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Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to heal through normal phases of healing. Chronic wounds are becoming challenge for medical science due to its psychological and economic burdens. In Ayurveda, chronic wounds have close resemblance with Dustha-vrana. Various herbs, minerals-metals and formulations were described in classics for management of wounds. Gojihva [Launaea nudicaulis (L.) Hook.f.] herb is one of them. An eight year, old female child with parents visited Shalya Tantra OPD with complaint of wound at right foot with other associated complaints foul smell, discharge, swelling, loss of pain and touch sensations since five to six years. She was diagnosed at various higher centers as chronic non healing wound of right foot with tibial artery thrombosis and chronic osteomyelitis. The patient has taken various treatments with dressings but didn’t get relief. Lastly she was advised for amputation. Parents of the patient were not willing for surgery and they visited OPD for Ayurvedic treatment. On the basis of signs and symptoms it was diagnosed Dustha-vrana. The treatment was planned the topical application of Gojihva kwatha (decoction). The patient was completely cured within 21 days and regain the sensations. No re-occurrence was noted after 2 months of follow up.

SARS-CoV-2 is a global public-health concern. Interventions to prevent infection are urgently needed. The anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of neem make it a potential agent for COVID-19 prophylaxis.The study intended to evaluate the prophylactic effects of neem capsules for persons at high risk of COVID-19 infection due to contact with COVID-19 positive patients.The research team designed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study.The study was conducted at a single center in India.Participants were 190 healthcare workers at the hospital or relatives of patients with COVID-19 infection.Of the 190 participants, 95 were in the intervention group and 95 in the control group. Participants received 50 mg of a proprietary, patent-pending, neem-leaf extract or a placebo orally in capsules, twice a day for 28 days.The number of individuals positive for COVID-19 between baseline and follow-up on day 56 was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures included an evaluation of neem's safety and its effects on quality of life (QOL) and changes in biomarkers.The mean age of participants was 36.97 years, and 68.42% were male. Total 13 subjects tested positive during the study. All were asymptomatic. Of the 154 participants who completed the study per-protocol, 11 tested positive, 3 in the intervention group and 8 in the control group. The probability of COVID-19 infection in participants receiving the intervention was 0.45 times that of participants receiving the placebo, a relative risk of 0.45, with the effectiveness of the intervention being around 55%. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in both groups were minimal and were of grade 1 or 2 in severity. Biomarkers and QOL remained stable in both groups.The study found a reduced risk of COVID-19 infection in participants receiving neem capsules, which demonstrates its potential as a prophylactic treatment for the prevention of COVID-19 infection. The findings warrant further investigation in clinical trials.

Introduction Laghupanchamula is a compound formulation prepared by combinations of roots of five herbs. Two variants of Laghupanchamula have been described in Ayurvedic classics where beside four common herbs fifth one is either Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) or Eranda (Ricinus communis L.). The objective of the study is to make comparison between two variants of Laghupanchmula with respect to important group of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity to corroborate the science behind their therapeutic utility. Materials and methods Standard methods have been followed for quantitative determination of total quantity of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols, and in vitro antioxidant activity in variants of Laghupanchmula formulations. Qualitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis has also been performed to establish presence/absence of important chemical constituents in formulations. Results Additional quantity of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols has been observed in Laghupanchamula variant containing Eranda than the variant containing Gokshura. Greater antioxidant activity has also been found in formulation containing Eranda. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of shikimic acid, gallic acid, catechin in both formulations, but rutin has been found only in formulation containing Eranda. Conclusion From the results of experiments it has been observed that the formulation containing Eranda has more antioxidant activity as it contains more quantities of phenol, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols than the formulation containing Gokshura. How to cite this article Ghildiyal S, Joshi A, Joshi VK. Comparative Study on Two Variants of Laghupanchamula (A Compound Ayurvedic Formulation) for Important Groups of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2017;2(3):157-163.

Background: Wounds affect a large number of patients and seriously reduce the quality of life. The wound as a medical problem was first discussed by Maharshi Agnivesha in Agnivesha Samhita (later known as Charaka Samhita ) as Vrana . Laghupanchamula denotes a combination of the roots of five herbs. However, in Ayurvedic classics, besides four common herbs viz. Kantakari , Brihati , Shalaparni and Prinshniparni , the fifth one is either Gokshura (LPG) or Eranda (LPE), and both formulations have been documented to have wound healing ( Vrana ) activity. Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the in vivo wound healing activity and in vitro antimicrobial activity of 50% ethanolic extract of Laghupanchamula containing Gokshura (LPGE) and Laghupanchamula containing Eranda (LPEE) in rats with acute toxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: LPGE and LPEE (1000 mg/kg) was administered orally, once daily for 10 days (incision wound model) or for 24 days (excision wound model) in rats. LPGE and LPEE was studied for its in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo wound breaking strength ( WBS) (incision model) and rate of contraction, period of epithelization and histology of skin (excision model). Results and Conclusion: LPGE and LPEE showed antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, enhanced WBS, rate of contraction, skin collagen tissue formation and early epithelization period with low scar area indicating enhanced healing with histological evidence of more collagen formation in skin tissues. LPGE and LPEE also showed anti-bacterial activity and seemed to be safe, and use of both formulations in Laghupanchamula for their wound healing and anti-microbial activities is thus authenticated.

Chronic wounds are becoming challenge for scientific community due to their economical and psychological burden. Contemporary science tried hard to cop up with this difficult situation by the use of tissue engineering, cell-based therapy, plasma therapy along with various dressings, and surgical procedures, but the results are not very promising. Wounds are described under the heading of Vrana in Ayurveda along with various herbs and herbomineral preparations for their management. Gojihva (Launaea nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f.) is an herb mentioned to be useful in various diseases as well as for wounds. It is also practiced ethnomedicinally for wound management in various countries. A 60-year-old male having non-healing wound on his dorsal surface of the forearm for the past 45 days was treated with dressing of Gojihva kwatha (~ decoction) for 28 days. Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT), wound tracing and digital photography was used to asses wound healing on every week. BWAT score was 52 before treatment and 13 after the treatment. The surface area was 42.9 cm2 before treatment and nil after treatment. The wound was completely healed in 28 days without any complications.

Background: Laghupanchamula denotes combinations of roots of five herbs. However, in Ayurvedic classics besides four common herbs viz. Kantakari, Brihati, Shaliparni, and Prinshniparni, the fifth one is either Gokshura (Laghupanchamula with Gokshura LPG) or Eranda (Laghupanchamula with Eranda LPE), and both formulations have been documented to have shothahara (anti-inflammatory) action. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to compare the anti-inflammatory activity of 50% ethanolic extract of LPG (LPGE) and LPE (LPEE) in rats and safety in mice. Materials and Methods: LPGE and LPEE were given orally, administered either just before or 60 min before experiment on mice and for 7 days to rats. Paw edema was induced by carrageenan (acute) and formalin (sub-acute), whereas granuloma pouch (sub-acute) was induced by turpentine in rats. Results: Both LPGE and LPEE (1.0 g/kg) at 3 h after their administration showed inhibition of formalin-induced paw edema by 46.2% and 44.3% ( P < 0.001) and carrageenan-induced paw edema by 53.9% and 60.4% ( P < 0.001), respectively. After 7 days of treatment, both LPGE and LPEE showed 26.3% ( P < 0.01) and 32.5% ( P < 0.05) inhibition, respectively, against formalin-induced paw edema, and reduced weight of turpentine-induced granuloma pouch by 42.8% and 36.1% ( P < 0.001), and volume of exudates by 31.2% and 36.2% ( P < 0.001), respectively. No acute toxicity was observed in mice even with a 10.0-g/kg dose of both extracts. Conclusion: LPGE and LPEE significantly reduced acute and sub-acute inflammation, and showed effective and similar anti-inflammatory activity. They seemed to be safe, and use of both formulations in the Laghupanchamula for their anti-inflammatory activity is, thus, authenticated.

Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith), known as Shati in Ayurvedic classics, is documented for the treatment of cough, hiccough, fever and asthma. The present study includes the evaluation of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the dried rhizome of H. spicatum for anti-histaminic and ulcer-protective activities in guinea pig (GP), anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rat and acute toxicity in mouse. The extracts were administered orally, daily as suspension, in 1% carboxymethyl cellulose either for 7 days in GP studies or 60 min before or just before experiment in rats and mice. An initial dose-dependent anti-histaminic action of both the extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/ kg) was performed against histamine-induced bronchospasm in GPs. The 200 mg/ kg dose of aqueous and ethanolic extracts was selected both in GP and rat for further studies. GPs treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed gastric ulcer protection against histamine-induced gastric ulcer compared with the control group. Both the extracts also showed an anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats from 1 h onwards, and this was maximum at 3 h. Analgesic effect was determined by using hot plate and tail flick tests in rats, and both the extracts at 200 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the latent period from 30 min onwards till 120 min of their study period. Both the extracts did not show any toxic effect like increased motor activity, salivation, clonic convulsion, coma and death in mice even at the 2000 mg/kg dose (nearly 10 times of the optimal effective dose), indicating the safety of the extracts. The result confirms the indigenous use of this plant in respiratory disorders.

A group of five roots of small plants i.e., Shalaparni, Prshniparni, Brhati, Kantakari and Gokshura or Eranda is known as Laghupanchamula under Mishraka Varga (group of drugs). It is used as such or with Mahat Panchamula i.e., Bilva, Gambhari, Shyonaka, Agnimantha and Patala, constituting Dashamula, a well recognized and popular Ayurvedic preparation or as an ingredient of different dosage forms. Classical texts of Ayurveda differs regarding components of this Mishraka Varga. Four out of five drugs of Laghupanchamula are similar in all the Ayurvedic texts, but either Gokshura or Eranda is considered as the fifth drug. So a comphrenesive review of Veda, Samhita Grantha, Cikitsa Grantha and Nighantus, with regards to synonyms, contents, Guna- Karma, origin of variation in contents and possible thought behind two kinds of Laghupanchamula, to throw light for rational use of either Eranda or Gokshura under Laghupanchamula was conducted. It was observed that both the traditions were in practice however Acharya Kashyapa and Ravigupta were in view of Eranda as a fifth drug of Laghupanchamula where as Acharya Charaka, Sushruta, Vagabhatta, Yogaratnakara and Chakradatta are in favour of Gokshura. Infact, the variation in content depends on the need i.e Dosha, Dushya and Vyadhi.

Objective To explore a detailed pharmacognostic study of the rhizome of Hedychium spicatum Ham-ex-Smith (Zingiberaceae), a plant species which is commonly used in preparation of indigenous medicine. Methods The macroscopy, microscopy, quantitative analysis, extractive values in ethanol and water, phytochemical screening, TLC and HPTLC of aqueous and ethanolic extract and DNA fingerprint of the rhizome were investigated. Results Rhizome appeared to be 15–20 cm long, 20–25 mm in diameter, light-brown with 4–6 nodules. Transverse section of rhizome showed an outermost thick layer of suberised, dark brown cells in outer cork with 10 or more layers of irregular parenchymatous cells. Inner cork consisted of a few layered light brown rectangular radially arranged cells, followed by a wide zone of cortex having 30–40 cell layers. Rhizome powder was light brown in colour, bitter having camphorous odour, and fibrous texture. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, resins, saponins, steroid, tannin, starch and glycosides were present in both extracts while, flavonoids and triterpenoids were present only in ethanolic extract. TLC, HPTLC and DNA fingerprinting confirmed the chemical composition present in rhizome. Conclusions The pharmacognostic profile of Hedychium spicatum rhizome is helpful in sample identification, quality and purity standards.

Objective: Recently, we observed wound healing activity of 50% ethanol extract of Mallotus philippinensis Muell. Arg (MP) fruit hairs extract (MPE). In several intestinal infections, localized inflammation is of common occurrence and hence we evaluated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hypnotic activity of MPE in different rat experimental models. Materials and Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan (acute) and turpentine oil induced formalin (subacute) induced paw edema and while granuloma pouch (subacute) in rats. Analgesic and hypnotic activity of MPE was undertaken by tail-flick, hot-plate, and acetic acid-induced writhing tests while pentobarbitone-induced hypnotic potentiation in rats. Results: MPE at a dose of 200 mg/kg at 3 h after their administration showed inhibition of formalin-induced paw edema by 41.60% (P < 0.001) and carrageenan-induced paw edema by 55.30% (P < 0.001). After 7 days of treatments, MPE showed 38.0% (P < 0.001) inhibition against formalin-induced paw edema and reduced weight of turpentine-induced granuloma pouch by 29.6% (P < 0.01) and volume of exudates by 26.1% (P < 0.01), respectively. MPE (200 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent elevation in pain threshold and peak analgesic effect at 120 min as evidenced by increased latency period in tail flick method and increased reaction time in the hot-plate test while the reduction in the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 45.7% (P < 0.001). The pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis model showed potentiation, as defined by increased duration of sleep in treated group rats as compared to control. Conclusion: Thus, the study revealed MPE is effective in reducing acute and subacute inflammation and showed effective and similar analgesic activity. This seemed to be safe in the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Background: In Ayurvedic classics, two types of Laghupanchamula -five plant roots (LP) have been mentioned containing four common plants viz. Kantakari, Brihati, Shalaparni, and Prinshniparni and the fifth plant is either Gokshura (LPG) or Eranda (LPE). LP has been documented to have Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Shulanashka (analgesic), Jvarahara (antipyretic), and Rasayana (rejuvenator) activities. Aim: To evaluate the acute toxicity (in mice), analgesic and hypnotic activity (in rats) of 50% ethanolic extract of LPG (LPGE) and LPE (LPEE). Materials and Methods: LPEG and LPEE were prepared separately by using 50% ethanol following the standard procedures. A graded dose (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) response study for both LPEE and LPGE was carried out for analgesic activity against rat tail flick response which indicated 500 mg/kg as the optimal effective analgesic dose. Hence, 500 mg/kg dose of LPEE and LPGE was used for hot plate test and acetic acid induced writhing model in analgesic activity and for evaluation of hypnotic activity. Results: Both the extracts did not produce any acute toxicity in mice at single oral dose of 2.0 g/kg. Both LPGE and LPEE (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent elevation in pain threshold and peak analgesic effect at 60 min as evidenced by increased latency period in tail-flick method by 25.1-62.4% and 38.2-79.0% respectively. LPGE and LPEE (500 mg/kg) increased reaction time in hot-plate test at peak 60 min analgesic effect by 63.2 and 85.8% and reduction in the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 55.9 and 65.8% respectively. Both potentiated pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis as indicated by increased duration of sleep in treated rats. Conclusion: The analgesic and hypnotic effects of LP formulations authenticate their uses in Ayurvedic system of Medicine for painful conditions.

The fruit pulp of Cassia fistula Linn. is known to have purgative properties. A specific process, i.e., keeping well ripe fruits buried within sand for seven days and then drying in sun prior to its medicinal use, has been mentioned in Charaka Samhita. To explore the effect of above classical processing, a comparative physiochemical and phytochemical evaluation of classically processed (PD) and non-processed (NPD) fruit pulp of Cassia fistula has been done together with HPTLC. Results of the study showed presence of alkaloid, glycosides, steroids, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, tannins, proteins, amino acids and carbohydrats in both types of samples. The extractive values of PD and NPD were 18.25% w/v and 15.65% w/v, respectively. The difference in physiochemical analysis of PD and NPD was also recorded and the HPTLC of PD sample showed an extra peak around Rf 0.76 in comparison to NPD. These results signify appreciable changes in classically processed sample of Cassia fistula fruit pulp and provide scientific evidence for the classical processing.

Background Mallotus philippinensis Muell. Arg (MP, Euphorbiaceae) are widely distributed perennial shrub or small tree in tropical and subtropical region in outer Himalayas regions. Since, Mallotus philippinensis have been shown to have a number of medicinal values. Hence our present study was to investigate the healing potential of fruit extract in rat wound models. Methods The study includes acute toxicity and wound healing potential of 50% ethanol extract of MP fruit glandular hair (MPE). MPE (200 mg/kg) was administered orally, once daily for 10 days (incision and dead space wound) and 22 days (excision wound). MPE was found safe when given to rats upto 10 times of optimal effective dose. Wound breaking strength (WBS) in Incision wound and rate of contraction, period of epithelization and scar area in Excision wound were evaluated. Granulation tissue free radicals (nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation), antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione), acute inflammatory marker (myeloperoxidase), connective tissue markers (hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid), and deep connective tissue histology were studied in Dead space wound. Results MPE significantly increased WBS and enhanced wound contraction, and decreased both epithelization period and scar area compared with control group. MPE was found to decrease free radicals (50.8 to 55.2%, P