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INDEX – GJRMI - Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2014

MEDICINAL PLANTS RESEARCH

Horticulture

EFFECT OF MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM) PLANT PARTS (SEEDS AND LEAVES) TO

CONTROL THE ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETES IN RABBITS

Ahmad Hafiz Shakeel, Abbasi Karim Yar

1–7

Ethno-Medicine

ETHNOMEDICINAL PRACTICES OF KURUMBA TRIBES, NILIGIRI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU,

INDIA, IN TREATING SKIN DISEASES

Deepak P, Gopal GV

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Maurya Santosh Kumar, Arka Ghosh, Yadav Amit Kumar, Kumar Dileep, Singh Anil Kumar 24–32

COVER PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY: DR. HARI VENKATESH K R, PLANT ID – INFLORESCENCE OF A CULTIVAR OF JAPA

(HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS L.), OF THE FAMILY MALVACEAE PLACE – THIRTHAHALLI, SHIVAMOGGA DISTRICT,

KARNATAKA, INDIA

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 1–7

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

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

EFFECT OF MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM)

PLANT PARTS (SEEDS AND LEAVES) TO CONTROL THE

ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETES IN RABBITS

Ahmad Hafiz Shakeel1*, Abbasi Karim Yar

2

1,2 Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding Author: shakeelnaurangani@gmail.com

Received: 07/10/2013; Revised: 20/12/2013; Accepted: 25/12/2013

ABSTRACT

A lab experiment was conducted at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Lab, Institute of

Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to check the effect of milk thistle

(Silybum marianum) plant parts for the cure of type II diabetes. Silybum marianum (milk thistle

plant) is well known to cure chronic hepatic diseases and disorders for centuries. The antioxidant

properties present in the milk thistle plant parts have also valuable effects on diabetes mellitus type

II. Data were collected and analyzed statistically by using Fischer’s analysis of variance techniques

and by using tuckey’s test at 5% probability treatment, mean were with at ten days interval for a

period of one month. Blood fasting glucose (mg/dl), mean daily blood glucose (mg/dl) and body

weight (g) of all the rabbits were recorded. The result showed that a gradual decrease occurred in

blood fasting glucose level (mg/dl) and mean daily blood glucose level (mg/dl) of rabbits in group 3,

group 4 and group 5 that were treated with milk thistle plant powdered seed, leaves and seed+leaves

with 1:1 ratio respectively. While the rate of increase in the body weight (g) of rabbits in group 3 that

were treated with milk thistle plant powdered seed was slow than other groups while the control

group in which no drug was given to the induced diabetic rabbits , the rate of increase in body weight

(g) was significantly high as compared to others groups

KEY WORDS: Milk thistle, silymarin, induced diabetes type II, alloxan, Silybum marianum plant

parts, anti-diabetic herb

Research article

Cite this article:

Ahmad Hafiz S., Abbasi Karim Y., (2014), EFFECT OF MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM)

PLANT PARTS (SEEDS AND LEAVES) ON ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETES IN RABBITS,

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 3(1): 1–7

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 1–7

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

INTRODUCTION

Milk Thistle is a herb of ancient times. It is

a member of the sunflower family which

contains many medicinal constituents. Milk

thistle plant’s history is much long for its uses

to detoxifying the liver from harmful effects

but it has also some newer applications

including cancer as well as in diabetes

(Wellington and Jarvis, 2001). Milk thistle

plant is native to the Mediterranean region in

the world and can be grown in much type of

soils. Milk thistle plant can also tolerate the

drought conditions. This plant has purple

flowers. Dioscorides, who was a 1st century

Greek physician, identified the milk thistle

plant flowers as a herbal remedy by using this

plant as an antidote for snake bites. In the

1900's milk thistle plants were used for the

treatment of different kind of liver diseases in

Germany and give milk thistle plant as high

priority calling as Mary thistle on the name of

Virgin Mary because it has white because it has

white striations on the leaves and the people

thought that it contain the Virgin Mary's milk.

The major chemical constituent is silymarin,

present in the fruits, seeds and leaves of Milk

thistle plant that is used clinically anti-ulcer,

anti-hepatotoxic, anti-arthritic and anti-

inflammatory agent (Alarcon de la Lastra et al.,

1992; Flora et al., 1998). It has also been

investigated that silymarin acts through

increasing the intracellular concentration of

glutathione or an anti-oxidative effect by the

scavenging of reactive oxygen species and the

antioxidant potential (Soto et al., 2003).

Silymarin (flavanolignan compounds) present

in the milk thistle plants considered as one of

the most valuable drug that can be used in type

II diabetes mellitus as a natural remedy (Soto et

al., 2004) and this plant may also be

therapeutically important for type I diabetes

mellitus (Matsuda et al., 2005). Moreover it has

been reported that the compound present in the

milk thistle plants causes significant reduction

in triglyceride and free fatty acids (Skottova et

al., 2004).

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an

annual herb belongs to one of the largest family

of plant kingdom Asteraceae (Compositae). It

is a tall, edible plant that can grow up to 3

meter height with reddish-purple flowers, large

leaves and thorny stem which clearly

distinguish it from others. Milk thistle plant has

a complex compound (silymarin) in which

many flavanolignans are present: Silybinin

(silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A and

isosilybin B), silychristin, isosilychristin,

silydianin, and also contain one flavonoid

taxifolin. These flavanolignan compounds are

present in all plant parts i.e. leave, roots and

seed (fruit) (Kroll et al., 2007). Milk thistle

plant extract have been used as medicinal

purpose for hundreds of years. Milk thistle

plant that contains flavanolignans are used to

treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver

inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. Some

literatures also show that milk thistle plant has

properties to lower down cholesterol levels, to

lower down the blood glucose level; and to

reduce the breast cancer and prostate gland

cancer cells growth (NCCAM, 2009). The

mechanism of action of milk thistle plants that

contains flavanolignans compounds (silymarin)

is not clearly understood yet, however the data

in the literature represent that silibinin is

present in silymarin take action in four different

ways: (i) for regulators and scavengers of the

intracellular content of glutathione act as

antioxidants; (ii) act as regulators and

stabilizers for cell membrane permeability that

prevent toxic agents of liver from entering

hepatocytes; (iii) to stimulate the liver

regeneration act as promoters of ribosomal

RNA synthesis; and (iv) for the transformation

of stellate hepatocytes into myofibroblasts act

as inhibitors to prevent liver cirrhosis.

Silymarin also has anti-inflammatory, anti-

diabetic and anti carcinogenic properties

(Fraschini et al., 2002).

In Europe milk thistle plants are cultivated

first and very effective against jaundice, used

as a liver tonic against many liver disorders to

cure the liver and spleen (Mayer et al., 2005).

Moreover, Silybum marianum plants are using

as a natural remedy for digestive and upper

gastrointestinal tract complaints, liver and

biliary tract diseases, menstrual problems and

varicose veins for centuries. For its hepato-

protective and antioxidant activities the first

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 1–7

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

effect of milk thistle have showed in various

illnesses of different organs such as CNS,

kidneys, lungs, prostate, pancreas, and skin

(Gazak et al., 2007). According to

pharmacological studies, silymarin is a safe

herbal product for its physiological doses that

are not harmful unless therapeutic dosages are

not properly administrated (Wu et al., 2009).

Diabetes mellitus is a health problem that is

continuously increasing day by day, which

causes considerable morbidity, death and long-

term complications even in developed

countries. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

plants have antioxidant properties, used in the

control of oxidative metabolic derangement in

diabetes (Maddux et al., 2001).

Milk thistle plant is mostly used for liver

diseases and a number of literatures,

publications and research is done on milk

thistle plant as hepato-protecting drug but the

research as anti-diabetic effect of this plant is

limited and not much explained. A huge

research is required to check the anti-diabetic

effect of this plant. Keeping these facts in

mind, an experiment was conducted to

evaluate the effect of milk thistle (Silybum

marianum) plant parts e.g. seeds and leaves for

the cure of alloxan induced type II diabetes in

rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experiment was planned and conducted

at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Lab,

Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University

of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The effect

of milk thistle plant parts (seeds and leaves in

powder form) was checked for the control of

alloxan induced type II diabetes in rabbits.

Seeds and leaves of milk thistle (Silybum

marianum) plant were collected from the wild

from the nearby fields and were authenticated

by experts in the field of taxonomy. After

collecting the leaves they were oven dried in

the lab after drying, the leaves and seeds were

grinded in the grinder separately into powder

form. After performing this action they were

stored at room temperature.

15 young and non-diabetic healthy rabbits

were procured from the market and they were

kept under observation for the period of about

one month at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant

Research Lab, Institute of Horticultural

Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,

Pakistan. The institutional ethics committee

approval was taken prior to the experiment.

The fasting blood glucose level (mg/dL), mean

daily blood glucose level (mg/dL) and body

weight (g) of all rabbits were checked with the

help of ACCU check glucometer, weight

balance and mercury thermometer respectively.

Induction of diabetes in rabbits

After checking the fasting blood glucose

level (mg/dL), mean daily blood glucose level

(mg/dL) and body weight (g) of all rabbits, the

rabbits were orally administrated by alloxan

chemicals @120 mg/kg body weight to induce

the diabetes in rabbits. These chemicals were

used to induce the type II diabetes in the rabbits

as it destroys insulin producing cells in animals

(El-Demerdash et al., 2005). After seven days

of alloxan administration, the increase in the

fasting blood glucose level (mg/dL), mean

daily blood glucose level (mg/dL) and body

weight (g) of the rabbits were checked with the

help of proper instruments.

Animal Treatments:

All the induced diabetic rabbits were

divided into five groups, each containing three

rabbits.

Group 1: This group was taken as control (T0)

and all three rabbits were administrated with no

drugs and treatments.

Group 2: This group was taken as (T1) and

each rabbit was treated with standard drug i.e.

Glucophage, dional in this group.

Group 3: In this group all the rabbits were

orally administrated with powdered seeds of

milk thistle plant @ 500mg. The drug was

given three times in a day to all the rabbits.

This group was taken as (T2).

Group 4: In this group all the rabbits were

orally administrated with powdered leaves of

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 1–7

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

milk thistle plant @ 500mg three times in a

day. This group was taken as (T3).

Group 5: In this group each rabbit was orally

administrated with powdered seed and leaves

mixed with 1:1 ratio @ 500mg three times in a

day. This group was taken as (T4).

The following parameters were evaluated @ 10

days intervals for a period of one month of all

the groups.

Clinical Parameters:

Fasting blood glucose level (mg/dL)

Daily mean glucose level (mg/dL)

Body weight (g)

Statistical analysis:

The experiment was carried out in a

completely randomized design (CRD) for five

groups of rabbits. Data were collected and

analyzed statistically by using Fischer’s

analysis of variance techniques and by using

tuckey’s test at 5% probability treatment mean

were compared (Steel et al., 1997).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of after thirty days application

of Silybum marianum plant parts i.e. seed and

leaves and standard drug indicates that group 3

and group 5 in which milk thistle powdered

seed and leaves+seed (1:1 ratio) used

significantly decreased the fasting blood

glucose level of rabbits (89.000 mg/dL and 113

mg/dL respectively) and the fasting blood

glucose level were recovered to normal after 30

days application of Silybum marinanum seed.

Group 2 and Group 4also significantly reduced

the fasting blood glucose level while in control

group the fasting blood glucose increased to

179 mg/dL (Al-Jassabi et al., 2011). In another

experiment, “The role of silymarin in

prevention of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus

in balb/C mice”showed that silymarin which is

a flavonoid mixture from milk thistle plant

parts significantly reduced the fasting blood

glucose level upto normal (from 163± 10

mg/dL to 109 ± 4.8 mg/dL) after two month

study. (Huseini et al., 2006). Results showed

that combination of Eclipta Alba extract and

silymarin significantly lowered the fasting

blood glucose level to 111.00 ±3.45 mg /dL.

So it is suggested that silymarin in milk thistle

plant parts decreases the fasting blood glucose

level significantly.

Fig.1 Effect of milk thistle plant parts (seed and leaves) on the fasting blood glucose level

(FBGL) (mg/dl) after 30 days in induced diabetic rabbits.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

1 2 3 4 5Fast

ing

Blo

od

Glu

cose

Le

vel (

mg/

dl)

o

f R

abb

its

Groups

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 1–7

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

Fig. 2 Effect of milk thistle plant parts (seeds and leaves) on mean daily blood glucose level

(MDBGL) (mg/dl) after 30 days in induced diabetic rabbits.

Fig. 3 Effect of milk thistle plant parts (seeds and leaves) on body weights (g) after 30 days in

induced diabetic rabbits.

The results of 30 days application of

standard drug and milk thistle plant parts on

daily mean blood glucose level (mg/dL) were

markedly significant. Group 3 (T2) and group 5

(T4) in which milk thistle seeds and

seeds+leaves used exhibited significant

decrease in daily mean blood glucose level

(95.333mg/dL and 121.33mg/dL respectively)

and all the rabbits were recovered to normal

daily mean blood glucose in group 3, while the

other two groups also exhibited significant

decrease in daily mean blood glucose level than

control, but the rate of decrease is less as

compared to T2 (group 3). Vellussi et al.,

(1997) evaluated the daily mean blood glucose

levels in long term treatment with silymarin of

diabetic patient and the result was 202±19

mg/dl at base line and significantly decreased

to 156 after 12 month. So it is suggested that

milk thistle plant parts having falavanolignans

compound (silymarin) markedly reduce the

daily mean blood glucose level.

After 30 days applications of Silybum

marianum plant parts on body weight (g) of

rabbits, he results indicates that the body

weight (g) of group 2 and group 3 are

significantly low than control group while other

two groups exhibit more body weight (group

5= 2123.0g and group 4= 2037.3g) than that of

control (1924.3 g). The graphical representation

is also given in fig. 3. Vellussi et al., (1997)

checked the body weight (g) by using silymarin

(milk thistle plant extract) in cirrohotic diabetic

patients and results indicated that silymarin

0

50

100

150

200

1 2 3 4 5Me

an D

aily

Blo

od

Glu

cose

Le

vel

(md

/dl)

of

Rab

bit

s

Groups

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2200

1 2 3 4 5

Bo

dy

We

igh

t (g

) o

f R

abb

its

Groups

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 1–7

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

significantly decreased the body weight 63 ± 4

Kg to 58 ± 2.3 Kg). So it is indicated that milk

thistle (Silybum marianum) plant parts only

seeds (having flavanolignan compounds) have

valuable effects on the body weight of induced

diabetic rabbits.

CONCLUSION

From the results obtained, it is clear that the

milk thistle (Silybum marianum) plant has great

potential to control the chemically induced

diabetes mellitus in animal and recover the

diabetic animals to normal condition. Hence

further studies are required on other animals to

ascertain and establish similar effect.

Pharmacological research is to be done to learn

the pharmaco-kinetics & dynamics of the drug,

which would help the research community to

understand the effect of the drug in a better way

so that such an effective drug could be used to

treat diabetes on Human subjects as well.

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Source of Support: NIL Conflict of Interest: None Declared

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 8–16

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

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

ETHNOMEDICINAL PRACTICES OF KURUMBA TRIBES, NILIGIRI

DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, IN TREATING SKIN DISEASES

Deepak P1*, Gopal GV

2

1, 2Regional Institute of Education, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

*Corresponding Author: Email: deepakpuravankara@gmail.com; Phone: + 91 – 8123784724

Received: 16/11/2013; Revised: 24/12/2013; Accepted: 31/12/2013

ABSTRACT

Skin diseases have always been associated with a specific relation with the quality of patient’s

daily life and personal hygiene. In Nilgiri district, most of the tribal settlements are dominant with

variety of skin diseases which are more prevalent among the children, due to the poor hygienic

condition in these settlements. Some of these infections are common and difficult to control because

the causal agents of these infections have acquired antibiotic resistance and hence it is the need of

the hour to develop new remedies with higher efficacy. In the present attempt, the Kurumba

settlements in three taluks Kundah, Kotagiri and Coonoor were selected. The medicinal knowledge

was documented through semi structured interviews with the Kurumba healers. The study

documented the ethno medicinal aspect of 25 plant species belonging to 25 genera and 19 families

which are used by the Kurumba tribe for skin diseases and this aboriginal knowledge was

documented, as following botanical identity, family, local name, uses and preparations. The present

study reveals that the aboriginal knowledge of Kurumbas on various plants used for skin diseases

will pave way for new pharmacological studies for treating the skin ailments more effectively.

KEYWORDS: Ethnobotany, Kurumba, Nilgiris

Research article

Cite this article:

Deepak P, Gopal GV (2014), ETHNOMEDICINAL PRACTICES OF KURUMBA

TRIBES, NILIGIRI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, IN TREATING SKIN

DISEASES, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 3(1): 8–16

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 8–16

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

INTRODUCTION

Man has been depending on plants for

medicinal purpose before the beginning of the

written records. Studies now have shown that

ethnobotanically derived phytochemicals have

greater activity than compounds derived from

random screening and therefore a greater

potential for products had developed (Cox and

Balick, 1996; Flaster, 1996). There are reports

of intensive Ethnobotanical survey carried out

in different parts of India viz Bihar (Gupta,

1963), Orissa (Jain, 1971), Arunachal Pradesh

(Pal, 1984), Assam (Borthakur, 1976), Madhya

Pradesh (Shukla et al., 2001), Karnataka

(Gopal, 1985). However the Ethnobotanical

information on Tamil Nadu are mostly a

collective study on various tribal groups like

Kanikar tribes of the Tirunelveli district

(Mohan et al., 2008), traditional knowledge of

Malasars of Velliangiri Holy hills

(Subramanyam et al., 2008), medicinal

practices of Kattunayakas of Mudumalai

(Udayan et al., 2007), Ethnobotanical survey

of Malayali tribes of Thiruvannamalai district

(Subbaiah et al., 2012) etc. but there are very

few plants listed in the available literature on

traditional medicinal practices for various skin

ailments viz. boils, sores, scabies, ringworm

and eczema. Majority of the skin infections are

caused by a variety of fungi and yeasts viz.

Tricophyton, or Microsporium etc. Ringworm

is a fungal skin infection caused by different

type’s fungi and is generally classified by its

location on the body viz. Groin Ringworm,

Scalp Ringworm, Nail ringworm, Body

ringworm, Beard Ringworm etc. These

infections produces red ring like areas,

sometimes with small blisters on the skin; the

condition can be quite itchy and even painful.

Recurrence is common because the fungi can

survive indefinitely on the skin. Even with

proper treatment, a susceptible person may

have repeated infections (Falguni and Minoo,

2011). Hence the present study aimed at

investigating the diversity of traditional

medicines used for the management of various

skin infections among the Kurumbas and

thereby enriching the existing repository of

traditional aboriginal practices for effective

management of the skin ailments.

The Nilgiri district, also called ‘The

Nilgiris’, is a hilly area of, 2549.0 sq.kms,

located between 11°10’ and 11°30

’ North

latitude and between 76°25’ and 77°40

’ East

longitude, part of Nilgiris being in the Nilgiri

Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in the Western

Ghats which is one of the 24 ‘biodiversity hot

spots’ of the world. The NBR is known for its

rich biodiversity (Daniels, 1992). Six primitive

tribes viz., Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kattunayakas,

Paniyas and Kurumbas live here. Among the

six tribes, the Kurumbas are the expert healers

using herbal medicines. On the basis of hill

residence, clan organization, dialects and belief

system, the Kurumbas of Nilgiri District are

divided in to five ethnic groups. They are Alu

or Palu Kurumbas, Betta Kurumbas, Jenu or

Teen Kurumbas, Mullu Kurumbas and Urali

Kurumbas. Among these five divisions of

Kurumbas, Alu Kurumbas are experts in

traditional medicinal practices (Parthasarathy,

2007). The present work indicates the multiple

formulations in which the medicinal plants

have been used exclusively for the skin

diseases by the Kurumba tribes of three taluks

Kundah, Kotagiri and Coonoor (Figure– 1).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical explorations were carried

out during 2009–10 in 73 tribal settlements of

the Kurumba tribes in the three taluks namely

Kundah, Kotagiri and Coonoor. The

Ethnobotanical information specifically related

to skin diseases were collected from the tribal

healers belonging to these communities who

practice herbal medicine and we documented it

with the help of semi structured interviews

which consist of the information highlighting

their expertise to cure the disease, plant part

recommended as medicine, adjuvant in a

recipe, mode of application, drug preparation,

dosage and duration, local names of the plants

etc. During the process of documentation

consistent explorations were carried out to the

specific habitat for identification and collection

of the particular therapeutic plant cited by the

healer. The information gathered was

confirmed by different tribal groups dwelling

in different places of the study area.

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 8–16

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

Figure 1: Location map of the study area

The medicinal plants were identified,

photographed and collected for preparing

herbarium. The herbarium was prepared by

following the procedure described in methods

and approaches in Ethnobotany (Jain, 1989).

Plants were characterized based on the

identification keys given in standard

identification manuals, The Flora of Presidency

of Madras (Gamble, 1975), The Flora of Tamil

Nadu Carnatic (Mathew, 1983) and The Flora

of South Indian Hill Station (Fyson, 1932).

The preliminary ethno pharmacological

validation of these medicinal practices is

considered as the primary step to establish that

these plants are safe and effective for usage.

This also ensures that further studies carried on

these plants will bear better results. Hence the

validation of these remedies was carried out

using a non experimental method (Heinrich et

al., 1992) and the validation score of each plant

species is mentioned in the table – 1.

Table 1: List of medicinal plants collected from Traditional healers of the Kurumba tribes of 3

taluks of Niligiri

Sl.

No

Botanical Name

Common Name,

Part Used

Family Medicinal

Uses

Mode of

administration

Validation

Score

1 Siegesbeckia orientalis

L. (Nadukadachi),

Leaf

Asteraceae Wounds and

parasitic

skin problems

Leaf paste is used as

an External ointment

on the wounds and

the affected areas

3

2 Coleus parviflorus

Benth.

(Nila) Tuber

Lamiaceae Itching, boils

on the skin

Paste of the tuber

along with neem

leaves is used

4

3 Chenopodium

ambrosioides L.

(Kannada: Jaregida)

Entire Plant

Chenopodiaceae For 1 month

old baby to

remove the

body odour

Paste is applied on

the entire body before

bathing the baby

4

4 Tinospora cordifolia

(Wild) Miers ex Hook.

F. & Thoms. (Kannada

:Amrithavalli) Leaf

Menispermaceae White rashes

appearing on

the body

Decoction of stem is

consumed orally

4

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

5 Plantago lanceolata L.

(Neela kare) Leaves

Plantaginaceae Boils on the

legs

Leaf paste is used as

an external ointment

4

6 Lantana camera L.

(Kannada : Parale

gida) Flowers

Verbenaceae Skin

inflammations

Flower is squeezed

and the juice is put on

the affected area on

the skin

2

7 Trichodesma

zeylanica,R.Br

(Jalke maram) Root

Boraginaceae Round patches

appearing on

the skin

Root is grinded into

paste and applied on

the affected region

externally

4

8 Eucalyptus polybractea

R. T.

Baker (Kannada

:Karpura mara), Leaf

and bark

Myrataceae Used for round

patches

appearing in

between the

fingers

Leaf paste is used

along with various

medicinal preparation

3

9 Bidens pilosa L. (Katu

kunni) Leaf

Asteraceae White patches

appearing on

the legs

Leaf paste is used as

an external ointment

3

10 Passiflora calcarata

Mast. (Potul), Leaf

Passifloraceae Skin diseases Leaf juice is applied

externally

4

11 Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.

(Tamil: Sotru

Kattrazhai), Leaf

Liliaceae Hair and skin

Diseases

Leaf paste is applied

on the Hair and also

on the affected region

on the skin

4

12 Breynia rhamnoides,

Muell.(Poolan), Root

and leaf

Euphorbiaceae White patches

on the skin all

over the body

Root and leaf paste is

used

3

13 Ipomoea alba L.

(Velutha) Leaf

Convolvulaceae For skin

diseases

Leaf paste is used

directly as an external

ointment

4

14 Shuteria vestita, W&A

(Kannada: Kadu

belaga) Leaf

Fabaceae

Boils

appearing

on the skin

Leaf paste is used

directly as an external

ointment

1

15 Clematis gauriana

Roxb.

(Meenae), Leaf and

stem

Ranunculaceae Wounds and

skin Diseases

The paste is applied

on the wound and

sundried, then the

patient is required to

take bath separately

2

16 Ruta graveolens L.

(Tamil: Aruvadam)

Leaf

Rutaceae Skin diseases Leaf is mixed with oil

(any oil like coconut

or sunflower oil) and

boiled for 15 mins

and applied in warm

condition

4

17 Euphorbia hirta L.

(Tamil:

Ammanpatcharisi)

Leaf and Latex

Euphorbiaceae For pimples The latex is applied

externally

4

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18 Leucas biflora (Vahl.)

R.Br.

(Kannada:

Kaduthumbae) Whole

plant

Lamiaceae Skin irritations Paste of the whole

plant is mixed with

the coconut oil and

applied extensively

on the affected area.

4

19 Colocasia esculenta

(L.)

Schott. (Tamil:

Chembu) Leaves

and Rhizome

Araceae Small red

colour boils

appearing on

the skin

Juice of the leaves

and rhizome paste is

mixed with gingelly

oil to prepare a gel

and this is applied

externally for 21 days

to cure skin disease

4

20

Curcuma longa L.

(Tamil: Manjal)

Rhizome

Zingiberaceae Itching and

also for skin

glowing skin

Paste is applied on

the skin

4

21 Murraya koenigii L.

(Tamil: Karivepilla)

Leaves

Rutaceae Skin

inflammations

Leaves are boiled

along with coconut

oil and applied on the

affected part in warm

condition

4

22 Hibiscus rosa sinensis

L.

(Tamil: Chembarathi )

Flowers

Malvaceae Good for hair Boiled along with oil

and applied regularly

on the head for

cooling effect

4

23 Cymbopogon citratus

L.

(Tamil: Karppura pul)

Roots

Poaceae For pimples Garlic and grass root

paste is applied on

the body and then hot

water bath is given

4

24 Ocimum basilicum,var.

purpurasens

(Tamil: Katu thulasi)

Entire plant

Lamiaceae Skin

inflammations

after the insect

bites

Leaf paste is

externally applied

4

25 Vitex negundo L.

(Tamil: Nochhi)

Leaves

Verbenaceae Rejunvating

skin

Boiled leaf is

consumed on a

regular basis

4

1,2,3,4 evaluation (4, presumably active; 3 likely to be active; 2, only Ethnobotanical information validates the popular

use among the Kurumba tribes of Niligiris; 1, presumably in active)

RESULTS

A total of 25 plant species belonging to 25

genera, 19 families were used as traditional

remedies for various skin ailments (Table: 1).

This data gathered were the results of the field

visits carried during 2009–10 (Figure – 2). The

preliminary analysis of the data gathered

clearly projects (Figure - 3) that leaves (49%)

are primarily used for the medicinal

preparations for the skin ailments followed by

flower (13%), root (13%), bark (11%), rhizome

(5%), stem (3%) and latex (3%). The study

reveals that most of the preparations are

administered in the form of paste and applied

on the infected area externally except in the

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 8–16

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

case of Vitex negundo and Tinospora cordifolia

which were consumed orally along with warm

water. However, the preparations for species

like Murraya koenigii, Hibiscus rosa sinensis,

Colocasia esculenta, Leucas biflora and Ruta

graveolens are boiled in gingelly oil or coconut

oil and then was applied on the infected area.

But the quantity and duration of administration

depends on the severity of the infection.

Certain medicinal plants like Murraya koenigii,

Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Aloe vera were

domesticated in most of the tribal villages due

to the frequent medicinal usage of the same or

various ailments apart from the skin diseases.

DISCUSSION

Communities living in the three taluks like,

Kundah, Conoor and Kotagiri have been

practicing the herbal medicine to cure skin

diseases like skin boils, fungal infections on

the skin etc., which are prevalent in the above

said areas. These skin diseases are very

common among these tribal settlements due to

the unhygienic conditions in which they live

and also the infections got aggravated due to

seasonal changes and some of these infections

were also transmitted from the cattle’s like

sheep. Aggravation of the infection was judged

from the degree of itching narrated by the

patients.

Figure 3: Glimpses of the field visit carried during 2009-10 to the study area

Plate A: Skin infection on the palm of the tribal women

Plate B: Traditional healer collecting the plant sample

Plate C: A Kurumba woman showing her certification for practicing traditional healing

Plate D: Documentation process of traditional knowledge from a traditional healer

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Figure 3: Analysis of plant parts used in the remedies

Though some medical assistance is

available in these three taluks, the tribal’s

living in the remote areas is unable to get the

facility and also due to the poor socio

economic background they are not able to

afford the readily available ointments for skin

diseases. Hence majority of the families

depend on the herbal medicines which is more

readily available. Certain medicinal plants that

are used for skin ailments by the Kurumba

tribes are also used in other regions. For

instances Leucas biflora and Colocasia

esculenta are being used to treat skin ailments

by the Kani tribes of Tirunelveli hills (Ayyanar

and Ignacimuthu, 2005). Similarly the plant

species Lantana camara is also used both by

the Kurumba and Irula healers of Kodiakkarai

Reserve forest (Subramanyam and Steven,

2009). But the quantity and duration of

administration depends on the severity of the

infection. According to this non experimental

method of validity 18 plant species fall under

the score of 4. Hence they are considered to be

most likely effective remedy as these data is

supported by the ethnobotanical,

phytochemical and pharmacological studies

carried by earlier workers. Four plant species

have a validating score of 3 in addition to their

ethnobotanical data, the phytochemical and

pharmacological information of these plants

validates their use in India, hence the plant may

exert a physiological action on the patient and

is more likely to be effective than those at the

lowest level of validity. Under 2 and 1 score, 2

plant species and 1 plant species fall

respectively. This is based on the popular

usage within the group of a particular

geographic region and 1 for presumably

phytochemically inactive.

CONCLUSION

Hence the present study clearly proved that

these remedies form an important database for

the identification and purification of important

therapeutic compounds and antimicrobial trials

to prove their efficacy and also to develop new

herbal products for the management of various

skin diseases.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank all the traditional medicinal

practitioners of Kurumba tribes of Kundah,

Kotagiri and Conoor taluk for supporting the

study by sharing their knowledge and Mr.

Sudhakar who accompanied us to all the

Kurumba settlements of the study area.

Leaf49%

Flower13%

Rhizome5%

Root13%

Tuber3%

Bark11%

Latex3%

Stem3%

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Source of Support: NIL Conflict of Interest: None Declared

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

STABILITY STUDY OF SWARNAPRASHANA YOGA WITH RESPECT TO

BASELINE MICROBIAL PROFILE

Bhaskaran Jyothy Kothanath1*, Cholera Meera

2, Patel Kalpana Shanthibhai

3,

Shrikrishna Rajagopala4

1PhD Scholar, Dept. Of Kaumarabhritya, I.P.G.T. & R.A, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

2Head, Microbiology Laboratory, I.P.G.T. & R.A, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

3Professor & HOD, Dept. Of Kaumarabhritya, I.P.G.T. & R.A, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

4Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Kaumarabhritya, I.P.G.T. & R.A, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

*Corresponding Author: jyothybmenon@yahoo.com

Received: 10/12/2013; Revised: 26/12/2013; Accepted: 01/01/2014

ABSTRACT

Administration of Gold in children is a unique practice explained in Ayurveda.

Kashyapasamhitha has mentioned the administration of pure gold triturated over a clean stone along

with water, honey and ghee as ‘Swarnaprashana’. In the present study, stability with respect to its

microbial profile of Swarnaprashana Yoga prepared with Swarna Bhasma, ghee and honey in a

specific proportion was carried out. Three samples of Swarnaprashana Yoga named A, B and C,

prepared and stored during different climatic and temperature conditions were studied at regular

intervals for a period of 3 months to analyse mycological findings and presence of microorganisms

by Wet mount preparation and Gram stain test respectively. Sample A and B were stored at room

temperature while sample C in refrigerator. At the end of the study, sample A did not reveal presence

of microbes after 3 months of preparation of the sample. Sample B showed presence of many gram

negative pleomorphic rods at the end of 1 month of preparation. Presence of many gram negative

rods was found in Sample C at the end of 3 months of preparation. The findings of the present study

reveal that microbial contamination in Swarnaprashana Yoga has relation with the changes in

climatic conditions and temperature. In the present study, the stability of Swarnaprashana Yoga with

respect to microbiological findings was 3 months when stored at room temperature during warm and

dry climatic conditions, 1 month and 2 months when stored in room temperature and refrigerator

respectively during cold and humid climatic conditions.

KEYWORDS: Stability, Microbial Profile, Swarnaprashana Yoga, Climatic condition

Research article

Cite this article:

Bhaskaran Jyothy. K., Cholera M., Patel Kalpana S., Shrikrishna R., (2014),

STABILITY STUDY OF SWARNAPRASHANA YOGA WITH RESPECT TO

BASELINE MICROBIAL PROFILE, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med.,

Volume 3(1): 17–23

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 17–23

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

INTRODUCTION

Swarnaprashana (oral administration of

gold) is a very unique practice of internal

administration of gold explained in Ayurveda

especially for the benefit of children.

Kashyapasamhita mentioned the term

Swarnaprashana for administration of gold

with the benefits of improvement in factors like

intellect, digestion and metabolism, physical

strength, immunity, complexion, fertility and

life span. According to the classic,

Swarnaprashana Yoga (formulation of gold)

has to be prepared by triturating pure gold

along with water, ghee and honey on a clean

stone. The administration of this Yoga has been

told for children with specific indications and

contraindications (Hemaraja Sarma 2006).

Many other texts of Ayurveda have also

explained internal administration of gold

(Jadavji Trikamji, 2005, Harisastri Paradakara,

2002 & Shivaprasad Sharma, 2006). From the

above cited references it can be understood that

this specific formulation has to be freshly

prepared and administered.

People do get attracted by knowing the

above said benefits of Swarnaprashana, but the

preparation of the formulation on daily basis in

present busy life style make them quite hesitant

in approaching the clinicians. Although there

are many formulations available in the name of

Swarnaprashana in the market there are no

uniform protocol followed in their preparation,

storage, and information of shelf life period etc.

This also discourages the public from accepting

this unique formulation with complete

confidence. A formulation which is prepared in

specific proportion with good quality

ingredients and stored well in good hygiene for

at least an acceptable time period could surely

improve acceptance of such a formulation

among public.

As Swarnaprashana is administered in

children even from new born period, it was

necessary to prepare the formulation in a better

dosage form which is also free from any

microbial contamination. Stability of a

pharmaceutical product is the capability of a

particular formulation in a specific container or

closure system, to remain within its physical,

chemical, microbiological, therapeutic and

toxicological specifications at a defined storage

condition (Linda Ed Felton, 2013). Thus in the

present study an attempt was taken to check the

stability of Swarnaprashana Yoga with respect

to its microbial profile in 3 samples prepared

and stored in two different climatic conditions

and temperature set ups at regular intervals for

a period of 3 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples of Swarnaprashana Yoga labelled

‘A’ and ‘B’ (stored at room temperature) and

‘C’ (refrigerated) were prepared and studied to

check microbial contamination at regular

intervals for a period of 3 months. The study

was conducted at Microbiology laboratory,

Institute for post graduate teaching and

research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.

Contents of samples:

All the three samples contained 1 g of

Swarna Bhasma (Ash of gold), unequal

quantities of 22 g of ghee and 248 g of honey

triturated well for about 8 hours in Akika

Khalvayantra (Mortar and pestle made of semi-

precious stone, Akika). This specific proportion

was followed to fix the dosage form as drops

which will be easier in administration in

children. Swarna Bhasma was procured from

the Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya

kalpana, Institute for Post Graduate Teaching

and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved

University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Honey

(Grade A) was procured from Khadi

gramodyog, Jamnagar and Ghee (Agmark Cow

ghee) from standard local market which were

also evaluated for microbial contamination

before the preparation of Swarnaprashana

Yoga.

Preparation time:

The samples were prepared in two different

batches. Sample ‘A’ was prepared and

preserved during the months of April to June,

2012 and samples ‘B’ and ‘C’ were prepared

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and preserved during the months of September

to November, 2013. The preparation was done

with utmost care to avoid any sort of

contamination by using sterile vessels and

gloved hands. Cap and mask were worn during

the entire preparation period. To ensure further

safety, glass bottles for storage were sterilised

by rinsing with 10% sodium hypochlorite

(chemical sterilisation method) and then kept in

hot air oven (physical sterilisation method).

Storage:

The 1st batch sample (sample ‘A’) was

stored at room temperature in a dry and dark

place to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and

wind. The 2nd

batch sample was stored in two

parts; one part at room temperature (sample

‘B’) and the other in refrigerator (sample ‘C’).

No preservatives were added to the samples for

storage.

All the three samples were subjected to

stability study with respect to microbial

contamination at regular intervals for a period

of 3 months the details of which are cited

below.

Microbial profile:

Microbial contamination was assessed by two

methods to check any mycological findings and

bacteriological findings. The details of the

procedures followed are given below.

1. Wet mount test:

Aim: To rule out any mycological

findings.

Specimen: Samples A, B and C.

Procedure: A drop of selected samples were

taken on 3 grease free glass slides marked

A, B and C respectively and covered with

cover slips for microscopic examination.

2. Gram stain test:

Gram staining is a differential staining

technique that differentiates bacteria into

two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative.

The procedure is based on the ability of

microorganisms to retain colour of the

stains used during the gram stain reaction.

Gram-negative bacteria are decolourized by

any organic solvent, losing the colour of the

primary stain. Gram-positive bacteria are

not decolourized and will remain as purple.

After decolourization step, a counter stain is

used to impart a pink colour to the decolorized

gram-negative organisms. The Gram stain

procedure enables bacteria to retain colour of

the stains, based on the differences in the

chemical and physical properties of the cell

wall (Alfred E Brown, 2001).

Aim: To rule out presence of bacterial

finding

Specimen: Sample A, B and C.

Procedure: The smear was covered with

crystal violet and allowed to stand for a few

seconds. Then the stain was washed off,

using a wash bottle of distilled water.

Excess water was drained off. The smear

was covered with Gram’s iodine solution

and allowed to stay for a minute. Gram’s

iodine was later poured off and the smear

was flooded with acetone for a few

seconds. The excess acetone was removed

by rinsing the slide with water for a few

seconds. Later the smear was covered with

safranin for 30 seconds. It was then gently

washed for a few seconds, blot dried with

bibulous paper, and air-dried. The slide was

examined under oil immersion.

OBSERVATIONS

Following findings were observed at the

end of the study. The tables I, II and III show

the observations in the samples A, B and C

respectively during the tests at regular intervals

for a period of 3 months.

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Sample ‘A’ (Table I) preserved at room

temperature during the month of April to June

2012 did not show presence of any mycological

or bacteriological findings at the end of 3

months after preparation of the sample.

Sample ‘B’ (Table II) preserved in room

temperature during the month of September to

November 2013 showed presence of many

gram negative pleomorphic rods after 37th

day

of preparation of the sample. But no

mycological findings were observed. Once

there was positive finding of bacterial

contamination the sample was not subjected to

further tests but discarded.

Sample ‘C’ (Table III) preserved in

refrigerator during the month of September to

November 2013 did not reveal any positive

mycological findings at the end of 3 months.

But in gram stain test there was presence of

many gram negative rods arranged singly on

86th

day of preparation of sample. As the

sample showed positive finding of bacterial

contamination it was not subjected to further

tests but discarded.

Table I- Observation of Sample ‘A’ preserved in room temperature

Sl.no. Test done after preparation Observation

Wet Mount test Gram Stain

1. 30 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

2. 37 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

3. 44 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

4. 51 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

5. 58 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

6. 65 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

7. 72 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

8. 79 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

9. 86 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

Table II – Observations of Sample ‘B’ preserved in room temperature

Sl.no. Test done

after

preparation

Observation

Wet Mount test Gram Stain

1. 30 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

2. 37 days No Fungal filaments Many Gram negative

pleomorphic rods

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Table III – Observations of Sample ‘C’ preserved in Refrigerator

Sl.no. Test done

after

preparation

Observation

Wet Mount test Gram Stain

1. 30 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

2. 37 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

3. 44 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

4. 51 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

5. 58 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

6. 65 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

7. 72 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

8. 79 days No Fungal filaments No Microorganism

9. 86 days No Fungal filaments Many gram negative rods

DISCUSSION

Swarnaprashana is a widely used formulation and being practised among Ayurvedic practitioners. But at present there are no uniform protocols followed in the preparation, storage and administration of this formulation. It is need of the hour to incorporate some constructive steps to prepare and store this unique formulation in good quality for a reasonable time period which will be helpful for the safe usage in infants and children. Swarnaprashana Yoga prepared in the present study contained Swarna Bhasma, ghee and honey in a specific proportion which was selected for a better dosage form in children.

The present study was carried out to observe the stability of Swarnaprashana Yoga with respect to microbial contamination of the samples prepared and preserved in two different climatic and temperature conditions. Thus a baseline microbial profile was studied at regular intervals for a period of 3 months. At the end of the study it was observed that sample ‘A’ preserved at room temperature during the months of April to June 2012 did not show presence of any microbes at the end of 3 months. Sample ‘B’ preserved in room

temperature during the months of September to November 2013 showed presence of many gram negative pleomorphic rods on 37

th day of

the Gram stain test. But no mycological finding was observed in it. Sample ‘C’ preserved in refrigerator showed negative results in wet mount test at the end of 3 months. But in gram stain test it showed presence of many gram negative rods arranged singly on 86

th day of

preparation. After the samples revealed positive finding of bacterial contamination they were not subjected to further tests but discarded.

Stability is usually expressed in terms of shelf life, which is the time period from when the product is produced until the time it is intended to be consumed or used. Several factors are used to determine a product's shelf life, ranging from organoleptic qualities to microbiological safety. The factors which may be considered when determining whether a prepared product requires time/temperature control during storage, distribution, sale and handling may be categorised under intrinsic, extrinsic and other factors (FDA report, 2001).

Intrinsic factors include moisture content, pH and acidity, nutrient content, biological structure, redox potential, naturally occurring and added antimicrobials. Extrinsic factors

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include types of packaging/atmospheres, effect of time/temperature conditions on microbial growth, storage/holding conditions and processing steps (FDA report, 2001).

The prepared Swarnaprashana Yoga in this present study contained Swarna Bhasma, ghee and honey. No preservatives were added to the formulation. The factors which might have influenced the findings of the tests in the samples are discussed here in detail.

Microorganisms need water in an available form to grow in a product, the measure of which can be named as water activity of a product. Water activity is defined as the ratio of water vapor pressure of the prepared product to the vapor pressure of pure water at the same temperature (James M. Jay, 2000). Thus the aw describes the degree to which water is bound in the product, its availability to participate in chemical or biochemical reactions and its availability to facilitate growth of microorganisms. Microorganisms generally have optimum and minimum levels of aw for growth. Gram negative bacteria are generally more sensitive to low aw than Gram positive bacteria (FDA report, 2001). Honey, an ingredient of Swarnaprashana Yoga of the present study was of comparatively higher quantity than ghee. Approximate aw value of honey is < 0.60 (Bibek Ray, 2004).

Honey is

hygroscopic in nature. The amount of water honey absorbs is dependent upon the relative humidity of the air. Although the water activity value of honey is high, a change in that value might have taken place in the samples due to change in climatic conditions and temperature. Positive findings of gram negative rods was found in the sample B stored at room temperature during the months of September to November 2013 and sample C which was refrigerated during the same period. In Jamnagar where the present study was carried out, September to November are the months with an average temperature of 21.7ºC to 34.26ºC when the atmosphere is usually cold compared to the months of April to June with an average temperature of 24.9ºC to 39ºC (http://www.meoweather.com/history/India/na/22.466667/70.066667/Jamnagar.html) which is

usually hot and dry. There was no positive finding of microbial contamination in sample A stored at room temperature during the month of April to June which may be due to the hot and dry climatic conditions. Thus the cold weather might have contributed to the change in water activity of honey which was observed as positive findings in microbial contamination in samples B and C.

The level of microorganisms in the air is controlled by degree of humidity, size and level of dust particles, temperature and air velocity and resistance of microorganisms to drying. Generally dry air with low dust content and higher temperature has low microbial level. Microbial contamination of a product from the air can be reduced by removing potential sources, controlling dust particles in the air, reducing humidity level etc. (Bibek Ray, 2004). The month of September in 2013 received heavy rain fall in Jamnagar district and during October to December 2013 received average 27% higher rainfall in Jamnagar district (http://www.imdagrimet.gov.in/sites/default/files/rainfall_map/Gujsearf-SPR.jpg) during which, low temperature, high humidity and moisture content of the atmosphere might have also influenced the positive microbial contamination findings in the samples during those period.

CONCLUSION

Shelf life is the time period from when the product is produced until the time it is intended to be consumed or used. Several factors are used to determine a product's shelf life, ranging from organoleptic qualities to microbiological safety. For the purpose of this study, key consideration was the stability of Swarnaprashana Yoga with respect to microbiological safety of the product.

The present study was an initial attempt in analysing the microbial contamination in the samples of Swarnaprashana Yoga prepared in two different climatic conditions and stored at two different temperature set ups. The stability of Swarnaprashana Yoga with respect to only microbiological findings were studied for a

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period of 3 months when stored at room temperature and refrigerator during April to June 2012 and September to November 2013. The findings of the study indicates that warm, dry and less humid climatic conditions does not favour any microbial contamination when handled hygienically. However the cold climatic conditions favoured microbial contamination even when handled hygienically and preserved in both room temperature and refrigerator. Thus the study advocates that

Swarnaprashana Yoga prepared using the above ingredients should be consumed within 3 months during warm and dry climatic conditions and within 2 months during cold climatic conditions. As this was a baseline attempt, further studies are to be carried out in sophisticated laboratories, at various climatic conditions to establish the stability of Swarnaprashana Yoga with respect to microbial contamination.

REFERENCES

Alfred E Brown (2001), Benson:

Microbiological Applications, 8th

Edition, The McGraw−Hill Companies,

pg. 64.

Bibek Ray (2004), Fundamental of Food

Microbiology, 3rd

Edition, CRC Press

LLC, 2000 N.W, pg.72 & 37–38.

FDA (2001), http://

www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResear

ch/SafePracticesforFoodProcesses/ucm

094145.htm last updated: 06/03/2013,

retrieved on 1.12.2013.

Harisastri Paradakara (2002), Ashtangahridaya

by Vagbhata with Sanskrit

Commentaries of Arunadatta and

Hemadri, Edited by Harisastri

Paradakara Vaidya, 9th

Edition,

Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi:

pg.778 & 781.

Hemaraja Sarma (2006), Kasayapa Samhita by

Vrddha Jivaka, revised by Vatsya with

Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Reprint,

Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan,

Varanasi; pg.4–5.

http://www.imdagrimet.gov.in/sites/default/file

s/rainfall_map/Gujsearf-SPR.jpg last

retrieved on 1.12.2013.

http://www.meoweather.com/history/India/na/2

2.466667/70.066667/Jamnagar.html last

retrieved on 1.12.13.

Jadavji Trikamji (2005), Susrutha Samhita by

Susruta with Dalhanacharya Varanasi:

Chaukhamba Orientalia; pg. 388- 389 &

395.

James M. Jay (2000), Modern food

microbiology, 6th Edition, Aspen

publication, Gaithersburg, Maryland,

pg. 41.

Linda Ed Felton (2013), Remington: Essentials

of Pharmaceutics. 1st Edition,

Pharmaceutical Press, UK. pg. 37.

Shivaprasad Sharma (2006),

Ashtangasamgraha by Vagbhata with

Sasilekha Sanskrit Commentary,

Edited by Shivaprasad Sharma, 1st

Edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series

office, Varanasi: pg.914.

Source of Support: IPGT & RA, Jamnagar, Gujarat,

India

Conflict of Interest: None Declared

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

KAMADUGHA RASA AN EFFECTIVE AYURVEDIC FORMULATION FOR

PEPTIC ULCER: A REVIEW

Maurya Santosh Kumar1*, Arka Ghosh

2, Yadav Amit Kumar

3, Kumar Dileep

4,

Singh Anil Kumar5

1, 2, 3, 4Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu

University, Mirzapur–231001, Uttar Pradesh, India 5Department of Dravyaguna, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical sciences, Banaras Hindu University,

Varanasi–221005, Uttar Pradesh, India

*Corresponding Author: Email: dravyapharma@gmail.com

Received: 10/12/2013; Revised: 25/12/2013; Accepted: 01/01/2014

ABSTRACT

At the present time PUD (peptic ulcer diseases) is common problem in societies due to various

behavioral and environmental factors. Further excessive use of NSAID’s (non steroidal anti inflammatory

drugs) and infection of Helicobacter pylori also contribute major part in pathogenesis of PUD. PUD is

gastrointestinal disorder that has been recognized since ancient time. In Ayurveda, it is equivalent to

amlapitta (hyperacidity/acid peptic disorders) and is common throughout the world and prevalence

has been estimated to approximately 11–14% for men and 8–11% for women. The usage of synthetic

drugs such as antacids, H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors have abbreviated due to their

side effects. These crises lead to the search for natural products from plant or mineral origin

possessing potential anti–ulcer activity. Rasaushadhis (mineral and herbo–mineral ayurvedic

medicines) are unique dosage forms having benefit of longer shelf life, better therapeutic efficacy at

low dose. Kamadugha Rasa is one of them and effectively used for anti ulcer activity. The

ingredients of Kamadugha Rasa like bhasmas (Powder obtained by calcinations of mixture of

minerals and herbs or any one) of Mukta (pearl), Pravala (coral: Corallium rubrum), Shankha (conch

shell), Shukti (oyster shell) and Varatika (cowries shell: Cyprea moneta Linn.) are the sudha varga

dravyas (calcium containing group) which are known for their importance in the management of

Amlapitta, Pittaja vikara, (disorder related to biological fire or metabolic catabolic enzymes), Jirna

Jwara (chronic fevers) and Somaroga (The condition in which there is an excessive urination in

women). In the present review, an attempt was made to understand the possible mode of action of

Kamadugha Rasa as a gastro-protective and for its anti–ulcer activity.

KEYWORDS: Kamadugha Rasa, Amlapitta, Rasaushadhis, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Anti–Ulcer

Activity

Review article

Cite this article:

Kumar Maurya Santosh, Arka Ghosh, Kumar Yadav Amit, Kumar Dileep, Singh Anil Kumar.,

(2014), KAMADUGHA RASA AN EFFECTIVE AYURVEDIC FORMULATION FOR PEPTIC

ULCER: A REVIEW, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 3(1): 24–32

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 24–32

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INTRODUCTION

The demand of herbal drugs is increasing

day by day due to their excellent efficacy,

fewer side effects and good faith by Indian

community on herbal medicine and also their

products (Rawat et al., 2003). The drugs which

are available in Ayurvedic system of medicine

are obtained either from herbal, animal and

mineral sources. Rasaushadhis (mineral and

herbo-mineral ayurvedic medicines) are unique

dosage forms having benefit of long shelf life

and better therapeutic efficacy at lower dose. In

the current kinetic era, Rasaushadhis have

given Ayurveda a complete novel health care

look (Chaudhary and Singh, 2010).

Kamadugha Rasa is a unique Kharaliya

Rasayana (medicine prepared in mortar and

pestle) which contains equal amount of Mukta

bhasma (calcined pearl), Pravala bhasma

(calcined coral: Corallium rubrum), Shankha

bhasma (calcined conch shell), Shukti bhasma

(calcined oyster shell) and Varatika (cowries

shell: Cyprea moneta Linn.), Shuddha Gairika

(purified red ochre) and Guduchi Satva (cold

water extract of Tinospora cordifolia). It is a

completely balanced healing agent which is

designed to tackle the various types of diseases

ailments such as Amlapitta, Pittaja vikara,

Jirna Jwara and Somaroga (Hariprapannaji,

1999, Palbag et al., 2013). It is also advised in

many complications of Amlapitta (Anonymous,

2006) like Parinama shula (duodenal ulcer),

Annadrava shula (abdominal pain related with

poor digestion) and other Gastro-intestinal

disturbances which are now a day’s regarded as

the most commonly occurring diseases due to

present life style and food habits. Since times

immemorial, this drug has been most widely

and successfully used in clinical practice.

Several variations of Kamadugha Rasa have

also been mentioned in many classical texts

(table 1) and are described in various chapters

of Jwara (fevers) (Hariprapannaji, 1999) and

Amlapitta (Hariprapannaji, 1999). In addition,

it is also indicated in many diseases such as

unmada (psychosis), apasmara (epilepsy),

pradara (leucorrhooea), mutra daha (burning

micturation), raktarsha (bleeding piles), vrana

(ulcer/wound) produced due to Amlapitta

(Anonymous, 2006; Anonymous, 2000),

bhrama (vertigo), daha (burning sensation),

murcha (loss of consciousness), rakta pitta

(bleeding diathesis/ innate haemorrhage) and

trishna (thirst) (Joshi and Rao, 2003).

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), encircling

gastric and duodenal ulcer is a major

gastrointestinal disorder (Valle, 2005). An ulcer

forms when there is an imbalance between

aggressive forces, i.e., the aggressive power of

acid and pepsin and defensive factors mucus

layer, mucosal blood flow, PGs (prostaglandin)

and growth factors (Sairam et al., 2003; Szabo

et al., 1998). However, in majority of patients,

acid secretion is within normal limits or is

moderately raised. It can occur at any age,

including infancy and childhood, but are most

common in the middle aged adults (Beer and

Berkow, 2006). Lifetime prevalence is

approximately 11–14% for men and 8–11% for

women (Le and Fantry, 2008). In the present

times, approximately 80% of the patients that

suffers from PUD are mainly associated with

the Helicobacter pylori infections (Warren and

Marshall, 1983; Matsukura, 1995). The

excessive consumption of NSAID’s (non

steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) is also one

of the main contributing factors for the

development of PUD (Wallace, 2000).

However, various behavioral and

environmental factors such as smoking (Kaur et

al., 2012), excessive consumption of alcohol,

improper diets and excessive stress leads to the

generation of PUD. Current therapy for the

treatment of PUD mainly includes various

combinations of antacids, H2 receptor blockers

(ranitidine, famotidine) and proton pump

inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole) (Rao et

al., 2004). The aim of such therapy is attributed

to the reduction of gastric acid production and

strengthening of gastric mucosa (Hoogerwerf

and Pasricha, 2001). The complete cure of

peptic ulcers is still one of the challenging

problems, since the disease is likely believed to

re–occur in the future (Bandyopadhyay, 2002).

Most of the synthetic drugs are cost effective

and can produce several health problems that

generate unusual adverse effects in the body.

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Hence, there is a necessity to discover newer,

cheaper, and safe antiulcer agents. Herbal

medicines have been shown to produce

promising results in the treatment of PUD.

They have often shown to reduce the

aggressive factors and strengthening the

mucosal defensive layers, thus serving as

important tools in the prevention of gastric

ulcers (Laloo et al., 2013).

Table 1: Kamadugha Rasa in classical Ayurvedic texts

Jwaradhikara

(Hariprapannaji,

1999)

Amlapittadhikara

(Hariprapannaji,

1999)

Amlapittadhikara

(Hariprapannaji,

1999)

Ratna Pradhana

Yoga

(Joshi and Rao,

2003)

Ingredients Swarna Gairika,

Ghrita, Amalaki

Swarasa (juice of

Emblica

officinalis)

Guduchi Sattva,

Swarna Gairika,

Abhraka Bhasma

Karsha

Mukta Bhasma,

Pravala Bhasma,

Shukti Bhasma,

Kapardika Bhasma,

Shankha Bhasma,

Shuddha Gairika,

Guduchi Sattva all

in equal quantity

Swarna Gairika,

Guduchi Sattva,

Sharkara, Amalaki

swarasa

Preparation Bharjana (frying)

of Swarna Gairika

is done with

Ghrita, powdered

and seven bhavana

(trituration) given

with Amalaki

swarasa.

All the ingredients

are finely powdered

and mixed well.

All the ingredients

are taken in equal

quantity and

triturated

homogeneously.

Shodhita Swarna

Gairika triturated

with Amalaki

swarasa

continuously for 21

days, dried and

powdered. Mix

Guduchi Sattva

equal to it and also

mix Sugar equal to

both and grind well.

Indication Pitta roga,

Prameha

(diabeties),

Pradara, Pandu

roga (anemia),

Kamala

(jaundice), Daha,

Trishna, Bhrama,

Jirna jwara

Prameha, Pradara Jirna jwara,

Bhrama, Unmada,

Pitta roga,

Amlapitta and

Somaroga.

Rakta pitta, trishna,

Daha, Bhrama,

Murcha

As long as samprapti (etiopathogenesis) of

Amlapitta is concerned, it is explained with the

help of samprapti of grahani roga mentioned

by Charaka. In Amlapitta the Nidanas

(etiology) are predominantly from the non

compliance of dietetic code of selection and

eating. However psychological status of a

person also plays an important role. The

etiological factors like Ati snigdha ahara, Ati

ruksha ahara, Vishamashana, Akale bhojana,

Akale anashana Veganigraha (suppression of

natural urges) (Sharma, 1988), Vidahi anna

sevana, Vidahi pana sevana, Dusta anna sevana

(Upadhaya, 1981) and seasonal variation etc.

cause the vitiation of Dosha (especially

liquidity of Pitta) and Agni which results in

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Agnimandhya (digestive weakness). Once

Agnidushti occurs it results in Ajirna

(indigestion). In this state of whatsoever food

material are consumed by an unwise person,

become Vidagdha (acidic) and are converted

into Shukta (acid) form which leads to

formation of Amavisha. Thus, Amavisha (acidic

dietary toxins in the body) produced disturbs

the Grahani and once it happened it further

produces the Amadosha (excessive

accumulation of dietary toxins) and vicious

cycle starts. Amavisha Produced by this

Samprapti when mixes with Pitta, it will

produce Amlapitta (Jadavji, 2004). In the

present review an attempt has been made to

understand and explore the possible mode of

gastro-protective and anti–ulcer activity of

Kamadugha Rasa.

MODE OF ACTION OF KAMADUGHA

RASA

Ayurvedic Perspective

Some of the ingredients of Kamadugha

Rasa such as pravala and mukta have dipana

(appetizer) and pachana (digestive) properties

(Kulkarni, 2006) maintain the normalcy of agni

(digestive fire) and thus help in curing and

preventing the production of ulcers (Ghosh and

Baghel, 2011). The kshariya (alkaline) nature

of these drugs would reduce the amliyata

(acidic nature) and help in vrana ropana

(promotes wound healing). These are sita virya

dravyas (the drug having cold potency or

cooling effect usually resembles to

endothermic) which does Pitta shamana

(pacify the biological fire) and Vrana ropana.

Shankha Bhasma being Sita Virya, alkaline in

nature, Grahi (absorption enhancing), it is

indicated in gastrointestinal disorders like

Amlapitta, Parinama Shula, Grahani (Irritable

bowel syndrome) and Agnimandhya (Shastri,

1989) which is clinically proved (Pandey,

2000). Gairika is another ingredient which is

madhura (Sweet), kashaya (Astringent),

snigdha (smooth), hima (cold), rakta pitta hara

(effective in bleeding diathesis) and Vrana

ropaka. These properties are very necessary in

the healing of ulcer. Guduchi Satva being

another important ingredient is known for its

Rasayana property (Upadhyay et al., 2010). It

is having tikta (Bitter), kashaya rasa with

madhura vipaka (post digestive effect which is

sweet in nature), snigdha guna and is tridosha

shamaka (pacify three Bio energy Principles,

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), dipaniya. These all

would support in the anti ulcer activity along

with Rejuvenation.

Pitta is having tiksna (sharpness), usna

(heat), sara (mobility), laghu (lightness),

snigdha, etc. properties by which it brings

biochemical changes at the cellular and tissue

levels. Pitta maintains digestion, thirst, appetite

energy production and body temperature,

colour, complexion. Pitta is Drava (liquid) in

consistency, inspite of which, it performs

actions similar to Agni, in the course of process

of digestion, largely due to its actual Teja (heat)

component (discarding its liquidity-Drava).

This fact is inferred from the way in which

Pachaka Pitta (digestive component of

biological fire) performs pachana (digestive)

Karma (action). The capacity of digestion also

depends on the qualitative increase of Usna

Guna of Pitta. Conceptually it was concluded

that substances having the properties like

ruksha, kasaya, laghu had the effect to decrease

the drava guna of pitta and maintaining the

proper function of agni. Similarly substances

having madhura, sita properties, decreased the

usna property of pitta to maintain the proper

function of agni.

Modern Perspective

Kamadugha Rasa mainly contains calcium

compounds chiefly calcium carbonate (CaCO3),

calcium oxide (CaO) and some amount of

calcium silicates. Calcium carbonate is widely

used in the treatment of peptic ulcer

(Loevenhart and Crandall, 1927; Meletis et al,

2008). It is a fast acting antacid and reduces

gastric acidity resulting in an increase in the pH

of stomach (Akhter, 2007). Calcium being the

main ingredient plays an important role in

many physiological activities not only related

to bones but also includes blood clotting, nerve

conduction, muscle contraction, regulation of

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 24–32

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

enzyme activity and cell membrane function. It

takes part in production of many enzymes and

hormones which regulate digestion process and

metabolism. (Piste et al., 2013). Calcium is

essential for the normal transport of nutrients

through membranes, blood coagulation and

muscle functioning (Piste et al., 2013). Calcium

also helps in regulating potassium and

magnesium balance in the body (Swaminathan,

2003). It prevent blood loss if ulcers are

bleeding, heal the ulcers by muscle contraction

and hardening and also reduces the pain by

regulating nerve function (Piste et al., 2013)

and perhaps most importantly, Calcium is the

main buffer used in the body to neutralize acids

and maintains the proper pH (Akhter, 2007).

Even it is evident that excess intake of calcium

leads to production of peptic ulcers instead of

healing. The administration of calcium both

orally or intravenously, stimulates acid

secretion and increases circulating

concentration of gastrin (Petersen et al., 1984).

Stimulation of acid secretion by the parietal

cells occurs by at least three major pathways:

the cholinergic transmitter such as

acetylcholine, histamine, which is locally

released in the gastric epithelium and the

hormone gastrin. The effect of histamine is

mediated by increasing adenylate cyclase

activity, whereas the effects of the

acetylcholine and gastrin seem to involve an

increase in cytosolic free calcium (Zhou et al.,

1997). Kamadugha Rasa contains not only

calcium but also other minerals thus reducing

excess absorption of calcium. Magnesium is

one of the minerals which is said to reduce the

absorption of calcium in the intestine.

However, the action of magnesium is very

weak; hence it may not hinder the absorption of

calcium to large extent. Kamadugha Rasa also

contains many elements like iron, oxygen,

sodium, zinc, aluminium, silicon potassium and

others which are essential minerals for the

maintenance of healthy body. The presence of

zinc, aluminium and magnesium also helps in

the ulcer healing process (Varas et al., 1991;

Frommer 1975; Watanabe T, et al., 1995; Itoh

et al., 2004; McIntosh and Sutherland, 1940).

Kamadugha Rasa displays gastroprotective

activity against different ulcer inducing agents,

as well as it has ability to decrease gastric

secretion (Chandra et al., 2010).

Ingredients of Kamadugha Rasa are

individually useful in peptic ulcer. Kirtikumar

et al., 2010 performed a comparative clinical

study between Jala Shukti Bhasma and Mukta

Shukti Bhasma with reference to Amlapitta

(Parmar, 2010; Chouhan et al., 2010) which

justifies this claim. The study conducted by

Pandya (1968) assesses the effectiveness of

Pravalapanchamrita (formulation containing

Mukta Bhasma, Shankha Bhasma, Shukti

Bhasma, Varatika Bhasma and Pravala

Bhasma) in patients of Amlapitta and conclude

that it is a highly effective medicine (Pandya,

1968). Momin Ali (1970) evaluated the effect

of Shukti Bhasma against Amlapitta to observe

its clinical efficacy (Ali, 1970). Shankha

Bhasma acts like antacid. Its acid neutralizing

capacity, speed of antacid action and prolonged

buffering action were excellent (Pandey, 2000).

Shankha Bhasma causes noteworthy decrease

in ulcer index in both the indomethacin and

cold resistant stress models for studying PUD.

Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances

(TBARS) of stomach in the indomethacin

treated rats were also reduced by Shankha

Bhasma, but serum calcium level was not

altered (Pandith et al., 2000). Guduchi satva is

the most effective drug against hyperacidity as

observed in pylorus ligated (Shay) rat model

(Prashanth et al., 2011). Treatment with a

formulation containing guduchi has been

shown to reduce ulcer index and total acidity,

with an increase in the pH of gastric fluid in

pylorus–ligated rats and in the ethanol–induced

gastric mucosal injury in rats. (Bairy et al.,

2001; Kaur et al., 2012; Chandan et al., 2013)

CONCLUSION

In the present era, various types of

allopathic drugs are used to treat PUD, but the

most important lacunas in them are their side

effects. Some alternative therapies from the

natural sources are used in the treatment of

peptic ulcer disease. Kamagudha rasa, a

herbo–mineral formulation is widely used for

the treatment of PUD in common practice. It is

Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med. | Volume 3, Issue 1 | January 2014 | 24–32

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

expected that this formulation would be

beneficial for society to eradicate this problem

and their further use would also be expected.

The advanced research may discover its exact

mechanism in PUD. In context to the present

review, it can be concluded that the ingredients

of Kamadugha Rasa can be regarded as the

contributing factors in the treatment of peptic

ulcer disease. It is worthy of exploring the

opportunity of employing the therapeutic

advantages of Kamadugha Rasa.

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