An analytical study to evaluate the efficacy of Dhavaaswakarnadi yoga for purification of water

An analytical study to evaluate the efficacy of Dhavaaswakarnadi yoga for purification of water

Dr.Sreevidya C.G.

2006-2009

Under the guidance of

Dr. S.R. Manju, MD(Ay), D.A.T. &Dr. C. Vijayalakshmi, MD(Ay), D.A.T.

Abstract

  Comprising over 70% of the Earth's surface, water is undoubtedly the most precious natural resource that exists on our planet. Without water life on Earth would be non-existent. It is essential for everything on our planet to grow and prosper. Although we as humans recognize this fact, we disregard it by polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Subsequently, we are surely harming our planet to the point where organisms are dying at a very alarming rate. In addition to innocent organisms dying off, our drinking water has become greatly affected as is our ability to use water for recreational purposes. In order to combat water pollution, we must understand the problems and become part of the solution While pollution seems to be an inevitable consequences of modern industrial technology, the problem, now is to determine the level of pollution that permits economic and social development without presenting hazards of health. The evaluation of the health effects of environmental pollutants is currently being carried out as a part of the W.H.O. Environmental Health Criteria Programme.

  Traditional knowledge of health care is gaining momentum in the present scenario. Ayurveda also recommends remedies for purification of water. The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Dhavvaswakarnadi yoga mentioned in Susrutha samhitha for water purification.

The study was designed as laboratory analysis of level of contaminants in water; three water samples from different areas were taken in to study group. Water analysis was done before the addition of Dhavaaswakarnadi yoga in ash form as mentioned in classics. After the addition of the study drug again water analysis was done in half an hour and one hour. The responses of groups were assessed using quantitative parameters and analyzed statistically. Significant results obtained in objective parameters like colour, and Iron. The parameters like SO4, Ca, Mg, TDSetc. are increased after the treatment. The drug is effective in water with acidic pH.

Thus the objective results reinforce that Dhavaaswakarnadi yoga is effective in water purification.

Key words: water pollution, water purification, Dhavaaswakarnadi yoga.

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A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Jeevaraksha gulika in the emergency management of Sarpavisha

A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Jeevaraksha gulika in the emergency management of Sarpavisha

Dr.Shiju P.S.

2006-2009

Under the guidance of

Dr. S.R. Manju, MD(Ay), D.A.T. &Dr. C. Vijayalakshmi, MD(Ay), D.A.T.

Abstract

In the field of heath care, emergency management involves developing and implementing a set of action designed to alleviate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from an incident that partially or completely disrupts the way of life. Snakebite envenomation is a natural, unintentional emergency that produce thousands of causalities. Lack of knowledge and superstitious believes had made the situation fatal mostly in rural areas, where the incidents were more prevalent. An effective management system and unique treatment protocol in the snakebite cases are still under process in many developing countries.

Kerala has a unique snake bite envenomation management system with a sustained traditional background. Wide varieties of very potent and quick acting herbomineral preparations within the textual references are still in practice. Jeevaraksha Gulika is a herbomineral formulation, composed of 20 drugs mentioned in Prayogasamuchayam - fifth parichedam, kalavanchana prakaranam. Jeevaraksha Gulika is used in the emergency management of snakebite envenomation for the resuscitation of the patient. For the assessment of the efficacy of Jeevaraksha Gulika in the Ayurvedic management of snakebite envenomation, both objective and subjective changes were considered. The study group consists of ten patients treated with signs and symptoms of acute snake bite envenomation. . Jeevaraksha Gulika is administrated along with the milk immediately after the arrival of the patient with the signs and symptom of snakebite envenomation. It is usually administrated within twenty-four hours of envenomation and observations were done for next twenty-four. The change in signs and symptoms within the observation period after the administration of Jeevaraksha Gulika were analyzed and the hypothesis formulated was tested statistically. The effectiveness of the treatment was accessed using paired t test. The statistical significance obtained in managing subjective and objective parameters – pain, bleeding, burning sensation, sweating, heaviness of head, and headache enhance the efficacy of Jeevaraksha Gulika in the resuscitation of the patient, thereby providing a reliable platform for further treatments.

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Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Patha (Cyclea peltata) in Lootha visha lakshanas

Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Patha (Cyclea peltata) in Lootha visha lakshanas

Dr.Jyothilakshmi L.

2006-2009

Under the guidance of

Dr.M.K.Sasidharan MD. & Dr. S.R. Manju, MD(Ay), D.A.T. 

Abstract

Ayurveda, the Upaveda of Atharvaveda is the science of life inclusive of a complete medical system originated and developed in India. It is as holy as Indian culture. Ayurvedic medical practice is divided into eight branches, among which the sixth branch is Damshtra chikitsa or Agada thanthra. Agada thanthra deals with the bites of snakes, insects, spiders, scorpion, rats etc, their diagnosis, treatment and also the signs and symptoms of accidental and purposeful ingestion of poisons including Krithrima visha, Gara visha,and Dooshi visha. All the treatises describe spider poisoning and its management in detail. From the description in the treatises it is clear that spider poisoning was prevalent in those days. Even in the present era spider bites are not uncommon. Lutha visha (spider poisoning) is very common in Kerala especially in the lower socio economic group, specifically among people who are forced to live in colonies and old houses. Even today lots of false beliefs prevail about spider poisoning among common mass.

In this study a mode of treatment with a single drug which is very cheap and commonly available is tried. For this Patha (Cyclea peltata) is selected. Some texts mention this plant as a specific remedy for spider and other poisoning. Traditional practitioners in Kerala use this drug in the management of spider poisoning. The Patha root dried and finely powdered was used internally and externally with milk. The control group was given Neelithulasyadi kashaya internally and Vilwadi gulika internally and externally. The study was designed in such a way as to evaluate the efficacy of this single drug in Lutha visha lakshanas. Hence prior to administration of medicine only mild sodhana was done without any purvakarma. So the hypothetical conclusion was that Patha possesses antitoxic properties and is an effective drug for curing the signs and symptoms of Lutha visha.

‘A critical study on the concept of Garavisha’

‘A critical study on the concept of Garavisha’ 

Dr.Sharanesha T.

2005-2008

Under the guidance of

Dr. S.R. Manju, MD(Ay), D.A.T. &Dr. C. Vijayalakshmi, MD(Ay), D.A.T.

Abstract

Human beings are today facing multitude of problems.  The reason behind this problem is rapid industrialization and commercialization of whole world. Due to the influence of fast life and fast foods, adulteration, etc people have welcomed sufferings from many angles which, one day may be un withstanding as far as their health is concerned. At this point of life people may not be in position to identify what has cost them so dear.     

On close observation over this we can consider the cause of all being indiscriminate use of the resources which lead to exogenous and endogenous toxicity. These problems well explained in Agadatantra, subject deals mainly natural poisons (Sthavara and Jangama) and artificial poisons (Gara visha). In these two poisons today man is commonly exposed to artificial poisons which are prepared by combination of poisons and nonpoisous substances.

Conceptual Study

Agadatantra has explained Garavisha (Artificial poisons) with equal importance to Natural poisons (Sthavara and Jangama). Garavisha is explained in all classics and traditional books. In classics, detailed explanations of this poison, its definition, symptoms, mode of administration, and treatment has been dealt in detail. Many Ayurveda scholars and practitioners have different opinion regarding its concepts. In Kerala many patients are approaching various centers dealing with Kaivisham (Garavisha). But so far no research has been done on this concept of Garavisha and its relevance in present day. So, present study mainly aims on a detailed literary study on this concept explained in various texts including traditional text.

Survey study

A survey study was conducted on this topic and analyzes the different views given by various scholars. This study also aims to establish that Garavisha has significant role in causing toxic symptoms due to its various uses in present society and ayurveda offers effective management.

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