Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)

Optimization of HPTLC densitometric method for curcuminoids and polyphenolics in an ayurvedic Emblica officinalis and Curcuma longa based Nishamalaki formulation by Box-Behnken design

2023-09-04T16:27:57+0530

The present study focuses on developing a simplified, specific, and accurate high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the quantitative and qualitative determination of ellagic acid, gallic acid, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) in Nishamalaki Ayurvedic formulation. Pre-coated silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ aluminum-backed plates were used as the stationary phase in the chromatographic technique development, and the optimized mobile phase was toluene: dichloromethane: glacial acetic acid: formic acid (6:4:1.6:0.9% v/v/v/v) with double development in linear ascending mode. The detection wavelength for quantification for ellagic and gallic acid was 280 nm, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) were 430 nm. The optimized mobile phase showed optimum separation between peaks for ellagic acid, gallic acid, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) at R_F of 0.12±0.02, 0.21±0.02, 0.55±0.02, 0.69±0.02 and 0.82±0.02 respectively. Chromatographic conditions were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Various variables, such as, the volume of formic acid and glacial acetic acid, and chamber saturation time, that are likely to impact R_F were identified for further optimization. The volume of glacial acetic acid may be regarded as a critical method parameter, which caused the greatest change in the R_F value and was the important factor among the three factors. The linear range was 600-1800 ng/band for all markers (r² greater than 0.98). The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) measured indicated the method’s sensitivity. For all markers, the recovery percentage reveal acceptable accuracy, and the method was repeatable and reproducible from precision measurements with less than a 2% relative standard deviation. The optimized method was precise, specific, accurate, robust and reproducible for quantifying ellagic acid, gallic acid, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) in the quality-control testing of botanical extract along with Nishamalaki ayurvedic formulation.

Clinical efficacy of Gojihvadi Kwath, Shirishadi Kwath, Sanjeevani Vati, Panchagavya ghrita granules & Shunthi Churna for COVID-19 management, a randomized controlled trial

2024-08-13T10:50:41+0530

The obscure disease pattern of COVID -19 have to be evaluated with Ayurvedic interventions and the present clinical trial was a randomized open label parallel three-arm control trial on the major and minor symptomatic patients with the recent pandemic. The patients were recruited from the Super specialty building of Sir Sunderlal hospital, COVID- 19 ward and home isolated ones. The Ayurvedic intervention includes the 15 days oral administration (Group A) –Gojihvadi Kwath, Sanjeevani Vati; Panchagavya Ghrit Granules; Shunthi (Dry ginger powder) plus conventional treatment, in (Group B) –Shirishadi Kwath, Sanjeevani Vati; Panchagavya Ghrit Granules; Shunthi (Dry ginger powder) plus conventional treatment and in Group C (control group) only the conventional medicines. Assessment was done based on the RT-PCR reports, signs and symptoms. The results point out the efficacy of trial medicine (that is group A and B) to discharge the patients earlier than those from the control group. The early reduction in the signs and symptoms noted were also observed. Group B showed a faster recovery from dry cough and shortness of breath and improvement in appetite. Home-isolation patients showed faster recovery of clinical symptoms than the hospitalized patients. Ayurvedic interventions can accelerate viral load clearance associated with quicker recovery and concurrently decrease the risk of viral dissemination. Additionally, there were no adverse reactions observed with these trial medicines.

Evaluation of toxic heavy metal content in marketed Ayurvedic decoctions using closed vessel microwave digestion in ICPMS

2024-08-13T10:59:11+0530

The heavy metal toxicity of marketed Ayurvedic herbal formulations has been sporadically reported in the literature. Drakshadi (DK) and Gandharvahastadi (GK) decoctions are widely prescribed classical Ayurvedic herbal formulations. The potential adverse heavy metal toxicity due to consequent intake of DK and GK have been published in scientific papers or reported through pharmacovigilance. The objective of our investigation was to determine the presence of heavy metals in marketed DK and GK, with reference to the Ayurveda Pharmacopeia of India (API) standards. In this study, the concentration of four heavy metals, Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) were investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). These metals are not known to have any role in the pharmacological activity of these formulations. However, their presence beyond acceptable limits can have harmful consequences. Eighteen random samples each of DK and GK decoctions were collected from different pharmacy outlets, Kerala province, India. We tested 36 market samples of the above formulations for heavy metals, which were found to be within the limits prescribed by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Our study suggests that heavy metal contamination of Ayurvedic formulations may not be widespread as suspected. However, continuous dynamic monitoring of Ayurvedic herbal formulations for heavy metal contamination is warranted considering the possibility of inadvertent contamination of raw drugs from environmental exposure.

Pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and chromatographic fingerprinting of three probable species accepted as Kakoli – a member of Astavarga

2024-08-13T11:07:00+0530

Kakoli is an Ayurvedic drug, used for its effect on the reproductive system, especially for promoting spermatogenesis. According to Ayurvedic and other Sanskrit literature, three different plant species exist under the name of Kakoli, namely, Roscoea purpurea Sm., Roscoea capitata Sm., and Roscoea alpina Royle. Grouping multiple plant species under one name, often leads to the selection and inconsistent usage of non-authentic species as therapeutic drugs. In the present study, we compared the three Roscoea species, used as Kakoli, using pharmacognostical and phytochemical, as well as other analytical studies. We found that R. purpurea Sm. might be the most probable source of Kakoli as evidenced by the correlation obtained between literary resource-based parameters (ancient scriptures) and the experimental analysis (pharmacognostical and phytochemical findings) thereby establishing the authentic taxonomic identity of the valuable ancient medicine Kakoli.

Farmer-led conservation of paddy landraces in Western Odisha

2023-08-17T14:34:06+0530

Despite the Green Revolution's impact, many small-scale farmers continue cultivating landraces for their agronomic, culinary, and cultural values. This study, conducted in Odisha, focuses on region-specific on-farm conservation practices employed by farmers for landraces. Five focused group discussions were conducted in five villages, involving 15 landrace custodian farmers in each village of Western districts of Odisha. The Four-Square Analysis, a participatory approach, was utilized to evaluate landrace conservation practices in five villages. Principal Component Analysis and Biplot visualization were employed to analyze the relationships between practices, varieties, and conservation scores. Focused group discussion revealed that a total of 30 paddy landraces were cultivated and conserved in the sampled villages. The study identified diverse landraces such as Kalabati, Katia, and Kusum kali, each valued for unique traits and cultural significance. Paddy landraces with disease resistance, medicinal value, and economic significance were commonly cultivated in households or on a larger scale. Important agronomic practices involved organic farming, reduced fertilizer use, biological pest control, System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and bacterial culture for landrace conservation. Management practices comprised seed banks, diversity blocks, seed exchanges, and community cultivation. The findings highlight the importance of farmers' indigenous knowledge, their beliefs and cultural practices in conserving landraces. Landraces which were rare and cultivated due to cultural or social importance require special attention in conservation efforts. Incentivizing community involvement and implementing tailored strategies would be crucial for effective landrace conservation initiatives.

Comparison of natural farming with organic and conventional farming practices in green gram-paddy cropping system

2023-08-16T18:24:35+0530

Natural farming system (NFS) is one of the traditional cultivation methods to cut down production costs as well as dependence on external inputs. Being considered as an agro-ecologically diverse farming practice, it brings a host of ecological and social benefits. In order to know the sustainance of natural farming practice, field experiments were conducted at Zonal Agriculture Research Station (ZARS), V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India for consecutive years (2019 to 2022). The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design comprised of five replication and four different farming practices as treatments namely, absolute control (AC), organic production system (OPS), Natural farming system (NFS) and recommended package of practice (RPP) of UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. The pooled data of farming practices indicated significant variation in growth, yield and nutrient uptake, among farming practices significantly higher growth, yield and nutrient uptake were recorded with RPP both in green gram and paddy. The results of four years pooled data indicated that compared to conventional farming practice, natural farming recorded decreased yield of 134 (23.53%) and 3350 kg ha^-1 (74.49%) in green gram and paddy, respectively. Also recorded 33.38% and 30.23% weed control efficiency by mulching in green gram and paddy, respectively. Based on this study we found that low nutrient demanding crops such as green gram (Pulses) are more suitable under natural farming compared high nutrient demanding crops viz., Paddy. Yields under natural farming can be enhanced by application of Farm yard manure and other natural sources for plant nutrition.

Investigation of Acacia nilotica seed gum for formulation prospects

2024-04-07T22:55:30+0530

Plant gums are useful excipient materials for preparation of different health care formulations. Gums are generally carbohydrates, which consist of long chain polysaccharides. Traditionally, plant gums have been utilized for preparation of different drug delivery systems. A. nilotica seed has nutritional and ethnobotanical values, which has been traditionally used as food and folk medicine. Thus, the purpose of this study was separation of A. nilotica seed endosperm and isolation of endospermic gum for exploration of their physicochemical properties. Result revealed that isolated endospermic gum was amorphous in nature based on SEM and XRD analysis. Elements C, K and Mg were found to be attached on gum surface in EDS analysis pH, tapped and true density were found to be closer in seed endosperm and their isolated gum. Hygroscopicity, water holding capacity, portability, swelling index, angle of repose and porosity were enhanced in isolated gum. Tensile strength and viscosity of isolated gum i.e., 60.93 mN.m^-1 and 5-200 cP respectively, were increased as compared to seed endosperm i.e., 55.73 mN.m^-1 and 4-100 cP respectively. Thus, isolated endospermic gum was found to be suitable in terms of physicochemical properties and may be used as plant based safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly excipient material in pharmaceutical applications.

Evaluation of safety aspects, in vitro probiotic potential and anti-inflammatory activity of Lactobacilli isolated from Meghalayan traditional fermented rice beverage

2024-04-07T22:51:13+0530

Two indigenous lactobacilli, Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9 isolated from Indian traditional fermented rice beverage were studied for safety criteria, probiotic attributes by in vitro tests and anti-inflammatory activity in cell line. They were negative for biogenic amines production, gelatinase, lecithinase and hemolytic activity, and displayed moderately low antibiotic resistance. They survived at low pH and 0.5% bile. They remain viable under simulated gastric and intestinal juice. Cell surface hydrophobicity and cell autoaggregation ability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 were comparatively higher than Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9. Cell coaggregation and antimicrobial activity were relatively high in Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9 than Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515. They had no bile salt hydrolase activity. Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 produced comparatively higher short chain fatty acids than Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M9. Additionally, the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in RAW 267.4 cells was considerably reduced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515.

Visual approach to Rajagopuram of a temple, a case study of Thiruvasi village, Tamil Nadu

2024-08-13T12:11:35+0530

The perception of urban and rural environments is multi-dimensional, shaped by the individual preferences of observers, residents, and visitors. Landmarks play a crucial role in the image of a city or rural area, aiding orientation and creating memorable experiences. It enhances navigability, fosters a sense of attachment, and contributes to place identity. Monuments and heritage structures significantly influence the visual ambiance of these environments. The visibility of heritage structures depends on factors such as height, surrounding buildings, skyline, and location. Using Sketch-up software, this paper assesses the visibility of the Rajagopuram in Thiruvasi village, Tamil Nadu. The study evaluates Rajagopuram’s visibility from various distances, concluding that it is a prominent landmark that enhances visual recognition and fosters a strong sense of attachment and place identity. The study underscores the importance of preserving heritage buildings to maintain historical and cultural significance amidst modern changes.

Traditional post-harvest operations of millets and drudgery of women

2024-08-13T12:16:44+0530

Traditional post-harvest activities in agriculture are mostly done by women and are most drudgerious. The study mainly attempted to identify post-harvest operations of millets and determine level of drudgery of women farmers while doing by traditional methods and improved practices. Total 32 women respondents were selected from different age groups and social strata from traditional millet growing area. The post-harvest operations of millets performed by the women were; threshing, winnowing, drying, flour making and flatbread making. The ergonomic parameters of these operations with traditional methods were compared with improved methods using machines. The results revealed that the level of drudgery realized in performing the five identified operations with improved practices was considerably reduced by 35 to 87% than the traditional practices done by the women farmers. Among the five, both threshing and flour making were assessed to be moderate consumption of energy under improved methods. Making flatbread by using power-operated machine helped them to reduce their drudgery level from high (DI=78.97) with traditional method to moderate level (DI=58.51). It was observed that if operation-wise appropriate machine and operational skill was given to hand the machineries; their drudgery would be reduced, the work output and their efficiency would be enhanced and thereby, boosted-up consumption of the millets and their health.

Editorial Board August-2024

2024-08-14T15:26:56+0530

Content August-2024

2024-08-14T15:18:51+0530

Author Index August-2024

2024-08-14T15:20:43+0530

Subject Index August-2024

2024-08-14T15:22:30+0530