The most basic prerequisite for any nation's affluence is healthy progeny. Congenital/hereditary disorders have a serious effect on a person's health. A study on genetic disorders exposes that 3%–5% of all births result in congenital deformities and 20%–30% of all infant deaths are due to genetic disorders. Even though science is advancing at a fast pace, there is still some lack of certainty about the underlying cause of these diseases, as well as their prevention and management. In Ayurveda, the concept of congenital diseases is comprehensively discussed by Sahaja Roga, Kulaja Roga, and Adibala Pravritta Roga, and Janmabala Pravrutta Roga. The antenatal causes, preventive measures, and types of diseases have been discussed explicitly. The importance of Shad-Garbhakara Bhavas (six pro-creative factors) such as Matrija (maternal), Pitrija (paternal), Atmaja (soul), Rasaja (nutritional), Satmyaja (wholesomeness), and Sattvaja (psyche/mind) for the creation of healthy progeny has been described in Ayurvedic texts. The conjunction of these pro-creative factors is considered necessary for healthy progeny. The physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of both the parents during pregnancy and the practice of a wholesome regimen play a significant role in ensuring a healthy offspring. Nonconsanguineous marriage, appropriate age of marriage, and conception are also described in Ayurvedic text as preventive for genetic disorders. Considering the seriousness of the issue and knowledge gap, we review to comprehensively encapsulate the concept, diversity, and preventive aspects of genetic disorders described in Ayurveda as well as its understanding in contemporary science.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Trichotillomania (TTM) also known as a hair-pulling disorder is a debilitating psychiatric condition characterized by the recurrent pulling out of one's own hair, leading to hair loss and functional impairment. If untreated, TTM may lead to life-threatening medical problems. In DSM-5-TR, TTM is kept under the category of “Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.” As there is no established treatment in contemporary medicine for TTM, many patients seek other interventions such as Ayurveda (traditional Indian system of medicine). There is no clarity regarding ayurvedic diagnosis and management of TTM. This has created a major diagnostic and management dilemma in clinical ayurvedic psychiatry practice while approaching a patient of TTM. The aim of the present study is to understand TTM according to Ayurveda and to propose an ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment protocol for it. The present study has explored the similarity between Bhutonmada/Grahonmada (psychiatric condition having idiopathic manifestation) and TTM. Although some references related to hair-pulling behavior are available in ayurvedic texts, they may not represent TTM exactly as an independent disease entity. There is some similarity between Bhutonmada and TTM in terms of etiology, pathology, course and prognosis, and clinical features. Hair-pulling behavior and other self-injurious behaviors can be understood as Bhutonmada with the intention of Himsa. Spiritual or divine therapies, ayurvedic psychotherapy, and virtuous code of conduct, along with ayurvedic medicines, may provide relief to TTM patients. The present study provides new insights for diagnosing and managing the patients of TTM according to Ayurveda.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Impetigo is the most contagious skin infection affecting school-going children and is more prevalent during summer. Impetigo has two types, nonbullous Impetigo (NBI) and bullous Impetigo, of which NBI is the most typical variety caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococci or both. The diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical examination and the characteristic appearance of the honey crust formation. In addition, the culture of the pus or bullous fluid may be helpful for the identification of the pathogens. A 14-year-old girl presented with NBI even after taking 1-week conventional treatment for 1 week in vain. However, Mezereum was treated successfully without topicals, complications, or adverse effects. Further, changes in the Dermatology Life Quality of Life questionnaire score from 20 (at the beginning) to zero have been observed: the Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homoeopathy score was +9 out of +13, providing evidence attributed to the intervention. This case report reinforced that homeopathic intervention is beneficial in treating bacterial infections such as NBI, and future pragmatic research needs to strengthen the results.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

In the present scenario, people are more prone to various diseases due to poor immunity arising due to lifestyle changes, smoking, and air pollution. Poor lifestyle is responsible for Kapha predominant diseases like Kasa, Shwasa, and other metabolic as well as auto-immune disorders. In Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, Kaphaketu Rasa (KKR) consisting of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes (Vatsanabha), purified Borax (Tankana), Incinerated Conch shell (Shankha Bhasma), Piper longum Linn., and Zingiber officinale Roxb. Has been indicated for Kapha related diseases. Eight varieties by the name of KKR are documented in Ayurvedic texts. To understand the rationale of mentioning these varieties and to explore the potential areas of its usefulness in contemporary clinical conditions, this study was performed. Information regarding this formulation was collected from the major Ayurveda texts as well as electronic sources for available scientific evidence, commercial availability of the formulation was also checked. The available data supports its use as a potent Kapha pacifying formulation whereas scientific evidence supports its action as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-allergic as well as mucolytic agent. However, this formulation needs to be studied through animal and clinical studies to understand and explore its mode of action, drug interactions, dose-response relationships, adverse reactions, etc., in different clinical conditions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Child malnutrition continues to exist as a major public health concern worldwide mainly in most of the low- and middle-income countries such as India. The screening of the school children is an effective tool to quantify the current prevalence in the country. There are various determinants that influence the risk of malnutrition as parental educational status, socioeconomic status, and family size are considered important determinants of the nutritional status of the child. Objective: The present study in selected school in Varanasi District aimed to evaluate the overall the prevalence of malnutrition (i.e., stunting, underweight, overweight, and obesity) in 11–15 years aged school children of urban and rural parts of Varanasi and analyze the associated socioeconomic factors. Materials and Methods: The school-based study of 729 (336 from rural and 393 urban) school children was carried out and compared against World Health Organization reference standards to determine the nutritional status. The association of various socioeconomic factors was analyzed. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition (stunting) in both the study areas is 20.8% (24% in rural and 21.7% in urban). In body mass index analysis, 15.77% were thin, 6.25% were severely thin and only 2.38% were overweight in rural area while 14.24% were thin, 7.8% were severely thin and 11.9% were overweight in the urban area schools. The significant association between house type, mother education, father education, mother education, and father education with nutritional status. Conclusion: Malnutrition is the emerging problem for adolescent age group children in India. The nondietary determinants of the malnutrition need to be addressed with comprehensive strategy.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Allergic asthma (AA) is the most common form of asthma. An allergy is when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust, and mites. The body releases chemicals to attack the substance and can lead to asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, and coughing that can vary over time. A 23-year-old female was diagnosed with AA since 2011 by an allopathic consultant in Delhi. She was regularly treated with short-acting bronchodilators (Levalbuterol) inhaler. Shrishadi Agad is a formulation described in the textbook of Shusruta Samhita which contains Shirish Chaal (Albizia lebbeck), Trikatu Churna, Madhu (∼Honey), and Saindhava lavan (∼Rock salt) which are in totality responsible for its Vishaghna (Anti-toxic) properties. The patient was considered suffering from Santamak Shwasa (∼AA) on the bases of International Classification of Diseases (ICDs)-11 and was treated with Shrishadi Agad twice a daily along with Haritaki Churna, bedtime for 1 month followed by Amalaki Rasayan in the dose of 3 g, twice a day for 2 months. On the basis of the same medication, regular follow-up was taken up to assess the health of the patient. After 3 months of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in sneezing, breathlessness, cough, and generalized weakness. There is a significant decrease in the range of immunoglobulin E (from 3000 IU/ml to 1493 IU/ml), absolute eosinophil count (from 720/cu.mm. to 228/cu.mm.), and pulmonary parameters (i.e., forced expiratory volume in and forced vital capacity) also shows respective changes. This case shows that Shrishadi agad followed by Amalaki Rasayana is effective in the management of AA on the basis of ICD-11 diagnostic criteria AA modern and Ayurvedic diagnostic criteria.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The fetus is formed out of the combination of six components (Shadbgarbhakarabhava) namely Matrija (maternal), Pitrija (paternal), Atmaja (soul), Satmyja (wholesomeness), Rasaja (nutritional factors), and Sattvaja (mind) are individually responsible to develop different body parts and features. Every factor, in the state of their wholesome combination, is responsible for the creation of living. Aims: This study aims to analyze and explore the concept of Shadbgarbhakarabhava in light of Rachana Sharir and evaluate the utility of the concept in the prevention of Arbuda. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in two government institutes after the approval of the institutional ethics committee. Thirty cancer patients were included in this study. Results: Among 30 cancer patients, 83% of cases were related to Matrija-bhava and 17% of cases were related to Pitrija-bhava. Conclusions: After the critical study of the concept of Shadgarbhakarabhava through various texts, their testing by different methods, and their discussion and interpretation by logic and reasoning, it is concluded that there is a certain impact of six procreative factors in the prevalence of Arbuda. This concept is very similar to FOAD (Foetal Origin of Adult Disease) in light of the above critical study of cancer patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Dental plaque is the community of microorganisms found on a tooth surface as a biofilm, embedded in a matrix of polymers of host and bacterial origin. Progression and buildup of dental plaque can give rise to tooth decay – the localized destruction of the tissues of the tooth by acid produced from the bacterial degradation of fermentable sugar – and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Aim: The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the anti-plaque effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Dantakastha. Materials and Methods: The present study was an open randomized controlled interventional study wherin 30 apparently health people were participated. Registered volunteers were divided equally into two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A – the control group did not receive any intervention. This group was on its daily dental hygiene routine practice. Group B – the test group was subjected to do two-time toothbrushing with Nimba plant twig for a duration of 1 month. Results: In this study, the plaque index of Silness and Loe was measured before and after the completion of the trial period both in the control and interventional group. There are not any significant changes in Group A (P = 0.5879). There are highly significant changes in intervention Group B (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Hence, it is concluded that Neem Dantakastha has a good effect as an anti-plaque agent as compared to the control group.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]