A clinical study of Punarnava Mandura in the management of Pandu Roga in old age (geriatric anemia)

An integrated management (Ayurveda and Modern medicine) of accidental burn injury: A case study

Burn injuries are frequent, horrifying, and life-threatening conditions that are still challenging to cure. Complications like scarring, keloid formation, and contractures are the main challenges for the treating surgeon. The Ayurvedic classics explain different treatment modalities for the management of burn wounds, like oral medicines, topical applications prepared with herbal medicines, ghee, oil, and typical wound dressing techniques like Patraadaana (wound covering with medicinal leaves), and fumigation therapy, etc. Here we report a case of accidental burn injury with a TBSA of 27% First degree (superficial) and 15% second degree (deep partial-thickness) burns with complaints of fever and burning sensation at the burn site. On the basis of the symptoms listed in the classical texts of Ayurveda, the case was diagnosed as Pramadadagdha (accidental burn). To properly manage the burn wound, an integrated therapy strategy was designed. Ropanaghrita (medicated ghee) was applied locally, followed by the application of Tinospora cordifolia leaves to cover the wound, fumigation therapy, and oral medications to hasten wound healing and reduce infection. In the first seven days, modern medicine was used as emergency care in addition to Ayurvedic management. Within 60 days of receiving treatment, the burn wound had entirely healed, and the patient was able to resume her regular work activities. In the current situation, the combined strategy produced encouraging burn management outcomes.

Effect of Ayurveda interventions in non-alcoholic grade II fatty liver associated with obesity - A case report

Fatty Liver, one of the most common liver diseases worldwide, usually emerges due to lipid accumulation, mostly triglycerides in hepatocytes. Fat exists in the liver naturally, but if it surpasses 5-10% of the liver's total weight, it can result in fatty liver. In this case, report effect of Ayurveda intervention in grade II fatty liver is reported. Thirty-five-year-old obese male with grade II fatty liver presented with fatigue, abdominal pain, heaviness, and incomplete bowel evacuation to the National Institute of Ayurveda hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. On examination, there was no significant clinical abnormality except a high body mass index (BMI = 30.2). Hematological examinations revealed altered Alanine transaminase, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. The patient was diagnosed sonologically with a grade II fatty liver. The patient was given Ayurveda treatment for two months with three treatment regimens. The patient was assessed for improvement in signs and symptoms, hematological parameters, and quality of life using a chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ). After two months, significant improvement was observed in signs and symptoms, BMI (24.7), and CLDQ. No fatty tissue was reported sonologically, and all altered biochemical parameters were within normal limits. Present case highlights the potential of Ayurveda interventions in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity.

Management of Psoriatic Erythroderma (PsE) with Ayurvedic herbomineral preparations: A case report

Psoriatic Erythroderma (PsE) is a presentation of Erythroderma due to a history of psoriasis showing inflammation and exfoliation of epidermal skin characterized by erythema and scaling. There is no definite treatment in contemporary medical science but the principle-based Ayurvedic approach has been proved to be effective. We present a case of PsE treated for 3 months with Ayurvedic herbomineral preparations and dietary restrictions for non-vegetarian and dairy items. As per the Ayurvedic diagnostic view, the presented case is correlated with Audumbara Kushtha and Ekakushtha due to their intricate features. Thus, Ayurvedic approaches were directed to eliminate vitiated doshas responsible for acute exacerbation of Kushtha (∼dermatitis) and to maintain equilibrium among them. The patient was initially considered as a case of Saam stage of Kushtha with Pitta-Rakta-Vata predominance. Thus, management was planned into different domains-treatment of Saam stage of Kushtha, Vyadhipratyanika chikitsa (∼disease antagonistic treatment), Rasayana intervention (∼Immunomodulation therapy) and Ayurvedic drugs were given accordingly. The assessment was done based on subjective parameters and PASI score. The patient was followed for about one and half year without any complication and relapse. This case study shows PsE can be managed with an Ayurvedic approach and proper diet planning.

Effect of Opuntia elatior Mill. (Nagaphani) in the management of Pandu Roga w. s. r to iron deficiency anemia; an open labeled randomized standard controlled clinical trial

Background:

Pandu Roga described in Ayurveda bears resemblance to the clinical features of anemia. The fruits of Nagaphani (Opuntia elatior Mill.) of family cactaceae, are consumed by the inhabitants of Gujarat as a hematinic agent to treat general debility and anemia.

Aim and objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of the O. elatior fruit juice in Pandu Roga with special reference to iron deficiency anemia.

Materials and method:

Present clinical study was an open labeled, randomized trial, in which 105 patients of Pandu Roga (iron deficiency anemia), were divided into two groups using the coin method of randomization. Group A received Opuntia elatior fruit juice, 20 ml twice a day with lukewarm water before meal. Group B received Punarnava Mandura (standard control), well accepted after this a herbo-mineral fromulation, two tablets of 500 mg each, twice a day with Takra (butter milk) before meal. Duration of intervention was 2 months in both groups and a follow-up of 1 month. The assessment was done based on the clinical signs and symptoms and hematological parameters such as Hb% (hemoglobin %), total red blood cell (TRBC), serum iron, serum ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), before and after completion of the treatment. The data were subjected to statistical tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired t-tests, co-efficient of variance (CV)), and analyzed.

Results:

Both trial drug and the standard drug produced a statistically significant increase in Hb%, TRBC and serum Iron. The standard drug provided statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in TIBC, whereas a statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) effect was observed in the trial group. Both trial and standard drug provided statistically significant (P < 0.001) relief in Panduta (pallor), Daurbalya (general weakness), Akshikutashotha (periorbital edema) and Pindikodveshthana (calf muscle cramps). When compared between the groups, the standard drug was found to be more effective than the trial drug.

Conclusion:

Fruit juice of Opuntia elatior is effective in iron deficiency anemia as it increases the hemoglobin, TRBC levels in blood along with providing relief in Panduta (pallor), Daurbalya (general weakness) Akshikutashotha (periorbital edema).

Do Ayurveda drugs induce liver injury?

Drugs fulfilling the criterion of a standard drug will always become panacea provided, if they are used properly. On the other hand, a poorly manufactured drug however used skillfully, will prove to be a poison. Texts of Ayurveda, do mention hazards of drugs, which are not properly manufactured or administered. Art of drug administration is unique in this ancient medical science that cautions towards concentrating on dose, indications, contra-indications, suitable vehicle, specific diet, certain restrictions etc., while administering medicines in suitable individuals. Though a huge amount of information is available and evidences are being generated on the usefulness of traditional practices in global healthcare; there is a need of generating awareness on Promoting rational use of traditional medicines in particular to Ayurvedic drugs. Conventional researchers wish to work on traditional formulations have to understand traditional principles and involve traditional physicians in their researches in the benefit of mankind.

Ayurvedic preparations for the management of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A systematic review

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global public health crisis, so also in India. As per the World Health Organization's report, half of the total anemia is IDA. Ayurveda offers several formulations for the management of IDA. Given in this context, a systematic review was carried out to understand the role of Ayurvedic formulations for the management of IDA. For this purpose, articles were obtained from PubMed and through hand search process. Of the 37 articles identified, 10 articles were finally selected for the review. Of the 10 studies identified, 3 studies were (n = 10) exclusively focused on pregnant women, 2 studies (n = 10) were exclusively focused on pediatric age group, 1 study (n = 10) was exclusively focused on geriatric anemia and 4 studies (n = 10) were focused on general population. The response of most of the Ayurvedic formulations was better than Allopathic formulations and there was no untoward effect as observed with iron salts. Statistically significant results were obtained in favor of most of the Ayurvedic formulations in subjective and hematological parameters. Among six different formulations, Sarva-Jvara-Hara Lauha is suggested as the drug of choice for IDA as the Hb regeneration with this drug is highest- 0.16 g/dl/day, as reported by one of the studies. In addition, Punarnavadi Mandura is currently used as an anemia correcting agent at the community level promoted by the National Rural Health Mission and is included in the Accredited Social Health Activist's drugs kit. As most of these Ayurvedic formulations are found effective against IDA, their usage should be fostered at all level in addition to modern allopathic medicines.