The Rasayu cancer treatment protocol is based on the philosophy of normalizing the natural cell cycle and enhancing the apoptosis pathways. Rasayana chikatsa modulates Dhatus and Ojas being important therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Diabetes mellitus can be correlated to Prameha in Ayurveda. Ayurveda believes that Prameha reduce the strength of all the dhatus and also reduce the Ojas. Considering this pathophysiological aspect of Prameha, it can be hypothesized that it cannot only make the dhatus more susceptible to cancer but can also increase the risk of metastasis and recurrence thereby negatively affecting the overall therapeutic outcomes. To support this hypothesis based on fundamental Ayurveda principles, we conducted this literature review with an aim to study and evaluate the available evidence regarding the role of diabetes in pathophysiology and prognosis of cancer. A literature review was done in PubMed from their inception to 1 January 2018. Review was performed using the keywords such as diabetes mellitus, cancer treatment, mortality, cancer metastasis, and quality of life. The present article highlights the available evidence suggesting that diabetes has major impact on various cancer types which directly affects recurrence of cancer, spread of cancer, overall survival, mortality, and morbidity. The approach of targeting Dhatus and Ojas in cancer treatment has shown favorable outcomes in cancer treatment. Hence, besides having strict glycemic control the diabetic treatment should target improving strength of dhatus and increasing ojas using appropriate Rasayana chikitsa. Similar approach should be followed more meticulously in the management of diabetic cancer patients. Further clinical studies are required to validate this hypothesis.

Background: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia [Wild.] Miers), family Menispermaceae, is widely distributed in India and is commonly known as Amrita. It is one of the most important medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. During COVID 19 pandemic situation, Guduchi gained a worldwide recognition for its therapeutic values in general and its immunomodulatory activities in particular through internal applications. Although highlighted for its external administration in various ayurvedic pharmacopoeias, information about its external applications is still lacking. Aim: The aim of the study was to prepare comprehensive data on external applications of Guduchi recorded in various ayurvedic texts. Materials and Methods: This review portrays external applications of Guduchi, from 25 classical texts of Ayurveda comprising 8 Samhitas (treatise), 11 Chikitsa Granthas (compendia of Ayurveda), and 6 Rasagranthas (compendia related to Rasashastra). Results: More than 141 formulations, having Guduchi as an ingredient, are used externally to combat almost 65 varied disease conditions. Among these diseased conditions, maximum are indicated for the management of Kushtha (integumentary diseases) followed by Sotha (edema), Netraroga (various eye diseases), Vrana (wound), Bhagandara (fistula-in ano), Jvara (fever), and Slipadha (filariasis), etc. The Guduchi external formulations are in 14 dosage forms. Conclusion: Present data may give insight to the researchers to probe into the external applications of the Guduchi which are not explored till date scientifically.

Introduction: By 2025, there will be 1.2 billion older people in the world, close to three-quarters of them in developing countries, and the WHO estimates that India will have 11% of the total population of senior citizens. The chief aim of geriatrics is to “add life to years” rather than “years to life.” If Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy is applied in the true spirit, it is possible to achieve the desired goal. The tremendous potential of Ayurveda may be tapped for the benefits of day-to-day problems of geriatric patients, thereby offering greater and more viable scope for geriatrics in Ayurveda in the future. This study is an attempt in this direction. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether Matravasti shows multiple effects on different bodily systems (Rasayana) for the mitigation of aging-associated problems (Jarajanya vikara). Materials and Methods: Eighty-two patients (56 males + 26 females) suffering from common problems of old age were registered for the study during December 2009 to December 2011 after having informed consent from them, out of which 16 patients (6 males + 10 females) were dropped out. The remaining 66 subjects were studied in detail. Matravasti was administered 21 times with Balashwagandhadi tailam (medicated oil) on alternate days with a dosage of 50–80 ml accordingly (approximately at 1 ml per kg body weight). After the completion of 21 sittings of Matravasti, posttest was done. All the patients were again reviewed after 6 months just to confirm the sustainability of the Matravasti effects. Fourteen clinical parameters involving different systems were considered for pretest and posttest assessment based on the available standard scales and self-rated scores to see the effect of Matravasti. Results and Discussion: Among all clinical parameters considered for the study, maximum improvement was found in sleep disturbances (67.5%) followed by gait balance deficit (56.25%), emotional status (55.1%), urinary incontinence (55%), mobility (53.96%), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (51.3%), ADL (50.8%), constipation (49.5%), cognitive status (48.78%), pain (48.14%), dyspnea (47.25%), hearing impairment (42.5%), visual impairment (41.8%), dermatological manifestations (41.17%), and involuntary movements (22.2%). Patients also found a positive effect on their associated complaints such as hypertension, gastric troubles, loss of appetite, dementia, and parkinsonism. Conclusion: The overall effect observed after this trial was Fair (25%–50% of improvement) in 38 cases, Good response (51–75% response) in 26 cases, and the Best response (>75%) in 2 cases. Moreover, the maximum benefit observed among all the cases was 81.8% and the least effect was 25%. After the study, it is evident that Matravasti, particularly with Balashwagandhadi tailam, shown multifaceted action (due to Rasayana property) and is a highly appreciated therapeutic measure in geriatric conditions.

Background: Shelf life is the time period until a product retains its therapeutic attributes and fit for use, consumption, or sale. Every product in this universe has definite shelf life. In Ayurveda texts, shelf life is referred as Saviryata avadhi that is defined as the time period during which the potency (Virya) of any drug remains unaffected. As per the regulations of Government of India, it is mandatory to mention shelf life on all marketed products on their labels. Sarpagandha ghana vati is an important formulation being used in Ayurvedic therapeutics; however, its shelf life is not reported till date. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf life of Sarpagandha ghana vati through accelerated stability study. Materials and Methods: The formulation was prepared using authentic raw material and by following classical guidelines in the departmental laboratory. Shelf life was evaluated by analyzing changes in physicochemical profiles of the product after keeping it at specific temperature (40 ± 2°C) and relative humidity (75 ± 5%). Analysis was carried out at the intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months. Average 10% degradation time was calculated and extrapolated to find the shelf life as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Results and Conclusion: The shelf life of Sarpagandha ghana vati was found to be 16 months, which is higher than the average time period mentioned in the classical literature and lower than the time specified in the Gazette of India.

Objective: This is a preliminary report on the development of a scale to measure the pathology of tridoshas in a group of diseases by using the concepts of Āyurveda. Design: The 97-item tridosha diagnosis scale (TDS) was developed based on the translation of Sanskrit verses describing vātaja (V), pittaja (P), and kaphaja (K) vikrti-vriddhi-kshaya and by taking the opinions of experts (fifteen Āyurveda experts, five psychiatrists, and five psychologists). Settings: Arogyadhama holistic health hospital, VYASA, Bangalore, India. Subjects: Thirty-five samples with a history of Diabetes, Back pain, Knee pain, Acidity, and cancer were included in the study. The patients with chronic illness and Cardiac diseases were excluded. Results: The TDS was associated with excellent internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha for V, P, and K vriddhi and kshaya scales were 0.939,0.945,0.853, 0.867,0.942,0.785 respectively. The Split-Half reliability for V, P, and K vriddhi, kshaya scales were 0.927, 0.962, 0.883, 0.848, 0.960, 0.688, respectively. Scores on vātaja, pittaja, and kaphaja scales were inversely correlated, suggesting that they are mutually exclusive. The three subgroups of back pain, acidity, diabetes had significantly high loadings on the vata vriddhi, pitta vriddhi, kapha vriddhi, respectively. While five cancer patients had significantly high loadings on vataja and kaphaja vriddhi, respectively. Factor analysis revealed that 70 items had good construct validity. Conclusion: The TDS is a reliable and valid instrument. The scores on each of these doshas help in planning intervention.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad term for a large group of disorders that leads to fibrosis of the lungs. A female of 58 years with ILD associated with rheumatoid arthritis was well managed by integrated treatment of Ayurveda and physiotherapy. This is shown in our case report where in the symptoms of the patient were relieved by more than 80% by the combined approach of treatment. The patient consulted for complaints of intermittent cough and exertional dyspnea for 1 month and pain and stiffness of joints for the last 3 years. This report emphasizes the importance of integrated management of ILD associated with RA by Ayurvedic therapies such as sadhyo-virechana (instant purgative therapy) vaitarana basti (special enema with revival property) and ayurvedic oral medications with physiotherapy procedures such as postural breathing exercise, postural drainage, and deep breathing exercise. Although the disease is not completely curable, integrated approach could provide convenient and a better way of treatment which relieved the symptoms and also improved the quality of life.

COVID-19 has put forward a conundrum that needs to be addressed together by every system worldwide. Traditional medical systems need to be incorporated to the battle against COVID. The time-tested and experiential wisdom in these streams of knowledge are to be utilized.. All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, took one of the initial steps in this respect, bringing together the exponents of Ayurveda all over the world to contribute their ideas in understanding, preventing and managing COVID-19. The meeting was conducted on May 5, 2020, 3:00 p. m. and included representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, the national institutes, research bodies, and international organizations of Ayurveda. The program had six sessions, which encompassed the current understanding of the disease, the clinical presentations, Ayurvedic analysis of the same, methods of salutogenesis, disease prevention and cure that can be implemented in this scenario, and considerations while applying the Ayurvedic wisdom to other parts of the world. The meeting was broadcasted live on Facebook as well as YouTube.