Protective effect of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus emblica and their combination against antitubercular drugs induced hepatic damage: an experimental study

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of two Indian medicinal plants Tinospora cordifolia (Tc), Phyllanthus emblica (Pe), and their combination, in a rat model of isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide induced hepatic damage. Hepatic damage was assessed using a composite score assigned to histopathological findings of degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis. The antituberculosis treatment (ATT), when given for 90 days, induced significant degeneration and necrosis (score: 7.5; p < 0.01 vs vehicle) associated with morphological changes. However, no change was found in the serum bilirubin and liver enzymes. Co-administration of silymarin (positive control, 50 mg/kg) with ATT protected against necrosis (score: 1.5; p < 0.001 vs ATT). Tc (100 mg/kg) showed a reduction in liver damage (score: 6.5), which was not statistically significant. On the other hand, Pe (300 mg/kg) prevented the necrotic changes to a significant extent (grade 1.0; p < 0.05; score [corrected] 5.5). Combination of Tc and Pe in their therapeutic doses (1:3) significantly prevented the necrosis (score: 3.5; p < 0.001 vs ATT). Similar effects were seen even when the doses were halved and were comparable to the silymarin group. Thus, this study proves the synergistic protective effects exerted by the combination of Tc and Pe when co-administered with ATT.     

A case of mistaken identity: herbal medicine as a cause of lead toxicity.

Folk remedies can be a significant unrecognized source of lead toxicity. This case report of lead toxicity due to Indian traditional herbal medicine illustrates that suspecting only occupational sources for lead poisoning in adults may mask a true source of lead exposure.     

Plant profile,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Avartani (Helicteres isora Linn.): A review

Plants are used as medicine since ancient time, in organized (Ayurveda, Unani & Siddha) and unorganized (folk, native & tribal) form. In these systems, drugs are described either in Sanskrit or vernacular languages. Avartani (Helicteres isora Linn.) is a medicinal plant which is used in several diseases. It is commonly known as Marodphali, Marorphali, Enthani etc. due to screw like appearance of its fruit. Avartani is used as a folk medicine to treat snake bite, diarrhoea and constipation of new born baby. In the research, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, antibacterial and antiplasmid activities, cardiac antioxidant, antiperoxidative potency, brain-antioxidation potency, anticancer activity, antinociceptive activity, hepatoprotective activity, anti-diarrheal activity and wormicidal activity in this plant were reviewed.     

A systematic review of the Ayurvedic medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations

ObjectivesClinicians utilise critical research to advance their knowledge when prescribing standard and alternative therapies for developmental disorders. Recent research has reported that the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri may improve cognitive outcomes in adult populations; however, few studies have investigated its benefits in younger cohorts. The aim of the current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trial outcomes and safety of Bacopa and its effects on the cognition and behaviour in children and adolescents.MethodPubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google and CINAHL were searched up to August 2015 for trials investigating Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations. There were no restrictions in study design. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs and effect sizes were calculated for all significant data to allow for direct comparisons.ResultsFive studies met inclusion criteria for this review. The results demonstrated significant consistent improvements in the language behaviour cognitive domain and in a number of the memory sub-domains. Significant improvements were also seen in hyperactivity and attention-deficit domains. Overall outcome data demonstrated small to medium effect sizes (mean d = 0.42). Safety and tolerability data was well reported for 80% of studies with only 2.3% of all participants reporting mild side-effects.ConclusionThis review highlights the safe use of Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations for improving elements of cognition as well as behaviour and attention-deficit domains. However, there is a significant need for replicated study designs and stringent statistical analysis to validate these outcomes.     

The Ayurvedic medicine Clitoria ternatea--from traditional use to scientific assessment

Clitoria ternatea L. (CT) (Family: Fabaceae) commonly known as 'Butterfly pea', a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for centuries as a memory enhancer, nootropic, antistress, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing and sedative agent. A wide range of secondary metabolites including triterpenoids, flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins and steroids has been isolated from Clitoria ternatea Linn. Its extracts possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, local anesthetic, antidiabetic, insecticidal, blood platelet aggregation-inhibiting and for use as a vascular smooth muscle relaxing properties. This plant has a long use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for several diseases and the scientific studies has reconfirmed those with modern relevance. This review is an effort to explore the chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicity studies of CT, which have long been in clinical use in Ayurvedic system of medicine along with a critical appraisal of its future ethnopharmacological potential in view of many recent findings of importance on this well known plant species.     

Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine: a comparative overview

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine (TIM) and traditionalChinese medicine (TCM) remain the most ancient yet living traditions.There has been increased global interest in traditional medicine.Efforts to monitor and regulate herbal drugs and traditionalmedicine are underway. China has been successful in promotingits therapies with more research and science-based approach,while Ayurveda still needs more extensive scientific researchand evidence base. This review gives an overview of basic principlesand commonalities of TIM and TCM and discusses key determinantsof success, which these great traditions need to address tocompete in global markets.     

Current status of herbal drugs in India: an overview

Herbal drugs constitute a major share of all the officially recognised systems of health in India viz. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Naturopathy, except Allopathy. More than 70% of India's 1.1 billion population still use these non-allopathic systems of medicine. Currently, there is no separate category of herbal drugs or dietary supplements, as per the Indian Drugs Act. However, there is a vast experiential-evidence base for many of the natural drugs. This offers immense opportunities for Observational Therapeutics and Reverse Pharmacology. Evidence-based herbals are widely used in the diverse systems and manufactured, as per the pharmacopoeial guidelines, by a well-organised industry. Significant basic and clinical research has been carried out on the medicinal plants and their formulations, with the state-of-the-art methods in a number of Institutes/Universities. There are some good examples. Indian medicinal plants also provide a rich source for antioxidants that are known to prevent/delay different diseased states. The antioxidant protection is observed at different levels. The medicinal plants also contain other beneficial compounds like ingredients for functional foods. Hence, the global knowledge about Ayurveda and Indian herbals will hopefully be enhanced by information on the evidence-base of these plants. This will yield rich dividends in the coming years.     

Chronic Arsenic Poisoning Following Ayurvedic Medication

Background

Ayurveda, Indian traditional system of medicine, is practiced commonly in South East Asia and in many parts of the world. Many ayurvedic drugs contain heavy metals and may lead to metal toxicity. Of these, chronic lead poisoning is the most common. Chronic arsenic poisoning following the use of ayurvedic medication, though reported, is rare.

Case Reports

We describe three patients who presented with features of chronic arsenic poisoning following prolonged ayurvedic medication use. The diagnosis of chronic arsenic poisoning was confirmed by high arsenic levels in the blood, urine, hair, and nails in all the three patients and in ayurvedic drug in two patients. The ayurvedic medication was discontinued and treatment with d-penicillamine started. At 6 months after treatment, blood arsenic levels returned to normal with clinical recovery in all of them.

Conclusion

Arsenic poisoning following ayurvedic medication is much less common than lead poisoning, though mineral ayurvedic medicines may lead to it. We used d-penicillamine as chelator and all of them recovered. Whether withdrawal of medication alone or d-penicillamine also played a role in recovery is unclear and needs to be assessed.