GJRMI - Volume 2, Issue 1, Janurary 2013

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INDEX – GJRMI, Vol.2, Iss. 1, January 2013

Medicinal plants Research

Natural Resource

VARIATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS COMPOSITION OF PITURANTHOS SCOPARIUS IN

ALGERIA Takia Lograda, Messaoud Ramdani, Abderazak Kiram, Pierre Chalard and Gilles Figueredo 1–9

Bio-Tech & Genetic Engineering

MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY KABIRAJ OF FOURTEEN VILLAGES IN JHENAIDAH

DISTRICT, BANGLADESH Masum Gazi Z H, Sharkar Priyanka, Nayeem Md. Abu, Rahman M Mafizur, Rahman M Mizanur 10–22

Indigenous medicine

Ayurveda

THE ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA THERAPY FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS WITH

SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VATAVYADHI

Dass Ranjip Kumar 23–29

A CLINICAL STUDY TO COMPARE VIRECHANA AND JALAUKAVACHARANA

PROCEDURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA

Dass Ranjip Kumar, Nayak Annada Prasad 30–39

A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DM II HERBAL COMPOUND (KALPIT) IN

THE MANAGEMENT OF OBESE DIABETICS

Agarwal Vivek 40–51

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THYROMAX POWDER AGAINST

THYROXINE SODIUM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Ujjaliya Nitin, Krishnankutty S V, Remadevi R 52–64

RUDRAKHA: A REVIEW ON MYTHOLOGICAL, SPRITUAL AND MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Kumar Naresh, Dubey Mukesh, Agarwal Vivek 65–72

COVER PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY: DR. HARI VENKATESH K R, PLANT ID – FLOWERS OF BARRINGTONIA RACEMOSA (L.) SPRENG. OF

THE FAMILY LECYTHIDACEAE PLACE – KOPPA, CHIKKAMAGALUR DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 2, Issue 1 | January 2013 | 1–9

Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine || GJRMI ||

ISSN 2277-4289 | www.gjrmi.com | International, Peer reviewed, Open access, Monthly Online Journal

VARIATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS COMPOSITION OF PITURANTHOS

SCOPARIUS IN ALGERIA

Takia Lograda1*

, Messaoud Ramdani2, Abderazak Kiram

3, Pierre Chalard

4 and Gilles

Figueredo5

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Laboratory of Natural Resource Valorization, Sciences Faculty, Ferhat Abbas University, 19000 Setif,

Algeria 4 Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, BP 10448, F-63000 Clermont Ferrand

5LEXVA Analytique, 460 rue du Montant, 63110 Beaumont, France

*Corresponding author: Email - [email protected] ; Phone: (213)36835894; Fax: (213)36937943.

Received: 20/11/2012; Revised: 27/12/2012; Accepted: 31/12/2012

ABSTRACT

By means of gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, was realized the analysis and

identification of essential oils of four populations of Pituranthos scoparius, obtained by hydro-

distillation. An average yield of 0.93% was obtained. From the leaf, essential oil of P. scoparius, 63

compounds were separated; 51 compounds in the oil of Boussâada population, representing 99.6% of

the total essential oil mass, 40 compounds in Elkantra population, representing 75.9% of the oil, 47

compounds in the oil of T’kout population, representing 98.5% of the total essential oil and 28

compounds were identified in Mechouneche population, representing 85.1% of the total essential oil.

The major compound was sabinene (14.8–24.8%), other components present in appreciable contents

were: α-pinene (8.3–23.3%), α-terpinene (3.7–7.7%) and β-pinene (2.8–5.1%). The comparison of

our results with those of literatures allowed us to detect the presence of three chemotypes in this

species. The limonene chemotype is located in the south (region of Ghardaia), the dill apiole

chemotype is located in the North (Djelfa and Laghouat regions) and the sabinene chemotype is

localized in the North East (region of Biskra and Batna).

KEYWORDS: Pituranthos scoparius, Ombiliferes, essential oil, Chemotype, Algeria.

Research article

Cite this article:

Takia Lograda, Messaoud Ramdani, Abderazak Kiram, Pierre Chalard and Gilles Figueredo

(2013), VARIATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS COMPOSITION OF PITURANTHOS SCOPARIUS

IN ALGERIA, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 1–11

mailto:[email protected]



INTRODUCTION

The genus Pituranthos (family Apiaceae)

is represented by more than 20 species. This

plant is characterized by stems in the form of

rushes which are often much ramified, without

leaves or nearly so, with small fruits of less

than 3 mm. Four species are present in Algeria

(Ozenda, 2004).

The species studied in this work,

Pituranthos scoparius (Coss. & Dur.)

Schinz (Syn: Deverra scoparia Coss. &

Dur.), is an endemic of North Africa and is

widespread in Algeria, especially in the high

plateau and in most parts of the Sahara. P.

scoparius is an aphyllous perennial plant; the

upper leaves are reduced to their sheath. The

stems are erect, 40–80 cm high, and form dense

clumps that send out laterally short rigid

branches (Quézel et Santa, 1962–1963).

Pituranthos species are used in traditional

medicine (Boukef et al., 1982; El Rhaffari et

Zaid, 2002; Vérité et al., 2004; Hammiche and

Maiza, 2006; Benmekhbi et al., 2008; Yangui

et al., 2008; Sharaby et al., 2009; Krifa et al.,

2011). Phytochemical studies have been

carried out on P. scoparius (Hammiche and

Maiza, 2006; Boutaghane et al., 2004; Haba et

al., 2004; Dahia et al., 2009; Smaili et al.,

2011; Gourine et al., 2011). The essential oil

of populations of P. scoparius show that they

are rich in α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene,

myristicin, dill apiole and germacrene-D (table

1) (Hammiche and Maiza, 2006, Vérite et al.,

2004; Smaili et al., 2011; Gourine et al.,

2011). The aim of the present study is to carry

out a large scale investigation on the essential

oil composition and the determination of P.

scoparius chemotypes in Algeria which

involved different regions and search

relationships between populations and ecology.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Plant material

Pituranthos scoparius is collected from

four localities in eastern Algeria, Boussâada

(M’sila), T’Kout (Batna), ElKantra and

Mechouneche (Biskra) (Figure 1). Aerial parts

were collected during the flowering stage in

October 2011. The air dried materials were

subjected to hydro-distillation for 3 h using a

clevenger apparatus type. Voucher specimens

were deposited in the herbarium of the

Department of Biology, Ferhat Abbas

University, Algeria.

Essential oil analysis

The essential oils were analysed on a

Hewlett-Packard gas chromatograph Model

5890, coupled to a Hewlett-Packard model

5971, equipped with a DB5 MS column

(30 m X 0.25 mm; 0.25 μm), programming

from 50°C (5 min) to 300°C at 5°C/min, with

a 5 min hold. Helium was used as the carrier

gas (1.0 mL/min); injection in split mode

(1:30); injector and detector temperatures, 250

and 280°C, respectively. The mass

spectrometer worked in EI mode at 70 eV;

electron multiplier, 2500 V; ion source

temperature, 180°C; MS data were acquired in

the scan mode in the m/z range 33–450. The

identification of the components was based on

comparison of their mass spectra with those of

NIST mass spectral library (Masada, 1976;

NIST, 2002) and those described by (Adams,

2001) as well as on comparison of their

retention indices either with those of authentic

compounds or with literature values (Adams,

2001).

Statistical analysis

Data were first subjected to Principal

Components Analysis (PCA) to examine the

relationships among the terpenes compounds

and identify the possible structure of the

population. Cluster analysis (UPGMA) was

carried out on the original variables and on the

Manhattan distance matrix to seek for

hierarchical associations among the

populations. The cluster analyses were carried

out using STATISTICA 9 software.

RESULTS

The extract of the aerial parts of P.

scoparius gave yellow-green oil with a

characteristic odour and an average return



(1.16%) (v/w). The greater yield of essential oil

was (2.29%) found in the population of

Elkantra and the minimum (0.47%) in T’kout

population. The essential oils of P. scoparius

were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The

compounds identified in these oils and their

relative proportions are listed in order of their

elution (Table 2).

Table 1: Major components, in essential oil, of Pituranthos scoparius growing in different areas of Algeria

Authors Smaili et

al., 2011 Gourine et al., 2011

Vérité

et al.,

2004

Localities M’Sila Djelfa Laghouat Ghardaïa

Populations

compounds 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

α-pinene 17.4 23.7 26.7 27.0 35.8 35.1 8.1 11.2 4.7 8.4 5.5 10.4 4.4 6.8

Sabinene 7.5 1.1 0.9 4.6 2.2 1.1 0.2 0.2 – 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 –

β-pinene 3.7 5.3 4.1 1.7 5.2 5.2 0.5 2.9 1.2 0.5 2.0 1.2 1.7 3.8

Myrcene 1.7 0.6 1.2 0.9 1.3 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.6 –

α-Phellandrene 15.6 1.2 1.9 0.8 1.0 2.0 4.6 6.4 2.1 0.7 4.1 1.7 3.6 7.1

Limonene – 0.9 7.8 4.0 7.0 30 66.5 49.5 32.7 45 37.2 58.3 34.4 9.8

β-phellandrene 6.1 0.9 0.6 – 0.6 0.7 0.6 2.6 0.8 – 2.0 0.4 1.9 -

β-ocimene-Z 4.7 3.2 3.8 1.2 – – – – – – – – – –

γ-terpinene – – 1.0 2.3 0.9 2.0 0.1 – 2.0 1.3 0.9 0.4 0.8 0.3

Terpinene-4-ol – 0.9 0.6 0.6 1.1 0.4 0.1 0.2 – – – 0.4 0.2 0.4

p-cymen-8-ol – 6.7 2.0 2.1 1.0 1.6 0.5 1.8 0.7 0.6 2.4 1.0 2.4 –

Bornyle acetate – – 9.6 – 9.5 3.0 0.1 – – – – 0.3 – –

Bicyclo-germacrene – – – 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.6 2.0 1.3 0.8 2.3 0.7 2.7

Myristicin 24.1 18.2 2.5 – 0 1.9 – 5.2 12.4 2.6 25.1 0.4 31.1 7.2

Dill-apiole 3.4 1.4 30.3 47.3 25.7 9.9 11.3 1.03 22.6 23 0.9 0.4 1.1 1.1

β-eudesmol – – 0.3 – 0.3 – – – – – – – 0.8 4.1

Germacrene-D 4.0 3.3 1.1 2.5 1.3 1.6 2.1 3.8 4.3 2.8 5.9 6.3 5.3 12.7

γ cadinene – 1.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 1.2 1.3 1.0 1.3 2.0 0.9 2.3

Methyl eugenol – 1.7 – 0.7 – 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.6 – 1.4 2.7 1.9 5.9

α-thujene 2.1 – – – – – – – – – – – – 0.4

β-ocimene-E 1.9 – – – – – – – – – – – – 4.2

Spathulenol – – – – – – – – – – – – – 4.5

Camphene – – 2.1 – 2.4 1.2 – – – – – – – 2.3

Δ3-carene – 1.1 1.4 – – – – – – – – 1.0 0.2 –

Linalool – 1.94 – – 0.2 – 0.1 – – – 0.6 – – –

γ cadinol – 0.4 – – – – 0.9 – 3.6 3.1 – – 0.2 –

t-muurolol – 1.6 – 0.7 – 0.2 0.2 1.0 0.4 0.5 0.7 1.7 0.2 3.6

β-caryophyllene – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1.7

Bicyclo-elemene – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1.1



Table 2: Chemical composition of essential oils of Pituranthos scoparius

Compounds KI

Bo

uss

aa

da

T’K

ou

t

Elk

an

tra

Mech

ou

nech

e

Compounds KI

Bo

uss

aa

da

T’K

ou

t

Elk

an

tra

Mech

ou

nech

e

Yield v/w

0.85 0.47 2.29 1.04 Yield v/w

0.85 0.47 2.29 1.04

Number of compounds 51 47 40 28 Number of compounds 51 47 40 28

Total % 99.6 98.5 75.9 85.1 Total % 99.6 98.5 75.9 85.1

α-thujene 932 2.5 3.1 1.9 1.6 Phellandral 1274 0.2 1.8 – –

α-pinene 939 16.4 23.3 8.3 13.4 Bornyle acetate 1279 0.1 1.8 – –

Thuja-2,4(10)-Diene 948 0.2 0.2 0.1 – Carvacrol 1299 1 0.1 0.1 –

Camphene 953 – 0.3 – 0.4 α-cubebene 1341 0.2 0.2 – –

Verbenene 968 – 0.3 – – α-copaene 1370 0.7 0.2 0.1 –

Sabinene 976 14.8 18.6 18.9 24.8 β-bourbonnene 1378 2 0.6 – –

β-pinene 979 2.8 5.1 3.6 4.5 β-cubebene 1381 0.3 0.2 0.1 –

Myrcene 990 1.3 – 0.9 1.5 Methyl eugenol 1394 – 0.5 0.3 0.3

α-Phellandrene 1005 0.7 2.2 3 2 β-caryophyllene 1412 0.9 0.5 0.1 –

α-terpinene 1014 5.8 7.7 3.7 3.8 β-copaene 1423 0.3 0.5 – –

Para-cymene 1023 1 1.5 3.2 2.4 Sesquisabinene-A 1445 0.2 0.5 – –

Limonene 1027 0.7 1.3 1.8 2.5 α-humulene 1449 4.7 0.2 – –

β-phellandrene 1029 3.9 – 0.6 – β-acoradiene 1466 – 0.8 – –

β-ocimene-Z 1036 – 1 3.6 0.3 γ-murolene 1468 1.3 – 0.1 0.1

β-ocimene-E 1045 1.6 7.6 0.1 – Germacrene-D 1475 0.4 0.2 0.9 –

γ-terpinene 1057 0.5 0.1 1.4 2.1 β-Selinene 1482 0.3 1.3 0.1 –

cis hydrate de sabinene 1069 – – 0.3 0.7 α-Farnesene 1495 7.7 0.3 – 0.1

Terpinolene 1083 0.4 5.3 0.5 0.7 Bicyclogermacrene 1500 – 2.7 – –

3-methyl-2(2-methylbutenyl)

furane 1090 0.6 2.3 – – Germacrene-A 1509 – 0.1 – 0.1

trans hydrate de sabinene 1098 – – 0.3 0.5 Δ3-Cadinene 1510 0.7 0.6 – –

Menthatriene, 1,3,8-Para- 1109 0.1 – – – Myristicin DB5-1691 1523 0.7 – 7.6 –

α-camphoaldehyde 1124 0.1 0.7 – 0.3 α-Calacorene 1533 1.3 – – –

Trans-pinocarveol 1140 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 β-Calacorene 1563 0.6 0.5 – –

Sabinacetone (origan) 1155 2 – 0.2 0.1 Elemicin 1571 – – 0.1 –

Pinocarvone 1159 0.8 – 0.3 – Caryophyllene oxyde 1575 9.7 – 0.5 –

Terpinene-4-ol 1182 – – 3.8 4.6 Spathulenol 1580 0.3 2 0.3 –

p-cymen-8-ol 1186 1.5 0.2 0.3 – Salvial-4(14)-en-1-one 1590 2.8 0.3 0.1 0.2

Myrtenal 1192 0.7 – – – 1,5-epoxysalvial-4(14)-ene 1592 – 0.4 – –

Estragole 1195 0.3 – 0.5 – Humulene-1,2-Epoxyde 1601 0.8 0.2 – –

Myrtenol 1200 0.4 – 0.3 – Dill apiole 1610 0.9 0.4 6.6 16.8

Verbenone 1203 0.2 0.2 0.3 – α-epi-muurolol 1636 0.4 – 0.8 0.7

Cuminaldehyde 1239 – 0.1 – – β-eudesmol 1648 1.4 0.2 – 0.4



Sixty four compounds were identified,

showing high amounts in monoterpenes. Some

samples are rich in oxygenated compounds

such as dill apiole. Fifty-one compounds were

identified in Boussâada population representing

99.6% of the total oil, 47 compounds were

identified in T’kout population representing

98.5%. 40 compounds were identified in

Elkantra population; representing 75.9% and 28

compounds were identified in Mechouneche

population, representing 85.1% of the total oil.

The samples investigated present a large

quantitative and qualitative variability. The

main components identified are α-pinene (8.3–

23.3%), sabinene (14.8–24.8%), α-terpinene

(3.7–7.7%), limonene (0.7–2.5%), α-thujene

(1.6–3.1%), p-cymene (1–3.2%), β-pinene

(2.8–5.1%) and dill apiole (0.4–16.8%).

The Boussaada population is

individualized, compared to other populations,

with high levels of caryophyllene epoxide

(9.7%), α-farnesene (7.7%), α-humulene

(4.7%), β-phellandrene (3.9), salvial-4(14)-en-

1-one (2.8%), sabinacetone (2%), β-

bourbonnene (2%), β-eudesmol (1.4%) and a

rate average of the α-pinene (16.4%) and

sabinene (14.8%). The population of T'kout

(Batna) is rich in α-pinene (23.3%), sabinene

(18.6%), α-terpinene (7.7%), α-ocimene-(E)

(7.6%), terpinolene (5.3%), β-pinene (5.1%), 3-

methyl-2(2-methylbutenyl)-furan (2.3%),

bicyclogermacrene (2.7%) and spathulenol

(2%).

The two populations of Biskra (Elkantra

and Mechouneche) have the same major

components with similar rates. In Elkantra

population we noted the presence of

compounds that are absent in Mechouneche

population (α-phellandrene (0.6%), α-ocimene-

(Z) (3.6%), estragole (0.5%), germacrene-D

(0.9 %), myricticin (7.6%) and caryophyllene

oxide (5%). The dill-apiole is present with a

rate of 6.6% against 16.8% in the population of

Mechouneche. In order to investigate the

differences between the essential oils samples

of the different regions, we have chosen the

cluster analysis using the principal component

analysis (PCA) performed on the correlations

between the 43 variables presented three axes

comprising 87.28% of the total variation

present in the original data. This analysis

clustered populations in tree groups, but the

separation of the populations is not clear. The

ordination of population’s means obtained for

the three vectors is shown in (figure 2).

The result showed the existence of three

groups. The first group consists of Ghardaïa

populations, studied by (Hammiche and Maiza,

2006). This set is characterized by limonene,

myristicin, α-phellandrene and germacrene-D.

The second group, formed by the populations

in northern sampling area, M’sila, Djelfa,

Laghouat and Ghardaia studied by (Smaili et

al., 2011; Gourine et al., 2011). The group is

very rich in α-pinene, myristicin.

The third group formed by Batna and

Biskra Populations, are characterized by the

presence of the α-penene, sabinene, β-pinene,

α-thujene and α-terpinene. It should be noted

that this group has a high rate of sabinene,

which is poorly represented in the rest of

populations. We noted that the first group is

well separated from the other groups, while the

separation of groups (2 and 3) is less clear. All

populations of this species have showed high α-

pinene, β-pinene and dill apiole levels and low

quantitative variations in all their components,

the rest of the components present a

quantitative and qualitative variability. The

terpenoids variability reflects the heterogeneity

of the genetic structure of Pituranthos

scoparius. Genetic analyses were carried out

using terpenoids including some compounds

that have been shown in other species to be

under the control of single locus with two

alleles.

The dendrogram based on UPGMA

clustring (Manhattan distance), shows the

presence of two group (figure 3), that confirms

result obtained from ACP analyses.

The first group (Group I) formed by

populations of Ghardaia. This group is

individualized by the presence of high levels of

limonene (32.7-66.5%) and myristicin (0.4 to

31.1%). The rate of α-pinene closer to the



subgroup III located to the north of the study

area and separates the subgroup II located in

the southern part. We also note the presence of

germacrene-D which approximates group III.

The second group is divided into three

subgroups.

The first is formed by the populations of

Boussaada, T'kout, ElKantra and

Mechouneche, located to the north-east of the

study area, are rich in α-pinene, sabinene, α-

terpinene, β-pinene, dill-apiole and a low rate

of limonene. The second subgroup formed by

Djelfa and Laghouat populations, located in the

middle of the transect study, is characterized by

the presence of high levels of α-pinene (26.7 to

35.8%), β-pinene, dill-apiole and a low rate of

limonene, myristicin and germacrene-D. the

third subgroup. The third subgroup formed by

the populations of M'sila and Djelfa, is

characterized by an average rate of α-pinene, β-

pinene, a high rate of α-phellandrene, β-

ocimene-Z, myristicin and germacrene-D.

DISCUSSION

Our results are in agreement with those of

the bibliography (Smaili et al., 2011; Gourine

et al., 2011) who investigated the yield of

essential oil from P. scoparius from M’Sila and

Laghouar respectively. The compounds found

in the Pituranthos scorparius populations

generally resembled those previously reported

to occur in Algeria (Hammiche and Maiza,

2006; Smaili et al., 2011; Gourine et al., 2011).

In particular (α-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, α-

phellandrene, limonene, myristicin, dill-apiole

and germacrene-D), in the sampling areas, the

compounds concentrations present a variability.

Aggregation of P. scoparius populations into

small groups is an indication of terpenoids

variability in this population. The diversity of

the terpenoids content reflects the existence of

considerable genetic variability (Forrest, 1980;

Raddi and Sümer, 1999).

Figure 1: Populations of Pituranthos scoparius studied



Figure 2: Ordination of the first three principal axes of P. scoparius populations.

Ghardaia 01

Ghardaia 06

Ghardaia 02

Ghardaia 04

Ghardaia 05

Ghardaia 07Ghardaia 03

Laghouat 02Ghardaia 08

Laghouat 01

Djelfa 02

Boussâada

Elkantra

Djelfa 01

M'Sila

Djelfa 03

Mechouneche

T’kout

Ghardaia 01

Ghardaia 06

Ghardaia 02

Ghardaia 04

Ghardaia 05

Ghardaia 07Ghardaia 03

Laghouat 02Ghardaia 08

Laghouat 01

Djelfa 02

Boussâada

Elkantra

Djelfa 01

M'Sila

Djelfa 03

Mechouneche

T’kout

Factor 1: (55.18%)

Factor 2: (22.53%)

Fa

cto

r 3

: (9

.57

%)

Figure 3: Dendrogram based on Manhattan similarity distance.



The UPGMA analysis of terpene traits

confirms this variability, and a clear conclusion

can be transmitted between population’s

geographic distribution and a composition of

the essential oil of this species. This later

observation confirms the potential occurrence

of chemotypes in these essential oils and could

explain the variability of the results reported for

the same essential oil of P. scorpius. The

limonene is present in individuals of Ghardaia,

it is poorly represented or even absent in other

populations studied. The rate of α-pinene

deteriorates from north to south. The α-

phellandrene has a more or less homogeneous

concentration. The diall-apiole in P. scoparius

decrease from south to north, while

germacrene-D is very low among populations

of M'Sila, Batna and Biskra, its concentration

increases from south to north.

CONCLUSION

Pituranthos scoparius is rich in α-pinene,

limonene, sabinene, dill-apiole and β-pinene.

Our study and previous studies decortications’

on this species, we were able to detect the

presence of α-pinene-dill apiole chemotype,

located in the north of the study area (M'sila

Djelfa and Laghouat). The north-eastern part

surveyed (M'sila, Batna and Biskra) contains α-

pinene-sabinene chemotype. We note the

decrease in the concentration of α-pinene from

east to west. Finally Limonene chemotype is

observed in the northern study area (Ghardaia).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The works was supported by Algerian

MESRS and Chemical Laboratory of

carbohydrates Heterocyclic of Clermont

Ferrant, France

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Source of Support: Nil Conflict of Interest: None Declared




MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY KABIRAJ OF FOURTEEN VILLAGES IN JHENAIDAH

DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Masum Gazi Z H

1, Sharkar Priyanka

2, Nayeem Md. Abu

3, Rahman M Mafizur

4, Rahman M Mizanur

5*

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-7003, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author: Email: [email protected]; Phone: +8807162201-6 ext 2306;

Fax: + 887154400; Cell: +8801712562730


ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants use simple formulations of whole plant or plant parts from medicinal plants for

treatment of various ailments. The objectives of this study were to identify native medicinal plants,

their uses, type of conservation measures and evaluation of their contribution to income generation

of participating farmers and Kabiraj. Data were collected from the beneficiaries’ local people and

Kabiraj through direct interview, group discussion and visit to the gardens of medicinal plants from

14 villages Jhenaidah district. A total of 121 medicinal plant species belonging to 64 families have

been identified. The most frequently used families are Apocynaceae with 7 and Asteraceae with 6

species followed by Moraceae, and Solanaceae with 5 species. Among the selected species the

maximum contribution was recorded for herbs with 48 species (40%) followed by the trees with 39

species (32%), shrubs with 25 species (21%) and the climbers with 9 species (7%). These plant

species are utilized by local peoples against various a liver complaints, digestive problems, jaundice,

asthma, bronchitis, anemia, piles, mental disorder, cancer, general weakness, diabetes, gonorrhoea,

sexual disorders, syphilis, leprosy and insect-bites. It was noted that if proper marketing facility

could be ensured, there would be greater scope of income generation and better chances of

biodiversity conservation through regular cultivation of these native medicinal plants. This survey

signifies ethno-medicinal values of plant species that occur in Jhenaidah district.

KEY WORDS: Medicinal plants, Kavirajas, ethno-medicinal, Jhenaidah district.

Research article

Cite this article:

Masum Gazi Z H, Sharkar P, Nayeem Md. Abu, Rahman M, Rahman M. M (2013), Medicinal

Plants Used by Kabiraj of Fourteen Villages in Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh, Global J Res. Med.

Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 10–22




INTRODUCTION

Medicinal plants serve as important

therapeutic agents as well as valuable raw

materials for manufacturing numerous

traditional and modern medicines. They offer

alternative remedies with tremendous

opportunities to generate income, employment

and foreign exchange for developing countries

(Rawat and Uniyal, 2004). Many traditional

healing herbs and their parts have been shown

to have medicinal value and can be used to

prevent, alleviate or cure several human

diseases (Dhar et al., 1999). It is estimated that

70–80% of people worldwide rely chiefly on

traditional, largely herbal medicine to meet

their primary healthcare needs (Farnsworth and

Soejarto, 1991; Pei Shengji, 2001). It has

further been observed that a number of modern

pharmaceuticals have been derived from plants

used by indigenous people (Balick and Cox,

1996; Rahmatullah et al., 2010). Important

modern drugs that have been derived from

observations of traditional curing methods of

indigenous people include aspirin, atropine,

ephedrine, digoxin, morphine, quinine,

reserpine and tubocurarine (Gilani and

Rahman, 2005; Rahmatulla et al., 2010). Out of

the 350,000 plant species identified so far,

about 35,000 (some estimate up to 70,000) are

used worldwide for medicinal purposes and

less than about 0.5% of these have been

chemically investigated (Comeran, 1996).

In Bangladesh, medicinal plants are found

to grow naturally in the forest, bushes and

marginal land along the canal and in other

places and, a long tradition of indigenous

herbal medicinal systems, based on the rich

local plant diversity, are considered as very

important component of the primary health care

system. Bangladesh has over 5,000 floral

species and many of them are in use by the

Kabirajas in folk medicine. The previous ethno-

medicinal studies conducted among folk and

tribal medicinal practitioners of the country

have noticed considerable variation between

the medicinal plants selected by different

Kabirajas for treatment of a given ailment

(Nawaz et al., 2009; Hasan et al., 2010; Hossan

et al., 2010; Mollik et al., 2010a; Rahmatullah

et al., 2010a; Jahan et al., 2011). These

variations exist even between Kavirajas

practicing in adjoining villages with identical

flora. There are over 87,000 villages in

Bangladesh and most villages have one or two

practicing Kabirajas. The inescapable

conclusion is that if one has to obtain a

comprehensive picture of the medicinal plants

used by the folk medicinal practitioners, then as

many Kavirajas as possible need to be

interviewed to learn about the diseases treated,

medicinal plants used, and the formulations of

their administration. Knowledge of medicinal

plant used by the Kavirajas of Bangladesh can

be a good source for further scientific studies in

the quest for better drugs from the medicinal

plants used and with lesser side-effects

(Rahmatulla et al., 2010). The objective of the

present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal

survey among the Kavirajas of fourteen

villages of Jhenaidah district, which lies in the

South-western region of Bangladesh.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Study Area

The study was conducted in Jhenaidah

district, the south-western part of Bangladesh.

The study area is in Table 1 covers fourteen

villages in Jhenaidah Sadar and Harinakundu

upazilas. It was observed that Kavirajas of that

area often collect their raw materials from these

villages. Albeit this region is found to be a rich

source of a variety of medicinal plants, no

systematic study conducted yet.

Time and procedure of data collection

Data for this study were collected through

personal interview by the researchers

themselves during 29th

April to 20th

June 2012

using questionnaires prepared earlier. The

collection of data through interviews of

Kavirajas and local people were conducted

with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire

and the guided field-walk method of Martin

(1995) and Maundu (1995). Briefly, in this

method, the Kavirajas and others took the

interviewers on field-walks to Jhenaidah where



they usually collected their medicinal plants,

pointed out the plants and described their uses.

All provided information was double-checked

with them in later evening sessions. Excellent

cooperation was obtained from all the

respondents during data collection.

Identification of plant spices

The medicinal plants were identified with

the help of National Herbarium, Mirpur,

Dhaka- 1216, Bangladesh, where the voucher

specimen has been deposited.

Table 1 Studied area of different villages under Jhenaidah district

SL No. Villages Unions Upazila

1 Rajapur Paglakanai JhenaidahSadar

2 Kulfadanga Mahajpur

3 Kisnopur Ganna

4 Rasnagar Kumabarai

5 Nagarpathan Kumabarai

6 Mohespur Kumabarai

7 Kusiarchar Kanchanpur

8 Kutirhat Kanchanpur

9 Charpara Raghunathpur Harinakunda

10 Porahati Raghunathpur

11 Tola Raghunathpur

12 Raghunathpur Raghunathpur

13 Mandera Raghunathpur

14 Horispur Bhayna

RESULTS AND DISSCUSION

Present status of medicinal plant species

grown in study area

A total of 121 medicinal plants belonging to

62 families were documented from the study

area. The documented medicinal plants and

their ethno-medicinal uses along with common

name have been summarized (Table 2). Major

families contributing plant species towards

treatment of various diseases included,

Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae,

Fabaceae, Moraceae, Piperaceae, and Poaceae

families (Table 3). Among the selected species

ethno-medicinally, the maximum contribution

was recorded for herbs with 48 species (40%)

followed by the trees with 39 species (32%),

shrubs with 25 species (21%) and the climbers

with 9 species 7% (Fig 1).

Fig 1 Habit pattern of medicinal plants in the study area

40%

32%

21%

7%

Herb

Tree

Shrub

Climber



Table 2 Medicinal plants used for treatment of various ailments by Kavirajas of fourteen

villages surveyed in Jhenaidha district, Bangladesh.

Serial

No.

Scientific Name Family Name Local Name Distri

bution

Part

used

Medicinal Uses

1 Aloe barbadensis Mill. Aloaceae Gheetokumari Herb

Leaf Leaf pulp - lung disease, stomach

disorders, skin burns.

2 Aegle marmelos L.

Rutaceae Bel Tree

Fruit Fruit pulp-Diarrhoea, dysentery.

3 Acacia catechu (L. f.) Fabaceae, Khayar Tree

Bark Bark powder -intestinal pain. Bark

paste - skin diseases

4 Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Fulkuri Herb Whole

plant

Leaf - boils as a poultice. Leaf and

stem - skin disease. Flower buds

cure cancerous growth

5 Andrographis paniculata

(Burm. F.)

Acanthaceae Kalomegh Shrub

Whole

plant

Used in liver complaints,

constipation, cholera, dysentery,

diabetes.

6 Acacia nilotica L. Mimosaceae Babla Tree Whole

plant

Bark-cough, bronchitis , gum-

sexual debility ,leaf-eucoderma,

gonorrhoea

7 Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Supari Tree Root Root paste-Toothache.

8 Abutilon indicum L. Malvaceae Potari Shrub Whole

plant

Whole plant - fever, cough, piles,

stones in bladder.

9 Averrhoa carambola L. Oxalidaceae Kamranga Tree Fruit Fruit pulp - Cold, cough, dandruff.

10 Artocarpus heterophyllus

Lam.

Moraceae Kathal Tree Gum Gum - dry cracked heels,

hemorrhoids.

11 Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae Satamuli Herb

Root

Tuberous roots are used as

aphrodisiac, alterative, tonic, and

demulcent, diuretic.

12 Alstonia scholaris L. Apocynaceae Chatim Tree Bark Bark - swellings of mouth, scurvy,

ulcer.

13 Anthocephalus chinensis

(Lam.)

Rubiaceae Kodom Tree Leaf

Leaf juice - fever.

14 Azadirachta indica A. Juss

Meliaceae Neem Tree

Whole

plant

Various parts of the plant are used

in inflammation of gums,

gingivitis, sores, fever, spleen

complaints, tumors, smallpox.

15 Adhatoda vasica Nees. Acanthaceae Basak, Shrub

Whole

plant

The root, bark and leaves are useful

in cough, asthma.

16 Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Apang Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant used in coughs,

pneumonia, piles, kidney stone and

colic.

17 Abroma augusta L. f. Sterculiaceae Ulotkombol Tree

Bark Bark -menstrual problems, urinary

troubles.

18 Bacopa monnieri (L.)

Pennel

Scorphulariace Braham,

Herb Whole

plant

Plant juice is given orally as

diuretic, cardiac tonic and memory

enhancer.

19 Boerhaavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae Punarnav,

Gandhaprna

Herb

Whole

plant

Root and leaf juice is effective as

diuretic in anasarca and dropsy.

Leaves and roots are also useful in

jaundice, anaemia, ascites

ophthalmia, gonorrhea.

20 Borassus flabellifer L. Arecaceae Tal Plam

tree

Fruit Fruit juice - coughs and pulmonary

affection.

21 Bambusa arundinacea

(Retz.) Willd

Poaceae

Bans Tree Whole

plant

stem-blood, leucoderma leaf-

cough, cold, roots- joint pains

22 Blumeala cera (Burn .f.)

DC.

Asteraceae Shealmoti Herb Whole

plant

Leaf juice-bleeding piles,

bronchitis; Roots–cholera.

Rhizomes -dysentery



23 Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Brassicacee KaloSarisha Herb Seeds Seeds are emetic; powdered seeds

are used as vesicant and

rubefacient

24 Buettneria pilosa Roxb Sterculiaceae

Harjora Climber Stem Paste of stem used in fractured

bones.

25 Borreria articularis (L. F.)

F. N. Will.

Rubiaceae

Madnabata Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant -inflammation of eye,

diarrhoea, dysentery

26 Bombax ceiba L.

Bombacaceae, Shimul Tree

Root Root decoction is given as tonic,

anti-dysenteric and in urinary

troubles.

27 Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.

Don

Apocynaceae Noyontara Herb Leaf Leaf -Cancer, diabetes, fungal

infection

28 Centella asiatica (L) Apiaceae, Thankoni Herb Whole

plant

Plant-in skin diseases, leprosy, and

mental disorder. Leaf juice -

indigestion.

29 Calotropis gigantea (L) W.T Apocynaceae Akand, Shrub Whole

plant

Extracts of roots and leaves -

abdominal tumors, boils, syphilis,

leprosy, skin diseases, piles, wonds

and insect-bites.

30 Canna indica L.

Cannaceae Kalaboti. Herb Whole

plant

Root-fevers, dropsy. Seed juice -

relieves earaches. Rhizome-

ringworm.

31 Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Papa Shurb Latex Fever, blood dysentery.

32 Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. Rutaceae, Labu Shurb Leaf Leaves are chewed to expel

intestinal worms.

33 Capsicum frutescens L. Solanaceae KachaMorich Herb Fruit Fruit -gastric problems, ulcer.

34 Convolvulus obscurus L. Convolvulaceae Ban kalmi Climber Leaf Leaf juice - aphthous affection.

35 Coccini agrandis (L.) J.

Voigt

Cucurbitaceae Telakachu Climber Leaf Leaf juice -hypertension, diabetes,

indigestion.

36 Carissa carandas L. Apocynaceae Koromcha Tree Fruit Fruit- Cold, cough

37 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae, Durba grass Climbers Whole

plant

Plant paste-cuts, wounds. Root-

bleeding piles, indigestion. Plant

juice-earache.

38

Cissus ouadrangularis L. Vitaceae Harjod Shrub Whole

plant

Whole plant - bone fracture.

Wound healing

39 Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae, Mutha gas Herb Tuber Tuber infusion, with sugar/salt is

given orally in dysentery.

40 Dalbergia sissoo Roxb Fabaceae Shissu Tree Whole

plant

Bark and leaf juice -Diarrhoea,

dysentery and gonorrhea.

41 Datura metel L. Solanaceae Dhutura Herb Whole

plant

Seeds, leaves and roots are used in

insanity, fever with catarrh,

diarrhoea, skin diseases and

cerebra

42 Dillenia indica L. Dilleniaceae Chalta Tree Fruit Sex stimulant

43 Dendrophthoe alcata (L. f)

Etting.

Loranthaceae Manda Tree Bark Bark -Skin diseases, asthma,

menstrual

Problems

44 Diplazium esculentum

(Retz.)

Woodsiaceae Dhekishak shrub Leaf Fever. Leaves and stems are

cooked and

Eaten as vegetable.

45 Euphorbia tirucalli L. Euphorbiaceae Latadaona, Tree

Stem Stem is useful in gonorrhoea,

whooping cough, asthma, d,

leprosy, enlarged spleen,

dyspepsia.



46 Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Zingiberaceae

Ada Herb Rhizome Cough, cold, fever, indigestion,

and constipation, bronchial

infections.

47 Eclipta prostrata L. Asteraceae

Kesraj Herb Leaf Leaf juice - hair fall, bronchitis,

itching, night blindness.

48 Eichhornia crassipes

(M.)Solms

Pontederiaceae Kochuripana Herb Whole

plant

Plant juice - fever, goiter.

49 Euphorbia antiquorum L. Euphorbiaceae Bojbaran, Shrub Latex Latex -rheumatism, toothache,

nervine diseases,

50 Enhydra fluctuans Lour. Asteraceae Helencha, Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant-inflammation,

biliousness;

51 Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Apiaceae Muhori, Herb Seeds Seed-cures eye diseases,

amenorrhoea, cough and asthma.

Seed oil- hook-worms

52 Ficus racemosa L.

Moraceae Dumur Shrub Fruit Jaundice, diabetes. Fruits are

cooked with mustard oil and taken

as vegetable

53 Ficus rumphii Blume. Moraceae Ashok, Pakur Tree Bark Hematuria (passing of blood with

urine).Juice obtained from crushed

bark is taken with honey.

54 Ficus hispida L .f. Moraceae Joggodumur Tree Fruit Fruits are taken for diabetes

55 Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae Bot Tree Gum Kidney pain.

56 Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.)

Merr.

Flacourtiaceae Boichi, Tree Whole

plant

Fruits - jaundice and enlarged

spleen. Bark -eczema. Root -

nephritic colic. Gum - cholera

57 Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Apiaceae Pan Muhori Herb Seed Seed -diseases of the spleen,

kidney, amenorrhoea, cough and

asthma.

58 Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae Karihari Climber Rhizome Rhizome paste –ringworm, skin

diseases.

59 Glycosmis arborea (R.) A.

DC.

Rutaceae Matmati Herb Whole

plant

Leaf juice –ascaris, liver

complaints.. Roots - low fever,

60 Gastrochilus longiflorua

Wall.

Zingiberaceae Shoti

Herb Rhizome Rhizome - fore head to cure

cataract.

61 Heliotropium indicum L. Boraginaceae

Hatishur

Herb Leaf

Leaf juice-Conjunctivitis.

62 Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.

Br.

Apocynaceae Anantamul,

Shrub Root Root-leucoderma, paralysis, cough,

asthma

63 Hedyotis corymbosa (L.)

Link.

Rubiaceae Titkuipata Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant - jaundice, and liver

complaints.

64 Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. Malvaceae Jaba Shurb Flower Flower juice - acute dysentery, hair

fall.

65 Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Lamiaceae Tokma Herb Leaf Leaf paste - used in cancer and

tumor

66 Ipomoea batatus (L.) Lamk. Convolvulaceae MistiAlu. Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant -low fever, skin

diseases. Root - strangury and

diarrhoea

67 Ipomoea reptans Poir. Convolvulaceae KalmiShak.

Herb Whole

plant

Leaf juice -arsenic. Leaves and

seeds cooling. Buds -ringworm.

Flower - inflamed eyes as a drop.

The root juice -diarrhoea.

68 Ixora cuneifolia Roxb. Rubiaceae Musea Shrub Leaf leaf is given in fevers

69 Ixora coccinea L.

Rubiaceae

Rangan Shurb Whole

plant

Root -fever, gonorrhoea, a

dysentery; flower - bronchitis; leaf

- diarrhoea

70 Ipomoea mauritiana

Jacq.

Convolvulaceae

Vuikumra

Shrub Leaf

Sexual disorders

71 Justicia adhatoda L. Acanthaceae Asuro Shrub Leaf Leaf -treat asthma, cough. Juice of

leaf is inhaled in bleeding nose.



72 Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.)

Pers.

Crassulaceae Patharkuchi,

Herb Leaf Leaf -bronchial affections, kidney

stones, blood dysentery, gout and

jaundice.

73 Kalanchoe pinnata

(Lam.) Pers.

Crassulaceae Heamkancha Herb Leaf Leaf juce-Cold, polyuria (excessive

urination), Abdominal pain.

74 Lannea coromandelica

(Houtt.) Merr.

Anacardiaceae Jiga tree Bark Bark juice–Diabetes.

75 Linumusi tatissimum L. Linaceae

Tishi

Herb

seed Seed and seed oil - burns and boils.

Seed poultice - rheumatic and

swellings.

76 Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae Mehedi,

Shrub Leaf The leaves are emetic, diuretic

given in jaundice.

77 Leucas aspera (Willd.)

Link.

Lamiaceae Dulfi. Herb Whole

plant

Plants -snake insecticide. Leaf

juice -psoriasis, chronic skin.

78 Lantana aculeata L. Verbenaceae Chotra Shrub Leaf Leaf juice - measles, malaria and

tetanus.

79 Mimosa pudica L. Fabaceae, lajjaboti Herb

Whole

plant

Leaf paste is applied on hydrocele.

Leaf and root - piles.

80 Mimusop selengi L. Sapotaceae Bokul Tree Bark

Coughs, toothache

81 Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae

Sajnagach

Tree Leaf

Leaf juice-Diabetes, acidity,

hypertension.

82 Musa sapientum L.

Musaceae

kola

Herb Leaf Diarrhea, diabetes, blood purifier,

coughs, dysentery, insect bite.

83 Menispermum cordifolium

Willd.

Menispermacea

e

Gulancha Climber Whole

plant

Whole plant - pimples, gonorrhoea,

cough, fever, skin affections

84 Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae

Usta

climbers Fruit Diabetes, cancer, headache, skin

Disorder.

85 Mesua nagassarium

(Burm. F.) Kosterm.

Clusiaceae

Nageshwar

Herb Flower Fever.

86 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Aam Tree Leaf Diarrhea, headache

87 Nerium indicum Mill.

Apocynaceae Korobi Shrub Whole

plant

Leaf - itch, .flowers- headache,

scabies. Root and root bark-

cancer, ulcers, Roots and leaf-skin

diseases and leprosy

88 Nicotiana tabacum Solanaceae Tamak,

Tobacco.

Herb Leaf Used for the treatment of rheumatic

swellings, skin diseases.

89 Nigelia sativa L. Ranunculacee Kalojira, Herb Seeds Purgative drugs; good in cough,

jaundice and piles.

90 Nyctanthes arbortristis L. Oleaceae Shefali Tree Whole

plant

Leaves - rheumatism. Bark -cures

bronchitis. Flowers -lessen

inflammation. Seeds -skin diseases.

91 Nymphaea nouchali. Burm.

F.

Nymphaeaceae Shapla Herb Whole

plant

Flower- cough, bile, vomiting,

worms ; filament- pile; seed -

cutaneous disease

92 Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae. KaloTulsi

Herb Whole

plant

plant is given in fever, cough, cold,

headache, nausea and skin

diseases.

93 Opuntia elatior Mill. Cactaceae Phanimansa Shrub Whole

plant

Whole plant juice - whooping

cough, ashma and gonorrhea

94 Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae Amrul Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant juice – fever, anaemia.

95 Piper betel L. Piperaceae Pan,

Betel-leaf,

Climbers Leaf Leaf juce-Sexual problems,

indigestion, colic, diarrhea,

headache.

96 Phyllanthus acidus L. Euphorbiaceae Arboroi,

Harbori,

.

Tree Fruit Used in bronchitis, biliousness,

urinary concretions and piles;

useful in thirst, vomiting and

constipation.



97 Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae. Amaloki Tree Fruit Fruits decoction is given orally in

shore throat and as tonic.

98 Physalis micrantha link. Solanaceae Phutka Herb Fruit Fruit -gonorrhea and spleen

disorder

99 Phoenix sylvestris L. Arecaceae Khajur Palm

tree

Juice Juice – gonorrhea, cough, fever.

100 Polygonum orientale L. Polygonaceae Bishkatali Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant - healing wounds.

101 Punicagra natum L. Lythraceae Dalim Shrub Bark Bark juice-dysentery.

102 Piper nigrum L.

Piperaceae

Golmorich

Shrub Fruit Cold, jaundice, Rabies, gastric

problems, ulcer, dysentery.

103 Psidium guyava L.

Myrtaceae Peyara Tree Whole

plant

Fruits-diarrhea and dysentery ,

Young leaf extract -antibacterial

and antifungal properties

104

Paederia foetida L.

Rubiaceae

Gondhovadal, Herb Leaf Indigestion, gout and Urinary

stone.

105 Rauvolfia serpentina

Benth.exKurz

Apocynaceae, Sarpagandha Shrub Whole

plant

Reduce high blood pressure. Root

infusion is given orally in intestinal

disorders.

106 Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Bherenda Shrub Whole

plant

Leaf - galactagogue, headache.

Seeds paste- counter irritant.

107 Santalum album L. Santalaceae Shetchondon Tree Stem Dysentery. Beauty

108 Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn., Dipterocarpacea

e,

Shal Tree Bark, Bark juice is used as eardrop in

earache.

109 Smilax zeylanica L. Smilacaceae Kumrakhata Climbers Whole

plant

Sexual problems

110 Solanum violaceum Orteg. Solanaceae Tit baegun Herb Fruit Snake bite, itches

111 Saccharum officinarum L. Poaceae

Kushul, Aakh Herb Stem Indigestion. Jaundice

112 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Jam Tree Whole

plant

Bark, Leaf and seed powder is

given orally to reduce sugar level

in blood

113 Tamarindus indica L. Caesalpiniaceae Tetul,

Tree Fruit Used in asthma, fever, and

topically for loss of sensation in

paralysis.

114 Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex

DC.) Wight &Arn.

Combretaceae

Arjun

Tree Bark

Low sperm count, dysentery, heart

Disease.

115 Terminalia belerica

(Gaertn.) Roxb.

Combretaceae Bohera Tree Whole

plant

Bark juice-cut, wounds, and skin

diseases. Fruits powder- cough,

cold, respiratory problems.

116 Terminalia chebula

Retz.

Combretaceae. Horitoki Tree Whole

plant

Bark - urinary problems. Fruits -

cough, cold, respiratory troubles,

fever.

117 Terminalia catappa L. Combretaceae. Kath badam Tree Leaf Leaf juice-Skin disorder

118 Typhonium trilobatum (L.)

Schott.

Araceae Ghetkol Herb Whole

plant

Whole plant - stomach complaints

119 Vitex negundo L.

Vitaceae, Nishindagach Shrub Leaf Leaf juice is given orally in cough,

cold, sinusitis, fever, stomach

problems.

120 Wedelia chinensis (O.)

Merr.

Asteraceae Kesraj Herb Leaf Leaf juice - orally in cough, cold;

bark paste - applied on boils

121 Xanthium indicum Koenig.

L.

Asteraceae Ghagra Herb Whole

plant

Roots-cancer. Fruits –cooling,

demulcent. Seeds-swelling. Leaf -

malaria



Table 3: Family of the medicinal plant species

Family Plants

no

Family Plants

no

Family Plants

no

Family Plants

no

Acanthaceae 3 Cactaceae 1 Linaceae 1 Polygonaceae 1

Aloaceae 1 Caricaceae 1 Lythraceae 2 Poaceae 3

Amaranthaceae 1 Combretaceae 4 Loranthaceae 1 Pontederiaceae 1

Anacardiaceae 2 Convolvulaceae 4 Malvaceae 2 Ranunculacee 1

Annonaceae 1 Crassulaceae 1 Menispermaceae 1 Rubiaceae 6

Apocynaceae 7 Cucurbitaceae 2 Meliaceae 1 Rutaceae 3

Araceae 2 Cyperaceae 1 Mimosaceae 1 Sapotaceae 1

Arecaceae 3 Clusiaceae 1 Moraceae 5 Scorphulariaceae 2

Apiaceae 2 Cannaceae 1 Moringaceae 1 Solanaceae 5

Vitaceae 2 Dilleniaceae 1 Musaceae 1 Sterculiaceae 1

Woodsiaceae 1 Dipterocarpaceae 1 Myrtaceae 2 Santalaceae 1

Asteraceae 6 Euphorbiaceae 5 Nymphaeaceae 1 Smilacaceae 1

Brassicaceae 1 Fabaceae 3 Nyctaginaceae 1 Verbenaceae 1

Bombacaceae 1 Flacourtiaceae 1 Oleaceae 1 Zingiberaceae 2

Boraginaceae 1 Lamiaceae 3 Oxalidaceae 2

Caesalpiniaceae 1 Liliaceae 2 Piperaceae 2

Sources of medicinal plant

The study was reported in Table 4 that

58.6% of the respondents collected different

medicinal plants species from fallow land and

road side. This is naturally grown. On the other

hand, 20.7%, 13.8%, and 6.7% of the

respondents collected medicinal plants from

local market, vesoj nursery sources and

neighbor’s house, respectively.

Medicinal value of different plant species

Among the selected species, parts used wise

contribution was maximum for whole plant

with 46 species (38%) followed by the leaf

with 26 species (22%), fruit with 15 species

(12%), bark with 10 species (8%), seeds with 5

species (4%), root and stem with 4 species

(3%), rhizome with 3 species (2%), gum, latex

and flower with 2 species (2%), juice and tuber

with 1 species 1% respectively (Fig 2).

Ornamental with 25 species (21%), fruit with

23 species (19%) and timber with 22 species

(18%) were documented (Fig 3).

Use of medicinal plants against different

diseases

The medicinal plants were reported to be

effective against diarrhea, cough and cold, skin

diseases, cuts and wounds, joint pain,

headache, consumption, eye disorders, antidote

for harmful insect bites, stomach disorders,

urinary troubles, liver complaints, digestive

problems, jaundice, asthma, bronchitis,

inflammations, anemia, piles, mental disorder,

abdominal pain, bone fracture, paralysis,

impotency, indigestion, cancer, general

weakness, skin burns, diabetes, fungal

infection, gonorrhoea, gastric problems, sexual

disorders, syphilis, leprosy, wounds and insect-

bites by the responding Kavirajas and local

inhabitants. However, various parts from the

same plant were observed to be used to treat

different diseases. A single plant part also

would be used for treatment of multiple

diseases. For example, Seeds of Datura metel

L. are used to treat skin rashes, ulcers,

bronchitis, jaundice and diabetes (Khaton and

Shaik, 2012).To cite one instance of each, the

bark of Lannea coromandelica was used for

treatment of diabetes. The barks of Mangifera

indica were used for treatment of diarrhea,

while young leaves of the same plant were used

for treatment of headache. The leaves of Aloe

barbadensis were used for treatment of two

highly different ailments like dysuria and

constipation. Paste of leaves of Glycosmis

arborea with ginger is used in eczema and skin

affections. Leaf juice of Nyctanthes arbor-

tristis with honey the juice is given in chronic



fever. The anti-diabetic activities of whole

plants or plant parts of Catharanthus roseus,

Ficus racemosa, Moringa oleifera, Musa

sapientum, and Syzygium cumini have also been

reported which goes very well with previous

surveys conducted by Rasineni et al., 2010;

Islam et al., 2009; Hafizur et al., 2011;

Sangsuwan et al., 2004; Ahmed and Urooj,

2010; Jaiswal et al., 2009; Adewoye et al.,

2009; Pandey and Khan, 2002. The scientific

validation of medicinal plant usage by the

Kavirajas that could be helpful to modern

science for extensive investigation of the plants

used.

Table 4 Sources of planting materials of medicinal plant species

Sources Respondent Percentage (%) Rank

No.

Fallow land and road side 17 58.6 1

Local market 6 20.7 2

Vesojnursery 4 13.8 3

Neighbors house 2 6.7 4

Fig 2 Useable parts of medicinal plant in this area

Fig 3 Different medicinal plant species in this area

38%

22%

12%

8%

4%

3%

3%2%

2% 2% 2%1%1%

Whole plant

Leaf

Fruit

Bark

Seed

Root

Stem

Rhizome

Gum

Latex



Threatened medicinal plant species

It is identified that 28 medicinal plants

which are under threat now in Bangladesh. In

the study area, we found amloki, arjun,

helencha, mander, shefali, lajjaboti, kathbadam

hatishur and bel are likely to be threatened.

CONCLUSIONS

There were many important medicinal plant

species available in the study area and these

could be promising source of manufacturing

modern medicine in Bangladesh and source of

income generation to the rural households. The

common people were found to encourage using

medicinal plants for ailments of common and

frequently caused illnesses, especially for fever,

cough, pain, catarrh etc. This was mainly

because of awareness created among the

farmers on the value of medicinal plants for

their livelihood and its impact on biodiversity

conservation. Finally, it can be concluded that

timely availability of native medicinal plant

species, development of rural and community

based resources could be useful for restoring

the eco-biodiversity processes and for

generating income for resource poor farmers

and village practitioners.

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THE ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA THERAPY IN MUSCULOSKELETAL

DISORDERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VATAVYADHI

Dass Ranjip Kumar1*

1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda, B.P.S. Mahila Vishwavidyalaya,

Khanpur Kalan, Sonipat (Haryana)

*Corresponding Author: E-Mail: [email protected]


ABSTRACT

The collective meaning of Vatavyadhi indicates the specific disorders occurring due to the Vata

Dosha. Due to various etiological factors, Whenever Vata Dosha (the humor called Vata in

Ayurveda) gets vitiated it at first enters in all Srotases (the empty channels) of the body and then

creates different types of Vata disorders described in classical Ayurvedic texts including

Musculoskeletal disorders like Ardita (Facial Paralysis), Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), Mansa

Shosa/Kshaya (Muscular Dystrophy), Joint Disorders (SandhiVata, AmaVata, Vatarakta etc.), Asthi

Shosa/Kshaya (Osteoporosis.), Myopathy etc. But when it is obstructed (Avrita) by various Dhatus,

then mainly Mansa, Meda & Asthi Dhatus (various tissues) are affected as they are the main

constituents of our body & the chief sites of Vata Dosha. As a result of these, Dhatu Kshaya

(Degeneration of Skeletal & Muscle tissue) occurs, by which Nervous tissues supplying the affected

parts lack proper nutrition & gets deactivated. This Pathophysiology leads to Musculoskeletal

Disorders. The classical treatments in Musculoskeletal disorders, like various Panchakarma (five

purification procedures in Ayurveda) therapies preceded by Snehana & Swedana which are used for

relaxation as well as giving tone to the muscles & for promoting the blood circulation and

Mriduvirechana with various Basti Karmas are very much beneficial which pacifies the provoked

Vata Dosha, increases strength of the person, maintains health & longevity. An attempt has been

made to review the treatment procedures in Ayurveda with reference to Vatavyadhi.

KEY WORDS: Vatavyadhi, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Sanshodhana, Snehena, Swedana

Review article

Cite this article

Dass Ranjip Kumar (2013), THE ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA THERAPY IN

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

VATAVYADHI, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 23–29




INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda is entitled as a “Divine science”

due to its origin as well as its unimaginable

potency in curing the diseases and protecting

the health of a healthy person, physically and

mentally. Even centuries after its golden

period, Ayurveda continues to play a major role

in maintaining the health status of majority of

Indians and some sections of people of many

other countries. The world is recognizing

Ayurveda as a system which can become a

universal health care system in treating a

number of diseases which has minimal

treatment options in the contemporary sciences.

(Sudev C et al., 2012).

The word “Vatavyadhi” has been composed

from the different words Vata and Vyadhi. Vata

is considered to be the most powerful and

active amongst the three Doshas. As we know

that

“Pitta Pangu Kapha Pangu Pangavo

Mala Dhatavah

Vayuna Yatra Niyante Tatra Gachhanti

Meghavat ‟‟ (Sha.Pu.5/25)

Vayu is the main element of body among 3

Doshas which give support to the body &

controls all the activities of body. Pitta, Kapha,

Mala & Dhatus are functionless without Vata.

That means it motivates & controls all other

Doshas, Dhatus & Malas. It has also

predominant influence on the 3 principal routes

of diseases namely as Sakha, Kostha &

MarmAsthisandhi. Moreover Vayu is

responsible for the formation, communication

& spread of Sweda, Mala, Mutra, Kapha &

other biological substances in the body. It

increases the strength of muscles & maintains

health and longevity. Although the entire body

is the dwelling of three Dosha – Vata, Pitta and

Kapha, but the prime importance has been

given to Vata due to its capacity to move in the

entire body without help of other Doshas. To

explore the supremacy of Vata, it has been

mentioned that “Vayu is life and vitality; Vayu

is the supporter of all embodied beings; Vayu is

verily the whole universe and Vayu is the lord

of all. Thus is Vayu extolled” (Charaka, 200

BC). By this reference, it is clear that Vayu is

the main factor, which is responsible for the

healthy and diseased status of the individual.

Pitta and Kapha have also a capacity to disturb

the normal state of the health, but they are

crippling without the support of Vata. Due to

the higher efficacy, Vata can produce eighty

types of defects and derangements in the body.

The word “Vyadhi” i.e. Disorder is

suggestive of circumstances in which body and

mind both are in distress. In this way the

collective meaning of Vatavyadhi indicates the

specific disorders occurring due to the Vata

Dosha. While commenting on the word

“Vatavyadhi” Chakrapani (the commentator on

Charaka Samhita) has given two definitions of

it. – “Vata Eva Vyadhi Vatavyadhih”. Which

means Vata, itself disordered and combined

with particular Dushyas attains the form of

generalized or localized affections and because

of producing pain it is called as Vatavyadhi.

“Vataat Vyadhi Vatavyadhi”. It means that

Vata Dosha causes the disease by particular

pathogenesis in which particular type of Dosha

– Dushya Sammurcchana (the pathological

derangement of the 3 Humors & Tissue

elements in the body) leads to the particular

disease. To distinguish the Vatavyadhi from

Samanya Vyadhi, it has been mentioned that

though diseases like Jvara etc., are also caused

by Vata, the role of Pitta and Kapha in causing

Jvara can never be ruled out and hence it can

not be called a Vata Vyadhi (Chakrapani, 12th

Cent. AD). Whereas Vatavyadhi cannot be

manifestated until and unless Vata is involved

and this type of diseases of Vata are known as

Nanatmaja disorders of Vata (80 types).

The exact meaning of the word

“Vatavyadhi” is “Vata Eva Vyadhi”. It indicates

that Vata itself is a disease (Vijayraksita on

Madhav Nidnana, 11th

AD). Hence no one can

be considered as healthy because Vayu has

been called life and vitality (Charaka, 200 BC).

The other definition “Vatat Vyadhi

Vatavyadhi”, is also not suitable because

according to this definition all the diseases in

which Vata plays a major role as one of the

causative factors may be included under the

Vatavyadhi. Then there is no importance



remains of the separate description of

Vatavyadhi. Vijayraksita has explained his own

thought about the meaning of Vatavyadhi just

after discussing on Chakrapani’s definitions of

Vatavyadhi. He explained that “Vata Janito

Asadharana Vyadhi Vatavyadhi”, means

specific diseases caused by vitiated Vata are

known as Vatavyadhi. This definition seems to

be correct because of its specificity and

differentiality from other Samanya diseases of

Vata (Vijayraksita on Madhav Nidan.– Vata

Vyadhi,11th

AD).

Pathogenesis of Vatavyadhi

“Dehe Srotansi Riktani Purayitwa Anilo

Bali

Karoti Vividhan Vyadhin Sarvangaikanga

Sansritan” (Charaka, 200 BC)

Due to Vata Prakopaka, Nidan Sevana,

Whenever Vata Dosha vitiates it at first enters

in all the empty channels (Srotas) of the body

and then creates different types of Ekangagata

(local) & Sarvangagata (general), a total 80

types of Vata disorders described by classics

including Musculoskeletal disorders like Ardita

(Facial Paralysis), Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia),

Mansa Shosa/Kshaya (Muscular Dystrophy),

Joint Disorders (SandhiVata, AmaVata,

Vatarakta etc.), Asthi Shosa/Kshaya

(Osteoporosis.), Myopathy etc.

Pathogenesis of MSD

When Vata Dosha is more provoked &

obstructed (Avrita) by Rasa, Raktadi Dhatus,

then mainly Mansa, Meda & Asthi Dhatus are

affected as they are the main constituents of

our body (As the body of human being is

mainly supported by skeletons & muscles,

which are the chief sites of Vata Dosha. As a

result of this, Asthi, Meda & Mansa Dhatu

Kshaya (Degeneration of Skeletal & Muscle

tissue) occurs, by which Nervous tissues

supplying to that affected parts lacks proper

nutrition & gets deactivated. This Patho-

physiology leads to Musculoskeletal Disorders.

According to Modern Medical Science,

disorders pertaining to both muscle & skeletal

tissue are known as Musculoskeletal Disorders

(Harrison, Principals of Internal Medicine,

2003). One should determine whether the

Musculoskeletal complaint is (1) articular or

nonarticular in origin, (2) inflammatory or

noninflammatory in nature, (3) acute or

chronic in duration, and (4) localized or

widespread (systemic) in distribution.

1) Articular disorders may be characterized by

deep or diffuse joint pain, limited range of

motion on active and passive movement,

swelling caused by synovial proliferation or

effusion or bony enlargement, crepitation,

instability, locking, or deformity.

2) By contrast, Non-articular disorders tend to

be painful on active but not passive range of

motion, demonstrate point or focal tenderness

in regions distinct from articular structures, and

have physical findings remote from the joint

capsule. Moreover, Non-articular disorders

seldom demonstrate crepitus, instability,

deformity, or swelling.

3) Inflammatory disorders may be identified by

the presence of some or all of the four cardinal

signs of inflammation (erythema, warmth, pain

&swelling), by systemic symptoms (Prolonged

morning stiffness, fatigue, fever, weight loss)

or by laboratory evidence of inflammation

(Elevated ESR or C-reactive protein level,

thrombocytosis, anemia of chronic disease, or

hypoalbuminemia).

4) Non-inflammatory disorders may be related

to trauma (rotator cuff tear), ineffective repair

(osteoarthritis), cellular overgrowth (pigmented

villo-nodular synovitis), or pain amplification

(fibromyalgia). They are often characterized by

pain without swelling or warmth, the absence

of inflammatory or systemic features, little or

no morning stiffness, and normal laboratory

findings.

In this way Individuals with

Musculoskeletal complaints should be

evaluated in a uniform, logical manner by

means of a thorough history, a comprehensive

physical examination, and if appropriate,

laboratory testing. With such an approach and

an understanding of the pathophysiologic



processes that underlie Musculoskeletal

complaints, an adequate diagnosis can be made

in the vast majority of individuals. However,

some patients will not fit immediately into an

established diagnostic category. Many

Musculoskeletal Disorders resemble each other

at the outset, and some take weeks or months

to evolve into a readily recognizable diagnostic

entity. This consideration should temper the

desire always to establish a definitive diagnosis

at the first encounter (Harrison, 2003).

Panchakarma Therapy for Vatavyadhi w.s.r.

to Musculo Skeletal Disorders

The exposition of the line of treatment of

the diseases due to the provocation of Vata has

been given in all the major Ayurvedic texts.

Ayurveda makes a unique approach to cure.

The Ayurvedic Cure is a 2 fold strategy

comprising of 1) Samsodhana (or

Biopurification) by Pancha Karma & related

measures and 2) Samsamana (or Palliation) of

imbalances by appropriately planned diet, drug,

& life style interventions. The Ayurvedic

Classics describe the full range of therapeutics

through Sadupakarmas (Six major treatment

categories) consisting of Langhana –

Brimhana, Rukshana – Snehana, Swedan -

Stambhana. This classic scheme incorporates

both Samsodhana & Samsamana and the

popular Panchakarma Therapy is an offshoot

of the same. But the diseases as prevalent today

manifest themselves in such a complex manner

that it becomes difficult to treat them by merely

administering palliative treatment or Shamana

therapy. It has been specially mentioned that

the diseases/ Doshas controlled by Samsamana

Therapy have the possibilities of re-provoking

while there is no such probability in the

eventuality of the control of Disease /Doshas

treated by Samsodhana Therapy (Panchakarma

Therapy) (Charaka, 200 BC).

Here, the general line of treatment

mentioned for Vata disorders in relation to

Musculoskeletal disorders are being described,

(According to Charaka & Astanga Hridaya),

viz:-

Snehana (Oleation Therapy) :

Depending upon the application of

Snehana, it can be divided into 2 types, viz: 1)

Abhyantara Snehana (Internal Oleation) & 2)

Bahya Snehana (External Oleation or

Massage). If there is a simple provocation of

Vata without any Upastambha or Avarana, it

should be treated at first with oral

administration of unctuous preparations such as

Ghrta, Tailaa, Vasa and Majja. The person,

when overstrained by the Snehana should be

comforted and again Snehana should be done

with milk. Further he should be treated with

Oleated Yusas, meat juices of domestic, wet

land and aquatic animals mixed with unctuous

articles. Preparations of milk and Krisara may

be given for eating. Patient should be

administered with Anuvasana Basti having

Amla and Lavana Rasa, Snigdha Nasyas and

Tarpanas (Charaka, 200 BC).

But when Vata Dosha is more provoked &

obstructed (Avrita) by Rasa, Raktadi Dhatus,

then in this case External Oleation or Massage

therapy should be applied which is used for

relaxation as well as giving tone to the muscles,

for promoting the blood circulation & treating

various musculoskeletal disorders. It improves

the quality of skin, making it tender, delicate &

strong. Again Massage therapy is of 14 types

described in the classics at various places viz.

1) Abhyanga 2) Lepa 3) Udvartana 4) Mardana

5) Padaghata 6) Pariseka 7) Samvahana 8)

Gandusha & Kavala Graha 9) Murdha Taila –

Shira Tarpana (Shiro-Abhyanga, Shirah Seka,

Sirah Pichu & Shiro-Vasti) 10) Akshi Tarpana

11) Nasa Tarpana 12) Karna Purana 13)

Mastikya 14) Snehavagahana (Oil Bath).

For any types of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Particularly Udvartana by Yava, Masa, Masura

etc.coarse powder, Abhyanga (Massage) by

Bala Taila, Dasamula Taila, Narayana Taila,

Kshirabala Taila & Sahacharadi Taila, Lepa

by Nirgundi (Vitex nigundo) Patra, Dhatura

(Datura metel) Patra & Arka (Calotropis

procera) Patra kalka (Paste), Mardana

(Massage with pressure) by above oils (Which

removes the fatigue of muscles, relieves

myalgia & neuralgia), Snehavagahana (Tub



Bath) by Bala taila, Pariseka by Taila, Milk or

Mansa rasa etc., Siro-vasti & Sirodhara by

Tila & Bala Taila, Siro Lepa by Amalaki Kalka

are being practiced.

Swedana (Sudation Therapy) after Snehana:

When patient becomes well oleated with

Snehana therapy he should be given Svedana

treatment. After Abhyanga the patient may be

subjected to the suitable type of Sveda like

Nadi Sveda, Prastara Sveda, Samkara Sveda

etc., in which unctuous articles should be

mixed (Tripathi Brahmanand, Hindi

commentary on Charaka Samhita, 1999). It

relieves stiffness, heaviness & coldness of the

body and liquefy the Snigdha vitiated Doshas

(Brought about by Snehana Karma) which are

spread throughout the body. As a result of this,

the vitiated Doshas are made easily eradicable

in the form of induction of sweating or with the

help of Pradhana Karma such as Vamana,

Virechana, Basti etc. Acharya Charaka has

mentioned that Swedana therapy is the best

treatment for vitiated Vata & Kapha dominant

diseases (Charaka, 200BC). The Svedana

procedures should be repeatedly administered

in order that the disorders of Vata may not stay

in the Kostha softened by Snehana procedure

(Tripathi Brahmanand, Hindi commentary on

Charaka Samhita, 1999).

Various types of Swedan Karma like Nadi

sweda, Baspa sweda by using the decoction of

Dashamula (Roots of ten drugs), Balamula

(Sida cordifolia) & Eranda (Ricinus communis)

mula (Roots), Patrapinda sweda by using

Nirgundi (Vitex nigundo) Patra (Leaves),

Sastika Shali Pindasweda by using the

decoction of Bala (Sida cordifolia) & Milk and

Pizhichil are practiced for any types of

Musculoskeletal disorders.

Samsodhana (Panchakarma Therapy): -

If due to excessive morbidity, the humors

(i.e. Vata Dosha) do not subside with the above

procedures, Samsodhana is to be given by mild

drugs mixed with unctuous articles.

Mriduvirechana (Mild Purgation):-

For this purpose the patient may take the

medicated Ghee prepared with Tilvaka or

Saatala or he may take Eranda Taila mixed

with milk, which are beneficial to expel the

morbid humors (Tripathi Brahmanand, Hindi

commentary on Charaka Samhita, 1999). By

excessive use of Snigdha, Amla, Lavana and

Usna etc. articles of diet, the Mala i.e.

excretotary matter gets accumulated and by

occluding the various Srotas, cause obstruction

to the path of Vata; hence the Anulomana of

Vata is essential to expel it out (Charaka, 200

BC) & it is possible by giving Virechana.

Basti (Therapeutic Enemata):-

The patient, who is debilitated and as a

consequence, in whom Virechana is contra-

indicated, should be given Niruha Basti. He

should be administered with the diet having

Dipana and Pachana drugs (Tripathi

Brahmanand, Hindi commentary on Charaka

Samhita, 1999). Basti is considered as the most

useful therapeutic procedures in which

medicated oils, decoctions, decoctions with

Milk, Mansa Rasa or paste of herbs or oils or

ghee are introduced into the large intestines

through rectum with the help of Basti Yantra

(Enema Apparatus). Basti produces Sodhana of

Doshas, Samsamana of the diseases, Mala

Sangrahana, Increases Shukra in Shukrakshina

patients and if the patient is Sthula (Obese), he

will become Krisa (Weak) & vice versa after

administration of Basti therapy. Basti increases

strength of the persons in whom it is advocated,

maintains health & longevity. Basti is the best

chikitsa (treatment) for Vata Doshas, so also

for Pitta, Kapha, Rakta in Sansarga &

Sannipata Doshas. Thus Basti produces

extensive benefits to each & every part of the

body. Since the Basti has the capacity to

eradicate most of diseases occurring in Sakha,

Kostha & Marma Sthana, it is referred to as

“Half of the whole treatment” and sometimes a

“Complete treatment” (Charaka, 200BC).



Basically Basti is of two types, viz. 1)

Anuvasana Basti (By medicated oil) 2) Niruha

Basti (By decoctions of drugs indicated). Both

types of Bastis are indicated for many types of

Vata disorders. Here Anuvasana Basti in the

form of Sneha Basti (6 Pala), Anuvasana Basti

(3 Pala) & Matra Basti (11/2 Pala) by Bala

Taila is used for any types of Musculoskeletal

disorders (Like SandhiVata, Gridhrasi,

Katishula etc.). It can be administered daily

without producing any complications in the

body (Sushruta, 2000 BC). Various Niruha

Bastis like different Yapana Bastis (Mustadi

Yapana Basti, Baladi Yapana Basti, Dwitiya

Baladi Yapana Basti & Tritiya Baladi Yapana

Basti) for Mansa Shosa/Kshaya (Muscular

Dystrophy), Madhutailaika Basti & Dasamula

Niruha Basti for all types of Musculoskeletal

disorders, Panchatikta Kshira Basti for

Ankylosis Spondylosis & AmaVata, Vaitarana

Basti for AmaVata & Dasamula Kshara Basti

for AmaVata are commonly used in

Panchakarma. In most of occasions, a

combination of both these types of Bastis (Both

Anuvasana & Niruha) is given in the form of

Karma Basti (30 Number), Kala Basti (16

Number) & Yoga Basti (8 Number) except for

fewer specific indications where single or

continued use of one or the other type of these

two Bastis is indicated. Some specific types of

Basti like Kati Basti, Urah Basti, Janu Basti by

Bala Taila, Mahavisagarbha Taila,

Sahacharadi Taila, Kubja Prasarini Taila &

Panchaguna Taila for Musculoskeletal

complaints of specific part of the body are also

practiced.

In some cases of Musculoskeletal disorders

like Ardita (Facial Paralysis), Pakshaghata

(Hemiplegia), Ekangaghata (Monoplegia),

Adharangaghata (Paraplegia) &

Dhanustambha (Tetanus), Nasya Karma by

different method like by medicated oil (Anu

Taila, Brahmi Grhita etc.), by powder Katphal

(Myrica esculenta), Haridra (Curcuma longa)

etc.) & by Dhumapana, Shirodhara by

medicated oil, Takra, Dhanyamla etc. and

ShiroBasti by Bala oil, Jyotismati oil,

Himasagar oil etc. are commonly used. In all

these Panchakarma Therapy, Snehana &

Swedana procedures are done repeatedly as

Purvakarma (pre-operative procedures).

DISCUSSIONS & CONCLUSIONS

When Vata Dosha is get vitiated &

obstructed by various Dhatus, then especially

the skeletal and muscular tissues are more

affected as these are the chief sites of Vata

Dosha. As a result of this, Degeneration of

Skeletal & Muscle tissue is occurred. This

pathogenesis leads to deactivation of Nervous

tissues supplied to those affected parts. In this

way the Pathophysiology of Vatavyadhi leads

to Musculo-skeletal Disorders according to

Modern Medical Science. Now-a-days no any

permenent solutions of these cases of Musculo-

skeletal disorders has invented yet in Modern

Medical Science. But the Ayurvedic Classics

describe the full range of therapeutics through

various Panchakarma Therapies to eradicate

these complaints like Snehana & Swedana

which are used for relaxation as well as giving

tone to the muscles & for promoting the blood

circulation and Mriduvirechana with various

Basti Karmas are very much beneficial which

eradicates the provoked Vata Doshas, increases

strength of the persons, maintains health &

longevity. Various research work has also been

done on Vatavyadhi with special reference to

Muskulo-skeletal disorders in various research

institution of India, where it can be concluded

that Panchakarma Chikitsa has a major role to

eradicate any types of Musculo-skeletal

Disorder.



REFERENCES

Charaka, (200 BC), „Charaka Chandrika‟ Hindi

Commentary by Tripathi Brahmanand

on Charaka Samhita, 6th

Edition,

Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan;

1999, Varanasi, Vol.I & II.: Ch. Su. 14,

16; Ch. Si. 1; Ch.Chi. 28

Harrison: Principals of Internal Medicine, 15th

edition CD-ROM (International

edition), 2003, Section-3, PP: 320

Sudev C, Suresh R D (2012), A clinical study

on Gokshuradi churna in the

management of Oligospermia, Global J

Res. Med. plants & Indigen. Med.

1(1):11–19

Sushrut, (2000 BC) „Ayurveda-Tattva-

Sandipika‟ Hindi Commentary by

Shastri Kaviraja Ambikadutta, Sushruta

Samhita, 11th

Edition, Chaukhambha

Sanskrit Sansthan; 1997, Varanasi, ,

Vol. I Su.Ch.35/18, PP: 154

Tripathi Brahmanand (1999), „Charaka

Chandrika‟ Hindi Commentary on

Charaka Samhita, 6th

Edition,

Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan;

1999, Varanasi, Vol. II.: Ch.Chi.28





A CLINICAL STUDY TO COMPARE VIRECHANA AND

JALAUKAVACHARANA PROCEDURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF

VICHARCHIKA

Dass Ranjip Kumar¹, Nayak Annada Prasad²*

¹ Assistant Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda, B.P.S. Mahila Vishwa vidyalaya,

Khanpur Kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India

² Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda, B.P.S. Mahila Vishwa vidyalaya,

Khanpur Kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India

*Corresponding Author: E-Mail: [email protected]


ABSTRACT

Now-a-days, Vicharchika (one among 11 types of mild skin diseases as per Ayurveda) has

become one of the prime skin diseases at general O.P.D. level due to offensive diet habits, fast life

style, industrial and occupational hazard, repeated use of chemical additives etc. Ayurveda has a lot

to offer in this regard since times immemorial. Virechana (Purgation) is the chiefly advocated,

purificatory measure in this disease and so it was taken in the present study for treatment purpose.

Considering Rakta dushti (vitiation of blood) in all types of skin diseases, Jalaukavacharana

(bloodletting by Leech) provides excellent results by its ideal method to expel out the vitiated blood

safely, quickly and effectively. In this study total 28 patients were randomly distributed into two

groups, as Group – A, where the patients were given Virechana (purgation) by classical method

followed by Gandhaka Rasayana (an Ayurveda medicine prepared from purified Sulphur) for 1

month and Group– B, where the patients were given four sittings of Jalaukavacharana for 1 month

followed by Gandhaka Rasayana for 1 month. It was concluded that although Virechana (purgation)

has provided significant relief in the symptoms of Vicharchika yet, Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting

by Leech) has provided relatively better relief in most of the symptoms.

KEY WORDS: Virechana (purgation), Jalaukavacharana Karma (bloodletting by Leech),

Vicharchika (one among 11 types of mild skin diseases as per Ayurveda), Shamana drug (Palliation

drugs)

Research article

Cite this article:

Dass Ranjip K, Nayak A P (2013), A CLINICAL STUDY TO COMPARE VIRECHANA AND

JALAUKAVACHARANA PROCEDURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA,

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 30–39




INTRODUCTION

The skin is a highly complex organ which

plays vital role in the body‟s general

functioning. Skin is described as an ornament

of the body in classics. The study of Indian

medical classics reveals that all skin diseases

were described under the broad heading of

“Kushtha” (Skin diseases). According to

Vagbhattaa(who wrote astanga hridaya),

Kushtha (skin disease) (Vagbhatta, 4th

AD) is

a disease which involves breakage in the charm

of skin.

Sushruta (who wrote Susruta sahmita) has

described Vicharchika (one among 11 types of

mild skin diseases as per Ayurveda) as one of

the Kshudra Kustha (11 mild skin diseases)

(Susruta, 2000 BC). The Vicharchika simulate

with Eczema. It is one of the blazing problems

in the society as accurate medicament is not

available to treat the disease and to control its

reappearance. The Shodhana (Purification)

therapy and Shamana (palliative medicines)

treatment forms the core of this reputed

discipline of medicine. Because of preventive,

promoting, prophylactic and rejuvenating

properties as well as providing a radical cure;

Panchakarma (five purification procedures) is

a very unique therapeutic procedure, serving as

a Shodhana (purification) therapy. Virechana

(Purgation) procedure has been selected for the

present study, is chiefly advocated for

purification measure in Vicharchika (one

among 11 types of mild skin diseases as per

Ayurveda) (Charaka, 200 BC). Though the

pathology of kustha (Skin diseases) establishes

raktadusti (vitiation of blood),

Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech) is

being advocated here to expel out the vitiated

blood safely.

With this point of view, a study was

undertaken to evaluate the effects of virechana

(purgation) and Jalaukavacharana

(bloodletting by Leech) in the management of

Vicharchika.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A. Selection of Patients

Total 28 patients fulfilling the criteria for

diagnosis (mentioned below) of the disease

were registered for the present study

irrespective of the age, sex, religion, etc.

Among these, 8 patients left full course of the

treatment before the completion of the therapy.

All patients were selected from the O.P.D. and

I.P.D. of the Department of Panchakarma (five

purification procedures). Institutional ethics

committee has approved the trial on 24.05.11

with letter no. Inst. Ayu. /11/2447.

B. Criteria for Diagnosis

The patients were diagnosed on the basis of

classical signs and symptoms (Kandu (itching),

Pidaka (Eruption)), Shyavata (darkness of

skin), Srava (secretion) etc.) of Vicharchika

(one among 11 types of mild skin diseases as

per Ayurveda) described in Ayurvedic classics.

Inclusion criteria:

Age more than 15 years and less than 70

years. Patients fulfilling the symptomatology of

Vicharchika (one among 11 types of mild skin

diseases as per Ayurveda), like Kandu

(itching), Pidaka (Eruption), Shyavata

(darkness of skin), Srava (secretion) etc.

Exclusion criteria:

Patients suffering from Diabetes Mellitus,

Hypertension with hyperlipidemia, age less

than 15 years and more than 70 years and

patients having any other systemic disorders.

Scoring criteria:

Table -1, Kandu (Itching)

Score Grade

1 Often mild type of itching (1–2 times in a day

2 Moderate itching along with mild itching episode (1–2 times in a day)

3 Moderate itching along with moderate itching episode (3–4 times in a

day)

4 Severe itching episode (more than 5 times a day even)



Table -2, Daha (Burning sensation)

0 No burning sensation even after rubbing

1 Mild type of burning sensation, sometime and not disturbing

normal activity

2 After rubbing mild type of burning sensation

3 Severe burning sensation disturbing normal activity

Table -3, Shrava (secretion)

0 No discharge

1 Moisture on the skin lesion

2 Weeping from the skin lesion

3 Weeping from the skin lesion followed by crusting

Table -4, Rukshata (Dryness/Roughness)

0 No dryness (Snigdha)

1 Dryness with rough skin (Ruksha)

2 Dryness with scaling (Khara)

3 Dryness with cracking (Parushang)

Table -5, Pidika (Eruption)

0 No eruption in the lesion

1 Scanty eruption in few lesion

2 Scanty eruption in at least half of the lesion

3 All the lesions full of eruption

Table -6, Vaivarnya (De-pigmentation)

0 Nearly normal skin color

1 Brownish red discoloration

2 Blackish red discoloration

3 Blackish discoloration

Table -7, Raji (Thickening Of Skin)

0 No thickening of the skin

1 Thickening of the skin but no criss-cross marking

2 Thickening of skin with criss-cross marking

3 Severe lichenification

Grouping Pattern:

The patients were randomly distributed in to 2 groups.

Table -8, Distribution of 28 patients of Vicharchika (one among 11 types of mild skin diseases

as per Ayurveda) in both groups

Patients No. of Patients

Group A Group B

Total

Completed 10 10 20

LAMA 05 03 08

Total 15 13 28



Group-A (Virechana (purgation) + Shamana

(Palliative) drugs):

Method of Virechana (purgation) (Dwivedi

Acharya Mukundilal, 2008):

Virechana (Purgation) was carried out as

per classical indications.

Purva Karma (preparatory procedure):

Abhyantara Snehapana (Internal oleation)

was carried out by Shuddha Ghrita (pure

ghee)in increasing dose starting from 30 ml

then in multiplication for a maximum of 7

days as per the conditions of Agni

(digestive capacity) and Koshtha (bowel

habit) of patient till the occurrence of

Samyak Snigdha Lakshana (symptoms of

proper oleation).

Sarvang Abhyanga (whole body massage)

and Mrudu Vaspa Sweda (mild fomentation

by steam) were performed after getting the

Samyak Siddha Snehapana lakshanas

(symptoms of proper oleation) for 3 days in

morning and evening

Pradhana Karma (main procedure)

(Kasture H. S., (2004): After proper

Snehana-Swedana (Oleation and

fomentation), patients were given

Virechaka Yoga (purgation drugs) on empty

stomach.

Virechana Yoga (medicines for purgation)

(Charaka, 200 BC) was prepared by

Triphala + Trivrita + Danti along with

Eranda Taila and Icchabhedi Rasa (if

needed).

Pashchat Karma (post purification

procedure): Samsarjana Krama (special

dietary regimens after purgation) was given

as per type of purification and in sequence

mentioned by classics.

Shamana (Palliative) drug: After completion of

Virechana (purgation) process and Samsarjana

Krama (special dietary regimens after

purgation), the patients were given powder of

Gandhaka Rasayana (Shastri Laxmipati, 2004)

as a Shamana Yoga (Palliative formulation) in

the dose of 5 gm/day in Capsule form into three

divided doses for the duration of 30 days with

water as Anupana (adjuvant during intake of

medicine).

Group-B (Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by

Leech) + Shamana (palliative) drug ):

Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech):

In this group one sitting of Jalaukavacharana

(bloodletting by Leech) was carried out on

every week for four weeks. Number of

Jalaukas (leeches) used per sitting were

decided depending upon the condition of

affected lesion.

Shamana (Palliative) drugs: After completion

of four sittings of Jalaukavacharana

(bloodletting by Leech) the patients were given

powder of Gandhaka Rasayana as a Shamana

Yoga (palliative formulation) in the dose of 5

gm/day in Capsule form into three divided

doses for the duration of 30 days with water as

Anupana (adjuvant during intake of medicine).

Criteria for Overall Effect of Therapy

The total effect of the therapy was assessed

considering the following criteria.

Cured: 100% relief in the sign and

symptoms with plain skin surface and

significant changes in color of the affected

skin lesion towards normal were considered

as cured.

Complete remission: More than 75% relief

in the signs and symptoms were recorded as

complete remission with marked

improvement in pigmentation and

thickening of the skin.

Marked Improvement: 51–75% relief in

sign and symptoms were considered

showing marked improved with moderate

improvement in pigmentation and

thickening of the skin.

Improvement: Patients showing

improvement in between 26–50% in sign

and symptoms with slight improvement of

pigmentation and thickening of the skin

was taken as improvement.

Unchanged: Below 25% relief in sign and

symptoms was considered as unchanged.



Statistical Analysis:

The information gathered on the basis of

classical symptomatology was subjected to

statistical analysis in term of mean (X),

standard deviation (SD) and standard error

(SE). Paired „t‟ test was carried out at P <

0.10, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001

significance level. The obtained results

were interpreted as –

Insignificant - P > 0.05

Significant - P < 0.05

Highly significant - P < 0.01, P < 0.001.

DRUGS CONTRIVE:

Snehapana (internal oleation): by Suddha

Ghrita (pure ghee) 30ml/day increasing

dose

Abhyanga (oil massage): by Bala taila q.s.

for twice 3 days

Swedana (fomentation): by Baspa Sweda

(steam bath) for 20 mins for twice 3 days

Virechana Yoga (formulation for purgation)

contains:-

- Triphala Kwatha (decoction of three

herbal fruit): 100 ml

- Trivrita Churna (powder of Operculina

turpethum): 50 gm

- Danti Churna (powder Baliospermum

Montanum): 25 gm

- Eranda Taila (castor oil): 50 ml

- Ichchabhedi Rasa (an Ayurvedic

medicine): 2 Tab. (S.O.S.)

Samsarjan karma (special dietary regimens

after purgation): by Peya, Vilepee (recipe

made from rice) etc as per texts.

For Virechana (purgation), drug was

attributed in accordance with Charaka (the

author of Charaka Samhita) in which

combination of Triphala, Trivrit, Danti,

Eranda Taila was given after considered

necessary Snehapana (internal oleation) by

Suddha Ghrita (pure ghee). Here Combination

of medicine taken for Virechana (purgation),

act like: Triphala (fruit of Terminalia chebula,

Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis) is

mild laxative in action, Trivritta (Operculina

turpethum) has property to liquefy the Mala

(fecal matter) of Annarasa (chyle), Danti

(Baliospermum Montanum) acts as strong

Virechaka (purgative) which cleans Annavaha

Srotas (alimentary canal) by removing sticking

Mala also and Eranda Taila (castor oil)

provides soothing effect to intestinal mucosal

membranes to ease Virechana (purgation).

Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech)

(Charaka, 200 BC) is the safest and scientific

method amongst Raktamokshana (bloodletting)

procedures.

Merely Panchakarma (five purification

procedures) is not the complete treatment, but

it is just a preparatory procedure for application

of medicaments; hence Gandhaka Rasayana

(Shastri Laxmipati, 2004) (an Ayurveda

medicine prepared from purified Sulphur) in

the dose of 5 gm/day for 30 days for both

groups is chosen as a Shamana (palliative) drug

after the completion of Shodhana (purification)

procedure.

RESULTS

Observations

Observations of Group-A: Samyaka

Snehana (proper oleation) was found on 7th

day

in 70.00% of patients. Total amount of

Abhyantara Snehana (Internal oleation) was

about 840 ml in 70.00% of cases. 40.00% of

the patients showed Madhyama Shuddhi

(medium purification).

Observations of Group-B: Maximum 40%

patients were used nearly 16–20 Jalauka

(leech) during full course of treatment, whereas

30% patients were used 21–25 number of

jalauka (leech), 10% patients were used 25–30

Jalauka (leech) and 20% patients were used

11–15 jalauka (leech). . Maximum 55% of

Jalauka (leech) have been sucked for 1–2 h.

The effect of both therapies in various

symptoms of the diseases can be highlighted as

follows -



Table no.-9, The Effect of Therapies on Individual Signs and Symptoms

Sr.

No.

Symptoms % of Relief

Group-A Group-B

1 Kandu (Itching) 48.15 (>0.05) 69.70 (<0.001)

2 Daha (Burning sensation) 57.15 (<0.05) 76.31 (<0.001)

3 Pidika (eruption) 36.85 (<0.001) 58.35 (<0.05)

4 Srava (Secretions) 61.89 (<0.01) 75.00 (<0.01)

5 Vaivarnya (De-pigmentation) 25.64 (<0.01) 38.24 (<0.001)

6 Shotha (Inflammation) 61.11 (<0.01) 87.50 (<0.001)

7 Rukshta (Dryness) 33.33 (>0.05) 55.17 (<0.01)

8 Raji (Thickening Of Skin) 24.98 (<0.05) 66.67 (<0.01)

Graph No.-1, The Effect of Therapies on Individual Signs and Symptoms

Table No.-10 : Overall effect on symptoms of Virechana Karma (Purgation) + Shamana

Chikitsa (Palliative treatment) in Group-A

Sr.

No.

Symptoms BT AT X % SD SE T P

1 Kandu(n=10) 2.700 1.400 1.300 48.15↓ 0.823 0.260 1.300 >0.05

2 Daha(n=10) 2.000 0.857 1.143 57.15↓ 0.900 0.340 3.360 <0.05

3 Pidika(n=6) 2.111 1.333 0.778 36.85↓ 0.441 0.147 5.292 <0.001

4 Srava(n=8) 2.333 0.889 1.444 61.89↓ 1.014 0.338 4.274 <0.01

5 Vaivarnya(n=10) 3.900 2.900 1.000 25.64↓ 0.816 0.258 3.873 <0.01

6 Sotha(n=10) 1.800 0.700 1.100 61.11↓ 0.748 0.233 4.714 <0.01

7 Rukshta(n=10) 2.625 2.250 0.875 33.33↓ 1.356 0.479 1.823 >0.05

8 Raji(n=9) 2.222 1.667 0.555 24.98↓ 0.527 0.176 3.162 <0.05



Table No.-11 Overall effect on symptoms of Jalaukavacharana Karma (Leech therapy) +

Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative treatment) in Group-B

Sr.

No.

Symptoms BT AT _

X

% SD SE t P

1 Kandu(n=10) 3.300 1.000 2.300 69.70↓ 0.789 0.249 8.820 <0.001

2 Daha(n=10) 2.330 0.552 1.778 76.31↓ 0.440 0.146 12.090 <0.001

3 Pidika(n=6) 2.000 0.833 1.167 58.35↓ 0.753 0.307 3.796 <0.05

4 Srava(n=8) 1.500 0.375 1.125 75.00↓ 0.835 0.295 3.813 <0.01

5 Vaivarnya(n=10) 3.400 2.100 1.300 38.24↓ 0.675 0.213 6.091 <0.001

6 Sotha(n=10) 1.600 0.200 1.400 87.50↓ 0.699 0.221 6.331 <0.001

7 Rukshta(n=10) 2.900 1.300 1.600 55.17↓ 1.350 0.427 3.748 <0.01

8 Raji(n=9) 2.667 0.889. 1.778 66.67↓ 1.202 0.401 4.438 <0.01

It can be observed from the above

mentioned table that although Virechana

(Purgation) has provided significant relief in

the symptoms of Vicharchika (one among 11

types of mild skin diseases as per Ayurveda),

yet, Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech)

has provided relatively better relief in most of

the symptoms.

Overall effect of therapy

Complete remission was found in 30 %

patient of Group-B, Marked improvement was

noted in 40% patients of Group-A and only

10% patients of Group-B, Moderate

improvement was observed in 30% patient in

Group-A where 60% shows improved effective

result in Group-B, Unchanged was noted in

30% patients of only in Group-A as shown on

table no.13 and Graph no.2.

The effect of all the therapies viz.

Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy) on the

cardinal signs and symptoms of the disease was

remarkable; however, Virechana (purgation)

provided comparatively better relief.

This showed that Jalaukavacharana Karma

(Leech therapy) is more effective in curing the

disease in comparison to Virechana

(purgation).

Table No.-13- Overall Effect of therapy in both groups

Sr. No. Result Group-A % Group-B %

1 Complete remission 0 00 3 30

2 Marked improvement 4 40 1 10

3 Improvement 3 30 6 60

4 Unchanged 3 30 0 00



Graph No.-2, Total Effect of therapy in both groups

DISCUSSION

Commonest age of occurrence of

Vicharchika has been reported between 41–50

years. Cool atmosphere is much susceptible for

eczematous patients. Vicharchika (one among

11 types of mild skin diseases as per Ayurveda)

is Kaphapradhana Vyadhi. (Kapha dominant

disease) (Charaka, 200 BC). So humid, cold,

watery contacts may increases the symptoms of


diseases as per Ayurveda). Excessive intake of

Lavana (salty diet), Katu (pungent diet) and

Madhura rasa (sweetening diet) are common

causative factors for Vicharchika (one among

11 types of mild skin diseases as per

Ayurveda). Viharaja Nidana (unlawful habit)

like allergic factors and industrial pollutants

can be considered as main causative factors

behind the increasing incidence of Vicharchika.

Same as Kushtha (skin disease), Vicharchika

(one among 11 types of mild skin diseases as

per Ayurveda) is also Tridhoshik (three basic

constituent of body as vata, pitta and kapha) in

which Kapha (one among three basic

constituent) and Vata (one among three basic

constituent) are dominant involved.

Disturbed sleep is interesting symptoms of


diseases as per Ayurveda), which leads Vata

prakopa (vitiation of vata) and may further

deteriorate the diseased condition. Hence, it

becomes a vicious cycle. Leech saliva, contains

Hirudin, which has property of anti coagulants.

So it may be helpful in other skin diseases,

obstructive blood disorders like Thrombosis,

Hemangioma, and Gangrene etc.

Probable Mode of Action of Virechana

karma (Purgation):

Snehapana (oleation) by virtue of its

Doshotkleshana (vitiation of dosha) effects

separates toxins accumulated in the patient‟s

body by Nidanas (causes) like Viruddha ahara

(food ingestion either in inappropriate way or

quantity etc. and the separated Utklilshta

Doshas (vitiated humours) are eliminated by

Virechana (purgation). Virechana (purgation)

might have removed the toxins from the

cellular level, improving Jatharagni (Digestive

fire) and Dhatvagni (hormones and enzymes),

so that metabolism is normalized.

Probable mode of action of

Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech):

Vicharchika (one among 11 types of mild

skin diseases as per Ayurveda), is a type of

Kushtha (Skin diseases) having Tridosha

prakopa (vitiation of all the three doshas),

pradhana Raktadushti (vitiation of blood

dominantly) and Chirakari (chronic)

manifestation. Sushruta (the author of Susruta

Samhita) has given great emphasis to

Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech) in

the treatment of Raktapradoshaja Vyadhi

(Blood originated disease), Tridosha

Prakopajanya (vitiated all three body humours)

and Chirakari (chronic) diseases.

Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting by Leech) is

Total Effect of Therapy in Both Groups

0

30

40

10

30

60

30

00

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Group-A Group-B

Complete Remission

Marked Improvement

Improvement

Unchanged



better for the superficial blood (Avagadha

grathita Rakta). Vitiated Rakta (blood) may be

washed-out by application of Leeches after

slight scraping on the lesion of Kushtha (skin

disease). Thus; it is well proved that Jalauka

(leeches) gives better effect in Raktaja Roga

(Blood originated disease), or Kushtha (skin

disease) on the basis of classical references.

Jalauka (leech) sucks the impure blood only

with ideal example of Swan by Vagbhatta (the

author of Astanga Hridaya). Leeches when

applied to the skin, sucks the blood at

superficial level might be from capillaries or

extra-cellular so it may be more impure than

other body channels, Jalauka (leech) (Vridha

Vagbhatta, 4th

AD) can easily suck impure

blood due to superficial distribution of veins.

Leech application has counter irritant effect

on the lesion, which creates new cellular

division after removing dead cell layer, and

result in reduction of local Swelling and

Lichenification. Leech sucks blood from

restricted area. When leech applied in only

pathogenic area, then it can be said that leech

expelled blood from where the pathological

state is more. So ultimately blood of that area

comparatively more vitiated than other area.

Hence, it can be said that leeches give best

effect in Vicharchika (one among 11 types of

mild skin diseases as per Ayurveda) by

expelling the morbid, vitiated Doshas (three

basic constituent of body) and Dhatus (7 types

of body tissues). The effect of therapy is not

only by expelling the vitiated blood but also by

leech that emits some enzymes in the wound.

CONCLUSION

It can be observed from the table number-

10 and 11 that although Virechana has

provided significant relief in the symptoms of

Vicharchika yet, Jalaukavacharana

(bloodletting by leech) has provided relatively

better relief in most of the symptoms. Most of

the patients had reported in the chronic stage of

Vicharchika. Negligence in early stage of

eczema is common phenomenon observed in

patients. Most of the affected sites for

Vicharchika are lower feet, axilla and neck like

skin folds regions. Relapsing nature of

Vicharchika is most common, which suggest

that, long term intensive therapy is necessary

for eradication of the disease. Virechana

(purgation) provides comparative better result

in symptoms of Shushka Vicharchika (dry

eczema) like, Shotha (oedema), Shyavata

(secretion), Pidika (eruption), Raji (Thickening

of Skin) etc. Jalaukavacharana (bloodletting

by leech) is a choice of therapy for Sravi

Vicharchika (wet eczema) symptoms like,

Kandu (itching), Srava (secretion), Daha

(burning) etc. Markedly improved was obtained

in 40% of group-A, 10% of group-B. Improved

was found in 30% in group-A, 60% in group-B.

Only 30% of patients of group –A remain

unchanged. The effect of all the therapies viz.

Jalaukavacharana on the cardinal signs and

symptoms of the disease was remarkable;

however the Virechana therapy was provided

comparatively better relief.

ACKNOWLEDEMENT

We acknowledge gratitude to Prof. Vijay

Kaushik, Dean and superintendent of M.S.M.

Institute of Ayurveda & Hospital, Khanpur

Kalan for his extensive support in providing all

resources in the OPD & IPD of the hospital.

We express our gratitude to Dr. K.V.Singh,

H.O.D, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda &

Hospital, Khanpur Kalan for his inspiring spirit

and parental affection besides his subject

knowledge and direction that helped in

accomplishing this work. We owe our thanks to

our friends, hospital staffs, laboratory staffs,

library staffs of M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda

and patients for their sincere support in this

clinical trial.



REFERENCES

Charak, (200 BC), Charak Chandrika Hindi

Byaksha, Tripathy Brahmananda,

Charak Sahmita, 4th

edition,

Chaukhamba Surabharati Prakasana,

1995, Varanasi, Vol-I & II, Sutra Sthan-

24; Chikitsa Sthan-7,

Dwivedi Acharya Mukundilal, Sharma

Tarachanda and Mishra Bhairava,

(2008) Ayurvediya Panchakarma

Chikitsa: Chaukhambha Sanskrit

Pratishthan, Delhi. PP-444–448

Kasture H. S., (2004), Ayurvediya

Panchakarma Vijnan:, 8th edition, Shri

Vaidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Limited,

PP.294–300

Shastri Laxmipati, (2004), Vidyotini Hindi

Commentary, Shastri Brahmasankar,

Yog Ratnakar, PP-501

Susruta, (2000 BC), Ayurveda Tatwa

Sandeepika Hindi Commentary,

Shastree Kaviraj Ambikadatta, Susruta

Sahmita, 11th

edition, Chaukhamba

Sanskrit Bhawan, 1997, Varanasi, Vol-

I, Nidan Sthana.- 5/5, PP -247.

Vagbhatta, (4th

AD), Vidyotini Bhasa

commentary, Gupt Kaviraj Atridev,

Astanga Hridaya, twelfth edition,

Chaukhamba Sanskrit Bhawan, 1997,

Varanasi, Nidan Sthana, 14/3,PP 271

Vriddha Vagbhata, (4th

AD), Soroj Hindi

commentary, Tripathy Ravidutta,

Astanga sangraha, Chaukhamba

Sanskrit pratisthana, 1996, Delhi,

Sutra sthan-35/4, PP.600





A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DM II HERBAL

COMPOUND (KALPIT) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OBESE DIABETICS

Agarwal Vivek1*

1Assistant Professor, Department of Rog Nidan, MSM Institute of Ayurveda, BPS Women University

Khanpur kalan, Distt. Sonipat, Haryana, Pin – 131305

*Corresponding Author: E-mail- [email protected]; Phone – 09416608598


ABSTRACT

Diabetes is pandemic in both developed and developing countries. In 2000, there were an

estimated 175 million people with diabetes worldwide and by 2030 the projected estimate of diabetic

is 354 million. One out of 20 persons in new millennium will be diabetic. The study was planned to

assess the effect of DM II Herbal compound in Sthula Pramehi (Obese diabetics i.e. NIDDM) on the

basis of subjective and objective parameters. For the purpose of study ninety diagnosed Sthula

Pramehi are randomly divided into three groups, thirty of each, Group A Participants were given

modern medicine, Group B Participants were given modern medicine with DM II Herbal compound

and Group C Participants were given DM II Herbal compound alone. Results were noted after two

month drug trial. Group B showed more significant results than Group A and C.

KEY WORDS: DM II Herbal compound, Sthula Pramehi, Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Mellitus, Chala Sphiga Udara Stana (CSUS)

Research article

Cite this article:

Agarwal Vivek (2013), A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DM II HERBAL

COMPOUND (KALPIT) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OBESE DIABETICS, Global J Res. Med.

Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 40–51




INTRODUCTION

Today is the era of modernization and fast

life. Rapid urbanization and industrialization

have produced advancement of the social and

economic front in developing countries such as

India. As a result, this dramatic life style

changes lead to related diseases like NIDDM.

The transition from a traditional to modern life

style, consumption of diets rich in fat and

calories combined with a high level of mental

stress has compounded the problem further.

Now days, it is concluded that the group of

metabolic risk factors in one person which has

given a name Metabolic syndrome or

Syndrome X which usually includes

Abdominal obesity, Atherogenic dyslipidemia,

Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus. (Davidson,

2002). The predominant underlying risk factors

for the metabolic syndrome appear to be

abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Other

associated factors are physical activity, ageing,

hormonal imbalance, atherogenic diet and

insulin resistance which is an essential cause of

the metabolic syndrome, predisposes to

hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Individuals who are insulin resistant may not be

clinically obese, but they commonly have an

abnormal fat distribution that is characterized

by predominant upper body fat. Upper body

obesity can occur either intraperitoneally

(visceral fat) or subcutaneously, both of them

are correlated strongly with insulin resistance

and the metabolic syndrome.

In present era, Sthaulyata is a burning

problem which is a byproduct of urbanization.

It is not only the root cause of major aliments

like diabetes, heart problems, hypertension etc

but it has also significant life running effect on

the patient’s quality of life. The quality of life

measurements are increasingly being used in

assessing the treatment outcomes in these

conditions as they measure the missing

dimensions of healthcare. Diabetes is a

metabolic illness requiring regular medications

and ability on the part of patient to monitor and

modify diets and lifestyle (Niranjan Y et al.,

2012). The etiological factors mentioned in

context to Sthaulya and Prameha are almost the

same, as both the diseases are considered as

santarpanajanya-vyadhi in Ayurveda i.e. the

disease caused by indulgence of madhurya

(sweetness), snigdha (unctuousness), sita

(coldness), guru (heaviness), picchila ahara

(sliminess), meat of aquatic animals and

decreased physical activities like divasvapna

(sleep during day time), avyayama (lack of

exercise) etc. (Charaka, 200 BC). According to

the pathogenesis of these diseases, kapha plays

important role which is aggravated first, then in

turn aggravates the medo-dhatu (lipid) as their

properties are similar in some extent. Now the

aggravated or the dushit medo-dhatu (abnormal

lipid) works as a dosha, causing atiSthaulya

and Prameha (Charaka, 200 BC). As per

modern medical science, obesity is associated

with carbohydrate intolerance, insulin

resistance and hyper-insulinism, which are the

features of Non-insulin dependent diabetes

mellitus (Harsh Mohan, 2000). Hence a study

was planned to assess the effect of DM II

Herbal compound in Sthula Pramehi (Obese

diabetics i.e. NIDDM) on the basis of

subjective and objective parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

(1) Selection of Participants -

Participants for therapeutic drug trial were

selected from the OPD and IPD of the MSM

Institute of Ayurveda and Hospital, khanpur

kalan Distt. Sonipat (Haryana) after screening

as per Ayurvedic and Modern criteria for

Sthula Pramehi. Selection had been carried out

according to relevant history, sign, symptoms

and Laboratory investigations including Body

Mass Index for Sthula persons & the study

carried out as per Institutional Ethical

Committee clearance Reg.No.RAU/AK/Ph.D

/184/08-09.

(a) Inclusion criteria

Participants in the age group between

35 to 65 years irrespective of either sex.

Diagnosed cases of NIDDM (as per

subjective and objective parameters)

with BMI > 25.



(b) Exclusion criteria

Participants with major complications

and requirement of emergency

treatment.

Participants taking drugs like

corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressant,

cycloheptadine which leads to weight

gain.

IDDM Cases.

Pregnant women

(c) Diagnostic criteria

All the Participants were diagnosed on the

basis of following criteria –

i) Clinical signs and symptoms (Table 1)

ii) Body Mass Index

iii) Hip and waist circumference

iv) Investigations-

Hematological (Routine Test) - TLC, DLC,

ESR, Hb%

Bio-chemistry - FBS, PPBS, Blood Urea,

Lipid Profile

Urine examination - FUS, PMUS, Albumin,

pH, Specific gravity etc.

Table No. 1 -Symptoms observed in Participants for diagnosis

S.No. Symptoms Explanation

1 Chala, sphiga, udara and stana Show movement of buttocks, abdomen and

breast during activity

2 Ayathopachaya Disproportionate body

3 Prabhoot mootrata Polyurea

4 Aavil mootrata Turbidity in Urine

5 Pipasadhikya Polydipsea

6 Kshudhadhikya Polyphagia

7 Swedatipravritti Excessive sweating

8 Daurbalya Weakness

9 Aalasya Lassitude

10 Atinidra Excessive sleep

11 Vibandh Constipation

12 Malavritta Jihwa Coated tongue

13 Kar-paada daha Burning sensation in hand and foot

14 Mukhmadhurya Sweetness of mouth

15 Tandra Drowsiness

16 Krichvyavyata Sexual dysfunction

17 Sandhi shula Joint pain

Scoring Criteria

Feature Score

No Symptom 0

Mild Symptom 1

Moderate Symptom 2

Severe Symptom 3



(2) General Observations

a) Demographic Profile: The Participants

registered under the present trial were closely

interviewed according to the Performa of study.

In incidence of their age, sex, socio-economic

status, marital status, religion, habitat, dietary

habits, nature of job and other relevant

information’s were worked out.

b) Physical Measurement: All the

measurement was made with the Participants in

empty stomach i.e. before, during and after the

treatment.

(i) Height (ii) Weight

(iii) Body Mass Index

(iv) Waist Circumference

It was measured in inches, when the

Participants were in standing position, using a

standard tape measure, over the unclothed

abdomen of the patient at the midpoint between

the costal margin and the iliac crest.

(v) Hip Circumference

It was measured to the nearest inches with

the patient standing, using a standard tape

measure at the level of the greater trochanters.

Note – Normal W/H ratio should be 0.8 in

female and 1.0 in males.

c). Determination of Prakriti

(3) Clinical Observations

Selection of drugs

For the present study, selection of the drug

combination DM II Herbal compound which

was on the basis of various textual references.

The drugs in this compound are easily available

and having the high degree of clinical

significance in Sthula Pramehi.

Ingredients of DM II Herbal compound are

as follows (Sharma P V, 2001)

Chirabilwa bark (Holoptelea integrifolia),

Daruharidra kanda (Berberis aristata),

Aamrasthi majja (Mangifera indica), Jambu

seeds (Syzygium cumini), Karvellaka fruit

(Momordica charantia), Nimba (Azadirachta

indica), Bilwa leaves (Aegle marmelos),

Meshshringi leaves (Gymnema sylvestre),

Haridra kanda (Curcuma longa), Danamethi

seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Triphala

dried fruits (Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia

bellarica, Terminalia chebula).

Preparation of drug

Above mentioned all the eleven ingredients

are taken in equal quantity and prepared in the

form of churna (fine powder) in the pharmacy

of MSM Institute of Ayurveda, Khanpur kalan

(Sonepat, Haryana).

Administration of drug

Ninety clinically diagnosed Sthula Pramehi

(obese diabetic) Participants were divided into

three groups –

Group A – 30 Participants were recommended

allopathic medicine before 15 minutes of meal

for two month as a control group. (Under

supervision of allopathic physician)

Group B - 30 Participants were recommended

allopathic medicine along with DM II Herbal

compound 5 gm twice a day with Luke warm

water before 15 minutes of meal for two month.

Group C - 30 Participants were recommended

DM II Herbal compound 5gm twice a day with

Luke warm water before 15 minutes of meal

for two month.

Follow up study

Participants were followed up after 15 days

up to two month.

Laboratory investigations were repeated

after the duration of trail.

Improvement and other effects were noted.

Note- Not any side effect and toxic effects of

DM II Herbal compound was reported by any

individual during trial.



OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

Table No. 2 – Distribution based on Family History of Obese Diabetics Participants

S.N

o.

Family

History

Number of Participants Total %

Group-A Group-B Group-C

1. Present 20 23 21 64 71.11

2. Absent 10 07 09 26 28.88

Total 30 30 30 90 100

Table No. 3 – Distribution based on the BMI of Participants

S.No. BMI

(In Kg/m2)

Number of Participants Total %

Group-A Group-B Group-C

1. 18.5–24.9 - - - - -

2. 25–29.9 23 22 25 70 77.77

3. 30–34.9 07 08 05 20 22.22

4. > 35 - - - - -

Total 30 30 30 90 100

Table No. 4 – Improvement in Symptoms in Group A

Symptoms N Mean Dif. Improvement% SD SE t P

BT AT

CSUS 28 1.79 1.21 0.57 32.00 0.50 0.10 6.00 <0.001

Ayathopachaya 24 1.88 1.29 0.58 31.11 0.50 0.10 5.67 <0.001

Prabhoot mootrata 30 2.27 1.10 1.17 51.47 0.70 0.13 9.14 <0.001

Aavil mootrata 26 1.50 0.73 0.77 51.28 0.51 0.10 7.62 <0.001

Pipasadhikya 28 1.75 0.86 0.89 51.02 0.63 0.12 7.51 <0.001

Kshudhadhikya 30 1.77 1.13 0.63 35.85 0.72 0.13 4.83 <0.001

Swedatipravritti 29 1.79 0.97 0.83 46.15 0.66 0.12 6.77 <0.001

Daurbalya 30 1.77 1.03 0.73 41.51 0.78 0.14 5.12 <0.001

Aalasya 24 1.92 1.04 0.88 45.65 0.74 0.15 5.79 <0.001

Ati nidra 24 1.25 0.83 0.42 33.33 0.58 0.12 3.50 <0.001

Vibandh 23 1.52 0.83 0.70 45.71 0.56 0.12 5.97 <0.001

Malavritta Jihwa 24 1.63 0.92 0.71 43.59 0.62 0.13 5.56 <0.001

Karpada daha 26 1.77 0.88 0.88 50.00 0.52 0.10 8.74 <0.001

Mukh Madhurya 23 1.39 0.61 0.78 56.25 0.60 0.13 6.26 <0.001

Tandra 26 1.35 0.73 0.62 45.71 0.57 0.11 5.49 <0.001

Krichvyavayata 26 1.65 1.04 0.62 37.21 0.50 0.10 6.32 <0.001

Shula 25 1.68 1.12 0.56 33.33 0.51 0.10 5.53 <0.001



Table No. 5 – Improvement in Symptoms in Group B

Symptoms N Mean Dif.

Impro

vemen

t%

SD SE t P

BT AT

CSUS 30 2.07 1.23 0.83 40.32 0.46 0.08 9.90 <0.001

Ayathopachaya 25 2.08 1.28 0.80 38.46 0.50 0.10 8.00 <0.001


Aavil mootrata 27 1.44 0.89 0.56 38.46 0.51 0.10 5.70 <0.001

Pipasadhikya 28 1.75 0.46 1.29 73.47 0.81 0.15 8.40 <0.001

Kshudhadhikya 29 1.97 0.86 1.10 56.14 0.86 0.16 6.91 <0.001

Swedatipravritt 29 2.14 0.69 1.45 67.74 0.91 0.17 8.57 <0.001

Daurbalya 28 2.04 0.82 1.21 59.65 0.74 0.14 8.70 <0.001

Aalasya 26 2.15 1.27 0.88 41.07 1.21 0.24 3.73 <0.001

Ati nidra 30 1.77 0.70 1.07 60.38 0.83 0.15 7.06 <0.001

Vibandh 26 1.81 0.58 1.23 68.09 0.76 0.15 8.21 <0.001


Karpada daha 26 1.81 0.77 1.04 57.45 0.92 0.18 5.78 <0.001

Mukh Madhurya 25 1.56 0.76 0.80 51.28 0.76 0.15 5.24 <0.001

Tandra 27 1.93 1.00 0.93 48.08 0.87 0.17 5.51 <0.001

Krichvyavayata 24 1.88 1.17 0.71 37.78 0.62 0.13 5.56 <0.001

Shula 27 1.85 0.93 0.93 50.00 0.62 0.12 7.82 <0.001

Table No. 6 – Improvement in Symptoms in Group C

Symptoms N Mean Dif. Impro

vemen

t%

SD SE t P

BT AT

CSUS 27 1.93 1.44 0.48 25.00 0.51 0.10 4.91 <0.001

Ayathopachaya 23 2.00 1.22 0.78 39.13 0.52 0.11 7.24 <0.001


Aavil mootrata 26 1.42 0.85 0.58 40.54 0.50 0.10 5.84 <0.001

Pipasadhikya 28 1.36 0.68 0.68 50.00 0.55 0.10 6.55 <0.001

Kshudhadhikya 29 2.07 1.28 0.79 38.33 0.77 0.14 5.52 <0.001

Swedatipravritt 28 1.71 0.71 1.00 58.33 0.67 0.13 7.94 <0.001

Daurbalya 25 2.32 1.08 1.24 53.45 0.72 0.14 8.57 <0.001

Aalasya 26 1.77 1.04 0.73 41.30 0.60 0.12 6.17 <0.001

Ati nidra 27 1.67 0.93 0.74 44.44 0.71 0.14 5.40 <0.001

Vibandh 26 1.69 0.81 0.88 52.27 0.59 0.12 7.67 <0.001


Karpada daha 27 1.85 0.81 1.04 56.00 0.85 0.16 6.31 <0.001

Mukh Madhurya 27 1.56 0.59 0.96 61.90 0.81 0.16 6.19 <0.001

Tandra 27 1.56 0.93 0.63 40.48 0.56 0.11 5.79 <0.001

Krichvyavayata 23 1.61 1.04 0.57 35.14 0.51 0.11 5.35 <0.001

Shula 28 1.82 1.21 0.61 33.33 0.57 0.11 5.67 <0.001



Table No. 7 - Improvement in Objective Parameters in Group A

Objective

Parameters

N Mean Dif. % SD SE t P

BT AT

Waist Circum. 30 35.53 34.50 1.03 2.91 0.89 0.16 6.36 <0.001

Hip Circum. 30 37.87 36.33 1.53 4.05 0.82 0.15 10.25 <0.001

Weight 30 72.13 70.20 1.93 2.68 1.53 0.28 6.92 <0.001

BMI 30 28.39 27.72 0.68 2.38 0.39 0.07 9.57 <0.001

Table No. 8 - Improvement in Objective Parameters in Group B

Objective

Parameters


BT AT

Waist Circum. 30 36.40 33.80 2.60 7.14 1.00 0.18 14.19 <0.001

Hip Circum. 30 37.27 34.93 2.33 6.26 1.09 0.20 11.69 <0.001

Weight 30 73.57 70.20 3.37 4.58 1.19 0.22 15.51 <0.001

BMI 30 29.07 27.64 1.43 4.92 0.80 0.15 9.80 <0.001

Table No. 9 - Improvement in Objective Parameters in Group C

Objective

Parameters


BT AT

Waist Circum. 30 36.43 34.33 2.10 5.76 1.03 0.19 11.18 <0.001

Hip Circum. 30 37.90 35.70 2.20 5.80 1.06 0.19 11.33 <0.001

Weight 30 72.67 70.20 2.47 3.39 1.17 0.21 11.58 <0.001

BMI 30 28.43 27.44 0.99 3.48 0.39 0.07 13.79 <0.001

Table No. 10 – Improvement of Investigations in Group A

Investigation N Mean

B.T.

Mean

A.T.

Mean

Diff.

% S.D. S.E. ‘t’

Value

‘p’

Value

Hb% 30 11.66 12.11 0.44 3.80 0.46 0.08 5.29 <0.001

TLC 30 7243.50 7401.67 158.17 2.18 483.62 88.30 1.79 >0.01

Polymorph 30

58.97 59.47 0.50 0.85 2.96 0.54 0.93 >0.01

Lymphocytes 35.23 35.17 0.07 0.19 4.52 0.82 0.08 >0.01

ESR 30 17.50 12.73 4.77 27.24 5.41 0.99 4.83 <0.001

Fasting Blood Sugar 30 174.23 141.03 33.20 19.05 19.26 3.52 9.44 <0.001

Post Prandial Blood Sugar 30 259.77 194.87 64.90 24.98 24.86 4.54 14.30 <0.001

Blood Urea 30 28.17 27.00 1.17 4.14 5.54 1.01 1.15 >0.01

S.Cholesterol 30 214.74 201.30 13.44 6.26 19.81 3.62 3.72 <0.01

S.Triglyceride 30 123.31 127.40 4.09 3.32 18.56 3.39 1.21 >0.01

H.D.L. 30 57.64 59.17 1.53 2.65 6.28 1.15 1.33 >0.01

L.D.L. 30 131.45 116.65 14.79 11.25 19.21 3.51 4.22 <0.001

V.L.D.L. 30 24.81 25.48 0.67 2.71 3.65 0.67 1.01 >0.01

Fasting Urine Sugar 30 1.75 0.13 1.63 92.86 0.81 0.20 8.06 <0.001

Post Meal Urine Sugar 30 3.00 0.93 2.07 68.97 0.70 0.13 15.83 <0.001



Table No. 11 – Improvement of Investigations in Group B

Investigation N Mean

B.T.

Mean

A.T.

Mean

Diff.

% S.D. S.E. ‘t’

Value

‘p’

Value

Hb% 30 12.04 12.37 0.32 2.68 0.41 0.08 4.27 <0.001

TLC 30 7317.83 7255.00 62.83 0.86 379.12 69.22 0.91 >0.01

Polymorph 30

57.83 58.73 0.90 1.56 3.16 0.58 1.56 >0.01

Lymphocytes 36.47 35.20 1.27 3.47 3.32 0.61 2.09 <0.01

ESR 30 12.97 9.23 3.73 28.79 4.38 0.80 4.67 <0.001



Blood Urea 30 28.90 28.20 0.70 2.42 3.87 0.71 0.99 >0.01

S. Cholesterol 30 204.24 164.60 39.64 19.41 18.19 3.32 11.93 <0.001

S. Triglyceride 30 134.57 104.17 30.40 22.59 20.97 3.83 7.94 <0.001

High Density Lipoprotein 30 56.95 58.77 1.81 3.18 4.44 0.81 2.24 <0.01

Low Density Lipoprotein 30 120.46 84.36 36.10 29.97 18.15 3.31 10.89 <0.001

Very Low Density Lipo. 30 26.88 21.43 5.44 20.25 3.54 0.65 8.43 <0.001



Table No. 12 – Improvement of Investigations in Group C

In Investigation N Mean

B.T.

Mean

A.T.

Mean

Diff.

% S.D. S.E. ‘t’

Value

‘p’

Value

Hb% 30 11.64 11.89 0.26 2.21 0.43 0.08 3.24 <0.01

TLC 30 7364.67 7108.33 256.33 3.48 742.50 135.56 1.89 >0.01

Polymorph 30

57.20 58.47 1.27 2.21 3.96 0.72 1.75 >0.01

Lymphocytes 38.27 35.43 2.83 7.40 5.98 1.09 2.60 <0.01

ESR 30 14.57 9.60 4.97 34.10 5.14 0.94 5.30 <0.001



Blood Urea 30 29.83 28.00 1.83 6.15 5.43 0.99 1.85 >0.01

S.Cholesterol 30 192.13 165.33 26.80 13.95 15.55 2.84 9.44 <0.001

S.Triglyceride 30 129.03 111.77 17.27 13.38 16.07 2.93 5.88 <0.001

High Density Lipoprotein 30 57.40 59.80 2.40 4.18 3.58 0.65 3.67 <0.01

Low Density Lipoprotein 30 109.45 83.41 26.04 23.79 15.01 2.74 9.50 <0.001

Very Low Density Lipo. 30 25.27 22.15 3.12 12.35 2.32 0.42 7.36 <0.001





Table No. 13 – Comparative improvement of Lipid Profile, Blood sugar & B.M.I.

S.No. Parameters Group A Group B Group C

1. Lipid Profile 5.238% 19.08% 13.53%

2. Blood Sugar 22.01% 31.03% 20%

3. B.M.I. 2.38% 4.92% 3.48%

Table No.14 – Comparative improvement in percentage of Sthula Pramehi

S.No. Observations Group A Group B Group C

1. Subjective

Improvement

43.01% 53.46% 45.75%

2. Objective Improvement 3.005% 5.725% 4.607%

3. Investigation

Improvement

19.31% 27.45% 23.94%

OVER ALL GRAPHIC ASSESSMENT

0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%

Subjective Improvement

Objective Improvement

Investigation Improvement

Group A

Group A

0.00%20.00%40.00%60.00%




Group B

Group B



DISCUSSION

Discussion on Conceptual Study

The Prameha is one among the eight

troublesome diseases described by Ayurveda.

So, it is difficult to treat with single drug

therapy i.e. why a combination of drug is

chosen for therapeutic study of Sthula Pramehi.

The sthula (obese) pramehi have more

strength as compared to krisha or asthenic

Participants. But generally asthenics are

preferred than obese, as the complications of

obesity are more than compared with

disadvantages of being asthenic. In Prameha

the obese Participants have good prognosis

than the asthenic Participants. (Charaka, 200

BC)

All varieties of Prameha, if not treated in

time, will ultimately become madhumeha

which is incurable. One more thing, which has

conceived through this study, is that the two

types of madhumeha i.e. dhatukshayah janya

and Aavaran janya can be called IDDM &

NIDDM respectively. (Sushruta, 2000BC)

Thus in the Ayurvedic texts the

interrelationship is described, inference is that

Prameha especially the madhumeha is strongly

related to the Sthaulya (obesity).

Discussion on Subjective Parameters

Group A

This group showed maximum percentage

subsidence in Mukhmadhurya (56.25%),

Prabhoot mootrata (51.47%), Aavil mootrata

(51.28%), Pipasadhikya (51.02%), Kar-pada

daha (50%), but over all study shows

symptomatic improvement in Group A was

43.01%.

Group B


subsidence in Pipasadhikya (73.47%), Vibandh

(68.09%) Swedatipravritti (67.74%), Prabhoot

mootrata (65.71%), Atinidra (60.38%),

Daurbalya (59.65%), Kar-pada daha

(57.45%), but over all study shows

symptomatic improvement in Group B was

53.46%.

Group C


subsidence in Mukhmadhurya (61.90%),

Swedatipravritti (58.33%), Prabhoot mootrata

(57.14%), Kar-pada daha (56%), Daurbalya

(53.45%), Vibandh (52.37%) but over all study

shows symptomatic improvement in Group C

was 45.75%.

Discussion on Objective Parameters

Group A

The percentage of change in Body weight

(2.68%), Body mass index (2.38%), Waist

circumference (4.65%) & in Hip circumference

(4.05%). Over all percentage of improvement is

3.005%.

Group B




0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%




Group C

Group C




5.725%.

Group C





4.607%.

Discussion on Investigations

In Routine investigations, Haemoglobin and

ESR showed highly significant results but TLC

& DLC showed statistically insignificant

results in all the three groups.

Blood Urea in all the three groups showed

statistically insignificant results.

Group A

The reduction percentage of Blood sugar

&Urine sugar after the treatment was 22.01%

& 80.91%. Both parameters showed

statistically highly significant improvement.

The result percentage of Lipid Profile was

5.238%. In which cholesterol showed

significant results but other parameters do not

show such significant improvement.

Over all percentage of improvement is 19.31%.

Group B

The reduction percentage of Blood sugar,

Urine sugar and Lipid Profile after the

treatment was 31.03%, 93.55% & 19.08%. All

the above said parameters showed statistically

highly significant improvement except HDL

i.e. significant.


Group C

The reduction percentage of Blood sugar,

Urine sugar and Lipid Profile after the

treatment was 20.00%, 85.98% & 13.53%. All

the above said parameters showed statistically

highly significant improvement except HDL

i.e. significant.


CONCLUSION

Declaration of diabetes mellitus as an

epidemic by WHO signifies the gravity of

disease. More incidences can be avoided by

early education, early detection, and changing

life style, food habit & proper exercise. Sthula

Prameha (NIDDM) is personality damaging

disease; it affects not only somatic level but

also psychic level. As per observations &

Results, maximum number of Participants

having Rajasik dominant Manasik Prakriti.

Sthaulya & Prameha both are dusit medoja

vyadhi in which medodhatu acts an aetiological

factor. Sthaulya (Medoroga) is a Nanatmaja

kapha vyadhi and Prameha is predominant

kaphaj, their pathogenesis is almost same.

Prameha, Prameha pidika are considered as

complications of the Medoroga, which explains

their interrelationship. One should understand

the fact that in diabetes the main culprit is not

the sugar but fat. Diabetes mellitus is a

metabolic syndrome where each cell of the

body sufferers, characterized by chronic

hyperglycemia with disturbances of

carbohydrates. Fat & protein metabolism.

Resulting from improper insulin secretion.

From its complication it is clear that it is a ama

vyadhi thus the line of treatment should address

diabetes as a total and should include

shodhana, ama-pachana (Anti-oxidants),

rasayana along with specific anti-diabetics or

hypoglycemic. The present research work

showed that Medodusti in type-2 Diabetes

mellitus (NIDDM) is more common in higher

socio-economic society because of their

sedentary and comfortable life style. The

Traditional tribal combination used for

prevention of Diabetes mellitus had shown

almost full result so for. ‘DM II Herbal

Compound’ was very effective in reducing

physical examination parameters, Blood and

Urine sugar levels and some extent of Lipid

Profile. Participants who were dependent on

Ayurvedic drugs had better improvement than

those on modern medicines. Group B showed

better results of improvement than Group A

and Group C on the basis of clinical

parameters.



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Prof. Loknath Sharma,

Ex. HOD of Rog Nidan, National Institute of

Ayurveda Jaipur, for his valuable guidance,

precious support and priceless blessings

showered on each and every step, right from

the commencement.

REFERENCES

Charaka, (200 BC), Hindi commentary, Shastri

Kashinath and Chaturvedi Gorakhnath, Charaka Samhita, Chaukhambha Bharti

Academy, Reprint 1998,Varanasi, Vol.1

& II, Sutrasthana 21/17; Chikitsasthana

6/4-5

Davidson, (2002) Principles & Practice of

Medicine, Churchill Livingstone

Publication, 19th

Edition, New York.

Page no.-655

Harsh Mohan, (2000), Text Book of Pathology,

Jaypee Brothers, 4th

edition, New Delhi,

Chap.24, page no.803

Niranjan Y, Santwani M A, Baghel M S

(2012), Quality of life consequences in

diabetic polyneuropathy, Global J Res.

Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. 1(7): 295–

300

Sharma P.V., (2001), Dravya Guna Vigyan,

Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, 2nd

Edition, Reprint 2001, Varanasi, Vol. II

Sushruta, (2000 BC) ‘Ayurveda-Tattva-

Sandipika’ Hindi Commentary, Shastri

Kaviraja Ambikadutta, Sushruta

Samhita, Chaukhambha Sanskrit

Sansthan, 14th

Edition, 2003, Varanasi,

Vol. I Su.Ni.6/30, page no. 255





A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THYROMAX POWDER

AGAINST THYROXINE SODIUM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Ujjaliya Nitin1*, Krishnankutty S V

2, Remadevi R

3

1Assistant Prof., Dept. of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Dabur Dhanwantry

Hospital, Chandigarh, India 2Head, Department of Internal medicine, Maulana Hospital, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India

3Prof. & Head, Dept. of Dravyaguna Vijnana, V.P.S.V. Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala, India

*Corresponding Author: Email: [email protected]


ABSTRACT

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism of the body by virtue of its hormones. Insufficient levels

of thyroid hormone causes signs and symptoms such as slower metabolic rate, weight gain,

sleepiness, dry and cool skin, as well as others. This condition collectively can be called as

Hypothyroidism. Of the different types, Primary Hypothyroidism is the commonest which occurs

after destruction of thyroid follicles mainly because of autoimmunity. Hypothyroidism is most

common in women than men. According to a study, it affects 3.9% people with 9.4% subclinical

condition. The sole available treatment for this in conventional science is Hormone Replacement

Therapy which is not always free from side effects and has to be taken lifelong. This study was

aimed to search an option for Hypothyroidism in terms of herbs. Traditionally practiced drugs

Guducī Satvam (Tinospora cordifolia Miers.) and Āmalakī cūrnam (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) was

taken in a combination named „Thyromax powder’ which was standardized before commencing with

clinical trial. A controlled clinical trial was planned with 20 newly diagnosed participants, which

were not exposed to any medicament, with Thyroxine sodium in control group and Thyromax

powder in study group for the duration of 3 month. Assessment was done on the basis of six

subjective parameters and thyroid function test. Statistically, study drug showed a positive

correlation on subjective parameters while control group showed significant result on T3 and T4

levels. Both the groups were found statistically insignificant on TSH level.

KEY WORDS: Thyromax powder, Hypothyroidism, Standardization, controlled clinical trial.

Research article

Cite this article:

Ujjaliya Nitin, Krishnankutty S V, Remadevi R (2013), A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION

OF THYROMAX POWDER AGAINST THYROXINE SODIUM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF

HYPOTHYROIDISM, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 52–64




INTRODUCTION

Endocrinology concerns the synthesis,

secretion and action of hormones. Hormones

are chemical messengers which have diverse

molecular structures and are related to

endocrine glands thereby coordinate the

activities of different cells. Some endocrine

disorders are common, particularly those of the

thyroid gland. At present thyroid diseases form

the second most common endocrine disorder in

India next to Diabetes mellitus. (Sir Stanley

Davidson, Davidson Principles & Practice of

Medicine; 2006). According to the report of N.

Kochupilli, thyroid disorders (5.4%) are the

most common among all the endocrine diseases

in India (N. Kochupillai et al., 1986).

Unfortunately many people may have this

disease and even not realize it. According to a

study known as a “Colorado thyroid disease

prevalence study” there may be as 13 million

Americans with an undiagnosed thyroid

condition (Gay J Canaris et al., 2000). In the

state of Kerala, India, 9.4% people who suffer

from hypothyroidism are asymptomatic

(Unnikrishnan AG et al., 2011). Wickham

Survey suggested that there is a high possibility

of developing Hypothyroidism in the

population with raised TSH and thyroid

antibodies. In the after follow up study it was

demonstrated to be much accurate. It was

inferred that increasing values of serum TSH

above 2mU/l increases the probability of

developing hypothyroidism which was further

increased in the presence of anti-thyroid

antibodies (Vanderpump MP, 1995). According

to a study anti-thyroid antibodies were found in

89.6% of the women between 15–35 years of

age and the overall prevalence of classical

Hypothyroidism was found to be 10 times more

than the men (K.P. Paulose, 2011). This made

the medical society to consider it with a higher

importance, as it may result in severe

complications. The possibility of incidence of

the disease also increases with a higher rate in

old age.

In Hypothyroidism, body function

decreases and this leads to a slow heart rate, an

increase in cholesterol level, mild anemia,

pervasive fatigue, depression, low body

temperature, cold intolerance, coarsening of

skin, muscles and joint aches, constipation,

weight gain, slow hair growth, loss of libido,

infertility, increased risk of miscarriage and

irregular menstrual cycle in women etc. In the

most common case of Hypothyroidism, namely

Primary Hypothyroidism resulting from an

intrinsic disorder of thyroid gland, serum T3

and T4 is low and TSH elevated also called as

classical Hypothyroidism, resulting above signs

and symptoms. (Sir Stanley Davidson,

Davidson Principles & Practice of Medicine;

2006).

According to the signs and symptoms, it is

concluded that Hypothyroidism is a resultant of

Vāta-kapha-medo vikrti and

Dhātvāgnimāndhya (Alsa mariyam

kalathancheri, 2008 and Chanchal Gupta,

2003). Guducī and Āmalakī are known for

Rasāyana property and have action on

Dhātvāgni specially Rasa and Rakta. Both the

drugs have been proven as immunomodulators

and anti-oxidant effects. (Dikshit V et al., 2003

and Shukla V et al., 2009). Prevalence of

autoimmune Hypothyroidism is much higher

(K.P. Paulose, 2001). Considering rejuvenative

effect of these herbs, they may rejuvenate

destroyed follicles of thyroid gland which are

responsible for production of thyroid

hormones; of course it is questionable and

needs further research. These are proved drugs

for many diseases and found non toxic. These

two drugs are not found to have any drug

interactions. (Database on Medicinal Plants

used in Ayurveda, 2005). Guducī Satvam

(extract of Tinospora cordifolia Miers.) along

with Āmalakī cūrnam (powder of fruit of

Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) is used by the

traditional vaidyas for Hypothyroidism in

Madhya Pradesh and found effective.

In modern medicine hormone supplement is

the only management for this disease. Though

it is thought to be a successful therapy but a

long term hormone therapy is not always free

from complications as well as side effects.

Most often it is needed to continue throughout

the life in adjusted doses.



This study was an effort to evaluate the

effect of these two drugs in a combination

which is named as “Thyromax powder” on the

clinical symptoms and T3, T4 and TSH levels

of Hypothyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Study design

The study design was a controlled clinical

trial. Randomization was not done due to two

different settings. Newly diagnosed participants

were selected as per the inclusion and exclusion

criteria. The control selected here was not a

concurrent control. The control group was

selected from an accessible population at

Maulana Hospital, Perinthalmanna, Kerala,

India. A detailed clinical examination was done

before and after the study using a prepared case

record form. Analysis of both the treatments

was done by evaluating subjective and

objective parameters.

Sample collection and preparation of study

drug

The fresh Stem of Tinospora cordifolia

were collected from nearby areas of Kottakkal,

Kerala, India. The stem cuttings were properly

identified in the department using external

morphological and histological characters.

Satvam was prepared as per the procedure

given in the text. (Yogaratnākara Rājayaksamā

Cikitsā; 328, Verse no. 1-11/2)

The fresh fruit of Phyllanthus emblica of

similar size were bought from market. The

fruits were identified in the department and

well dried in shade. Powder was prepared in the

size of 40–80 microns. (The Ayurvedic

Pharmacopoeia of India, 2001)

Physicochemical Standardization of

Thyromax powder

In the present study the combination of

Satvam of Tinospora cordifolia and fine

powder of dried fruits of Phyllanthus emblica

in the ratio of 1:3; given the name Thyromax

powder were subjected to preliminary

physicochemical screening for the

standardization of drug and extraction of plant

constituents.

(Quality Standards of Indian

medicinal Plants, and The Ayurvedic

Pharmacopoeia of India, 2001). (Table no. 2 -

4)

Phytochemical analysis

Quantification of characteristic compounds

The extracts obtained were subjected to

qualitative tests for the identification of various

plant constituents. (Quality Standards of Indian

medicinal Plants, 2003 and The Ayurvedic

Pharmacopoeia of India, 2001). (Table no. 5 -

7)

Thin Layer Chromatography & HPTLC

Selection of chromatographic layer

Pre-coated TLC silica gel 60 F254 (E.

Merck) plates on aluminum sheet were used for

chromatographic profile for individual drugs

and for Thyromax powder. TLC of all

successive solvent extractives of Thyromax

powder was prepared. While HPTLC

fingerprinting of methanolic extract of Guducī

Satvam, Āmalakī cūrnam and Thyromax

powder was prepared.

Selection of mobile phase for TLC

a] For Thyromax powder

Before the application of the samples to the

plates, an appropriate solvent system was

selected. The solvent system was chosen by the

trial and error method. The solvent systems

used for the TLC analysis were different for

different successive solvent extractives.

For Petroleum ether extract – n-hexane :

ethyl acetate : formic acid (10:2:0.2)

For Cyclohexane extractive – Toluene :

ethyl acetate : formic acid (8:2:0.2 )

For Acetone & Ethanol extract –

Toluene : ethyl acetate : formic acid

(5:5:1)

Selection of mobile phase for HPTLC

a] For Guducī Satvam

For methanolic extract – toluene : ethyl

acetate : formic acid (7:5:1)



b] For Āmalakī cūrnam



c] For Thyromax powder



Application of sample

For the application of sample CAMAG

Automatic TLC sampler IV were used and the

concentration of sample extractives were

between 0.2 to 0.6 micro liters.

Pre-conditioning

Saturated chamber by lining with filter

paper for 30 minutes was prepared prior to

development for getting better Rf values. For

this CAMAG ADC-2 Automatic development

chamber was used.

Chromatographic development and drying

After development, the plates were taken

out and mobile phase was completely removed

from the plate by drying in vacuum desiccators.

Detection and visualization

Detection under UV light is the first choice

so plates were visualized in CAMAG TLC

Visualizer and photographs were taken in UV

254 and 365 nm. wavelength. Since very dim

spots were obtained in visible light, the TLC

plates were then sprayed with Anasaldehyde

sulphuric acid and dried in hot air oven at

110oC. The colors of the spots were recorded

and their positions were marked. The distance

travelled by each band was measured and

respective Rf values were calculated.

TLC analysis of Thyromax powder

For TLC study of Thyromax powder,

Petroleum ether, Cyclohexane, Acetone and

Ethanol extractives were spotted in the solvent

system given in the literature of TLC under

heading selection of solvent system. Eluents

were different for all extractives (common for

Acetone and Ethanol) hence Rf values, TLC

photographs are given separate.

HPTLC analysis

HPTLC profile was prepared for Guducī

Satvam, Āmalakī cūrnam and for the

combination Thyromax powder separately. The

mobile phase and extracts were different for

samples and has been mentioned earlier. For

Methanolic extract of Guducī Satvam and

Āmalakī cūrnam table of Rf value, TLC plate

photos and HPTLC over view and area graphs

are given separately.

Clinical study

In the present study randomization was not

done hence comparison of demographic details

and base line values of both the groups were

done. Comparison of response to the treatment

within both the groups was done. Total 20

participants were registered for the present

study, each 10 in study and control group. All

participants received full course of treatment

and completed their course successfully

without any interruption, hence there were no

dropouts in the study.

Data outcome were tabulated; mean

deviation, standard deviation and percentage

between the assessments were calculated.

Student „t‟ test was applied to find out level of

significance for all the parameters with in the

treatment and control group. The data were

statistically analyzed before and after

intervention.

RESULTS

Organoleptic characters

Detailed in (Table 1)

Powder microscopy Guducī satvam

Starch grains of Guducī showed deep blue

color when mounted with Iodine solution.

Every particle of Satvam was separated from

each other. The shapes of Satvam particle was

not similar and varies in size from other

particles. Starch grains of Guducī were

approximately 5.5–11.20µ in diameter and 6–

11.28µ in length. (Fig. no. 1&2).



Powder microscopy of Āmalakī cūrnam

Powder showed hexagonal, thick, straight-

walled epidermal cells in surface view

embedded with small prismatic crystals of

silica; isolated or groups of thin-walled pitted

stone cells; fragments of thick walled fibers and

sclereids; fragments of pitted vessels, tracheids

and parenchyma, crystals of silica and simple

oval to spherical starch grains scattered as such

or embedded in the parenchymatous cells of the

mesocarp. (Fig.no.3-6) (The Ayurvedic

Pharmacopoeia of India).

Table 1. Organoleptic Characters

No. Characters Characteristics of Satvam Characteristics of Āmalakī cūrnam

1 Touch Fine and Smooth Rough

2 Color White Light grey

3 Taste Sweet Bitter, Sour and Sweet astringent

4 Odor Odorless Odorless

5 Consistency Fine powder Fine powder

Fig. 1–2 Powder Microscopy of Guducī Satvam

Fig. 3–6 Powder Microscopy of Āmalakī Cūrnam

Table 2. Physicochemical standards of Thyromax powder

Sr. No. Experiments Percentage

1. Total ash 3.05%

2. Water insoluble ash 2.23%

3. Acid insoluble ash 1.47%

4. Moisture content 11%

5. Volatile oil content 01%

6. Sugar content

a. Total Sugar 13.1%

b. Reducing sugar 7.23%

7. Fibre content 3.0%



Table 3. Percentage of water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives

No. Name of extract Percentage of extract Color / Consistency

1. Hot water soluble 80.75% Blackish brown / Dry

2. Cold alcohol soluble 27.40% Dark brown / Oily

3. Hot alcohol soluble 50.00% Dark brown / Oily

Table 4. Successive solvent extractives

No. Experiments Percentage Color /Consistency

1. Petroleum ether 1.63 % Light yellow / Oily

2. Cyclohexane 0.80 % Lemon yellow/Oily

3. Acetone 12.0 % Dark brown / Oily

4. Ethanol 11.0 % Dark brown / Oily

Table 5. Qualitative Phytochemical analysis of the extractives

Solvent Steroid Alkaloids by Phenol Flavonoids Tannins

Mayer’s DDR

Petroleum ether + – + – – +

Cyclohexane – + + – – +

Acetone + – + + + +

Ethanol + – + + + +

Water + – – + + +

Cold alcohol + – + + + +

Hot alcohol + – + + + +

Table 6. Rf values of different spots of Thyromax powder

Petroleum ether

extract

Cyclohexane

extract

Acetone extract Ethanol extract

7 Spots 5 Spots 3 Spots 7 Spots

Colour of

Spot Rf Colour

of Spot

Rf Colour of

Spot

Rf Colour of Spot Rf

Violet 0.24 Purple 0.40 Brown 0.12 Pale brown 0.07

Violet 0.31 Purple 0.48 Brown 0.34 Pale brown 0.13

Violet 0.36 Purple 0.66 Light

violet

0.46 Pale brown 0.17

Violet 0.40 Violet 0.78 - - Pale brown 0.24

Pale pink 0.61 Violet 0.88 - - Brown 0.35

Violet 0.68 - - - - Light green 0.41

Pale

Violet

0.80 - - - - Light violet 0.49



TLC of Thyromax powder (Fig. no. 7-18)

Fig. no. 7- 9: TLC plate of Petroleum ether extract of Thyromax powder

Fig. no. 10- 12: TLC plate of Cyclohexane extract of Thyromax powder

7: 254 nm 8: Derivatized plate. 9: 366 nm. 10: 254 nm. 11: Derivatized plate. 12: 366 nm.

Fig. no. 13- 15: TLC plates of Acetone extract of Thyromax powder

Fig. no. 16- 18: TLC plates of Ethanolic extracts of Thyromax powder

13: 254 nm 14: Derivatized plate. 15: 366 nm. 16: 254 nm. 17: Derivatized plate. 18: 366 nm.

Table 7. Rf value details of Methanolic extract of Guducī Satvam, Āmalakī cūrnam and

Thyromax powder.

Guducī Satvam Āmalakī cūrnam Thyromax powder

Spots Spots Spots

Color Rf Color Rf Color Rf

Light orange 0.80 Blue 0.18 Dark blue 0.18

Light orange 0.40 Blue 0.60

Light violet 0.70 Pink 0.70

Pink 0.80



TLC of Āmalakī curnam and Guducī satvam (Fig. no. 19-23)

Fig. no. 19- 21: TLC plates of Methanolic extract

Fig. no. 22- 23: TLC plates of Methanolic extract of Thyromax powder.

19: Āmalakī at 254nm 20: Āmalakī at 366nm 21: Guducī at 366nm. 22: 254 nm 23: 366nm

HPTLC Over view graphs of study drugs (Fig. no. 24-31)

Fig. no. 24: Over view graph of Methanolic extract of Āmalakī at 254nm

Fig. no. 25: Area graph of Methanolic extract of Āmalakī at 254 nm.

Fig. no. 26: Over view graph of Methanolic extract of Guducī Satvam at 254 nm

Fig. no. 27: Area graph of Methanolic extract of Guducī Satvam at 254 nm



Fig. no. 28: Over view graph of Methanolic extract of Thyromax powder at 254 nm

Fig. no. 29: Area graph of Methanolic extract of Thyromax powder at 254 nm

Fig. no. 30: Over view graph of Methanolic extract of Thyromax powder at 366 nm

Fig. no. 31: Area graph of Methanolic extract of Thyromax powder at 366 nm

Data related to response to the treatment

Graph 1. Effect of the treatment on weight gain Graph 2. Effect of the treatment on excessive sleep

00.20.40.60.8

11.21.4

BT AT

1.2

0.3

1.3 1.2

Effect of the treatment on weight

gain

Study

Control

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

BT AT

2.2

0.2

1.91.6

Effect of the treatment on

excessive sleep

Study

Control



Graph 3. Effect of the treatment on muscle cramp Graph 4. Effect of the treatment on edema

Graph 5. Effect of the treatment on dry skin Graph 6. Effect of the treatment on constipation

Graph 7. Effect of the treatment on T3 parameter Graph 8. Effect of the treatment on T4 parameter

0

1

2

3

BT AT

2.2

0.2

2.0 1.7

Effect of the treatment on muscle

cramp

Study

Control

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

BT AT

1.8

0.4

1.31.1


edema

Study

Control

00.20.40.60.8

11.21.41.61.8

2

BT AT

2.0

0.6

1.5 1.4

Effect of the treatment on dry

skin

Study

Control

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

BT AT

2.8

0.0

2.4

2.1


constipation

Study

Control

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

BT AT

0.696 0.7190.658

0.822

Effect of the treatment on T3 parameter

Study

Control

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

BT AT

54.01 54.91

43.76

65.92

Effect of the treatment on T4 parameter

Study

Control



Graph 9. Effect of the treatment on TSH

DISCUSSION

Pharmacognostical study

Moisture content of the shade dried drug

determined by Dean & Starks apparatus was

found to be 11%. Total ash of any drug is the

residue obtained on its complete incineration in

an electric Bunsen burner. This mainly

represents the inorganic salts present in the

drug, if the drug is pure and any impurities like

sand, soil etc. adhering to the drug will also

remain as ash, thus increasing the ash value

several fold. Ash value is the general criterion

to ascertain the purity of the drug. Total ash

value of the drug was found to be 3.05%. Water

insoluble ash mainly gives the percentage of

organic matter present in the ash and this was

found to be 2.23%. Acid insoluble ash, which

mainly gives the percentage of the sand and

impurities that remain insoluble in HCl and it

was found to be 1.47%. Water soluble extracts

of the drug mainly represents the percentage of

organic constituents such as tannins, sugars,

plant acids, mucilage and glycosides. Alcohol

soluble extracts mainly represents the

percentage of organic constituents such as

alkaloids, phenols, flavanoids, steroids, sugars

etc. present in the drug.

Successive solvent extraction, which is the

extraction of the drug with organic solvents of

increasing polarity, was applied for the

isolation of active constituents from the crude

drug. The highest percentage of extract was

obtained by the extraction with acetone (12.0

%) and least with the solvent cyclo-hexane 0.80

percent.

The extracts obtained by exhausting crude

drugs are indicative of approximate measure of

their chemical constituents. Successive

extraction showed scattered results because of

the combination of two drugs. Due to Āmalakī

cūrnam (Phyllanthus emblica) tannin present in

all the extracts and steroids are present in all

except cyclohexane extractive. While alkaloid

(by Mayer‟s reagent) is present only in

cyclohexane extract and alkaloid by

Dragendroff‟s reagent present in all except

water soluble extract. Phenol and flavonoids

are present in all the extract except petroleum

ether and cyclohexane extractives.

Clinical study

Student „t‟ test was applied to find out level

of significance for all the parameters with in

the treatment and control group. The data were

statistically analyzed before and after

intervention. Both the groups were not

compared since only study group showed

significant improvement on subjective

parameters and only control group showed

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

BT AT

55.99

23.46

62.79

8.17

Effect of the treatment on TSH

Study

Control



significant improvement on T3 and T4 level.

None of them showed significant effect on TSH

parameter.

Probable Mode of Action in a nut shell

It has been established for a very long time

that there is a complex relationship between

thyroid disease, body weight and metabolism.

(K.P. Paulose, 2011). Thyroid hormones

regulate metabolism in human. It is also

reported that difference in BMRs are associated

with changes in energy balance. (K.P. Paulose,

2011). Studies concluded that under secretion

of thyroid hormones leads to low BMR and

thereby weight gain, decrease in energy balance

causes sleepiness and muscle cramps. Once the

drug holds the body metabolism all these

symptoms get relieved. Functions of thyroid

hormone have a close resemblance to the

Dhātvāgni (digestive potency of cells). (Alsa

mariyam kalathancheri, 2008). Constipation is

the foremost symptom of this disease which

may be due to Agnimāndhya (loss of appetite)

and Āma (indigested food material). Both the

drugs are considered most excellent Pitta

śamakas (drugs which mollify Pitta) and hence

balance the Pitta and regularize the Dhātvāgni.

Madhura (sweet) and Amlarasa (sore), Snigdha

guna, Madhura Vipāka and Usna Vīrya

(warmth in potency) of drugs simply mollify

the aggravated Vāta. Kasāya rasa, Ruksa guna

and Usna Vīrya eliminate the kapha in channels

and also help in improving Agni. Once Agni get

normalized, the signs and symptoms of

Hypothyroidism like constipation, weight gain,

excessive sleep and muscle cramp all get

relieved. Guducī Satvam having Snigdha guna

and Madhura rasa reduces the dryness of skin.

Āmalakī cūrnam by virtue of its Ruksa guna

reduces the excess accumulated water in case

of Hypothyroidism which is the main cause of

weight gain.

Study drugs, Guducī Satvam and Āmalakī

cūrnam both having Rasāyana properties are

best for longstanding disease like

Hypothyroidism. In case of primary

Hypothyroidism, the anomaly happens is in

thyroid gland itself. The under-production of

thyroid hormones leads to increased TSH from

pituitary and various signs and symptoms.

Considering rejuvenative property of drugs,

their outcome can be justified. Being pitta

śamana, they reduce inflammatory changes;

being vāta śamana (drugs which mollify vāta)

may reverse the condition of destroyed thyroid

follicles or hold up the follicles to amplify the

liberation of hormones. Anti-oxidant and

immuno-modulatory effect of these drugs helps

in this action.

CONCLUSION

HPTLC finger print showed more than four

chemical constituents present in Guducī

Satvam. HPTLC finger print showed 11 peaks

may represent chemical constituents present in

Āmalakī cūrnam. There is no negative

impression in HPTLC profile of Thyromax

powder due to combination of two herbs.

Thyromax powder is found to be more effective

in reducing the subjective parameters.

Thyroxine sodium is found to be more effective

on T3 and T4 parameters. Thyromax powder

and Thyroxine sodium both are found to be

insignificant on TSH level parameter.

REFERENCES

Alsa mariyam kalathancheri (2008). Ayurvedic

perspective on endocrinology with

special reference to Hyperthyroidism

and Hypothyroidism. Thesis submitted

to Kerala University,

Thiruvananthapuram.

Anonymous, Indian Council for Medical

Research, New Delhi (2003).

Appendix I and II, Quality Standards

of Indian medicinal Plants. Vol. 1, 1st

edition.235–37.



Anonymous, The Controller of Publication

(Reprint 2001), Appendix 1, 2.1, 2.2,

3 and 4, New Delhi. The Ayurvedic

Pharmacopoeia of India. Part 1, Vol.

II, 1st edition. 205–08.

Anonymous. Pharmacopoeia of India (2001),

Govt. of India, Ministry of Health. The

The Controller of Publication. Vol.2; A

– 53–55.

Billore KV, Yelne MB, Dennis TJ,

Chaudhari BG (2005). Database on

Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda.

Vol. 3, 1st edition. New Delhi,

CCRAS,;11.

Chanchal Gupta (2003). A comparative study

of Pipalī prayoga and Śodhan purvaka

Śamana cikitsā in the management of

dhātvāgni vikrti (Hypothyroidism)

Thesis Submitted to Gujarat Āyurveda

University, Jamnagar.

Dikshit V, Damre AS, Kulkarni KR (2003).

Priliminary screening of immunocin for

immunomodulatory activity. Indian J.

Pharm Sci.71:254–7.

Gay J Canaris, Neil R Manowitz, Gilbert

Mayor, Chester Ridgway (2000). The

Colorado Thyroid disease prevalence

study. Arch. Intern Med.160:526–34.

K.P. Paulose (Editorial) (July 2011). Kerala

Medical Journal.; Issue4.

N. Kochupillai, C S Pandav, MM Godbole,

M Mehta and M M S Ahuja (1986).

Iodine deficiency and neonatal

hypothyroidism. Bill World Health

organ. 64(4):547–51.

Shukal V, Vashistha M, Singh SN (2009).

Evaluation of Antioxidant profile and

activity of Amalaki, Spirulina and

wheat grass. Indian Journal of

Biochem.24(1):70–75.

Sir Stanley Davidson (2006).

Hypothyroidism. In: Davidson

Principles & Practice of Medicine,

20th

Edition, Churchill Livingstone

Elsevier Health Science,

Philadelphia, 691.

Unnikrishnan AG, Usha V Menon (2011).

Thyroid disease in India- An

epidemiological perspective. Indian J.

Endocr Metab. 15:S78–81.

Vanderpump MP (1995). The incidence of

thyroid disorders in the community:

A twenty year followup of the

Whickham Survey. Clin Endocrinol

(Oxf). 43(1):55–68.





RUDRAKHA: A REVIEW ON MYTHOLOGICAL, SPRITUAL AND

MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Kumar Naresh 1

, Dubey Mukesh2, Agarwal Vivek

3*

1Assistant Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda, B.P.S. Mahila

Vishwavidyalaya, Khanpur kalan, Distt. Sonipat, Haryana – 131305, India 2Assistant Professor, Department of Agada Tantra, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda, B.P.S. Mahila

Vishwavidyalaya, Khanpur kalan, Distt. Sonipat, Haryana – 131305, India 3Assistant Professor, Department of Roga Nidana, M.S.M. Institute of Ayurveda, B.P.S. Mahila

Vishwavidyalaya, Khanpur kalan, Distt. Sonipat, Haryana – 131305, India

*Corresponding author: Email- [email protected]; Mobile: +919416051032


ABSTRACT

Since long time back, Rudraksha, has been recognized in Ayurveda due to its spiritual and

medicinal uses. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that anyone who wears Rudraksha

beads get the mental and physical prowess to achieve spiritual enlightenment. As an Ayurvedic

medicine it is used in the management of blood pressure, mental disorders, neurological disorders,

asthma, diabetes and gynecological disorders. It retards the aging process. Modern medical science

also recognises its anchoring effect on heart and circulatory system because of its electric and

diamagnetic properties. This review article is aimed at explaining the ancient mythological, spiritual

and medicinal attributes of Rudraksha on the basis of modern science.

Key words: Rudraksha, mythology, diamagnetic properties.

Review article

Cite this article:

Kumar Naresh, Dubey Mukesh, Agarwal Vivek (2013), RUDRAKHA: A REVIEW ON

MYTHOLOGICAL, SPRITUAL AND MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE, Global J Res. Med. Plants

& Indigen. Med., Volume 2(1): 65–72




INTRODUCTION

In Hindu mythology, Rudraksha beads bear

a great spiritual, religions and materialistic

significance. The Hindu mythology considers

Rudraksha as symbol of link between earth and

heaven. It is believed that it contains the secrets

of evolution of entire cosmos within itself

(Chaturvedi B K, 2004). For centuries, the

Hindu sages believe that one can cultivate

mental, physical and spiritual prowess to attain

fearlessness to achieve the ultimate

enlightenment (Seetha K N, 2008).

According to Shivpurana, the one who

wears the rosary of Rudraksha beads around

his/her wrist, arm, neck or head can roam in the

world fearlessly as does the Rudra and he/she

cannot be killed by a living being. Wearing it

makes the person respected and honoured by all

(Chaturvedi B K, 2004).

As per Ayurvedic system of medicine,

wearing Rudraksha beads relieves strain,

insomnia, anxiety, lack of concentration,

depression, palpitation, hypertension,

rheumatism, infertility and asthma. It has anti-

aging effect also (Dennis T. J., 1993).

Plant description:

Nearly 360 species of Rudraksha trees are

found in different parts of the world.

Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. is the scientific

name for the most popular species of

Rudraksha tree. It belongs to the family

Tiliaceae. This species was named by Dr.

William Roxburgh. Elaeocarpus, this scientific

name was taken from Greek words, Elaei

which means – Wild olive, Carpus – fruit.

Rudraksha is named differently in different

languages across India. Rudraksha – in Sanskrit

& Marathi languages. Rudrakshi as in Kannada

language. Aakkam as in Tamil language. Its

English name is Litrasum bead tree. This

variety matches to the given specifications as

found in our epic books which are old enough.

This popular species is found in Nepal and

Indonesia in more concentration. (Yelne M. B.,

1995).

Habitat:

This plant is native of Indonesia. Now a

day, trees of Rudraksha are found in tropical

and subtropical areas at the altitude ranging

from sea level to 2000 meters above sea level.

It is mostly found in South East Asia, Island of

Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali, Iran, Timor

(Indonesia) and Nepal. (Yelne M. B., 1995).

Botanical Description of Plant:

It is a large evergreen tree with broad

leaves. Its height ranges from 50–200 feet.

Leaves are large and shining green on the sun

facing side and dull leathery on earth facing

side. Flowers appear in the month of April-May

and are white in colour. Fruits start appearing

in June and ripen by October. Ripe fruit is

fleshy and has a seed with blue shell. Inner part

or bead lying in the seed is called Rudraksha.

(Yelne, M. B., 1995).

Chemical compostion:

C-H-N analyzer and gas chromatography

has shown that it contains 50.30% Carbon,

0.95% Nitrogen, 17.897% Hydrogen and

30.53% oxygen. Among other elements it

contains Aluminium, Chlorine, chloride,

Copper, Cobalt, Nickel, Iron, Magnesium,

Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium,

Zinc and Silicon oxide. (Pandey V B and

Bhattacharya S K,1985).

Properties of Rudraksha as per Ayurveda: (Dennis T. J., 1993).

It is guru (heavy), snigdha (unctuous) in

native, madhura (sweet) in taste, madhura in

vipaka (sweet in post-digestive taste and sheet

virya (cooling potency). Because of all these

attributes it has vata-pitta pacifying action on

the body.



Medicinal properties as per Ayurveda:

(Dennis T. J., 1993) and (Saminathan K R,

2009).

Rudraksha beads have several amazing

powers due to their electromagnetic properties.

Wearing it affects the body and performs

following actions:

Rudraksha is a natural tranquilizer.

Wearing rosary of its beads relieves stress,

insomnia, anxiety, depression and lack of

concentration. It calms mind and cool down the

body temperature. Wearing it around heart

controls heart beats and keeps blood pressure

under control. It slows down the aging

process.Wearing three faced Rudraksha cures

frequent fever in children. Wearing Garbh-

gauri Rudraksha helps women in conceiving

and get rid of threatened abortion. It has anti-

paralysis properties. It helps balancing the vital

chakras of human body that control wind, bile

and phlegm.

Its systemic use is useful in following

conditions:

Five faced Rudraksha possesses anti-

hypertensive properties. Dip two beads of it in

a glass of water in night and leave it over-night.

Drinking this water in the morning in empty

stomach condition controls blood pressure.

Powder of beads when mixed with any

Ayurvedic herb improves its effectiveness and

period of treatment. Paste of ten faced beads

taken with milk thrice a day cures cough.

External use of paste and systemic use of

powder form cures skin disorder, sores,

pimples, boils, burns and ringworm. Use of

mixture of powder and black pepper in equal

quantity taken with water is useful in smallpox.

Boil two beads of four faced Rudraksha in one

glass of milk and drinking this milk is very

useful in patient of manas rogas (mental

disorders) and poor memory.

Electric properties of Rudraksha: (Joyce

Diamanti, 2001).

The whole human body behaves as a

complex bio-electric circuit consisting of

nervous system and other organs. A number of

electrical impulses are generated in the human

body because of continuous heart beats, blood

circulation, and conduction of sensory and

motor impulses in nerves, contraction and

relaxing of muscle fibers. These electrical

impulses are known as bio-electricity. Because

of difference in the energy levels of different

body parts, flow of bio-electric current starts.

Smooth and controlled flow of this bio-electric

current in the body provides streamlined

functioning of different body systems. All the

activities in our sense organs are governed by

flow of this bio-electric current.

Psycho-somatic stress and maladjustment

disrupts this streamlined flow of bio-electric

current as well as normal functioning of the

body systems which results in uncomfortable

feeling, illness and abnormal psyche.

Rudraksha beads possess the property of a

stabilizing anchor. Wearing these beads

controls and normalizes the flow of bio-electric

current in body. Rudraksha exhibits the

following electrical properties (David W. Lee,

1991)

Resistance – Rudraksha of particular type of

mukhi have a definitive factor of resistance. It

resists the flow of bio-electric current generated

due to potential difference between different

organs or parts of the body. This resistance

generates a specific ampere of current flow

depending on the factor of resistance. This acts

in tandem with heartbeat, streamlining it and

sending out specific impulses to brain to

generate certain bio-chemicals in the brain

which brings positivity in mood and more

confidence making us feel better, more poised

and energetic.

It is important to mention here that specific

variety of Rudraksha sends specific impulses

acting on a specific type of bio-chemicals in the



brain thereby bringing specific positive changes

in the personality.

Capacitance: This term means ability to store

the bio-electric energy. The values are

measured in the units of Farad. This property of

Rudraksha makes them capable of stabilizing

and anchoring the flow of bio-electric current

thereby controlling and normalizing heart beat

and sensory activities in the body. The

increased level of stress results in increased

physical activity in the body along with

increase in heart beats, hormonal and nervine

activities, thus increasing energy levels and

potential differences at different levels. As a

result the magnitude of flow of bio-electric

current increases.

Rudraksha beads acts as capacitor or

dielectric store when directly comes in contact

with body and absorbs or store this excess of

bio-energy streamlining the overall activity in

the body to normalcy.

Inductance: Specific type of Rudraksha sends

out specific inductive vibrations because of

unique magnetic properties. These vibrations

are the reason for why the people feel better

even when the beads do not touch them

physically.

Magnetic properties of Rudraksha: (Joyce

Diamanti, 2001).

The beneficial healing properties of

magnets are an established factor. Rudraksha

also heave magnetic properties. It has both

paramagnetic and diamagnetic properties. It has

unique feature of having ability to change its

polarity. This feature is called dynamic

polarity. In Rudraksha, it is by virtue of

diamagnetism which is defined as the ability of

any substance to acquire temporary magnetic

property in presence of an external magnetic

field. The polarity of the charge induced is

always opposite to that of the external field

inducing the charge.

How the Rudraksha beads streamline the

functioning of heart and circulatory system is

explained by the diamagnetic property of

Rudraksha. (Sarkar P K et al., 2000).

Supply of oxygen and energy to the

different body parts is hampered if the

circulation of blood is blocked or reduced

because of any blockage in the passage of

blood vessels. This results in impaired

functioning of the affected body part thereby

causing illness.

We know that every cell of the arteries and

veins as well as blood cells is either charged

positive or negative. When a magnet comes in

contact with a body part the opposite poles of

the magnet and that of the cells get attracted.

This attraction, in case of blood vessels, causes

expansion of the passage and opening up of

them facilitating the normal blood circulation.

Normal supply of oxygen and energy through

streamlined blood circulation makes us

rejuvenated. If an ordinary magnet is brought

near any part of the body it attracts the cells of

only those sections of the blood vessels which

oppositely charged hence complete

streamlining of blood circulation cannot be

ensured.

We know the circulation of blood & heart

beats continuously induces a magnetic field

around the body and particularly heart region.

The bio-electric flow in the body also develops

bio-magnetism depending on the polarity of the

induced magnetic field. When Rudraksha

comes in contact with body it acquires a

polarity that is opposite to the inducing field.

That’s why it helps in opening up of the blood

vessels better than magnets.

Pure and Genuine Rudraksha:- (Yelne M.

B., 1995).

Now a day, rarely faceted Rudraksha beads

such as ek mukhi (one faced) beads are being

manufactured by artificial means to make

financial benefits. In such circumstances, it is

important to check the purity and genuine-ness

of the beads before buying them by any of

these methods:



Cut test: – This test is most reliable for

checking the genuineness of Rudraksha beads.

If, on cutting the bead horizontally the bead

shows same number of compartments as that of

facets or faces, it is a genuine bead. But, this

method has a major drawback that the bead

gets destroyed.

Copper coin test: – If a Rudraksha bead is

placed between two copper coins or copper

chips, the bead rotates slightly because of its

physical and magnetic properties.

Electro–magnetic properties: – The original

beads manifests properties like resistance,

capacitance, inductance, conductance of

electric current, magnetic forces etc.

Water test: – The higher valued beads like

Trijuti and Gauri-shankar Rudraksha

manufactured by artificially gluing the two or

three beads can be tested with this method. On

boiling the bead with water, sharp

discolouration appears at the joints of artificial

Rudraksha.

The genuine beads sink in water. Fake

traders of Rudraksha deceive the customers by

dipping the beads in water. But, it is important

to mention, here that fake beads prepared out of

wood and impregnated with lead will sink in

water thereby giving a fake impression of real

Rudraksha.

Table No. 01: Different type of Rudraksha their Ruling God, Planet and Beej Mantra

(Empowering verse) (Swarnalatha N, 2000) and (Vigyananand Swami, 2000).

Type of

Rudraksha

Ruling God Planet Beej Mantra

1 Faced Shiva Sun Om Hreem Nama

2 Faced Ardhnareeshwar Moon Om Namah

3 Faced Agni Mass Om kleemNamha

4 Faced Brahma Mercury Om Kleem Namha

5 Faced Kalaagni Jupiter Om Hreem

6 Faced Kartikeya Venus Om Hreem Hoom Namah

7 Faced Mahalaxmi Saturn Om Hoom

8 Faced Ganesh Rahu Om Hoom Namah

9 Faced Durga Ketu Om Heem Hoom Namah

10 Faced Vishnu None Om Hreem Namha Namah

11 Faced Hanuman None Om Hreem Hoom Namah

12 Faced Sun Sun Om Drom Sarom Ram Namah

13 Faced Indra Venus Om Hreem Namah

14 Faced Hanuman None Om Namah

Gauri Shanker Moon - Om Shree Gauri Shankar

Ganesh

Rudraksha Ganesh - -



Table No. 02: Different type of Rudraksha and their indication (Dennis, T. J., 1993)

Type of

Rudraksha Indication

1 Faced Chronic asthma heart problems, mental anxiety, T.B, paralysis, stroke, eye

problem bone pain and head ache.

2 Faced Impotency, renal failure, stress, anxiety, lack of concentration, depression,

negative thinking, eye problems, mental chaos, hysteria and intestinal disorder.

3 Faced

Depression, schizophrenia, weakness multifarious, directive of the menstrual

cycley/menstrual stress, fixation or guilt induced complexes, blood pressure,

mood swings, fever or weakness, jaundice and mental disability.

4 Faced Blood circulation, cough and brain linked illness, asthma, hesitate, memory lapse

and respiratory strip problems.

5 Faced Blood pressure, heart problems, stress, mental disability, fatness, anger

management, diabetics, piles, neurotic and maladjustment problems.

6 Faced Epilepsy and gynecological problems.

7 Faced Asthma, pharyngitis, impotency, foot related disease, respiratory and confusion.

8 Faced Stomach ache, stress, skin diseases and anxiety.

9 Faced Work as mysterious medicine for treating strange diseases.

10 Faced Hormonal inequality in the body, mental insecurity and whooping cough.

11 Faced Body pain, backache, chronic alcoholism and liver diseases.

12 Faced Bone diseases, rickets, osteoporosis, mental disability and anxiety.

13 Faced Muscular dystrophies

14 Faced Brain related and many other types of disease.

15 Faced

Skin diseases, recurring miscarriage and still birth. It is measured as a blessing

for women who are incapable to imagine and in such case both the partner should

wear it for fruitfulness.

16 Faced Leprosy, tuberculosis, cor – pulmonale and lung diseases

17 Faced Memory lapse and body functional disorders

18 Faced Mental harmonization and loss or power.

19 Faced Blood disorder and spinal disorder.

20 Faced Eyesight problems and snake bites

21 Faced It eliminates all form of disease.

Trijuti/tribhagi Internal and external body disorders

Gaurisankar Sexual and behavioral disorders

Garbha gauri Gynecological disorders

Types of Rudraksha: – (Swarnalatha N, 2000).

According the Hindu mythology, the

Rudraksha has originated from tear drops fallen

from the three eyes of Rudra (Lord Shiva).

Three eyes of Rudra represent sun, moon and

fire. Rudraksha beads born out of tears of solar

eye of Rudra are brown in colour and are of 12

types. Those beads which are born of his lunar

eye are fair and are of 16 types. The furious eye

tears gave origin to black Rudraksha which are

of 10 types. In this way, ancient scriptures

mention 38 types of Rudraksha.

Traditionally, Rudraksha beads are

categorized on the basis of clefts or faces or

mukhas the beads bears. Two mukhi to fourteen

mukhi Rudraksha are commonly available in

the market. One mukhi and Fifteen to twenty

one mukhi Rudraksha are rare and costly



varieties. Three more varieties namely Ganesh

Rudraksha, Gauri Shankar Rudraksha and

Garbh–Gauri Rudraksha are also available in

the markets.

Invocation of Rudraksha – (Swarnalatha N,

2000).

Before bearing, it should be sanctified.

Specific type of Rudraksha is sanctified by

chanting specific Beej mantra (empowering

verse) and performing specific rites and rituals.

It empowers and blesses the beads with

amazing powers. Usually this sanctification

ceremony is performed in the morning of

Monday and the sanctified bead is worn the

same day after touching it with Shivalinga (the

symbol of Lord Shiva) (Parthasarathy V, 1993).

DISCUSSION

Since the epic times, Rudraksha beads have

been attracting the attention of not only the

ordinary human beings but also the sages,

scientists and physicians because of attributes

and powers. Across the world, scientists from

the field of Physics, Bio Chemistry,

Pharmaceutics and Medicine etc. are doing

research on molecular levels on this herb.

Recent researches on Rudraksha have proved

the existence of miraculous electro-magnetic

properties in it. The beneficial effects of these

electro-magnetic properties on human body are

also no more secret now.

Classification on the basis of external

features of the beads is not correct

scientifically. But, ancient scriptures classify

and tag the quality and importance to different

mukhi beads according to the number or type of

mukha (Faces) the bead has.

CONCLUSION

The mythological and spiritual importance

of anything has roots in faith and belief the

human beings have. They do not require any

explanations. But, the myths about miraculous

effects of Rudraksha on human body have been

proved true by modern science. The medicinal

uses of Rudraksha beads in human body have

been established through clinical trials under

controlled and standard conditions. The

exceptional electro- magnetic properties,

especially diamagnetism contained in these

beads are responsible for the beneficial effects

on the different systems of human body

through mere contact with these beads or

wearing them. Out of nearly 360 species of

Rudraksha, three specieses namely

Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. ex. G. Don, (Syn:

Elaeocarpus sphaerica Gaertn) and

Elaeocarpus angustifolius Blume. have been

found possessing the properties for which these

beads are in demand. At places even Guazuma

ulmifolia Lam., Ulmaceae, commonly known

as Badraksha is taken as a poor substitute of

Rudraksha. (Bodhi Nighantu, 2010)

Till date, comparative evaluation of all the

properties of different mukhi (types of)

Rudraksha has also not been done scientifically

under controlled conditions. Scientific research

from this point of view will further unfold the

mysteries related to Rudraksha.

REFERENCES:

Bodhi Nighantu (2010), Singh Gurucharan,

Guazuma ulmifolia (Rudrasham) from

Delhi, Bodhi Nighantu, Retrieved from

URL on 30/11/2012: URL -

groups.google.com/group/bodhi-

nighantu

Chaturvedi B.K. (2004). Shiv Purana,

Vidyeshwar Samhita, Chapter 25,

Diamond Books (P) Ltd., New Delhi,

Parts 01–95

David W. Lee (1991). Ultrastructural basis and

function of iridescend blue colour of



fruits in Elaeocarpus, Nature, Vol. 349,

No.6306, p. 260–262.

Dennis T. J. (1993). Rudraksha - Not Just a

Spiritual Symbol But Also a Medicinal

Remedy, Sachitra Ayurved 46, 2, p 142.

Parthasarathy Vanamala, (1993), Ancient

Indian History and Culture of the

Anathacharya Indological Research

Institute, Bombay, 1993, p. 98–100).

Joyce Diamanti (2001). More about Rudraksha,

The Bead Society of Greater

Washington Newsletter, 18(2): p.6–8.

Swarnalatha N., (2000), Rudraksam, Journal of

Sukrtindra Oriental Research Institute,

Vol. 03, P.17–22.

Pandey V. B. and S. K. Bhattacharya (1985).

Scientific appraisal of Rudraksha

(Elaeocarpus ganitrus): chemical and

pharmacological studies", JREIM,

P.66–71.

Saminathan K. R. Veda (2009). The Amazing

Power Of Rudraksha, P.55.

Sarkar. P. K., Bhattacharya S.S. and Sengupta

(2001), Further observations with

Elaeocarpus ganitrus on Normal and

Hypodynamic Heart, Department of

Pharmacology, Medical College

Calcutta.

Seetha K.N. (2008). The Power of Rudraksha,

4th

edition, Jaico Publishing House,

2008, Mumbai, p. 23–78.

Vigyananand Swami (2000), Srimad Devi

Bhagvatam, 11th

Skanda, Allahabad

Panini Office, Allahabad, Vol. 26,

Chapter 3–7.

Yelne, M. B. (1995) Notes on The Botanical

Identity of Beads Found Under The

Name: Rudraksha, Biorhythm, AYU.

academy series, 44, P. 39–44.


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