Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine最新文献

Background

Coccinia grandis and Blumea balsamifera are two medicinal plants that have been known to have good antidiabetic properties. Combining these two plant extracts may generate a greater effect that can increase efficacy and decrease the dose.

Objective

This research investigated the antidiabetic activity of the combination of C. grandis and B. balsamifera leaves extracts on experimental diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

The dried leaves of C. grandis and B. balsamifera were powdered and macerated with ethanol 70% (v/v). A diabetic condition in male Wistar albino rats was generated by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) followed by nicotinamide (110 mg/kg). Diabetes-confirmed rats were then given glibenclamide (4.5 mg/kg), C. grandis extract (300 mg/kg), B. balsamifera extract (150 mg/kg), and the combined extracts with a dose ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. The treatment was performed for 28 days and fasting blood glucose was tested once a week. The pancreas and liver organs were taken on day 29 for antioxidant, histological, and immunohistochemical assessment.

Results

Among all the extracts, the combined extract with a ratio of 1:3 showed the greatest glucose lowering effect. This combination also lowered malondialdehyde levels while increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in the pancreas and liver organs. Histological examination showed this combination regenerated the islet of Langerhans. It also increased pancreatic insulin expression in immunohistochemical evaluation.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the combined extracts of C. grandis and B. balsamifera exhibited enhanced antidiabetic activity via ameliorating oxidative stress, regenerating β-cells, and increasing insulin expression.

Background: Peptic ulcer is a condition characterized by open sores resulting from excessive acid production in the stomach or digestive tract, causing damage to the mucosal lining. Tamarix gallica (TG), is traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial activity, etc. Objective: The scientific evidences based on its efficacy specifically for anti-ulcers activity are limited, hence, the study aimed to evaluate protective effect of TG against aspirin-induced peptic ulcers. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed followed by assessment of protective effect of TG against aspirin induced toxicity in rats. Network biology and polypharmacology studies were performed to determine the possible molecular targets involved in pathophysiology of ulcers. Results: The study revealed that the TG extract at high dose (500 mg/kg b.w.) significantly exhibits protective effect against aspirin induced ulcers via regulation of free acidity pepsin production, overall acidity via regulating antioxidant status (SOD, GSH, CAT, etc). Morphological studies revealed less damage with less disruption of the gastric mucosa layer having normal mucosal structure, no swelling or oedema was found in drug treated groups. Conclusion: Moreover, network biology and polypharmacology outcomes revealed that SOD2, CAT, EPO, IL10, EGF, TGFB1 etc. play a significant role in functional gastrointestinal-associated disease or peptic ulcer. Hence, the study concludes that TG polyphenols including phenols and flavonoids play an important role in alleviation of peptic ulcer or associated complication and thus demonstrating TG as a natural therapeutic regimen against ulcers in glance of nature.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) affects over 50% of pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy, a higher proportion than in adults. CINV often occurs despite adequate antiemetic prophylaxis, hampering patients' willingness to continue the chemotherapy regimen. As an ayurvedic medicine, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has an antiemetic effect by inhibiting serotonin in gastrointestinal nerves and as an NK1 antagonist. Therefore, we aimed to review oral ginger supplementation in children with CINV systematically.

Systematic searching was performed in June 2023 from Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and hand searching. The search consisted of PICO “children chemotherapy”, “ginger”, and “CINV incidence”. We limited the search to only human studies. Studies that meet inclusion and exclusion criteria were included for analysis.

Out of 116 studies found with our selection criteria, four were compatible with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two studies had a small Risk of Bias (RoB), while the others had a high RoB. All studies statistically significantly reduced acute and delayed CINV with the number needed to treat (NNT) 2–4. No adverse effects were reported. However, these studies still had high heterogeneity based on cancer treatment, chemotherapy regimen, ginger dosing, and ginger processing.

Ginger has the potential to reduce both the acute and delayed phases of CINV in children. Additional research employing standardized methodologies is recommended to validate this effect.

Background

Gout is a hyperuricemia (HUA)-related inflammatory reaction in the joints. Leech therapy has been effective in the gout, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Objectives: In this study, an exploration of the therapeutic mechanism of leech therapy in HUA and gouty arthritis (GA) rats was done.

Material and methods

HUA and GA construction utilizing sodium urate crystal, the potassium form of oxygen oxazine acid, and adenine. Serum and tissues were collected to measure uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UN). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was executed to evaluate the levels of xanthine oxidase (XOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The expression of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette efflux transporter G2 (ABCG2) and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) were assessed by Western blot and visualized in immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

Leech therapy reduces the levels of UA, Cr, and UN as well as the liver and serum levels of XOD activity, increasing the expressions of GLUT9, ABCG2, and OAT3 in the kidney. Meanwhile, it reduces joint swelling and lowers the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR2, and NF-kB.

Conclusions

Leech therapy regulates the metabolism of uric acid and treats gouty arthritis with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Malignant spindle cell melanoma is a rare cancer with a questionable prognosis because of limited published case reports. This article discusses a male patient with a history of Spindle cell melanoma tumor, Rt heel, Grade 3 (Gr 3) Stage 2 (St 2) seen in our OPD treated with supporting herbo-mineral combination of Ayurvedic medicine. Such types of cancers are of concern and can be more troublesome to the patient. The initial chief complaint of the patient was a palpable corn-like growth in the right heel, which was surgically removed at that time. When it recurred after one year, it was investigated thoroughly and it was found malignant, and then operated again.

The patient came to us after his second operation. After appropriate analysis based on Ayurvedic and modern parameters, the patient was treated with Ayurved treatment. As there was no other treatment suggested by oncologists, he was on supportive Ayurvedic treatment only. Ayurvedic treatment continued for 2 years afterwards. The treatment module showed complete relief in the symptoms (100%), by the end of treatment. Follow-up PET scans showed further improvement and a complete reversal of residual disease was observed. The last PET scan did not show any evidence of abnormality. To date, there has been no recurrence and the patient has been living completely normally for the last almost 5 years (karnofsky score 90/100). It can be concluded that the addition of Ayurvedic treatment might have helped this patient of malignant spindle cell melanoma for regression of residual disease, prevention of metastasis to date, and a good quality of life. We have observed 5+ years of disease-free survival and near-normal quality of life for this patient, and still ongoing.

The basic concepts of research are learned through systematic literature searches which form the basis of a research statement and research topic. Then the research question, hypothesis, aim, and objectives, as well as the experimental design, are developed. Given the context provided, the primary focus is on the importance of adequately training postgraduates and young research investigators in research methodology and project development. It is evident that there is a lack of proper training in these areas, and the rapid expansion of colleges in India exacerbates this issue. To address this, research students must receive comprehensive instruction in scientific research methodology, experimental design, statistics, scientific writing, publishing, and research ethics. Our team has been conducting workshops and symposia for more than two decades to improve the current teaching methods in these areas. Most recently, we organized a series of national and international workshops and seminars in multiple states across India to fortify the core concepts of scientific research for students and faculty members. This report highlights the key aspects of these workshops and the positive outcomes experienced by participants.

IUGR is defined as a rate of fetal growth that is less than normal for the expected growth potential of a specific infant. Fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery are at higher risk of prematurity, IUGR(Intra uterine growth restriction), and intrauterine death. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach towards garbhini paricharya (antenatal care). Nabhinadi (umbilical cord) nourishes the fetus, and abnormalities result in garbhashosha. This is a case report of IUGR associated with a single umbilical artery with no other abnormalities. The obstetric scan revealed decreased abdominal circumference and falling growth parameters. Ayurvedic medicines with brimhana, balya, prajasthapana actions were given. The outcome was a full-term baby of birth weight 2.5kg through vaginal delivery.