparatory to Ayurveda studies to ancient Ayurveda students, it is true to the Ayurveda personals and other disciplines related to Botany of present day as well. Aim of this article is to attract the attention of all scholars who are related to Ayurveda and Botany and to feel the depth of the knowledge of ancient Indian botany.

Vandhyatva--a medico historical study.

As per Ayurveda, important factors for conception are considered as rtu (fertile period), Ksetra (uterus and reproductive organs), Ambu (Proper nutrient fluid) and Bija (sukra-sonita) and also normalcy of Hrdaya (Psychology). Abnormality of properly functioning Vayu and Satbhavas (matrja, pitrja, atma, satva, satmaya and Rasa), any one of these causes infertility (Vandhyatva). From the time immemorial the phenomenon of infertility was prevalent through out the world and this may persist till the human race exists. Every human being has inherent, intense desire to continue his (one's) own race; to become a mother is one of the most cherished desires of every woman. Failure to achieve conception by a couple of mature age, having normal coitus during appropriate period of menstrual cycle regularly, at least for one year of their conjugal is termed as infertility. The historical importance of stri vandhyatva and a comparative study regarding its Nidana, Samprapti, Laksana, Chikitsa etc compiled from various Granthas are being presented in this paper.

Age independent anthropometric index for identifying undernourished children in the age group 5-10 years.

An age-independent anthropometric index to identify undernourished children in the age group of 5-10 years is described. Employing a mathematical approach (linear regression analysis) on data from 238 children, the index was derived to be wt/(ht)2. Employing this index, a classification rule for identifying the undernourished was evolved, using as the 'Gold standard' a WHO classification based on NCHS standards. The sensitivity of the classification rule was 95%, the specificity was 92% and the overall efficiency was 92%.