Safety & efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations

[Guest guest]

Good morning Dr Vijay and all members,

Interesting topic to read and contribute

NIM-2008-05

http://203.190.147.122/NIM/souvenir.aspx?nimid=NIM-2008-05

Scientific approach to Ayurveda

Lavekar GS1, Prasad M2

1CCRAS, Opp. ¡D¢, Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058; 2CRIA, Road No. 66, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi 110 026

Ayurveda is the science of life and life has many aspects. Life is a period from birth to death, during this period one is involved in and has to face varied situations. Being a science of life many related biological and physical sciences are involved in Ayurveda. Further Ayurveda believes in holistic approach involving body, mind and spirit as an integral unit. This philosophy is also an essential part of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is nature friendly science and believes that human being is a miniature replica of universe and there is a constant interaction between these two. There is a conglomeration of varied but related sciences in Ayurveda. To know the concealed wisdom of Ayurveda, a comprehensive and intelligent, scientific multi disciplinary probing is required.

Ayurveda is a pragmatic science. During the span of time many innovative timely advances are adapted without deviation to the basic concepts. Most of the Ayurvedic formulations are herbal based. About 95 % plant source material is used in drugs, food & cosmetic preparations. In Ayurvedic ancient text 1200 Ayurvedic plants are described. Apart from this, many more plants are in practices particularly in tribal and folk medicine. Another important aspect is that many exotic plants are also used as medicine, cosmetics and food material. In Ayurvedic materia medica i.e. in Dravyaguna, many medicinal and aromatic plants are described and Ayurveda considers that aromatic plants are not merely aromatic in nature

but they are effective in therapeutic practices as medicine. In the present time, Ayurveda is getting acceptance widely, in many developed countries. The community is opting herbals, botanicals which are the part and parcel of Ayurveda.

The wisdom of Ayurveda is therapeutically evident in presence of multiple active ingredients in plants like Curcuma longa, garlic, Withania somnifera etc. In present situation the features of medical profession have changed. In the olden days the medical profession was a personal mission exclusively for the welfare of humanity without any personal gain. In later period the health care practice was assumed a professional form and at present it has become a business assuming industrial status. In olden days the medicine was procured and prepared by the practitioner himself, as quantity of medicine required was limited, he was adherent to limited standards. In present situation the requirement of medicine is in large quantity and the manufacturing is at industrial level. Hence all the parameters, which are prevalent, are applicable to the medicine. For reproducibility of results, the quality of raw material and the processes involved in the manufacturing of medicine are to be standardized. The adoption of advanced and prevalent scientific instruments, equipments and methodology is essential for scientific approach.

·The identity of plant material is important for safety and efficacy purposes. If by mistake, due to morphological similarity a wrong plant is identified and used in medicine that may prove to be harmful. For proper identification the ancient descriptive & organoleptic parameters along with pharmacognostic methods are essential to adapt. The DNA finger print technique is more scientific and reliable but cannot be practiced widely.

·The procurement of plant material in proper season & in proper time is essential to maintain the quality, eg. the collection of latex material is more suitable in view of quality and quantity, if it is procured in summer before sun rise. The Curcuma longa is to be collected in the night time so as they are more rich in active phytochemicals. These practices are to be validated by assessing the phytochemicals in odd and proper suggested season and time.

·The preservation of plant material in a suitable container and condition is also important. Before preservation some processes are also required otherwise material may loose its medicinal value due to degradation by microbial growth and other causes.

·Due to changed ecological conditions the air, water, soil etc. are more or less polluted in many parts of the world. Due to indiscriminate uses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc., the soil micro flora and chemistry is changed.

·The percentage of heavy metals and Arsenic in soil and water are also alarmingly increased.

All these changes are reflecting in the plant grown in such polluted soil. Mostly this pollution is due to industrial wastage diverted in to the river water. These heavy metals & Arsenic are hazardous to the health. Hence the raw material is to be tested for the presence of excess amount of heavy metals, Arsenic and pesticides. WHO has prescribed the limits of heavy metals and Arsenic. The genuineness of raw material, the presence of chemical marker is very much reliable but the chemical markers of most of the plants are not available. Hence, this practice is difficult to adopt by all. The other methods like HPLC, HPTLC, -thin layer chromatography is easy and

can be practiced widely. The TLC profile of polyherbal formulations consisting of more than twelve ingredients is not that reliable.

The safety measures are well described in Ayurveda but in present situation all are not practicable. Many a time safety of plants and proprietary formulations is required to be tested in animals. Considering the dose, dosage form and duration of the treatment, the safety study of choice like acute, sub acute, chronic, genotoxicity is to be conducted.

The action of the drug is described in Ayurveda in much detail, a single drug or formulation is described having varied actions. These pharmacological or biological actions are to be validated in vitro & in vivo as per the necessity. The pharmacodynamics of single plants & formulations is well described in Ayurveda but the pharmacokinetic study i.e. drug passage in the body is not available in detail. This pharmaco-kinetic study can be conducted or validated by involving molecular biological approaches

The Ayurveda has classified the human beings into seven Prakritis, which may be called a bio-identity of an individual. The Prakriti can be studied in view of genomics to co-relate macro with micro level to reveal the characteristic features and to develop a drug suitable for a particular prakriti considering genomic nature. This is a part of Pharmaco- genomics. Ayurveda gives more importance to the subjects rather than objects. The clinical protocols are to be developed of a comprehensive nature consisting of objective as well as subjective parameters because what patient feels is important than what laboratory reveals.

In nutshell a multi disciplinary approach involving all related sciences is required to reveal the wisdom of ancient science Ayurveda for the welfare of ailing humanity.

Shazia Jamshed

PhD Scholar

Social and Administrative Pharmacy

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Penang

Malaysia

Core Member Medicine Pakistan InternationalE-mail: shazia_12@...http://medicinespakistan.org/projects/

[Guest guest]

hello,

The traditional methods of manufacturing involved days of exposure to sunlight, drying in shade ,seeping in the solvent for hours,trituration with the diluent for weeks together. There may have been some changes in the methods of preparation due to modern equipments available today. However to some extent because of this modernisation , there is a compromise on the actual composition of the preparation.This could be one of the reasons for presence of heavy metals above the permitted limits.This does affect the safety issue of Ayurvedic medicines.

kunda

-- On Fri, 9/1/09, Vijay <drvijaythawani@...> wrote:

From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@...>Subject: Safety & efficacy of Ayurvedic formulationsnetrum Date: Friday, 9 January, 2009, 5:41 AM

Hi Ram,Ayurveda - the science of life, is time tested, oldest, popular, widely used, traditional pathy in India but stale fish do start the stink in the water body. Ayurvedic industry were given some special privilages in India like special tax concessions including waiver of excise duty. To enjoy the offered concessions many enterpreneurs jumped in which led to uncontrolled, mushrooming growth of Ayurvedic companies. These were unfortunately not equated with medicines so escaped the stringent monitoring and controls. This was further complimented by poor GMP by most operators.Yes, presence of heavy metals in Ayurvedic formulations has been reported by many and has become a favourite hunting ground for criticising the Ayurvedic formulations. Ideally the heavy metals should not be present in formulations beyond the prescribed limits in PPM.Vijay ThawaniModerator> > From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@ .co. in>> Subject: Thanks Smita; Welcome Anand> netrumgroups (DOT) com> Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 12:59 PM> > > Hi,> Heartfelt thanks to Dr Smita Sontakke for her efficient conduct of the discussion on publication ethics. It was in deed enriching. Smita do return as moderator on NetRUM with another topic.> Coming up is discussion on "Safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations" from 08 to 13 Jan which will be moderated by Dr Anand Chaudhary from Banaras (Varanasi). Welcome Anand as moderator and take over NetRUM WEF 07 Jan night.> Till the next discussion picks up, NetRUM is open for other posts.>

Vijay> Groupie> > > > >

Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

The traditional wisdom dictates the procedure and time of

harvesting. With the environmental pollution, use of insecticides,

presticides, fertilizers we have damaged the earth. Scarce land

resources, over exploitation of the natural resources has further

complicated the harvest. Rush for easy money has led to short cuts

in processing. Then branding by the manufacturers has led to newer

combinations which are propped by publicity and propaganda.

Vijay

> >

> > From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@ .co. in>

> > Subject: Thanks Smita; Welcome Anand

> > netrumgroups (DOT) com

> > Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 12:59 PM

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> > Heartfelt thanks  to Dr Smita Sontakke for her efficient

conduct

> of the discussion on publication ethics.  It was in deed

enriching.

> Smita do return as moderator on NetRUM with another topic.

> > Coming up is discussion on " Safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic

> formulations " from 08 to 13 Jan which will be moderated by Dr

Anand

> Chaudhary from Banaras (Varanasi).  Welcome Anand as moderator

and

> take over NetRUM WEF 07 Jan night.

> > Till the next discussion picks up, NetRUM is open for other

posts.

> > Vijay

> > Groupie

> >  

> >  

> >

> >  

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to

http://messenger./invite/

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks Shazia for the contribution.

Yes, most of the things in the article are correct.

Unfortunately Ayurveda of yester years was good but currently it is

mostly the corrupt version, except in case of few manufacturers.

In Ayurvedic literature poly herbal, herbomineral combinations have

been given. But the formulations that we see in market today, all

are not based on the scriptures and standard text.

I am also aware that Ayurvedic formulations should be used according

to the " prakriti " of the individual but it is not practiced.

Big movie stars advertise Ayurvedic formulations for self use, which

are available OTC.So people do not know what is their prakriti and

whether they should consume it.

Similiarly Ayurveda does have use of heavy metals but the processing

is important so that the presence of the " bhasmas " does not lead to

heavy metal toxicity. It is unfortunate that commercial interest has

sacrificed the purity of this age old science.

Vijay

>

>  

> Good morning Dr Vijay and all members,

>  

> Interesting topic to read and contribute

>  

>

> NIM-2008-05

>  

> http://203.190.147.122/NIM/souvenir.aspx?nimid=NIM-2008-05

> Scientific approach to Ayurveda

> Lavekar GS1, Prasad M2

> 1CCRAS, Opp. ¡D¢, Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058; 2CRIA, Road

No. 66, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi 110 026

> Ayurveda is the science of life and life has many aspects. Life is

a period from birth to death, during this period one is involved in

and has to face varied situations. Being a science of life many

related biological and physical sciences are involved in Ayurveda.

Further Ayurveda believes in holistic approach involving body, mind

and spirit as an integral unit. This philosophy is also an essential

part of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is nature friendly science and believes

that human being is a miniature replica of universe and there is a

constant interaction between these two.  There is a conglomeration

of varied but related sciences in Ayurveda. To know the concealed

wisdom of Ayurveda, a comprehensive and intelligent, scientific

multi disciplinary probing is required.

> Ayurveda is a pragmatic science. During the span of time many

innovative timely advances are adapted without deviation to the

basic concepts.  Most of the Ayurvedic formulations are herbal

based. About 95 % plant source material is used in drugs, food &

cosmetic preparations.  In Ayurvedic ancient text 1200 Ayurvedic

plants are described. Apart from this, many more plants are in

practices particularly in tribal and folk medicine.  Another

important aspect is that many exotic plants are also used as

medicine, cosmetics and food material. In Ayurvedic materia medica

i.e. in Dravyaguna, many medicinal and aromatic plants are described

and Ayurveda considers that aromatic plants are not merely aromatic

in nature but they are effective in therapeutic practices as

medicine.  In the present time, Ayurveda is getting acceptance

widely, in many developed countries.  The community is opting

herbals, botanicals which are the part and parcel of

> Ayurveda.        

> The wisdom of Ayurveda is therapeutically evident in presence of

multiple active ingredients in plants like Curcuma longa, garlic,

Withania somnifera etc. In present situation the features of medical

profession have changed.  In the olden days the medical profession

was a personal mission exclusively for the welfare of humanity

without any personal gain.  In later period the health care practice

was assumed a professional form and at present it has become a

business assuming industrial status.  In olden days the medicine was

procured and prepared by the practitioner himself, as quantity of

medicine required was limited, he was adherent to limited

standards.  In present situation the requirement of medicine is in

large quantity and the manufacturing is at industrial level.  Hence

all the parameters, which are prevalent, are applicable to the

medicine.  For reproducibility of results, the quality of raw

material and the processes involved in the

> manufacturing of medicine are to be standardized.  The adoption

of advanced and prevalent scientific instruments, equipments and

methodology is essential for scientific approach.

> ·The identity of plant material is important for safety and

efficacy purposes.  If by mistake, due to morphological similarity a

wrong plant is identified and used in medicine that may prove to be

harmful.  For proper identification the ancient descriptive &

organoleptic parameters along with pharmacognostic methods are

essential to adapt.  The DNA finger print technique is more

scientific and reliable but cannot be practiced widely.

> ·The procurement of plant material in proper season & in proper

time is essential to maintain the quality, eg. the collection of

latex material is more suitable in view of quality and quantity, if

it is procured in summer before sun rise.  The Curcuma longa is to

be collected in the night time so as they are more rich in active

phytochemicals.  These practices are to be validated by assessing

the phytochemicals in odd and proper suggested season and time.

> ·The preservation of plant material in a suitable container and

condition is also important.  Before preservation some processes are

also required otherwise material may loose its medicinal value due

to degradation by microbial growth and other causes.

> ·Due to changed ecological conditions the air, water, soil etc.

are more or less    polluted in many parts of the world.  Due to

indiscriminate uses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc., the

soil micro flora and chemistry is changed.

> ·The percentage of heavy metals and Arsenic in soil and water are

also alarmingly increased. 

> All these changes are reflecting in the plant grown in such

polluted soil. Mostly this pollution is due to industrial wastage

diverted in to the river water. These heavy metals & Arsenic are

hazardous to the health.  Hence the raw material is to be tested for

the presence of excess amount of heavy metals, Arsenic and

pesticides. WHO has prescribed the limits of heavy metals and

Arsenic.  The genuineness of raw material, the presence of chemical

marker is very much reliable but the chemical markers of most of the

plants are not available. Hence, this practice is difficult to adopt

by all.  The other methods like HPLC,  HPTLC, -thin layer

chromatography is easy and can be practiced widely.  The TLC profile

of polyherbal formulations consisting of more than twelve

ingredients is not that reliable. 

> The safety measures are well described in Ayurveda but in present

situation all are not practicable.  Many a time safety of plants and

proprietary formulations is required to be tested in animals. 

Considering the dose, dosage form and duration of the treatment, the

safety study of choice like acute, sub acute, chronic, genotoxicity

is to be conducted. 

> The action of the drug is described in Ayurveda in much detail, a

single drug or formulation is described having varied actions. These

pharmacological or biological actions are to be validated in vitro &

in vivo as per the necessity. The pharmacodynamics of single plants

& formulations is well described in Ayurveda but the pharmacokinetic

study i.e. drug passage in the body is not available in detail. This

pharmaco-kinetic study can be conducted or validated by involving

molecular biological approaches

> The Ayurveda has classified the human beings into seven Prakritis,

which may be called a bio-identity of an individual.   The Prakriti

can be studied in view of genomics to co-relate macro with micro

level to reveal the characteristic features and to develop a drug

suitable for a particular prakriti considering genomic nature. This

is a part of Pharmaco- genomics. Ayurveda gives more importance to

the subjects rather than objects.  The clinical protocols are to be

developed of a comprehensive nature consisting of objective as well

as subjective parameters because what patient feels is important

than what laboratory reveals.

> In nutshell a multi disciplinary approach involving all related

sciences is required to reveal the wisdom of ancient science

Ayurveda for the welfare of ailing humanity.

>  

>  

>  

>

>

>  

> Shazia Jamshed

> PhD Scholar

> Social and Administrative Pharmacy

> School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

> Universiti Sains Malaysia

> Penang

> Malaysia

> Core Member Medicine Pakistan International

> E-mail: shazia_12@...

> http://medicinespakistan.org/projects/

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr Vijay,

I feel that public health organizations and consumer networks must come forward with communicative processes and contents coaxing the consumers to consult their GPs about heavy metal screening.

I am attaching a file on the safety aspects of herbo-metallic compounds.

Shazia Jamshed

From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@...>Subject: Re: Safety & efficacy of Ayurvedic formulationsnetrum Date: Friday, January 9, 2009, 1:29 AM

Hi,Thanks Shazia for the contribution.Yes, most of the things in the article are correct.Unfortunately Ayurveda of yester years was good but currently it is mostly the corrupt version, except in case of few manufacturers.In Ayurvedic literature poly herbal, herbomineral combinations have been given. But the formulations that we see in market today, all are not based on the scriptures and standard text.I am also aware that Ayurvedic formulations should be used according to the "prakriti" of the individual but it is not practiced.Big movie stars advertise Ayurvedic formulations for self use, which are available OTC.So people do not know what is their prakriti and whether they should consume it.Similiarly Ayurveda does have use of heavy metals but the processing is important so that the presence of the "bhasmas" does not lead to heavy metal toxicity. It is unfortunate that

commercial interest has sacrificed the purity of this age old science.Vijay >> > Good morning Dr Vijay and all members,> > Interesting topic to read and contribute> > > NIM-2008-05 > > http://203.190. 147.122/NIM/ souvenir. aspx?nimid= NIM-2008- 05> Scientific approach to Ayurveda> Lavekar GS1, Prasad M2> 1CCRAS, Opp. ¡D¢, Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058; 2CRIA, Road No. 66, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi 110 026> Ayurveda is the science of life and life has many aspects. Life is a period from birth to death, during this period one is involved in and has

to face varied situations. Being a science of life many related biological and physical sciences are involved in Ayurveda. Further Ayurveda believes in holistic approach involving body, mind and spirit as an integral unit. This philosophy is also an essential part of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is nature friendly science and believes that human being is a miniature replica of universe and there is a constant interaction between these two. There is a conglomeration of varied but related sciences in Ayurveda. To know the concealed wisdom of Ayurveda, a comprehensive and intelligent, scientific multi disciplinary probing is required.> Ayurveda is a pragmatic science. During the span of time many innovative timely advances are adapted without deviation to the basic concepts. Most of the Ayurvedic formulations are herbal based. About 95 % plant source material is used in drugs, food & cosmetic

preparations. In Ayurvedic ancient text 1200 Ayurvedic plants are described. Apart from this, many more plants are in practices particularly in tribal and folk medicine. Another important aspect is that many exotic plants are also used as medicine, cosmetics and food material. In Ayurvedic materia medica i.e. in Dravyaguna, many medicinal and aromatic plants are described and Ayurveda considers that aromatic plants are not merely aromatic in nature but they are effective in therapeutic practices as medicine. In the present time, Ayurveda is getting acceptance widely, in many developed countries. The community is opting herbals, botanicals which are the part and parcel of> Ayurveda. > The wisdom of Ayurveda is therapeutically evident in presence of multiple active ingredients in plants like Curcuma longa, garlic, Withania

somnifera etc. In present situation the features of medical profession have changed. In the olden days the medical profession was a personal mission exclusively for the welfare of humanity without any personal gain. In later period the health care practice was assumed a professional form and at present it has become a business assuming industrial status. In olden days the medicine was procured and prepared by the practitioner himself, as quantity of medicine required was limited, he was adherent to limited standards. In present situation the requirement of medicine is in large quantity and the manufacturing is at industrial level. Hence all the parameters, which are prevalent, are applicable to the medicine. For reproducibility of results, the quality of raw material and the processes involved in the> manufacturing of medicine are to be standardized. The

adoption of advanced and prevalent scientific instruments, equipments and methodology is essential for scientific approach.> ·The identity of plant material is important for safety and efficacy purposes. If by mistake, due to morphological similarity a wrong plant is identified and used in medicine that may prove to be harmful. For proper identification the ancient descriptive & organoleptic parameters along with pharmacognostic methods are essential to adapt. The DNA finger print technique is more scientific and reliable but cannot be practiced widely.> ·The procurement of plant material in proper season & in proper time is essential to maintain the quality, eg. the collection of latex material is more suitable in view of quality and quantity, if it is procured in summer before sun rise. The Curcuma longa is to be collected in the night time so as they are

more rich in active phytochemicals. These practices are to be validated by assessing the phytochemicals in odd and proper suggested season and time.> ·The preservation of plant material in a suitable container and condition is also important. Before preservation some processes are also required otherwise material may loose its medicinal value due to degradation by microbial growth and other causes.> ·Due to changed ecological conditions the air, water, soil etc. are more or less polluted in many parts of the world. Due to indiscriminate uses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc., the soil micro flora and chemistry is changed. > ·The percentage of heavy metals and Arsenic in soil and water are also alarmingly increased. > All these changes are reflecting in the plant grown in such polluted soil. Mostly this pollution is due to industrial

wastage diverted in to the river water. These heavy metals & Arsenic are hazardous to the health. Hence the raw material is to be tested for the presence of excess amount of heavy metals, Arsenic and pesticides. WHO has prescribed the limits of heavy metals and Arsenic. The genuineness of raw material, the presence of chemical marker is very much reliable but the chemical markers of most of the plants are not available. Hence, this practice is difficult to adopt by all. The other methods like HPLC, HPTLC, -thin layer chromatography is easy and can be practiced widely. The TLC profile of polyherbal formulations consisting of more than twelve ingredients is not that reliable. > The safety measures are well described in Ayurveda but in present situation all are not practicable. Many a time safety of plants and proprietary formulations is required to be

tested in animals. Considering the dose, dosage form and duration of the treatment, the safety study of choice like acute, sub acute, chronic, genotoxicity is to be conducted. > The action of the drug is described in Ayurveda in much detail, a single drug or formulation is described having varied actions. These pharmacological or biological actions are to be validated in vitro & in vivo as per the necessity. The pharmacodynamics of single plants & formulations is well described in Ayurveda but the pharmacokinetic study i.e. drug passage in the body is not available in detail. This pharmaco-kinetic study can be conducted or validated by involving molecular biological approaches> The Ayurveda has classified the human beings into seven Prakritis, which may be called a bio-identity of an individual. The Prakriti can be studied in view of genomics to co-relate macro

with micro level to reveal the characteristic features and to develop a drug suitable for a particular prakriti considering genomic nature. This is a part of Pharmaco- genomics. Ayurveda gives more importance to the subjects rather than objects. The clinical protocols are to be developed of a comprehensive nature consisting of objective as well as subjective parameters because what patient feels is important than what laboratory reveals. > In nutshell a multi disciplinary approach involving all related sciences is required to reveal the wisdom of ancient science Ayurveda for the welfare of ailing humanity.> > > > > > > Shazia Jamshed> PhD Scholar> Social and Administrative Pharmacy> School of Pharmaceutical Sciences> Universiti Sains Malaysia> Penang > Malaysia> Core Member Medicine

Pakistan International> E-mail: shazia_12@.. .> http://medicinespak istan.org/ projects/>

[Guest guest]

Hi Shazia,

Consumers are most passive, insensitive, indifferent and callous

stakeholders in the whole system in our part of the world. They

accept anything in the name of medicine that is doled out to them.

The blind faith in medical practitioners is the root cause.

None will taste unkown eatable,even if offered free to the person.

But they accept unknown product in the name of pharmaceutical from

the medical practitioner, unquestioningly.

Mega cine stars advertising the products attract them to any junk

and they go asking for the advertised brand in the shop, such is the

power of advertising. To quote examples from Indian blitzkreig, they

do not reason whether the " jumping jack of yester years " (Jitendra)

ever took the poly herbal for staying young or the " Big B " himself

has ever consumed " Sona-Chandi " Chawanprash.

The outlook of the population has to change. The consumers will

become empowered only when the realization sets in that they are

being taken for granted and cheated in return.

Vijay

> >

> >  

> > Good morning Dr Vijay and all members,

> >  

> > Interesting topic to read and contribute

> >  

> >

> > NIM-2008-05

> >  

> > http://203.190. 147.122/NIM/ souvenir. aspx?nimid= NIM-2008- 05

> > Scientific approach to Ayurveda

> > Lavekar GS1, Prasad M2

> > 1CCRAS, Opp. ¡D¢, Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058; 2CRIA,

Road

> No. 66, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi 110 026

> > Ayurveda is the science of life and life has many aspects. Life

is

> a period from birth to death, during this period one is involved

in

> and has to face varied situations. Being a science of life many

> related biological and physical sciences are involved in Ayurveda.

> Further Ayurveda believes in holistic approach involving body,

mind

> and spirit as an integral unit. This philosophy is also an

essential

> part of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is nature friendly science and believes

> that human being is a miniature replica of universe and there is a

> constant interaction between these two.  There is a conglomeration

> of varied but related sciences in Ayurveda. To know the concealed

> wisdom of Ayurveda, a comprehensive and intelligent, scientific

> multi disciplinary probing is required.

> > Ayurveda is a pragmatic science. During the span of time many

> innovative timely advances are adapted without deviation to the

> basic concepts.  Most of the Ayurvedic formulations are herbal

> based. About 95 % plant source material is used in drugs, food &

> cosmetic preparations.  In Ayurvedic ancient text 1200 Ayurvedic

> plants are described. Apart from this, many more plants are in

> practices particularly in tribal and folk medicine.  Another

> important aspect is that many exotic plants are also used as

> medicine, cosmetics and food material. In Ayurvedic materia medica

> i.e. in Dravyaguna, many medicinal and aromatic plants are

described

> and Ayurveda considers that aromatic plants are not merely

aromatic

> in nature but they are effective in therapeutic practices as

> medicine.  In the present time, Ayurveda is getting acceptance

> widely, in many developed countries.  The community is opting

> herbals, botanicals which are the part and parcel of

> > Ayurveda.        

> > The wisdom of Ayurveda is therapeutically evident in presence of

> multiple active ingredients in plants like Curcuma longa, garlic,

> Withania somnifera etc. In present situation the features of

medical

> profession have changed.  In the olden days the medical profession

> was a personal mission exclusively for the welfare of humanity

> without any personal gain.  In later period the health care

practice

> was assumed a professional form and at present it has become a

> business assuming industrial status.  In olden days the medicine

was

> procured and prepared by the practitioner himself, as quantity of

> medicine required was limited, he was adherent to limited

> standards.  In present situation the requirement of medicine is in

> large quantity and the manufacturing is at industrial level. 

Hence

> all the parameters, which are prevalent, are applicable to the

> medicine.  For reproducibility of results, the quality of raw

> material and the processes involved in the

> > manufacturing of medicine are to be standardized.  The adoption

> of advanced and prevalent scientific instruments, equipments and

> methodology is essential for scientific approach.

> > ·The identity of plant material is important for safety and

> efficacy purposes.  If by mistake, due to morphological similarity

a

> wrong plant is identified and used in medicine that may prove to

be

> harmful.  For proper identification the ancient descriptive &

> organoleptic parameters along with pharmacognostic methods are

> essential to adapt.  The DNA finger print technique is more

> scientific and reliable but cannot be practiced widely.

> > ·The procurement of plant material in proper season & in proper

> time is essential to maintain the quality, eg. the collection of

> latex material is more suitable in view of quality and quantity,

if

> it is procured in summer before sun rise.  The Curcuma longa is to

> be collected in the night time so as they are more rich in active

> phytochemicals.  These practices are to be validated by assessing

> the phytochemicals in odd and proper suggested season and time.

> > ·The preservation of plant material in a suitable container and

> condition is also important.  Before preservation some processes

are

> also required otherwise material may loose its medicinal value due

> to degradation by microbial growth and other causes.

> > ·Due to changed ecological conditions the air, water, soil etc.

> are more or less    polluted in many parts of the world.  Due to

> indiscriminate uses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc., the

> soil micro flora and chemistry is changed.

> > ·The percentage of heavy metals and Arsenic in soil and water

are

> also alarmingly increased. 

> > All these changes are reflecting in the plant grown in such

> polluted soil. Mostly this pollution is due to industrial wastage

> diverted in to the river water. These heavy metals & Arsenic are

> hazardous to the health.  Hence the raw material is to be tested

for

> the presence of excess amount of heavy metals, Arsenic and

> pesticides. WHO has prescribed the limits of heavy metals and

> Arsenic.  The genuineness of raw material, the presence of

chemical

> marker is very much reliable but the chemical markers of most of

the

> plants are not available. Hence, this practice is difficult to

adopt

> by all.  The other methods like HPLC,  HPTLC, -thin layer

> chromatography is easy and can be practiced widely.  The TLC

profile

> of polyherbal formulations consisting of more than twelve

> ingredients is not that reliable. 

> > The safety measures are well described in Ayurveda but in

present

> situation all are not practicable.  Many a time safety of plants

and

> proprietary formulations is required to be tested in animals. 

> Considering the dose, dosage form and duration of the treatment,

the

> safety study of choice like acute, sub acute, chronic,

genotoxicity

> is to be conducted. 

> > The action of the drug is described in Ayurveda in much detail,

a

> single drug or formulation is described having varied actions.

These

> pharmacological or biological actions are to be validated in vitro

&

> in vivo as per the necessity. The pharmacodynamics of single

plants

> & formulations is well described in Ayurveda but the

pharmacokinetic

> study i.e. drug passage in the body is not available in detail.

This

> pharmaco-kinetic study can be conducted or validated by involving

> molecular biological approaches

> > The Ayurveda has classified the human beings into seven

Prakritis,

> which may be called a bio-identity of an individual.   The

Prakriti

> can be studied in view of genomics to co-relate macro with micro

> level to reveal the characteristic features and to develop a drug

> suitable for a particular prakriti considering genomic nature.

This

> is a part of Pharmaco- genomics. Ayurveda gives more importance to

> the subjects rather than objects.  The clinical protocols are to

be

> developed of a comprehensive nature consisting of objective as

well

> as subjective parameters because what patient feels is important

> than what laboratory reveals.

> > In nutshell a multi disciplinary approach involving all related

> sciences is required to reveal the wisdom of ancient science

> Ayurveda for the welfare of ailing humanity.

> >  

> >  

> >  

> >

> >

> >  

> > Shazia Jamshed

> > PhD Scholar

> > Social and Administrative Pharmacy

> > School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

> > Universiti Sains Malaysia

> > Penang

> > Malaysia

> > Core Member Medicine Pakistan International

> > E-mail: shazia_12@ .

> > http://medicinespak istan.org/ projects/

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks Smita for coming in. Keep chipping your valuable inputs.

Vijay

>

> Hello Everybody,

>  

> I totally agree with all the issues that have been raised. There

are controversies regarding the use of Ayurvedic medicines. I myself

have seen cases of rheumatoid arthritis on long term treatment with

some Ayurvedic formulation, the patient’s condition deteriorating

gradually and ultimately the patient landing in coma. When

retrospectively analysed the cause was found to be some heavy metal

poisoning.

>  

> But at the same time let’s not forget  the advantages of

ayurvedic medicines. As, Thawani sir and Gharpure mam have rightly

said most of the current problems with Ayurvedic medicines may be

because proper procedures of manufacture are not followed.

> Even modern medicines have limitations. There are certain diseases

for which there is no cure in modern medicine, for e.g.

osteoarthritis. Many Ayurvedic medicines are claimed to be effective

in treating such conditions. Such claims are usually based on

ancient literature available and there are no randomized, controlled

clinical trials to support these. It is necessary to conduct

clinical trials of such medicines to prove/disprove the claims and

if found safe and effective establish the medicine as standard

therapy for diseases not cured by modern medicines.

>  

> Regards,

>  

> Dr. Smita Sontakke

>

>

> Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to

http://messenger./invite/

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I think if freshly prepared products are dispensed, they will be efficacious.

After addition of preservatives, binding agents and so on, the efficacy of ayurvedic preparations comes down significantly.

Laxman was 100% cured with fresh Sanjivani. Would it be as effective, if presevatives...were added?

-Anupama

From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@...>Subject: Re: Safety & efficacy of Ayurvedic formulationsnetrum Date: Friday, 9 January, 2009, 2:37 PM

Hi,The traditional wisdom dictates the procedure and time of harvesting. With the environmental pollution, use of insecticides, presticides, fertilizers we have damaged the earth. Scarce land resources, over exploitation of the natural resources has further complicated the harvest. Rush for easy money has led to short cuts in processing. Then branding by the manufacturers has led to newer combinations which are propped by publicity and propaganda.Vijay > > > > From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@ .co. in>> > Subject: Thanks Smita; Welcome Anand> > netrumgroups (DOT) com> > Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 12:59 PM> > > > > > Hi,> > Heartfelt thanks  to Dr Smita Sontakke for her efficient conduct > of the discussion on publication ethics. It was in deed

enriching. > Smita do return as moderator on NetRUM with another topic.> > Coming up is discussion on "Safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic > formulations" from 08 to 13 Jan which will be moderated by Dr Anand > Chaudhary from Banaras (Varanasi).  Welcome Anand as moderator and > take over NetRUM WEF 07 Jan night.> > Till the next discussion picks up, NetRUM is open for other posts.> > Vijay> > Groupie> >  > >  > > > >  > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger. /

invite/>

Connect with friends all over the world. Get India Messenger.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Dr. Anand has taken over this topic and he has raised some very valid points about the status of Ayurvedic medicines.

why should we try to convince the western world by clinical trials that our medicines are effective. We do have history of their use going back to ages.It is we who dont trust the efficacy of our own system.

By the way Smita Sontakke is very modest in not disclosing that one of her clinical trials on Boswellia was adjugded as meeting all modern scientific trial norms.Details of this review are better known to Vijay.

Kunda

From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@...>Subject: Safety & efficacy of Ayurvedic formulationsnetrum Date: Saturday, 10 January, 2009, 2:53 PM

Hi,Thanks Smita for coming in. Keep chipping your valuable inputs.Vijay>> Hello Everybody,>  > I totally agree with all the issues that have been raised. There are controversies regarding the use of Ayurvedic medicines. I myself have seen cases of rheumatoid arthritis on long term treatment with some Ayurvedic formulation, the patient’s condition deteriorating gradually and ultimately the patient landing in coma. When retrospectively analysed the cause was found to be some heavy metal poisoning. >  > But at the same time let’s not forget the advantages of ayurvedic medicines. As, Thawani sir and Gharpure mam have rightly said most of the current problems with Ayurvedic

medicines may be because proper procedures of manufacture are not followed.> Even modern medicines have limitations. There are certain diseases for which there is no cure in modern medicine, for e.g. osteoarthritis. Many Ayurvedic medicines are claimed to be effective in treating such conditions. Such claims are usually based on ancient literature available and there are no randomized, controlled clinical trials to support these. It is necessary to conduct clinical trials of such medicines to prove/disprove the claims and if found safe and effective establish the medicine as standard therapy for diseases not cured by modern medicines. > Â > Regards,> Â > Dr. Smita Sontakke> > > Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger. /

invite/>

Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

In response to Kunda's statement that Smita was trying to be modest, here is why she meant it.

The article copied below has been retrieved and condensed from BMJ as fair use.

Please read my comments in red, at the end.

Vijay

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

doi:10.1136/bmj.a2813

BMJ 2008;337;a2813

E Ernst

incense: systematic review

http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/dec17_2/a2813

Updated information and services can be found at:

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Topic collections

.. Internet (980 articles)

.. Rheumatoid arthritis (321 articles)

.. Osteoarthritis (220 articles)

.. Musculoskeletal syndromes (1810 articles)

.. Degenerative joint disease (889 articles)

.. Connective tissue disease (531 articles)

.. Asthma (988 articles)

.. Immunology (including allergy) (7637 articles)

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Downloaded from bmj.com on 23 December 2008

RESEARCH

CHRISTMAS 2008: SEASONAL FAYRE

incense: systematic review

E Ernst, professor

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess evidence from randomised clinical trials about the effectiveness of extracts of Boswellia serrata (frankincense).

Design Systematic review.

Data sources Electronic searches on Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Amed, and Cochrane Library. Hand searches of conference proceedings, bibliographies, and departmental files.

Review methods All randomised clinical trials of B serrata extract as a treatment for any human medical condition were included and studies of B serrata preparations combinedwith other ingredients were excluded. Titles and abstracts of all retrieved articles were read and hard copies of all relevant articles were obtained. Selection of studies, data extraction and validation were done by the author. The Jadad score was used to evaluate the methodological quality of all included trials.

Results of 47 potentially relevant studies, seven met all inclusion criteria (five placebo controlled, two with active controls). The included trials related to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, osteoarthritis, and collagenous colitis. Results of all trials indicated that B serrata extracts were clinically effective. Three studies were of good methodological quality. No serious safety issues were noted.

Conclusions The evidence for the effectiveness of B serrata extracts is encouraging but not compelling.

COMMENT FROM VIJAY:

Out of 47 studies, only 7 met inclusion criteria. Out of these 7, two were from our group, of which the latest one is from Smita et al. Full ref of which is:

Sontakke S, Thawani V, Pimpalkhute P, Kabra P, Babhulkar S, Hingorani H. Open, randomized, controlled clinical trial of Boswellia

serrata extract as compared to valdecoxib in osteoarthritis of knee. Indian J Pharmacol 2007;39:27-9.

Another feather : IJP paid 10 % of reprint revenue to Smita which IJP earned on this publication.