Latest Research on Bilwa-Anti spermatogenesis and Cardioprotective .

Latest Research  on Bilwa- Anti spermatogenesis and cardioprotective

                      

                                                                   

The Bilva tree in the Shiva Purana

Lakshmyaascha stana utpannam Mahaadeva sadaa priyam,
Bilva vriksham prayachchhaami eka bilvam Shivaarpanam.
Darshanam bilva vrikshasya sparshanam paapanaashanam,
Aghorapaapasamhaaram eka bilvam shivarpanam.

According to the Shiva Purana (7 AD) the Bilva tree is the manifest form of Lord Shiva himself, while all the great tirthas (pilgrimage places) are said to reside at its base. One who worships the shivalingam while sitting under the Bilva, claims this great epic, attains the state of Shiva.

In the traditional culture of Nepal, the bael tree is part of a fertility ritual for girls known as the Bel baha. Girls are "married" to the bael fruit and as long as the fruit is kept safe and never cracks the girl can never become widowed, even if her human husband dies. This was seen to be protection against the social disdain suffered by widow.

In Bangladesh,   It is used for fertility control

Synonyms(and their meaning)

Shandilya- Means that relieves from all pains

Shailoosha- Means that have beautiful fruits or grow on mountains

Shriphala- Having attractive fruits

Maloora- Means that enhances the looks of the body

Gandhgarbha- Having a pleasant smell with in it

Kantaki- Means has sharp thorns over it

Sadaphala- Means it has fruits in all the seasons

Granthila- Having tuberous structure over its surfa

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

           Rasa  :    Katu, Tikta, Kashya

           Guna :   Laghu, Ruksha

          Virya  :  Ushna

          Vipaka : Katu

          Karma :  Dipana, Pacana, Grahi, Vata Kaphahara, Balya

         Therapeutic Uses  and Latest Research On Bilwa

                                                      

Diarrhoea and Dysentery

The unripe fruit is most effective remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery without fever. The powdered drug is recommended in sub acute or chronic dysentery. After the use of the fruit powder in these condition, the blood gradually disappear and the stools resume a more feculent and solid form. It is also a valuable remedy for chronic dysenteric condition characterized by alternate diarrhea and constipation. Its also been reported in the cases of amoebic dysentery. It is used in the treatment of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

As mentioned in Dhanvantri nigantu,(Chp 1,shlok104,105) in 10^th century that the unripe fruit is sangrahi ,snighda,agnidipak,katu,tikt, kshaya,usna veerya,tikshna and vata kapha nashak.

Hypoglycemic/Anti diabetic activity

Bilva leaf extract has been used in Ayurveda as a medicine for diabetes. It enhances the ability to  utilize the external glucose load in the body by stimulation of glucose uptake similar to insulin. Bael extract significantly lowers blood urea and cholesterol  in experimental diabetic animals.

Anticancer Activity

Bilva inhibited in vitro proliferation of human tumour cell lines including the lecukinic K562,T lymphoid Jurhat,beta lymphoid Raji, Erythro leukemic HEL. Extract of A. marmeolus is anti proliferative  but it produces effect on MCF-7 nad MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line when it is in high concentration.

Radioprotective effect

Treatment with extract of bilva reduces the severity of symptoms of radiation induced sickness and increases survival in mice. The radio protective action be due to free radical scavenging and arrest of lipid peroxidation accompanied by an elevation in glutathione concentration in liver,kidney,stomach and intestine.

The hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos (AME) protected cultured HPBLs against the radiation-induced micronuclei at a concentration of 5 µg/ml. It was also reported to scavenge ^·OH, O₂^·–, DPPH, ABTS^·+ and NO (nitric oxide) radicals in vitro in a concentration dependent manner . The radioprotective efficacy of 15 or 250 mg/kg AME was further confirmed in animal studies where its intraperitoneal as well as oral administration has been found to protect mice against the radiation-induced sickness, gastrointestinal and bone marrow deaths and mortality giving a DRF of 1.2. It also protected mice against the radiation-induced lipid peroxidation and elevated GSH concentration in the liver, kidney, stomach and intestine at 31 days post-irradiation. Oral administration also protected mice against the gamma radiation-induced decline in erythrocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes and clonogenicity of hemopoietic progenitor cells assessed by exogenous spleen colony forming assay. Pretreatment of mice with AME elevated the villus height and the crypt number accompanied by a decline in goblet and dead cell number . Not only leaf but also the hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos fruit administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg once daily, consecutively for five days found to protect mice against the radiation-induced sickness, gastrointestinal as well as bone marrow deaths with a DRF .

Cardioprotective effect 

The leaf extract has preventing effects in isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction in rats. The activity of creatine kinase and lactate dehdogenase was increased in serum.Use of Bilva as cardiac depressant and palpitation  has also been reported.

Anti spermoatogenesis Activity

The leaf of bilva resiste the process of spermatogenesis and decreases sperm motilitry in rats. There was a marked reduction in motility and density of the sperm derived from cauda epididymis of the treated animals. A. marmelos reduced fertility of male rats by 100% at the 300-mg dose level. Serum testosterone levels also decreased significantly in all the experimental groups. The protein, glycogen and lipid peroxidation content of the testes was significantly reduced at the highest dose level; a highly significant increase in testicular cholesterol was observed along with a highly significant reduction in the sialic acid contents of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Blood tests did not point to distress in any of the vital organs. Withdrawal of the extract restored all the altered parameters including organ weights, fertility, testosterone levels and tissue biochemistry to control levels after 120 days.

Antimicrobial/Antifungal Activity

It has been found active against various species such as Staphylococcus aureus,S. epidemidis,Salmonella typhimurium,E.coli,Bacillus subtilis. The essential oil isolated from the leaves of Bilva exhibits variableefficiency against different fungal isolates and causes concentration as well as time dependent inhibition of spore germination of all fungi tested ,including most resistant fungus,Fusarium udum.

Antipyretic and Analgesic activity

Bilva exhibits antipyretic,anti inflammatory and analgesic activities,as it has shown a significant inhibition of the carrageenan induced paw oedema,cotton pellet granuloma and paw itching in rats.It is also used as febrifuge in nght and intermittent fever.

Peptic ulcer

The fruit taken in the form of beverage has also great haeling properties on account of its mucilage,which  forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and thus helps in the healing of ulcers.

Respiratory Infection

In south India the juice of leaves are mixed with pepper to bring relief from wheezing cough and respiratory spasm.Its regular use builds up resistance against  cold and cough.

Other properties

The extract of leaves is beneficial in the treatment of leucorrhoea, conjunctivitis and deafness. Fruits give feeling freshness anad energy.It is used as carminative and astringent and used in thyroid related disorders.It is also used in the treatment of snake bite. It is a cardiac stimulant. Applications  have also  been reported in anaemia , fractures, swollen joints, typhoid, coma, colitis, bleeding sores and cramps.It is also used as anthelmintic. It is used in treatment of acute shigellosis, as diuretic ,in gonorrhea and in conjunctivitis.

Treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome (sangrehni) in Ayurveda

                                        Treatment of  IBS (Grahni )in Ayurveda
                                                                                                       Dr Gagan Sharma                                                           09465343479                                                        
In today’s world of fast food , there is change and irregularity in diet and diet timings. Fast growing world has given desk jobs and sedentary life style. In addition to change in diet and lifestyle, one is always under tremendous stress. body and mind are interdependent to each other. All these causes disturbances to the digestive system, which results into many disease, among which digestion and absorption diseases are most common.  Irritable BowelSyndrome (IBS) is a psychosomatic disease condition where motility of intestine is disturbed with altered bowel habit, lower abdominal pain with distention relieved by passes of flatus. There is no detectable organic pathology in this disease. The symptoms are markedly influenced by psychological factors with stressful life style. A careful review of the clinical picture of various GIT diseases, described in Ayurveda reveals that some of the disorders definitely have some clinical symptoms observed in the patients of IBS.   
In Ayurveda , functionally weak Agni/Digestive fire causes improper digestion of ingested food ,which leads to Aam dosha . Aam is the root cause of most of the diseases. It is well established that the circular and longitudinal muscles of the small bowel and sigmoid are highly susceptible to motor abnormalities. As a result, many factors can influence their contraction rates and lead to the excessive activity of their function which is at the basis of irritable bowel syndrome. Ayurveda evaluation searches for the various root causes of excessive GI motility through a determination of the imbalances in the functioning modes of the body.
Signs and symptoms

·         Cramping pain in lower abdomen

·         Changes in  bowel habits

·         Diarrhea or constipation, or both alternately

·         Relief of pain after bowel movements

·         Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements

·         Mucus in stool

·         Abnormal movements of the colon, whether too fast or too slow, are seen in some, but not all, people who have IBS.

Treatment

Ayurveda has emphasized the use of Buttermilk ( takra) for the treatmentof IBS. The patient has to be kept on the diet of buttermilk, which is the treatment and nutrition in IBS.Buttermilk is digestive, astringent, and light to digest and helps in improving the consistency of the stool. Buttermilk is given along with asafetida, cumin, and rock-salt powder to control the bowel movements. It contains a good amount of lactobacillus bacteria, which helps restore the normal flora of the intestines. . Trikatu, a compound containing black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, is specific for low enzyme and high enterotoxin.  Pungent, bitter, and astringent tasting foods are best. Musta ( Cyperus rotundus) improves intestinal absorption and stops diarrhea.

There are several time tested classical  ayurvedic formulations mentioned by our ancient Acharays  eg   Brhat gangadhara curna ,Dadimastaka curna ,Jatiphaladi curna , Hingvastaka churna , Bilvadi lehyam ,Chitrakadi vati ,Shankha vati,Dashmuladi ghrita, Panchamrut parpati ,Kutaj parpati,Rasa-parpati .These medicines should be taken under the guidance of an ayurvedic physician .

IBS is a psychosomatic disease .Stress management can help prevent or ease IBS symptoms. Use relaxation techniques: deep breathing, visualization, yoga , meditation can help the patient . Bhramari pranayaam  will help to alleviate stress and anxiety .Pavan multa asana will help to reduce gaseous trouble and bloating. Kapal bhatti  can be helpful for those suffering with constipation.

Diet Regime for IBS

Preferred food items are Eat old rice, ginger, jawar, coriander leaves, lentil, green grams soup, black pepper, nutmeg, skimmed milk, buttermilk, hot water. Foods rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olives and olive or canola oil, are more healthy as well as easily digestible. Herbs like ginger, fennel, and cumin that stimulate enzyme secretions will improve digestion, absorption, and clear Aam(undigested material) from the digestive tract. When treating IBS, a light diet is advised.

Avoid indigestible foods such as bread; cheese; red meat; and cold, hard, and raw.Because it is hard to digest, saturated fat can be colon irritants. Foods rich in saturated or trans fats include stick butter and margarine, shortening, fried foods, beef fat, full-fat dairy products and commercially prepared cookies, crackers, coffee cakes and snack foods.Limit foods that contain ingredients that can stimulate the intestines and cause diarrhea, such as caffeine (tea,coffee), Alcohol , Foods high in sugar ,Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol).Some vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts) and legumes (beans) may worsen bloati

To sum up, Our health depends a lot on the food we eat. So to remain healthy we must think before we eat. Balanced diet , exercise ,yoga and meditation all are key to good health. Ayurveda  is not only focused to cure the patient but also emphasis on the  proper life style to keep our selves healthy.

blog by Dr Himanshu Sharma...: Drug Standardisation

blog by Dr Himanshu Sharma...: Drug Standardisation: " Use Herb as a whole ..."

Drug Standardisation

                               Use Herb as a whole

                                                                                        Dr.Himanshu Sharma

                                                                                       Ayurvedic Consultant

                                                                                         NIAPR,Patiala

INTRODUCTION

Widely regarded as the oldest form of healthcare in the world, Ayurveda is a time tested  medical system that originated in India thousands of years ago.. The aim of the system is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life. This can be summed up as follows: To protect health and prolong life ("Swasthyas swasthya rakshanam") ,To eliminate diseases and disfunctions of the body ("Aturasya vikar prashamanamcha  ).

Ayurveda  has several single and polyherbal   formulations .Today there has been a great demand for plant derived herbal  products. World has accepted the concept of drug standardization   for scientific validation of these  herbs.  The  standard extract(active principle) of a herb help us  to understand its phytochemistry, drug interactions, bioequivalence, pharmacovigilance  study.

OBJECT

Inspite of using the active principle of drug, use of crude drug is more scientific as per ayurvedic  principles.  It is believed that  the  standardised extracts are more effective than crude drug.In my view, If we are working on Ayurvedic principles, we must consider the importance of the views of our ancient Acharyas.

DISCUSSION

·         The concept of using whole herb by our ancient acharyas was based on the principle of   Ras panchak.  The action of a drug is based on  Ras, ,Virya ,  Guna,   Vipaak and Prabaav. In Ayurveda it is not the dead line that the action of herb lies only in its active principle. According to the principle of Ayurveda, one herb  works on the basis of its ras, another on the basis of its veerya, another on the basis of its vipaak.

·         A drug has major and minor constituents. The concept of using the major constituents as active principle does not solve the purpose. It is possible that those other minor   constituents may also be essential in a polyherbal formulations . How one herb interact with other herbs in a polyherbal formulations is yet to be carried out.

·         In Ayurveda , each and every patient is a individual entity and the treatment also differs from patient to patient. Rogi Nidaan has its different parameters. It’s not as simple as in modern medicines. Prakriti parikshan, Saar, Sahanan, vyayam shakti, agni all these parameters are  studied by an ayurvedist.An ayurvedist makes a clear picture of tha individual by understanding a patient as awhole and also  decides what kind of mode of  preparation to be used for the individual.  Panch Kashay Kalpana  (SWARAS,CHURNA,KALK,HIM,PHANT,)  is based on this principle. But if we are using only the extract of the herb , it  may not serve the purpose.

·         Concept of Bhashajya Kalpana in Ayurveda is highly scientific.In a polyherbal formulations our Acharayas has shown their creadibility . Tribhuvakirti ras ,Sanjivani vati many other jwarhar yog contains  vatsnaabh as a main content. Vatsnaabh is poisonos.Even after its shobdhan while prearing he formulation tankan,which is an anti dote of vatsnaabh is also added.This is one of the reason why ayurvedic formulation has less side efects.

·         Moreover, What is the difference between a "Standardized Herbal Extract" and a "Herbal Extract"? There is a lot of confusion between the two terms "standardized herbal extracts" and "herbal extracts". An "herbal extract" is sometimes also referred to as a tincture, or liquid herbal extract. This is a preparation where a whole herb is steeped in alcohol, water or a combination. A "standardized herbal extract" is a measurable marker substance that is extracted from the herb. This marker may be an active ingredient, or just one that is easily determined, but often, it is a compound that has been used in scientific research. Sometimes the wrong marker chemical is identified and used as the "active" ingredients. For example, St Johns Wart is usually measured for hypericin, though it is now thought that hyperforin is the more active substance.

·         These products have generated both controversy and confusion among consumers and Ayurvedic  professionals. In fact standardization means different things to different people. The word "extract" is also confusing, since this term traditionally is associated with fluid extracts, which are highly concentrated tinctures made from the whole plant.

·         One well-known manufacturer tells us in its consumer literature that in standardized extracts "active compounds are natural compounds found in an herb that is proven to be responsible for its healthy benefits." Morphine is from opium, but it is not a herb! Citric acid is not an orange, and isoflavones are not a soy bean! An active compound is in fact an isolated chemical, and no longer belongs to the plant kingdom, but to the molecular world. Unfortunately, cheaper brands, like those routinely available now in pharmacies, corner stores and even airports, are usually standardized, yet do not contains whole herbs.

·         Many herbal supplements contain "standardized herbal extracts" which is the chemical market that has been extracted using solvents such as acetone. These chemical derived compounds may contain residues which themselves could act as toxins on the body. "Standardized herbal extracts" are normally listed as : Blueberry Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract, Bilberry Extract or Grape Seed Extract.

CONCLUSION

·         I believe that it  is best to use the whole herb. There are several (major and minor) active ingredients in the whole herb that have benefits researchers still do not fully understand. A herbal extract is an isolated component of only one of these compounds present in the whole herb.Use of crude drug in Ayurveda has its scientific  view.  Due to which  Ayurveda  has negligible side effects.  Inspite of using the active principle of drug, use of crude drug is more scientific as per ayurvedic  principles.  I believe that follow principles of ayurveda  as mentioned in our Classical text.

·         I invite your views on the topic.