Central Council For Research In Ayurvedic Sciences

The study's objective is to conduct a comprehensive systematic review for assessing the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in managing hemiplegia/Pakshaghata. The study involved a search across multiple online databases and online clinical trial registries. Additionally, major Ayurveda postgraduate institutes were contacted to acquire unpublished trial data related to hemiplegia/Pakshaghata. The review covered articles published until July 2023. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The risk of bias assessment utilised the RoB 2 tool for randomised trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomised trials. The screening process identified 28 articles from online databases and two dissertations from online repositories. However, practical challenges prevented access to grey literature from Ayurveda institutes. The 30 studies selected for this review, comprises nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs), eight non-randomised comparative trials, and thirteen pre-post studies. Quantitative analysis was unfeasible due to inadequate studies, leading to a qualitative analysis. All studies, except one, exhibited substantial bias upon risk of bias assessment. Moreover, most studies demonstrated methodological weaknesses attributed to a lack of masking, improper sampling techniques, non-validated outcome measurement tools, inadequate follow-up procedures, and confounding factors. The trials frequently did not document safety parameters, adverse events (AE), and adverse drug reactions (ADR). Current review could not definitively establish the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions in hemiplegia/Pakshaghata. Hence, the authors strongly advocate for good quality research incorporating proper methodology.

Vaisvanara Churna used traditionally for the treatment of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis), Shotaprasamana (Anti-inflammatory) and as Saraka (Laxative).

Aim of the study is to evaluate anti arthritic activity and in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of Vaisvanara Churna in experimental animals.

In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Vaisvanara Churna (100-500 μg/ml) was evaluated by using membrane stabilization methods. Anti arthritic activity was evaluated by using 0.1 ml of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) injected into sub plantar surface of left hind paw of each wistar rat on day 1 followed by treatment with Vaisvanara Churna at various dose levels (450, 900, and 1800 mg/kg b.w) and standard drug Prednisolone (5 mg/kg) for 21 days. The following parameters namely change in the body weight of animals, paw volume, ankle joint thickness were measured at 0, 3, 8, 17 & 21 day intervals and radiographic changes were assessed. In addition to this, response to painful stimuli by application of forced pressure was measured by using Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) method.

In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity Vaisvanara Churna exhibited dose dependent membrane stabilizing activity. Treatment with Vaisvanara Churna showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of paw edema, reduction in ankle joint thickness and increase in the body weight of wistar albino rats was observed. There is a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the latency of limb withdrawal response, reduction in the organ indices (spleen and thymus) were noted.

This study demonstrates that Vaisvanara Churna possesses in vitro anti inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential and supports its folklore use in the treatment of arthritis.

Immune-mediated bowel diseases (IMBD), notably ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, impose a substantial global health burden due to their intricate etiology and escalating prevalence. The nexus between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome in IMBD is a dynamic and complex field of study. Several studies have evidenced the capacity of intestinal parasites to modulate the gut microbiome, inducing alterations in microbial diversity, abundance, and metabolic activity. These changes are crucial in influencing the immune response and contributing to the development of IMBDs. Simultaneously, the gut microbiome functions as a linchpin in sustaining intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation. Dysbiosis, marked by shifts in gut microbial composition, is intricately linked to IMBD pathogenesis. Imbalances in the gut microbiota contribute to hallmark features of IMBDs, such as heightened gut permeability, chronic inflammation, and aberrant immune responses. The bidirectional interaction between intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome adds a layer of complexity to understanding IMBDs. Specific parasites, including hookworms and Necator americanus, exhibit immune downregulation and potential therapeutic applications in celiac disease. Conversely, infections with Strongyloides stercoralis and Blastocystis mirror IBD symptoms, underscoring the intricate relationship between parasites and disease pathogenesis. Further investigation is imperative to comprehensively unravel the mechanisms linking intestinal parasites and the gut microbiome in IMBD. This understanding holds the potential to pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies aiming to restore gut microbiota homeostasis and alleviate the debilitating symptoms of these conditions. Harnessing the intricate interplay among parasites, the gut microbiome, and the host immune system may unveil novel approaches for managing and treating IMBDs.