International Journal of Applied Ayurved Research

A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO ASSESS EFFICACY OF PUNARNAVA MANDURA WITH AND WITHOUT SHATAVARI AVALEHA IN GARBHINI PANDU

Moushami Kulhare — 2025-07-15

Background: Anaemia is one of the nutritional disorders in pregnancy. WHO estimates that even among the South Asian countries, India has highest prevalence of anaemia. About 80% of the maternal deaths due to anaemia is contributed by India alone. There is no direct reference of Garbhini Pandu (anaemia in pregnancy), however, many indirect references are available, in Ayurvedic texts,. Acharya Charaka explained about Bala varna hani of Garbhini in 6th month of pregnancy and in symptoms of 7th month Acharya Chakrapani has mentioned Shonita hinta. All these symptoms are present in 2nd trimester of pregnancy and may be due to anaemia and can be considered as reference for Garbhini Pandu. Use of Lauha and Mandura (Iron oxide- Fe2O3) in the treatment of anaemia is evident from ancient times. Mandura Bhasma is excellent Rakta Vardhak (Hematinic), and best to be used in Bala (children) and Garbhini (Pregnant woman) instead of Lauha Bhasma due to its Soumya guna (Gentle).Punarnava Mandura is proved beneficial in Antenatal care by previous research works.and is commonly used for the management of all types of Pandu. In Group B, Shatavari Avaleha is selected with Punarnava Mandura, to evaluate its Rasayana effect in Pregnancy anaemia. Objective: To evaluate efficacy of Punarnava Mandura with and without Shatavari Avaleha in Garbhini Pandu. Material and methods: Pregnant women (n=30), clinically and pathologically diagnosed as anaemic, between 13th – 28th week of pregnancy, were registered for present clinical study from the OPD and IPD department of Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga, of National Institute of Ayurveda (N.I.A.) Jaipur, after obtaining written voluntary informed consent from the patients and their attendants. Punarnava Mandura was given in the dose of 2 capsules of 500 mg, half an hour before meals with butter milk, twice daily in Group- A and in Group- B Punarnava Mandura was given in the dose of 2 capsules of 500 mg, half an hour before meals with butter milk, twice daily along with Shatavari Avaleha 5 gm twice daily with 1 glass of milk in morning and evening, for 2 months. The assessment was done on objective parameters . Results: On all objective parameters Group - B has shown better results in terms of percentage relief as compared to group- A. Discussion: The results may be attributed to Rasayana (Rejuvenating property), Vata-Pitta Shamaka, Deepana (appetiser), Balya and Garbhaposhaka effects of Shatavari Avaleha.

THE ROLE OF ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA) IN CANCER TREATMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Satakshi Mishra — 2025-07-15

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has been traditionally utilized for its wide range of health benefits, including stress reduction, cognitive enhancement, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, its potential in cancer prevention and treatment has garnered significant attention. This review aims to synthesize existing research on Ashwagandha’s role in cancer therapy, focusing on its anticancer, fatigue-reducing, and immunomodulatory properties. Withaferin A, a bioactive compound in Ashwagandha, has demonstrated potent anticancer activity, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, and modulation of critical signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha effectively reduces tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models, making it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has demonstrated significant benefits in mitigating chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CRF), a major debilitating side effect in cancer patients, thereby improving their quality of life (QoL). Clinical studies have reported that Ashwagandha supplementation during chemotherapy results in reduced fatigue, better physical and mental well-being, and enhanced survival rates, without compromising the efficacy of conventional treatments. In addition to its anticancer and fatigue-relieving effects, Ashwagandha has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties, enhancing immune responses and reducing the oxidative stress caused by chemotherapy agents such as Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. Through its ability to modulate immune functions, Ashwagandha helps mitigate the toxic effects of chemotherapy and improve overall immune system efficiency. Despite promising preclinical and clinical findings, the safety, optimal dosage, and long-term effects of Ashwagandha in cancer therapy remain to be fully explored. Further clinical trials are necessary to validate its therapeutic benefits and establish standardized treatment protocols. This review highlights the growing evidence supporting Ashwagandha as a potential adjunctive therapy in integrative oncology, offering a natural, safe, and effective approach to enhance the treatment outcomes and well-being of cancer patients.

UNDERSTANDING INCOMPATIBLE FOOD IN AYURVEDA

Satakshi Mishra — 2025-07-15

Historical Background: Ayurveda, the classical medical system of India, identifies Ahara (diet) as one of the three Upastambhas (sub-pillars) vital for sustaining life and maintaining the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The concept of Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food combinations) is a distinctive feature in Ayurvedic dietetics, where certain combinations are believed to impair Agni (digestive fire), produce Ama (toxins), and cause disease. In today’s changing dietary patterns, revisiting this concept is essential.Aim and Objectives: This review aims to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of Viruddha Ahara, its categories, health implications, and relevance to modern diet-related disorders. Objectives include:

Describing classical categories of Viruddha Ahara
Analyzing their physiological effects
Identifying modern examples and consequences
Promoting Ayurvedic dietary discipline for health preservation

Material Reviewed: Primary sources include Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya. Secondary sources include peer-reviewed articles from AYU Journal, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, and PubMed-indexed studies (2000–2024), along with Ministry of AYUSH publications.

Methodology: A narrative review approach was employed using thematic analysis of Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific literature related to incompatible foods, digestion, and disease.Results: The study identifies types of Viruddha Ahara such as Samyoga Viruddha and Kala Viruddha, and links them with modern habits like fruit-milk combinations or reheated oils. These contribute to indigestion, inflammation, and chronic disease. Scientific data supports these effects, validating Ayurvedic principles.Conclusion: The review highlights that the Ayurvedic doctrine of Viruddha Ahara remains scientifically and clinically relevant today. Emphasizing dietary compatibility and Ahara Vidhi (dietary conduct) offers a preventive framework for modern health challenges, strengthening Ayurveda’s role in integrative healthcare.

JALAUKAVACHARNA IN MANAGEMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ANANT VATA - A CASE REPORT

Gunjan jain — 2025-07-15

Trigeminal Neuralgia is an extremely painful condition that affects the cranial nerve V(fifth) known as trigeminal nerve, one of the facial nerves which is widely distributed in the head. It is known for causing sudden, severe, electric shock like facial pain, typically on one side of face. Main symptoms involve intense facial pain, which is brief, stabbing and recurrent. Pain typically affects cheek, jaw, teeth, gums and lips. Management of this disease can be done by medications like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and anticonvulsants. If medicines are not effective then surgery is the choice, but reoccurrence can occur. A 52 years old female patient a diagnosed case of Trigeminal Neuralgia and was treated with allopathy medications including carbamazepine at a dosage of 200 mg twice daily, baclofen at 50 mg twice daily, and lamotrigine at 200 mg twice daily for a duration of two months she not got any relieve in symptoms. Later patient came with presenting complaints of excruciating pain localized to the left cheek to OPD Dept of Shalya Tantra, PTKLS Bhopal for further treatment on the basis of sign and symptoms Diagnosed as Ananta Vata. Leech therapy was provided to the patient and signs and symptoms were assessed before and after the treatment. The leech therapy was found to be the ultimate choice of treatment for relieving symptoms and pain reduction, thus effective in trigeminal neuralgia.

EFFECT OF SHIROPICHU AND NASYA IN MANAGEMENT OF INFERTILITY DUE TO POOR OVARIAN RESERVE- A CASE STUDY

Ram Sinha — 2025-03-15

Infertility is defined as a Failure to conceive within one or more years of regular intercourse without any contraceptive measures. (Sixty) 60 to 80 (eighty) millions of couples suffering from infertility in worldwide, approx. 15 to 20 million (25 %) cases reported in India every year . As per world health organization’s report, one in every four couples developing countries had infertility problems. Poor ovarian reserve is one of the important cause of infertility in reproductive age groups. This case study was planned, to find an effective, non- invasive Ayurveda treatment for infertility due to poor ovarian reserve. A 35-year-old female, unable to conceive since 2 years, visited institutional OPD of Prasuti Tantra evum Stri Roga department, in January 2023. She was diagnosed with secondary infertility due to a low Anti Mullerian Hormone(AMH) and raised Prolactin levels. Provisional diagnose was made as Garbha Sravi or Balakashaya Janya Vandhya. She was Planned for Shiropichu (application of cotton pad soaked in medicated oil or ghrita on head) and Nasya (administration of medicated oil or ghrita through nostrils) with Phala Ghrita for 07 days, during follicular phase for 03 consecutive cycles. After treatment the patient conceived naturally. Significant increase in the levels of AMH was seen and Prolactin level comes within normal limits. Shiropichu and Nasya was found to be effective in poor ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged women.