Comparative evaluation of Medhya effects of Ashwagandha & Shatavari in the management of generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Title: - Comparative evaluation of Medhya effects of Ashwagandha & Shatavari in the management of generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 

Dr. P. P. Sethi had submitted her dissertation in 2007Year, for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. T. M. Nesari & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to MUHS. 

Dr. Sethi had done a clinical study of Ashwagandha and Shatavari tablets in 40 patients of GAD, to assess their cognition enhancing (Medhya) effect. 

Total 40 patients were divided into 4 groups 10 patients in Group A received Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) tablets. 10 Patients in Group A received Shatavari (Aspaeagus racemosus) tablets. 10 patients in Group C received Ashwagandha + Shatavari combined tablets. 10 patients of Group D was placebo group received starch tablet in divided dose of 3 Gms per day with water for 2 months.  

The criteria of assessment was as follows – 

1)    Gradation of signs & symptoms of GAD as per Hamilton Rating Scale of Anxiety (HAM-A) & DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

2)    Gradation of signs & symptoms of chinta & chittodwega.

3)    NIMHANS proforma (Bangalore) was used for assessment of mental health based upon Ayurvedic parameters. 

The research work was concluded as follows- 

1)    Tab Ashwagandha & Shatavari ( Mixed )  2 tab TDS ( Each tab of 500 mg)  -- Both the drugs proved to be effective in reducing the symptoms of GAD ( Generalized Anxiety Disease )  

2)    Ashwagandha was the drug of choice in symptoms like anxious mood, Fears, Insomnia, respiratory symptoms, Genitto-urinary symptoms, Autonomic symptoms.

3)    Shatavari was the drug of choice in symptoms of GAD like tension, Somatic (muscular), Somatic (sensory) GI symptoms Autonomic symptoms & behavior at interview.

4)    Combined group of Ashwagandha & Shatavari was the drug of choice in symptoms like anxious mood, fear, insomnia, behavior at interview, but more effective in intellectual, depressed mood & symptoms of CVS.

5)    The drug was also effective in improving cognition enhancing effect

     (Dhi & Dhruti & Smruti)

Study of Kusumbha oil (Carthamus Tinctoris Linn) w. r. s. Lomashatana Karma (depilating action).

Title: -  Study of Kusumbha oil (Carthamus Tinctoris Linn) w. r. s. Lomashatana Karma (depilating action). 

Dr. Lopamudra S. Samale had submitted her dissertation in 2009Year, forthe P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. T. M. Nesari & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to MUHS. 

Dr. Samale had done a clinical study on ‘Kusumbha oil’ to assess its hair removal effect or retardation in re-growth of hair, on 60 females, between 18-36 age groups. 

Total 60 patients were classified into 2 groups. Group A (30 females) received Kusumbha oil for local massage after hair removing (through waxing) for 15 minutes daily for 2 months. Group B (placebo group of 30 females) received sesamum oil in same manner like group A.  

To determine adverse effect skin sensitivity test (Patch test) was carried out. Criteria of assessment of drug was – 

1)    Gradation of excessive hair on their hands.

2)    Hair count in 2 cm. sq. area at the extensor aspects of right forearm by using Hair follicle count test BT & AT 

The research work was concluded as follows- 

1)    Significant depilating action was achieved on body hair after Kusumbha oil for local massage after hair removing (through waxing) for 15 minutes daily for 2 months 

2)    Kusumbha oil increased life span of re-growth of hair after removal of hair by waxing.

3)    Kusumbha oil was more effective in retardation or hamper re-growth of hair.

4)    There was no effect of sesamum oil in retardation or hamper regrowth of hair.

 

 

:- Comparative study on the efficacy of indigenous in recurrent primary varicocele and Non operated varicocele causing male infertility.

 Title:- Comparative study on the efficacy of indigenous in recurrent primary varicocele and Non operated varicocele causing male infertility. 

Dr. Satheesan Nambiar V. P. had submitted his dissertation in 1997 Year, for the P.G. degree Ph. D. Ayurveda. His guide was Dr. S.  I. Nagaral & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune

Dr. Satheesan had done clinical study to assess the efficacy of sahacharadi oil orally  & basti  alone or in combination in the management of varicocele causing male infertility.  

Total 120 cases were taken for study. Sixty cases with past history of either varicocelectomy or high ligation of internal testicular veins were grouped into sun-groups viz AI, AII & AIII. Group AI received only sahacharadi oil. Group AII received Sahacharadi enema while Group AIII received combination of both procedures.

Another 60 Non operated cases of varicocele were also classified into 3 sub groups viz BI, BII, BIII receiving the respectively for a period of 30 days & follow up for six months were done. 

All groups were recorded & tabulated for the following parameters- 

1)    Assessment of clinical varicocele—arbitrary scale.

2)    Measurement of the varicocele in millimeters.

3)    Temperature of testis in degree Fahrenheit.

4)    Sperm count in millions per mili Liters.

5)    Sperm motility grades-IV, III, II & I in percentage.

6)    Morphological abnormalities & head, neck & Tail in percentage. 

The research work was concluded as follows-

1)    There was an intimate relationship between classical etiological factors & genesis of siragranthy / varicocele. The present day life pattern which included activities like driving, standing for long periods, working in night shifts etc participated this condition.

2)    Varicocele adversely affected the counter heat exchange mechanism causing evaluation of testicular temperature which in turn decreased spermatogenesis & sperm viability resulting in infertility.

3)    Outcome of surgical management was not satisfactory, but medical management after surgery yields better result.

4)    Sahacharadi oil orally & through enema (Basti) when used in combination gave better results than when used individually in the patients of Varicocele

5)    Sahacharadi oil orally administered group was better when compared to enema group.

 

:- Selection of Ayurvedic anti-malarial plants, Design of an anti malarial formulation and clinical evaluation.

 Title:- Selection of Ayurvedic anti-malarial plants, Design of an anti malarial formulation and clinical evaluation. 

Dr. N. B. Ghiware had submitted her dissertation in 2000 Year, for the P.G. degree M. Phil. Ayurved. Her guide was Dr. J.  K. Barde & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune. 

Dr. Ghiware had done clinical study on two plants viz. Piper nigrum (maricha) & Nictanthus arbortoitis (Parijatak) to assess their efficacy against malaria. 

30-40 patients were selected who showed positive smear for P. vivax, P. ovale or P. malariae and the symptoms associated with Headache, Body ache, Chills, Anemia, fever & nausea or vomiting like symptoms.  

Tablets were prepared from 250 mg dried unripe fruits of maricha & 250 mg dried leaves of parijataka and given in a dose of 2 tablets twice a day with gap of 12 hrs for, 15 days.

Record of improvement in signs & symptoms was maintained after 1^st & 2^nd week of treatment & data was prepared. Effectiveness of treatment was judged only on reduction in signs & symptoms in malaria. 

The research work was concluded as follows- 

When Parijatak & Black pepper tablet was given 2 BD for 15 days ,it showed marked improvement in the patients of Malaria 

1)    After one week it is observed that condition of malarial patients was improved.

2)    After 15 days marked improvement was observed in the important signs & symptoms of malaria.

3)    Any direct effect on malarial parasite was not the part of studies.

 

Experimental measurement of kashaya Rasa (Astringent Taste)

 

Title:- Experimental measurement of kashaya Rasa (Astringent Taste)  

Dr. D. B. Puranik had submitted her dissertation in 1997 Year, for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. A.  P. Deshpande & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune. 

                   Dr. Puranik had done an experimental study of astringent taste (Kashaya Rasa) to prepare the unit & scale for quantitative measurement of kashaya Rasa. 

          For this study 10 Kashaya ekarasa drugs (Drugs having single astringent taste) were selected viz Arjuna, bibhitaka etc. Decoctions of each drug were prepared in distilled water & same were serially diluted. Tastes of each of them were tested starting from a maximum possible diluted solution where taste was not perceived. This point was considered as a starting point. From that point gradually concentrated solutions of decoctions were prepared and tested the point of dilution at which the kashaya Rasa was detected for the first time in each of the decoction was noted & observations were recorded.  

          The research work was concluded as follows- 

In this study Lodhra & Mocharasa were found Strongest & Weakest Astringent respectively 

1)    The observations in this study showed that the kashaya rasa of  Lodhra was detected for the first time in 1:850 dilutions. Thus 1:18 dilution forms a unit of kashaya Rasa Thus lodhra is 850/16 = 47.22 units kashaya (Strongest astringent drug). 

2)    The kashaya rasa of Mocha rasa was detected for the first time in 1:18 dilution & other drugs stood in between, Thus Mocharasa was weakest of kashaya rasa drug series &forms the unit of Kashaya rasa. 

3)    There was a general consideration that kashaya rasa is due to tannin content of in it, which was not exclusively true as per findings was not exclusively true as per findings observed in this research work.

Exhaustive study of vruddhadaru with special reference to Rasayana(e.g Anti ageing property)

 Title:- Exhaustive study of vruddhadaru with special reference to Rasayana(e.g Anti ageing property) 

Dr. S. L. Dasari had submitted his dissertation in 2006 Year, for the P.G. degree M. Phil. in Ayurveda. His guide was Dr. T.  M. Nesari & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune.

Dr. Dasari had done randomized single blind controlled clinical trials on 60 geriatric patients to assess Rasayana and anti-aging effects of vruddhadaru (Argyreia nervosa).  

500 mg tablets of root powder of vruddhadaru were prepared and were given to 30 patients of group A in a dose of 6 tablets BID for the duration of 2 month. 30 patients of placebo group B was received starch tablets in the same manner as in A.  

Criteria of assessment was- 

i)                   Gradation from 1 to 3 was given for each effect of general feeling of well being & improvement in the quality of life as per CRF.

ii)                Improvement in gradation of signs & symptoms of aging (as per NIA).

iii)              DHEA-S estimation.

iv)              Fat percentage.

v)                PFV.

vi)              Haemogram.

vii)           Weight.

 

The research work was concluded as follows- 

Vruddhadaru (Argyreia nervosa)  showed  good anti-aging (Vayasthapana) activity in Geriatric persons when given in the dose of 6 tab BD for 2 months ( Each tab contains 500 mg of root powder )

1)    Argyrea speciosa exerted a good enhancing effect on DHEA-S.

2)    Argyrea speciosa significantly increased appetite in older age group.

3)    A. speciosa induced a note worthy change in well being of patients, and symptom of aging tiredness was improved.

4)    A. speciosa did not helped in memory in induced by aging in two months.

5)    There was no change in vision & hearing loss in old age.

6)    There was no change seen in hair colour & hair loss.

7)    The drug brought significant change in urinary complaints in males & females but there was no change in behavior of aged persons & in skin elasticity.

8)    The drug exerted good significant change in regulation of bowels.

9)    The drug showed enhancement in fat % & weight & significant reduction in ESR & PCV was improved.

10) There was no change in Hb% & in total leucocytes count

 

     In short Vruddhadaru shoed good anti-aging (Vayasthapana) activity in Geriatric persons.

 

Experimental measurement of Tikta Rasa(Bitter Taste)

 

 

 Title:- Experimental measurement of Tikta Rasa(Bitter Taste) 

Dr. B. K. Agashe had submitted his dissertation for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). His guide was Dr. A.  P. Deshpande & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune. 

Dr. Agashe had done an experimental study on bitter taste (Tikta rasa) to prepare the unit & scale for quantitative measurement of tikta rasa.

          10 volunteers were selected for testing the taste of decoction & different dilutions of 14 bitter taste drugs. The criteria for assessment of Tikta rasa was organo leptic examination through tongue. The observations have been recorded in the tabular form.

          The research work was concluded as follows- 

          It had been proved that amongst 14 bitter taste drugs, chandan was the weakest of bitter taste series & kiratatikta was the strongest of bitter taste series.

Study of Keshya Karma( Hair Tonic) of Nirgundi.

 Title:- Study of Keshya Karma( Hair Tonic) of Nirgundi.

Dr. M. A. Bhide had submitted her dissertation in 2001 Year, for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. T.  M. Nesari & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune.

Dr. Bhide had done clinical study on 60 patients of having hair loss (Full) complaint, to assess the hair promoting (Keshya) effect of the drug Nirgundi (Vitax nigundo).

In total 60 patients

15 patients of group A received Nirgundi Churna internally in a dose of 500 mg twice day.

15 patients of Group B received Nirgundi oil for external application.

15 Patients of Group C received Sesamum oil for external application.

15 Patients of Group D received Nirgundi oil for external application & Nirgundi churna internally.

Criteria of assessment was –

1)    Hair pull test BT & AT

2)    Hair count in 1 sq. inch area above right ear BT & AT

The research work was concluded as follows-

It was found that external application of Nirgundi oil (Group B) was significant in stopping hair loss complaint

          In short local action of Nirgundi found to be more potent may be due to removing obstruction at the hair root level by its properties such as hot potency ( Ushna virya) Pungent, Bitter taste ( Katu tikta Rasa).

Experimental measurement ( Organoleptic) of madhura rasa ( Sweet Taste)

             Title: - Experimental measurement ( Organoleptic) of madhura rasa ( Sweet Taste)

Dr. J. V. Changade had submitted her dissertation for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. S.  G. Huparikar & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to University of Pune.

            Dr. Changade had done an experimental study to develop a scale or unit for evaluation of measurement of sweet taste (Madhura rasa) drugs.

          For the study 15 drugs of sweet taste were taken in different dilutions & 10 volunteers were chooses for testing these drugs.

          The observations recorded by 2 ways-

i)                   Madhuratwa (Unit) of each drug i.e. organo leptic tongue examination (Rasana Pratyaksha) & observation were recorded in the tabular form.

ii)                The Symptoms felt by volunteers were also recorded as sweetness of mouth, freshness of mind etc.

The Research work was concluded as follows-

i)                   Between all sweet drugs sugar had shown the highest units (25Units).

ii)                Vatama was the weakest sweet drug which forms the unit of sweet taste.

iii)              Though ‘Atibala’ was mentioned in sweet drug list by various texts, organo leptically the root sample was found to be bitter astringent.

iv)              Fully ripened ‘Kadali” was found sweet.

v)                The sugar percentage of drug was directly proportional to its unit (Higher sugar content).

vi)              In this study, no relation could be determined between carbohydrate percentage & its unit.