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Background: Neck swellings are frequently found and can present the vast pathological spectrum from simple benign to highly malignant, which sometimes can pose a diagnostic dilemma. They are broadly classified as developmental, inflammatory, and neoplastic on the basis of etiology. The aim of the study is to assess the distribution of neck swelling according to etiology and its relation to age groups, as well as to assess their clinicopathological correlation as benign and malignant. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from January 2020 to February 2023 on the basis of retrospective and prospective sampling. All the patients with neck swellings, except thyroid, who had undergone an excisional or incisional biopsy, were included in this study. Data was collected from in-patient records for retrospective sampling, and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), radiological investigation, and excisional or incisional biopsy were performed for prospective sampling after proper history and examination. Cytological and pathological correlation was analyzed as benign and malignant. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. (P value <0.001 considered significant). Results: Out of the 74 patients, 16% were categorized as developmental, 31% as inflammatory, and 53% as neoplastic (benign 64%, malignant 36%). The most common cause was an epidermoid cyst (50%) among developmental swellings, reactive lymphadenitis (48%), and tuberculosis (35%) among inflammatory, pleomorphic adenoma among benign neoplasm and metastasis to lymph node among malignant swelling. Malignant lesions mainly occur in the older age group, more than 40 years of age. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAC, to differentiate from benign to malignant, is very similar to histopathological examination. Conclusion: Different age groups breed different etiology, so age needs to be the prime demographic factor to be established. Pediatric and younger generations of neck swelling are usually inflammatory and developmental, in contrast to the older category, in which malignancy is far more prevalent, hence demanding more caution in evaluation. FNAC is a diagnostic tool that has become highly sensitive for malignant lesions; though in no sense can it replace histopathology, it can still be valuable in diagnostic and screening dilemmas of neck swelling.

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Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a prototype of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) easily cross blood brain barrier (BBB) and is associated with impaired learning and memory in adult rats. However, there is no symmetric study reported on association between B[a]P exposure during the early development and hippocampal dendritic architecture causing behavioral changes like learning and memory deficit of adult rats. We investigated a fourteen day consecutive B[a]P administration, intraperitonial (i.p.), with two different doses (0.1 and 1µM) during early adolescence at PND30-44 and learning behavior assessed between PND 45-60 in adult male rats. The anxiolytic like behavioural analysis was done by LDPT. Depressive like behaviour was estimated through sucrose preference and learning and memory by T-maze. After B[a]P administration oxidative stress markers like glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were evaluated. To parallel these behavioral and antioxidant level changes to alteration in dendritic morphology, Golgi-Cox staining was performed in the hippocampus. Our study showed anxiolytic like behavioral response with significant increase in time spent in light zone and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in preference for sucrose and a reduction in percentage of spontaneous responses in T-maze test in B[a]P administered group as compared to vehicle control. B[a]P exposed male rats showed significant increase in GST activity (p < 0.05) and concentration of GSSG with a decay in GSH, GPx and GR in both the groups as compared to control. B[a]P administered rats showed significant loss in total dendritic length and number (28%) with reduced spine density (18%) in both higher and lower doses. These results suggested that B[a]P administration can be associated with an increase ROS production showing altered antioxidant defence system through glutathione biosynthesis and causing profound alterations in dendritic length and spine density of hippocampal neurons leading towards learning and memory deficits in adult rats.

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ABSTRACT Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging has proven to be a valuable tool in the assessment of disc abnormalities. Two types of disc extrusion can be described according to the direction of herniated disc material: shoulder type and axillary type. Axillary disc herniation is described when the extruded disc fragment lies in the recess between the lateral border of cauda equina and medial to the nerve roots, while in the shoulder type the disc lies lateral to the nerve roots. It is very important to describe the type of disc herniation, as the surgical approach differs in each type. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no definite signs have been described in literature to date. This study aimed to address the accuracy of the kissing sign on MRI for he diagnosis of axillary disc herniation. Methods: The MRIs of 72 patients undergoing spinal surgery were prospectively evaluated for axillary disc herniation by a senior radiologist and experienced spinal surgeon using the kissing sign on MRI. The kissing sign was considered positive when the herniated disc material was in direct contact with the lamina and/or ligamentum flavum on axial images. Subsequently, all surgeries were performed by two independent surgeons and the actual type of disc herniation was documented. The accuracy of the results was statistically assessed. Results: The kissing sign on MRI was found to be 66.66% sensitive, 92.59% specific, and 76.38% accurate in detecting axillary disc herniation with significant correlation with the surgical findings. Conclusion: The type of disc herniation is an important parameter for patient selection in different surgical approaches. The kissing sign on MRI can be considered as an important tool for diagnosing axillary disc herniation due to its high specificity and accuracy.

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RESUMO Objetivos: A ressonância magnética provou ser uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação das anormalidades do disco. Dois tipos de extrusão de disco podem ser descritos de acordo com a direção do disco herniado: lateral e axilar. A hérnia de disco axilar é definida quando o fragmento do disco extruso encontra-se no recesso entre a borda lateral da cauda equina e medial às raízes do nervo, enquanto na hérnia lateral o disco posiciona-se lateralmente às raízes do nervo. A descrição do tipo de hérnia de disco é extremamente importante, pois a abordagem cirúrgica difere em cada tipo. Tanto quanto é do conhecimento dos autores, nenhum sinal definido foi descrito na literatura até o momento. Este estudo teve como objetivo abordar a precisão do sinal do beijo na RM no diagnóstico de herniação de disco axilar. Métodos: As RM de 72 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da coluna vertebral foram avaliadas prospectivamente em relação à presença de hérnia de disco axilar por um radiologista sênior e cirurgião da coluna experiente com o sinal do beijo na RM. O sinal do beijo foi considerado positivo quando o material do disco herniado estava em contato direto com a lâmina e/ou ligamento amarelo em imagens axiais. Posteriormente, todas as cirurgias foram feitas por dois cirurgiões independentes e o tipo real de hérnia de disco foi documentado. A precisão dos resultados foi avaliada estatisticamente. Resultados: O sinal do beijo na RM apresentou 66,66% de sensibilidade, 92,59% de especificidade e 76,38% de precisão na detecção de hérnia de disco axilar com correlação significativa com os achados cirúrgicos. Conclusão: O tipo de hérnia de disco é um parâmetro importante para a seleção de pacientes em diferentes abordagens cirúrgicas. O sinal do beijo na RM pode ser considerado uma ferramenta importante para o diagnóstico de hérnia de disco axilar devido à sua alta especificidade e precisão.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging has proven to be a valuable tool in the assessment of disc abnormalities. Two types of disc extrusion can be described according to the direction of herniated disc material: shoulder type and axillary type. Axillary disc herniation is described when the extruded disc fragment lies in the recess between the lateral border of cauda equina and medial to the nerve roots, while in the shoulder type the disc lies lateral to the nerve roots. It is very important to describe the type of disc herniation, as the surgical approach differs in each type. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no definite signs have been described in literature to date. This study aimed to address the accuracy of the kissing sign on MRI for he diagnosis of axillary disc herniation. METHODS: The MRIs of 72 patients undergoing spinal surgery were prospectively evaluated for axillary disc herniation by a senior radiologist and experienced spinal surgeon using the kissing sign on MRI. The kissing sign was considered positive when the herniated disc material was in direct contact with the lamina and/or ligamentum flavum on axial images. Subsequently, all surgeries were performed by two independent surgeons and the actual type of disc herniation was documented. The accuracy of the results was statistically assessed. RESULTS: The kissing sign on MRI was found to be 66.66% sensitive, 92.59% specific, and 76.38% accurate in detecting axillary disc herniation with significant correlation with the surgical findings. CONCLUSION: The type of disc herniation is an important parameter for patient selection in different surgical approaches. The kissing sign on MRI can be considered as an important tool for diagnosing axillary disc herniation due to its high specificity and accuracy.

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OBJETIVOS: A ressonância magnética provou ser uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação das anormalidades do disco. Dois tipos de extrusão de disco podem ser descritos de acordo com a direção do disco herniado: lateral e axilar. A hérnia de disco axilar é definida quando o fragmento do disco extruso encontra-se no recesso entre a borda lateral da cauda equina e medial às raízes do nervo, enquanto na hérnia lateral o disco posiciona-se lateralmente às raízes do nervo. A descrição do tipo de hérnia de disco é extremamente importante, pois a abordagem cirúrgica difere em cada tipo. Tanto quanto é do conhecimento dos autores, nenhum sinal definido foi descrito na literatura até o momento. Este estudo teve como objetivo abordar a precisão do sinal do beijo na RM no diagnóstico de herniação de disco axilar. MÉTODOS: As RM de 72 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da coluna vertebral foram avaliadas prospectivamente em relação à presença de hérnia de disco axilar por um radiologista sênior e cirurgião da coluna experiente usando o sinal do beijo na RM. O sinal do beijo foi considerado positivo quando o material do disco herniado estava em contato direto com a lâmina e/ou ligamento amarelo em imagens axiais. Posteriormente, todas as cirurgias foram realizadas por dois cirurgiões independentes e o tipo real de hérnia de disco foi documentado. A precisão dos resultados foi avaliada estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: O sinal do beijo na RM apresentou 66,66% de sensibilidade, 92,59% de especificidade e 76,38% de precisão na detecção de hérnia de disco axilar com correlação significativa com os achados cirúrgicos. CONCLUSÃO: O tipo de hérnia de disco é um parâmetro importante para a seleção de pacientes em diferentes abordagens cirúrgicas. O sinal do beijo na RM pode ser considerado uma ferramenta importante para o diagnóstico de hérnia de disco axilar devido à sua alta especificidade e precisão.

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The blast during transurethral surgery is a rare but known complication of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) or transurethral resection of bladder tumors. It may lead to bladder rupture, which can be either extra- or intra-peritoneal requiring urgent laparotomy. It occurs due to the generation and trapping of explosive gases under the dome of the bladder. Even though this complication is rare, but the morbidity associated with this complication is high. Here, we present an interesting case report of an intravesical explosion during TURP leading to bladder rupture to remind urologists of this rare complication with suggestions on how to manage and prevent this complication.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: STITCHLESS percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy s[PECD] is safe, precise, targeted, and a complete endoscopic procedure to treat soft cervical disc herniation with unilateral radiculopathy. It allows direct visualization of herniated fragment and its removal, inspection of decompressed nerve root in an awake and aware patient. It reduces the risk related to general anesthesia and to the neurological structures. However, all the patients treated with PECD can be candidates for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF requires a longer period of stay, expense, and more risk to neurological structures and ultimately loss of the disc space by fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutively treated patients by sPECD over a period of 2 years with soft cervical disc herniation and unilateral radiculopathy were included in the study. PECD enables removal of offending fragment under vision and irrigation and ablation of inflammation with few complications. All patients were followed for minimum of 6 months with visual analog score (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI). RESULTS: All treated patients had a good outcome in terms of pain relief (VAS) and functional recovery (NDI). One patient had episodes of cough lying in the supine position and another patient had transient hoarseness of voice, (both recovered). CONCLUSION: Potential benefits of sPECD include safety as it is done under local anesthesia, smaller incision, short hospitalization, fewer complications, avoidance of fusion, preservation of segmental motion, preventing the adjacent segment degeneration, and avoidance of the risk related to the hardware (nonunion and pseudarthrosis). sPECD is an effective treatment modality for soft cervical disc herniation.

RESUMEN

Surgical treatment of the degenerative disc disease has evolved from traditional open spine surgery to minimally invasive spine surgery including endoscopic spine surgery. Constant improvement in the imaging modality especially with introduction of the magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to identify culprit degenerated disc segment and again with the discography it is possible to diagnose the pain generator and pathological degenerated disc very precisely and its treatment with minimally invasive approach. With improvements in the optics, high resolution camera, light source, high speed burr, irrigation pump etc, minimally invasive spine surgeries can be performed with various endoscopic techniques for lumbar, cervical and thoracic regions. Advantages of endoscopic spine surgeries are less tissue dissection and muscle trauma, reduced blood loss, less damage to the epidural blood supply and consequent epidural fibrosis and scarring, reduced hospital stay, early functional recovery and improvement in the quality of life & better cosmesis. With precise indication, proper diagnosis and good training, the endoscopic spine surgery can give equally good result as open spine surgery. Initially, endoscopic technique was restricted to the lumbar region but now it also can be used for cervical and thoracic disc herniations. Previously endoscopy was used for disc herniations which were contained without migration but now days it is used for highly up and down migrated disc herniations as well. Use of endoscopic technique in lumbar region was restricted to disc herniations but gradually it is also used for spinal canal stenosis and endoscopic assisted fusion surgeries. Endoscopic spine surgery can play important role in the treatment of adolescent disc herniations especially for the persons who engage in the competitive sports and the athletes where less tissue trauma, cosmesis and early functional recovery is desirable. From simple chemonucleolysis to current day endoscopic procedures the history of minimally invasive spine surgery is interesting. Appropriate indications, clear imaging prior to surgery and preplanning are keys to successful outcome. In this article basic procedures of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through transforaminal and interlaminar routes, percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy, percutaneous endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy and percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy are discussed.

RESUMEN

Humans are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by ingestion of contaminated food and water. Prenatal exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) like PAHs through the placental barrier and neonatal exposure by breast milk and the environment may affect early brain development. In the present study, single intracisternal administration of B[a]P (0.2 and 2.0 µg/kg body weight) to male Wistar rat pups at postnatal day 5 (PND5) was carried out to study its specific effect on neonatal brain development and its consequences at PND30. B[a]P administration showed a significant increase in exploratory and anxiolytic-like behaviour with elevated hippocampal lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation at PND30. Further, DNA damage was estimated in vitro (Neuro2a and C6 cell lines) by the comet assay, and oxidative DNA damage of hippocampal sections was measured in vivo following exposure to B[a]P. DNA strand breaks (single and double) significantly increased due to B[a]P at PND30 in hippocampal neurons and increased the nuclear tail moment in Neuro2a cells. Hippocampal 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine production was significantly elevated showing expression of more TUNEL-positive cells in both doses of B[a]P. Histological studies also revealed a significant reduction in mean area and perimeter of hippocampal neurons in rats treated with B[a]P 2.0 µg/kg, when compared to naïve and control rats. B[a]P significantly increased anxiolytic-like behaviour and oxidative DNA damage in the hippocampus causing apoptosis that may lead to neurodegeneration in adolescence. The findings of the present study address the potential role of B[a]P in inducing oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration in the hippocampus through oxidative DNA damage in the early adolescence period of rats.

Asunto(s)

Benzo(a)pireno/farmacología , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Envejecimiento , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Daño del ADN , Femenino , Hipocampo/crecimiento & desarrollo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Exposure to persistent genotoxicants like benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) during postnatal days causes neurobehavioral changes in animal models. However, neurotoxic potential of B[a]P and its association with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced neurobehavioral changes are yet to be explored. The growth of rat brain peaks at the first week of birth and continues up to one month with the attainment of adolescence. Hence, the present study was conducted on male Wistar rats at postnatal day 5 (PND 5) following single intracisternal administration of B[a]P to compare with neurobehavioral and neurotransmitter changes induced by 6-OHDA at PND 30. Spontaneous motor activity was significantly increased by 6-OHDA showing similar trend following B[a]P administration. Total distance travelled in novel open field arena and elevated plus maze was significantly increased following B[a]P and 6-OHDA administration. Neurotransmitter estimation showed significant alleviation of dopamine in striatum following B[a]P and 6-OHDA administration. Histopathological studies of striatum by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed the neurodegenerative potential of B[a]P and 6-OHDA. Our results indicate that B[a]P-induced spontaneous motor hyperactivity in rats showed symptomatic similarities with 6-OHDA. In conclusion, early postnatal exposure to B[a]P in rats causing neurobehavioral changes may lead to serious neurodegenerative consequences during adolescence.

RESUMEN

Environmental neurotoxicants like benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) have been well documented regarding their potential to induce oxidative stress. However, neonatal exposure to B[a]P and its subsequent effect on anti-oxidant defence system and hippocampal cytomorphometry leading to behavioral changes have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the effect of acute exposure of B[a]P on five days old male Wistar pups administered with single dose of B[a]P (0.2 µg/kg BW) through intracisternal mode. Control group was administered with vehicle i.e., DMSO and a separate group of rats without any treatment was taken as naive group. Behavioral analysis showed anxiolytic-like behavior with significant increase in time spent in open arm in elevated plus maze. Further, significant reduction in fall off time during rotarod test showing B[a]P induced locomotor hyperactivity and impaired motor co-ordination in adolescent rats. B[a]P induced behavioral changes were further associated with altered anti-oxidant defence system involving significant reduction in the total ATPase, Na(+) K(+) ATPase, Mg(2+) ATPase, GR and GPx activity with a significant elevation in the activity of catalase and GST as compared to naive and control groups. Cytomorphometry of hippocampus showed that the number of neurons and glia in B[a]P treated group were significantly reduced as compared to naive and control. Subsequent observation showed that the area and perimeter of hippocampus, hippocampal neurons and neuronal nucleus were significantly reduced in B[a]P treated group as compared to naive and control. The findings of the present study suggest that the alteration in hippocampal cytomorphometry and neuronal population associated with impaired antioxidant signaling and mood in B[a]P treated group could be an outcome of neuromorphological alteration leading to pyknotic cell death or impaired differential migration of neurons during early postnatal brain development.

Asunto(s)

Benzo(a)pireno/farmacología , Hipocampo/patología , Neurotoxinas/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Trastornos Psicomotores/inducido químicamente , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/metabolismo , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Catalasa/metabolismo , Recuento de Células , Femenino , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Transferasa/metabolismo , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Locomoción/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Aprendizaje por Laberinto/efectos de los fármacos , Neuroglía/patología , Neuronas/patología , Embarazo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Cissampelos pareira Linn. is considered as an established source of Patha, whereas Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thomas is used as a source plant of Patha in the southern part of India. In classical texts, two different varieties of Patha, i.e. Rajpatha (C. peltata) and Laghupatha (C. pareira), are mentioned which possess almost similar properties. OBJECTIVE: To compare antipyretic and analgesic activities of C. pareira and C. peltata in suitable experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powder (540 mg/kg) and ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) of both the test drugs (C. pareira and C. peltata) were evaluated for antipyretic activity in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model in rats. Analgesic activity was evaluated by radiant heat model in rats and acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome in mice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Result of the present study had shown that powder of C. pareira (540 mg/kg) has moderate antipyretic activity as compared to the powder of C. peltata and extract of both test drugs. C. pareira powder showed better analgesic effect than ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) of both the test drugs in radiant heat model in rats, while in acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome, ethanolic extract (280 mg/kg) of both drugs showed pronounced effect as compared to powder form (780 mg/kg) in mice. CONCLUSION: Both C. pareira and C. peltata exhibited analgesic effects in experimental animals. The effect is more significant in C. peltata treated group compared to C. pareira. Antipyretic effect was observed with the pretreatment of C. pareira.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Infertility is the inability of a sexually active, noncontracepting couple to achieve spontaneous pregnancy in 1 year. Low sperm count (oligozoospermia) is one of the main causes of male infertility and is correlated with Ksheena Shukra (oligozoospermia). Shodhana procedures are to be performed before the administration of Vajikarana drugs, especially Virechana Karma has been indicated in the cases of Shukra Dushti. The fruit of Ashwatha (Ficus religiosa Linn.) has been indicated in premature ejaculation and low sperm count. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Virechana and Ashwatha Phala Churna in the management of Ksheena Shukra (oligozoospermia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible male participants between the age of 21 and 50 years, with sperm count <15 million/ml, received Ashwatha Phala Churna for 60 days in the dose of 3 g, after undergoing Virechana Karma. The primary outcomes measured were percentage changes in the seminal parameters and associated symptoms of Ksheena Shukra in comparison to baseline. RESULTS: The Ashwatha Phala Churna administered after Virechana provided 59.78% increase in sperm count, 36.81% increase in semen volume, and 16.18% decrease in abnormal form of sperm and 91.34% of increase was reported in total sperm count after Virechana Karma which was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Overall assessment of the therapy showed that administration of Ashwatha Phala Churna after performing Virechana provided statistically significant improvement on seminal parameters, especially total sperm count.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Mahanimba (Melia azedarach Linn.) is a deciduous tree of family Meliaceae and its root is mainly used in painful condition such as Gridhrasi (sciatica) in Ayurveda. Ethnomedicinal claims indicate that its leaves are used to treat fever, but its medicinal activities have not been proven by research. AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate the potential analgesic and antipyretic activities of M. azedarach L. leaf powder (MLP) and M. azedarach L. root powder (MRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root and leaves of M. azedarach were made into powder using guidelines mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The analgesic activity of the test drugs was evaluated against acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and radiant heat-induced pain in albino rats, and antipyretic activity was evaluated against Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia using Charles Foster rats. RESULTS: In acetic acid induced writhing in mice, the test drugs MRP (1.3mg/kg) exhibit insignificant reduction in writhing reflex while MLP (1.3mg/kg) did not show any significant effect in comparison to the control group. MRP showed mild-to-moderate insignificant increase in latency of withdrawal response at 60 (26.74%) and 120 min (27.25%), while MLP did not show central analgesic effect in radiant heat model in rats. MRP showed a significant reduction in rectal temperature after 3 and 6 h, while MLP-treated group showed significant reduction after 6 h. CONCLUSION: MRP has mild-to-moderate peripheral and central analgesic effects, while MLP has not shown significant analgesic effects in both the experimental models. MRP has more pronounced antipyretic effect compared to MLP.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Amlapitta is very common disease in society. In present era hectic lifestyle, irregular and faulty dietary habits, etc. are the causative factors of Amlapitta. Most of the symptoms of hyper acidity are enumerated in the conditions of Amlapitta delineated in Ayurvedic classics. The local people and Vaidyas of Saurashtra and Kutchh region have been frequently using Jethimala as Yashtimadhu, botanically known as Taverniera nummularia Baker. AIM: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of Jethimala (T. nummularia) and Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) in Amlapitta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this present clinical study, total 40 patients of Amlapitta were registered and randomly divided into two groups. In group A, Yashtimadhu Moola Choorna (G. glabra root powder) and in group B Jethimala Moola Choorna (T. nummularia root powder) was given for 2 weeks with water. A clinical research proforma was specially designed on the basis of classically reported signs and symptoms of Amlapitta for assessing the efficacy of the study drugs. RESULTS: Yashtimadhu and Jethimala significantly relieved the cardinal symptoms of Amlapitta like, Tikta-Amlodgara (eryctations with bitter or sour taste) 67.64% in group A and 60% in group B, Hrit-Kanthadaha (burning sensation in the chest and throat) 69% in group A and 66.06% in group B and Utklesha (nausea) 65.35% in group A and 61.70% in group B. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant improvement was observed in all the symptoms in both the groups. While in comparison Jethimala showed better effect than Yashtimadhu (G. glabra) in Aruchi. It is concluded that Jethimala can be used as a substitute for Yashtimadhu.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Bilva Moola (root of Aegle marmelos Corr.) is one of the ingredients of Dashamoola. According to Siddha Bhaishaja Manimala, therapeutical properties denoted for the official part used are to be considered for all the other parts of the same plant. If the leaf of the plant is equally effective as the root then the destruction of the whole plant can be prevented. AIM: Study is planned to assess whether the leaves of Bilva can be substituted for its root by using the parameter of diuretic activity in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both samples Bilva Moola and Patra were administered to experimental rats by oral route at dose of 450 mg/kg. Control group received only normal saline. The diuretic effect was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium, potassium content in urine. Glucose, bilirubin, ketone, specific gravity, blood, pH of urine, protein, and urobilinogen, were also measured. RESULTS: Both test drugs showed increase in urine output but root sample showed maximum output compared to leaves treated and control group of rats. Sodium and potassium level is found more pronounced in root than the leaf. There is a mild increase in urine pH for both the drugs. There is absence of glucose, bilirubin, ketone and haemoglobin in all the groups. CONCLUSION: The root sample of the plant showed a greater effect as diuretic in comparison to leaf, hence as per the concept leaves may replace root in Dashamoola and can be used as Shothahara but effect may be less compared to root part.

RESUMEN

Ayurveda, the science of life, deals with the drugs of animal, herbal, or mineral origin. Drugs of plant origin occupy more than 90% of the constituents of the Ayurvedic formulations used during treatment. Due to over exploitation and non-availability of medicinal plants, certain classical drugs are being substituted by locally available ethnomedicinal plants that are being claimed to possess similar activity by the tribal and local practitioners. The authentic source of Prishniparni is Uraria picta Desv. (Fabaceae) and is being substituted by Alysicarpus longifolius W. and A. Prodr. (Fabaceae) by some traditional healers of Gujarat (Saurashtra region). Both the plants are locally known by the names Samervo or Pithvan and both have similar characteristics with reference to leaves and flowers (inflorescence type). Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical evaluation of Alysicarpus longifolius W. and A. Prodr has been carried out and results are reported.

RESUMEN

Veerataru is quoted to be effective in various conditions of Mootravaha Srotodushti such as Mootrakruchchhra (Dysuria), Mootraghata (Anuria), Ashmari (Urinary calculi), Sharkara (Concretions) etc., by various Acharyas. Mootrakruchchhra (Dysuria) is a disease of Basti (Bladder). It comes under Mootraapravruttijanyavyadhi, where Kruchchhrata (Shoola -Pain and Daha-Burning) during mootra pravrutti is the chief symptom. As per modern view, dysuria is a leading feature of lower or mid urinary tract infection. Antibiotics have their own limitations due to re-infections and recurrence even after long-term therapy, due to development of resistance of the microorganisms to the drugs. By considering all the above facts and to fulfill the lacuna about the absence of scientific data of Veerataru, the present research work had been taken up especially to evaluate its efficacy on Mootrakruchchhra (Dysuria). Patients suffering from Mootrakruchchhra (Dysuria) were selected and divided into two groups, i.e. Group A received Kwatha (decoction) of Veerataru-Dichrostachys cinerea Linn. (Trial drug) and Group B received Kwatha of Punarnava-Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Standard control) respectively. The effects of therapy were assessed by a specially prepared clinical research proforma. The result showed better symptomatic relief in Group A, i.e. trial drug as compared to Group B, i.e. standard control group.

RESUMEN

Kusha (Imperata cylindrica Beauv.) and Darbha (Desmostachya bipinnata Stapf.) are enlisted among Trinapanchamoola, which is a well-known diuretic and are individually enumerated in the Mootravirechaneeya Dashemani. The article deals with the evaluation and comparison of the individual Mootrala (diuretic) action of the two drugs in healthy volunteers. In this study, 29 healthy volunteers were divided into three groups administered with Darbha Moola Churna, Kusha Moola Churna, and placebo in each group for 14 days. The volunteers were subjected to evaluation of diuretic activity by maintaining the daily total input-output charts during the course of the study. The volunteers were advised to consume a minimum 2 l of water daily. Results show that Darbha and Kusha leaded to a percentage increase in urine volume as compared to placebo group, but the result was statistically insignificant.

RESUMEN

Many Pratinidhi Dravyas in Ayurvedic classics are mentioned and certainly are based on a methodical approach, which involves many aspects. These principles on which Pratinidhis were decided are quoted nowhere; so both to understand the established Pratinidhis and to find new ones a rational approach is the need of the hour. This article is an effort in the direction to study this concept meticulously in light of modern techniques for its better understanding and application. As there are very few established parameters, which help for selection and evaluation of Pratinidhi Dravyas. A rational technique like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy may be incorporated to set a new dimension. As most of the routine analytical techniques are separation based, overall component load cannot be predicted. Thus, it is prime necessity to compare the drugs with a whole aspect, which goes in hand by hand with a holistic approach of Ayurveda "Treat the man as Whole - Take the drug as whole."

RESUMEN

Shaliparni is one of the Laghupanchamoola ingredients. Desmodium gangeticum DC. is an accepted source of Shaliparni as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoea of India (API). Desmodium laxiflorum DC. is the drug commonly used instead of D. gangeticum in the Saurashtra region. The study is an attempt to compare the above said two species on the basis of their pharmacognostical profiles. The macroscopy and microscopy of roots of both plants were studied as per standard procedures. Root powders of both Desmodium species used in the experimental study to ascertain its Rasa by dilution method. Both the species show the same Rasa and Anurasa i.e., Madhura and Kashaya and almost same morphological and microscopical characters like prismatic crystals, starch grains etc. Hence it is concluded that D. laxiflorum may be considered as a substitute for D. gangeticum on the basis of present pharmacognostical study.