Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)

Yoga as a complementary cancer therapy for mitigating oncological repercussions: A review

Sabareesh P.A, Avinash C Pandey , Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The greatest challenge in the treatment of cancer is to mitigate the side effects of oncological diagnoses such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery, amidst a surging cancer catastrophe, and their physiological and psychological implications on the patient’s body. Research shows the importance of mitigating therapeutic side effects of oncological procedures and processes for preventing cancer cell regrowth and the overall stability of cancer patients. Yoga, a time-validated practice, is a complementary therapy involving physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindful meditation with an impact on physical health, and psychological well-being. The impact of yoga is in particular linked to the emotions and feelings of cancer patients in reducing oncological stress, depression, pain, anxiety, and fatigue and improving the overall quality of life. Simultaneously, diagnostic protocols as a part of comprehensive oncological strategies and therapies to integrate yoga into mainstream healthcare are needed. Yoga’s role in the prevention of cancer through lifestyle orientations needs deeper and more focused clinical research. This review examines the advantages of yoga for cancer patients, emphasizing improvements in physical health, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life to deal with cancer burden.

Traditional culinary uses of aromatic plants as spice by the Meitei ethnic group: ethnobotanical evidence from Manipur, Northeast India

Elizabeth Huidrom, Ngairangbam Yaipharembi, Huidrom Birkumar Singh — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Rich traditional knowledge is observed in high biodiversity areas inhabited by numerous ethnic groups, such as the state of Manipur in Northeast India. Our study identifies and evaluates the cultural significance of plants used by the indigenous Meitei community of Manipur as spice in their traditional food system through a survey. Altogether 30 plant species were identified as spice in both wild and cultivated habitat. Use value, informant consensus factor and cultural food significance index was used for data analysis. Data visualization using principal component analysis biplot revealed three distinct clusters of species. Species such as Zanthoxylum armatum, Litsea cubeba, Houttuynia cordata, Zingiber officinale, Allium odorum, etc, are the most culturally and highly significant as seen in high UV, CFSI, FMRI, and AI scores. These species may be prioritised for conservation or the development of value-added products such as herbal teas, condiments, and nutraceuticals. Species such as Zingiber montanum, Hedychium marginatum, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, Ocimum basilicum, Hedychium spicatum have niche and specialized uses. Although these species may be under- recognised, they hold potential for exploration in areas such as pharmacology. The traditional food system is a pool of knowledge with potential applications in food and nutritional security, with sound scientific validation of the plants involved.

Gut-friendly chickpea (Cicer arietinum): Germination as a sustainable approach to reduce flatogenic sugars

Pavitra G Hegde, Dadasaheb D Wadikar, Atul Kumar, Anil Dutt Semwal — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a widely consumed legume, is rich in proteins and dietary fiber but contains raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), which cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the absence of alpha galactosidase enzyme in humans. Traditional processing methods, such as germination, have been used to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of legumes. This study investigates the effect of germination on α-galactosidase activity and RFO reduction in two chickpea varieties-Desi (NBeG-49) and Kabuli (NBeG-119). Chickpeas were soaked, germinated for up to 72 h, and analyzed for moisture content, texture, enzyme activity, and RFO levels. The results showed that α-galactosidase activity peaked at 48 h, leading to a significant reduction in RFOs (100% after 72 h in Desi and 60 h in Kabuli). Germination also influenced texture by increasing seed hardness due to structural modifications. SEM analysis revealed increased porosity, facilitating enzymatic action. These findings reinforce germination as a cost-effective, traditional method to improve chickpea digestibility, reducing antinutritional factors while preserving its nutritional value. This approach aligns with indigenous knowledge practices and offers potential applications in functional food development.

Traditional foods and wild edible plants of Spiti valley, Indian Trans Himalaya

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Traditional foods comprise unique recipes made from natural resources that are important for human survival and have cultural, social, and ecological importance. They are largely guided by geographical location and the prevalent environmental conditions in an area. We, therefore, documented the traditional foods prepared by the Spitians- the resident community of Spiti, a remote, isolated, cold arid region of the Himalaya. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used for the same (n=72 respondents) along with onsite participant observations. It was revealed that the residents prepared foods based on cereals (n=22), wild edible plants (WEP) (n=37), meat (n=5), and dairy products (n=2). Roasted barley, locally known as sattu was the predominant ingredient in most food products (13 recipes). It was a rich source of carbohydrates (80.41 g 100 g^-1), specifically dietary fiber (17.3 g 100 g^-1). Naturally fermented food Churpe from cow or yak milk was another predominant food of the region with high protein content (56.67 g 100 g^-1). Among the WEP, the majority belonged to the Polygonaceae and Brassicacceae (05 each) family. The WEPs consumed by the local population have been reported to mitigate high-altitude stress such as exposure to intensive radiation levels (UV rays) and hypobaric hypoxia. Thus, the traditional foods consumed by the Spitians have nutritional as well as health implications for them and the society at large.

A comparative study on biochemical qualities of speciality rice of Assam during storage at ambient condition

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The speciality rice of Assam, both “Joha”, (variety Kon) and pigmented rice (variety Chakhao) in whole and broken form were stored at ambient condition and dark for 180 days under four different packaging materials. The moisture content, crude fat and acid value together with the phenolic compound of rice were recorded during storage. The vacuum packaging was found to be the best method of packaging for both “Joha” rice and pigmented rice (both whole and broken). Retention of aroma in “Joha” rice was the maximum (very strong, ++++) under vacuum packaged condition up to 120 days, which decreased to strong (+++) for both vacuum packaged and aluminium foil bag packaged condition at 180 days. Microbial study indicated that bacterial infestation was the cause for spoilage of pigmented rice during storage.

The Effect of Gunas (physico-pharmacological properties) of selected Ayurveda drugs on carbohydrate and protein bio-accessibility of mudga [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] in an in vitro digestion model

Anjana Mahanta, Divya Khare, Avinash Math — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

A Dravya (drug) can perform its action due to its Gunas (properties). Gunas act as a medium for predicting or assessing Karma (drug action). Understanding Guna will play a leading role in the application of Dravyas in treatment. According to Acharya Sushruta, Ushna guna is having a prominent action on Pachana (digestion). This concept was utilized to assess the action of Ushna and Sheeta guna on Agni by the application of an in vitro digestion model. A standardized static in vitro digestion (INFOGEST) method was followed for three groups (i) Mudga alone (S) (ii) Mudga with Ushna drug (Maricha - Piper nigrum Linn.) (SM) and (iii) with Sheeta drug (Usheera -Vetiveria zizanoides Linn.) (SU), separately. The concentration of carbohydrates and proteins in different stages of digestion was estimated and bio-accessibility in each group was calculated and compared. Both the test groups showed significant effects on the bio-accessibility of Carbohydrates of Mudga. The test drugs do not have any effect on protein digestion in Mudga. But at the intestinal phase at 60 min, a significant difference was noted between the trial groups at p=0.0391. Ushna guna of Maricha and Sheeta guna of Usheera showed their effects on the carbohydrate bio-accessibility of Mudga during in vitro static digestion. The effect was more pronounced in the Maricha group. Maricha being an Ushna dravya must have modulated the enzymatic activity in a better way and improved the bio-accessibility of CH in Mudga as found in this study.

Chemical fingerprinting and quantification of bioactive metabolites in Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. and its marketed samples: Implications for quality control in herbal medicine

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The present study aims to distinguish Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. from its common adulterants, sold in Indian market as the Ayurvedic drug “Vidarikand”. Authentic samples of Vidarikand were collected from three natural locations, and marketed samples were procured from twelve major herbal markets in India. Pharmacognostic parameters of collected samples were standardized as per API guidelines, and known bioactive metabolites viz., gallic acid (1), p-coumaric acid (2), puerarin (3), biochanin A (4), daidzein (5), and genistein (6) were quantified using RP-HPLC. The separation was achieved using a mobile phase containing 0.1% orthophosphoric acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B). Elution was carried out in an isocratic manner (65:35% v/v; A: B), with a flow rate of 0.7 mL min^-1. HPLC data revealed significant variation in the quantification of bioactive metabolites between natural populations and marketed samples. Analysis of HPLC fingerprints showed that authentic samples contained a higher number of peaks (both known and unknown), whereas marketed samples exhibited fewer peaks, except for PT-8. The sample procured from the Trivandrum market (PT-8) displayed a chemical profile somewhat similar to authentic P. tuberosa, suggesting that it could be genuine. However, based on its morphology and the absence of puerarin, daidzein, and genistein, it was identified as Ipomoea sp. This study will aid in the quality control of Vidarikand by distinguishing it from visually similar adulterants in various herbal markets in India, helping to ensure the safety and efficacy.

Evaluation of blood parameters concerning mizaj of dry cough patients before and after administration of Sharbat-e-ejaz, a polyherbal Unani formulation

Towseef Amin Rafeeqi, Huma, Sabia Rasool, Seema Akbar, Irfat Ara — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Sharbat-e-ejaz, a polyherbal Unani formulation, has been used to treat dry cough for a long time. According to the Unani system of medicine, various factors, including derangement of mizaj (temperament), can predispose individuals to disease. In this open-label clinical study, we evaluated, for the first time, blood parameters related to mizaj in dry cough patients before and after 2 weeks of administering Sharbat-e-ejaz. A total of 75 patients completed the study and were screened for mizaj (temperament) using the Ajnas-e-ashariya criteria. The majority of patients (n=27) had Saudvi mizaj, followed by Safrawi mizaj (n=26), Bhalgami mizaj (n=17), and the fewest (n=5) had Damvi mizaj. Blood parameter values remained within normal ranges before and after treatment in all patients, with no significant difference (p>0.001). When analyzing patients across different mizaj groups, no significant difference (p>0.001) in these parameters was observed before and after treatment. Blood parameters do not change with mizaj in patients with dry cough.

A preliminary study on the efficacy and safety of Unani compound drug Safoof Habis ud dam in cases of Kasrat-e-Tams (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)

Shagufta Rehman, Radhey Shyam Verma, Ravindra Singh — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530

About 10-35% of women report experiencing heavy periods during their reproductive years. There is still no effective treatment for this problem in modern medicine emphasizing on the importance of various traditional medications in this regard. Using modern scientific standards, the Unani compound medicine Safoof Habis ud dam's clinical, biochemical, and haematological therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated in this study at the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Aligarh, between 2016 and 2022. A total of 77 people were selected from the patient pool who visited the outpatient department (OPD) of the institute. Starting on the days of the menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles, patients were given 2.5 g powder of the Unani compound medicine Safoof Habis ud dam orally twice a day after meals for nine days each month. The statistical findings were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dennett's test. The current study finds that the Unani compound medications were safe, non-toxic, and successful in treating severe menstrual bleeding. Large population studies are recommended for future research.

Editorial Board November 2025