Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated disease; the intestine contains an enormous colitis antigenic load derived from the food and microbial flora. There appear to be four main factors which influence the disease: host genetic susceptibility, a dysregulated immune response, impairment of intestinal epithelial barrier function, and environmental factors. According to Ayurveda, it may be correlated with Raktatisara, which is mentioned as advanced stages of Pittatisara with similar signs and symptoms. A 19-year-old female patient was diagnosed with UC in May 2018, with the complaints of frequent defecation of stool mixed with blood and pain in the abdomen. She consulted allopathic physician and where the patient was diagnosed with UC through sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and biopsy. The patient was on conservative treatment for 2 months. The patient gradually developed the following symptoms like bilateral pain in all major and minor joints, hair loss, reddish discoloration on both medial aspect of thigh and hips. After getting no relief, the patient visited outpatient department of AllA, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi. The patient was admitted to the inpatient department of AIIA hospital. After the 41 days of treatment, stool examination shows no occult blood in stool, followed by 2 months follow-up and the patient got 80% relief in all the signs and symptoms. Piccha Basti along with oral medicines is highly effective in the management of Raktatisara. This case report highlights the efficacy of Piccha basti and immune enhancer medicines in the management of UC and provide a better pathway for this disease.

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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.

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Micturition or urination is a complex and multisystem involved process. Many alterations to this system are possible which a health-care worker may get encountered with during routine practice. Among them, urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms are highly prevalent among women, in which the patient is unable to hold urine voluntarily and can broadly classify it into stress UI, urge UI, and mixed UI. As per Ayurveda, urinary disorders can be classified as mutra apravrtti rogas and mutra atipravritti rogas. UI is considered one among the latter one. A 38-year-old married woman presented with involuntary urination of 1-month duration along with urinary urgency and frequency lasting for 3 months. She was also having abdominal pain with this. After thorough examinations and investigations, the patient was treated with ayurvedic medications for 42 days.

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Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fallopian tubal blockage, and repeated spontaneous abortions are some of the causes of female infertility. Hormonal treatment or drilling of ovaries, microsurgery of fallopian tubes, and in vitro fertilization are the accepted standard treatment procedures. In Ayurveda, the condition is correlated with named as Vandhyatva. Acharyas have described the causes as Garbhasrava, Beeja Dushti, and Mithya Ahara Vihara. Here, we report a case of infertility secondary to PCOS with a surgical history of emergency laparoscopic right-sided salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy. Methotrixate administration for left side ectopic pregnancy, consequently for second time and left-sided hydrosalpinx. The case was treated as per the classical reference which includes virechana karma, kala basthi, marsha nasya karma, and Uttara basthi karma. Music therapy, rasayana chikitsa, and yoga were incorporated as adjuvant therapy to achieve shuddha garbha sambhava samagri (pure factors of fertilization and conception). Adopted treatment plan has given good result with successful intrauterine pregnancy and birth of healthy female baby through cesarean section.

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Background: The Self-Recorded Swasthya Assessment Scale (SRSAS) is intended to develop a comprehensive questionnaire to assess the health status of an individual. SRSAS has three sections, namely physical, mental, and social health. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire has been prepared based on physical, mental, and social health parameters. In section 1, the questions of the physical fitness component are derived from International Fitness Scale and the questions of physical ill-health component are prepared on the basis of Swastha criteria described in literature from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita. In section 2, the mental toughness questions are prepared based on Ayurveda parameters and MTQ-48 and mental ill-health questions are prepared from Ayurveda parameters and guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (2013), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition. The health status will be assessed based on the self-recorded response of the subjects. The time frame for the questions is the PAST WEEK. The questionnaire is designed to assess subject's USUAL abilities in their routine environment. Results: The questionnaire was administrated on 117 individuals. The data collected were statistically analyzed for internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and for sampling adequacy by Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test. The Cronbach's alpha for the fitness group of questions and ill-health group of questions were 0.832 and 0.799, respectively. The KMO value for the fitness group of questions and ill-health group of questions were 0.791 and 0.588, respectively. Conclusion: The Cronbach's alpha and KMO value showing the internal consistency and sampling adequacy are acceptable. It is concluded that the questionnaire is reliable and valid to use to assess the health status of an individual according to Ayurveda.

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Background: The study was conducted to assess the ayurvedic intervention Virechana - therapeutic purgation and Rasayana - rejuvenation on predisposed familial breast cancer expression profiling of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Materials and Methods: The total RNA was extracted from blood of five subjects of familial breast cancer predisposition patients using PAX Gene Blood RNA Kit who had undergone the ayurvedic intervention Virechana - therapeutic purgation and Rasayana - rejuvenation therapy. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene expression was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The qPCR-based BRCA1 gene expression results were analyzed for fold variation based on Ct values using the following formula: 2 (−ΔΔCt), where ΔCt is the Ct (GOI) − avg.(Ct (HKG)), GOI is the gene of interest, and HKG is the housekeeping gene. Results: In one subject (S1), the upregulation (61.82) showed further increase (843.36) by therapeutic purgation and then decreased below the baseline level (11.3) in the rejuvenation phase. In three subjects (S2, S3, and S5), the upregulated genes (1488.87, 15825.9, and 19.16) showed down trend continuously till rejuvenation phase (1.92, 4.17, and 3.97) but not to downregulation. Another subject (S4) showed reversal of genetic expression, i.e., downregulated gene (−1) showed upregulation (237,900.70) continuously throughout the therapy, which is in conformity of the proposed hypothesis, i.e., biopurification (therapeutic purgation) followed by rejuvenation leads to upregulation of gene. Conclusion: With the available limited and diversified data, it may be concluded that therapeutic purgation followed by rejuvenation (Narasimha Rasayana) therapy exerted effect on gene expression, but further study needs to be conducted with more number of samples.

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Ayurveda Samhitakara followed a specific methodology of writing a treatise with grammatical and compositional methods. Tantrayukti are part of Samhita Adhyayana and play an important role in deciphering the complicated sutra and they are very well elaborated by scholars. Seven Kalpana have been explained by Arundatta which have specific definition and are essential in understanding the Samhita. Preliminary reading indicates similarities of Kalpana with Tantrayukti and other TantraGuna. The aim of the present work was to find out the applicability and necessity of Kalpana in the study of Ashtanga Hrudaya and to find out the origin of Kalpana. Methodology: Critical study of Kalpana mentioned in Ayurveda literature was done with respect to their number, meaning, similarity or differences with the other TantraGuna. Examples of each Kalpana in Ashtanga Hrudaya were extracted. Survey was done with framed questionnaire to come up with consensus on the origin and necessity of Kalpana. Result: Most of the experts opined that both Tantrayukti and Kalpana are necessary for the study of Samhita. The origin of the Kalpana remains unclear with some opining that these may have been taken from Sahitya or Vyakarana or it might be Arunadatta’s own contribution. Few are intermingled to some extent. Experts also agreed with this similarity, that both indicate the important thing in a group of substances Discussion: Literary study revealed that Vidya Kalpana is the most applicable Kalpana while reading Ashtanga Hrudaya. Few of the Kalpana are intermingled with other Tantra Guna for example Vidya Kalpana and Paratantra Pratyaya Arthashraya denote same but with slight difference. Vidya Kalpana gives the idea that knowledge of other Shastra is also necessary for the study of Ayurveda, para tantra pratyaya refers to the quotations taken from other Shastra. Guna Kalpana and Bhakshya Kalpana are unique techniques to understand the meaning.

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Infertility is a multifactorial condition affecting both partners, of which the female contributes about 40% cases of infertile couples. Of all the various factors, the most frequently contributing factors are those of ovarian and uterine. Polycystic ovarian disease is the most common cause of an ovulatory infertility, being found in 75% of cases. It now proves to be a significant factor in female infertility with the prevalence of 0.6%–3.4% in infertile couples. While uterine or endometrial polyps are one among those that can affect the shape and functioning of the uterus, thereby leading to infertility. On an average, the prevalence of endometrial polyps can vary from 7.8% to 34.9%. The contemporary medical science extends hormonal and surgical intervention as the prime line of the management. Ayurvedic treatment modalities can bypass the surgical management to avoid the related burden and provide a fruitful outcome in such conditions. Here, we present a case of primary infertility with a known polycystic ovarian disease and sonologically diagnosed endometrial polyp. The case was successfully treated with Ayurvedic treatment modalities such as virechana karma, uttara basti, nasya karma, and shaman aushadi. The treatment course resulted in the regression of the polyp, re-established ovulation, and a successful conception with full-term normal labor.

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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.

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Background: In Western psychology, inventories are available for state (temporary change) and trait (which is the basis of personality-character) aspects of personality. Ayurveda inventories for measuring tridosha (which is the basis of both trait and state of personality) in children have been developed and standardized, which pertains to trait aspect of personality. There is no scale to assess the state aspects of tridosha in children. Methods: The design of the study was descriptive type. Sampling design was purposive sampling. The 6-item Tridosha State Scale for Children (TSSC) was developed on the basis of translation of the Sanskrit verses describing the states of vāta, pitta, and kapha prakriti, which represent the temporary change in tridosha and by taking the opinions of experts (ten Āyurveda experts and three psychologists who helped in judging the items and assessed. The study was carried out in Bapuji School, Davangere. The scale was administered on 108 children in the age group of 8–12 years (mean age: 9.75 ± 1.30). Moreover, for 30 children, the scores are compared with Caraka Child Personality Inventory (CCPI) – a self-rating scale to measure the trait aspects of prakriti). Results: TSSC was associated with excellent internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha for Vataja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja scales was 0.826, 0.885, and 0.911, respectively. Scores on Vātaja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja scales were inversely correlated, suggesting that they are mutually exclusive. Correlation of scores on subscales with CCPI was 0.97, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively, for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Conclusions: The state of tridosha in children can be measured reliably by this instrument. This can be utilized by clinicians and researchers to check the immediate effect of the interventions.

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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.

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In Ayurved, a person is said to be healthy when Dosha, Agni, and Dhatu, all the physiological processes are in a homeostatic state and the soul, sense organ and mind are in a state of total well-being. The theory of tridosha is a unique concept to Ayurveda. In general, Pitta doshas are liquid in nature except pachaka pitta which has devoid of liquidity. Acharya Sushrut has mentioned five types of pitta. Those are Pachaka, Ranjaka, Alochaka, Bhrajaka, and Sadhaka pitta. The seat of Alochaka pitta is drishti and function of Alochaka pitta is vision. Ayurveda is the science-based on functional understandings. Hence, Alochaka pitta can be identified by understanding its physiological functions in relation to contemporary modern medical science. The functions of Alochaka pitta can be recognized as functions of photochemicals (rhodopsins and color pigments) of rod and cone and the neurotransmitter that helps in communication between neurons throughout the visual pathway between the retina and visual cortex. Few works have been mentioned on the conceptual features of Alochaka pitta in relation to modern physiology. In this article, we intended to identify liquid bio-chemicals, helpful in perception of vision, provided no lesion is present in the visual pathway. The physiological functions of these bio-chemicals may have similar physiological functions of Alochaka pitta.

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Introduction: It has been estimated that in India, 65%, i.e., nearly 80 million children under 5 years of age suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition. Most of the children fall into the pit of Malnutrition during the weaning phase. Mothers are expected to make this “weaning Bridge.” This includes utilization of “Supplementary Feeding Programs.” Many weaning foods are available which claims the specific dietary implementation. The development of a nutritive Powder in weaning children is need of hour. This study includes safety of novel Ayurvedic nutritive powder in Wistar rat pups. Aim: This study aims to evaluate its safety in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Ingredients selected were Mudga, Godhuma, Rakta Shali, Ragi, Trikatu, Yastimadhu, and Khanda Sharkara. Safety study of Nutritive Powder was done in 20 days old Wistar Rat pups for 90 days. Parameters selected are HISTOPATHOLOGICAL study and biochemical investigations. Results: No mortality and abnormal behavioral changes were found in rat pups during experimental study. No remarkable pathological changes were observed. Biochemical Parameters revealed significant decrease in blood sugar, serum urea, and alkaline phosphatase in test group when compared to control. Conclusion: Nutritive powder when administered in the dose of 40 g/Kg body weight of animal for 90 days. No mortality was seen in any animals of test group. No remarkable pathological changes were seen in histopathological study of liver and kidney. Significant decrease of blood glucose, serum urea serum alkaline phosphatase was seen in test group animals compared to control group animals.

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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic dysfunction. If left untreated, it can proceed to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. This condition can further lead to other metabolic problems, such as diabetes and eventually, coronary artery disease. Modern medicine can only provide limited assistance with a basic treatment plan that includes lifestyle and dietary adjustments. Ayurveda, with its comprehensive range of medicines, can cure the disease at an early stage and prevent serious complications. We present a case of stage 3 NAFLD, which was treated with Arogyavardhinivati, Panchakolachurna, and Mahatiktaghrita. The patient's condition improved, and ultrasound evidence of pathology remission was seen. The purpose of this case study is to explore the mechanism of action of the medications indicated above, as well as the Ayurvedic approach to treatment. Effective approach to disease care could make a world of difference in the early stages of disease.

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Rasaparpati is one of the chaturvidha rasayana commonly used in Grahani disorder. The present study is concerned with the processing and chemical characterization of Rasaparpati. Kajjali was prepared by using purified mercury and Sulphur and Rasaparpati was prepared by melting of Kajjali in an iron ladle and pressing in between the banana leaves into a thin flake. Because of its wide utility, the high end techniques are used to identify the composition of the medicaments. X-ray Diffraction is a popular analytical technique which has been used for the analysis of both molecular and crystal structures, qualitative identification of various compounds, phase transitions etc. Analysis of Rasaparpati through X-ray Diffraction showed that, the highest peak was observed for HgS (Metacinnabar). Peaks of free Sulphur were also seen. No free mercury peaks were found. The 2 -Theta scales of HgS were 26.377, 30.557, 43.790, 51.808, 54.201, 63.628, 70.075, 72.215 with d-spacing 3.378, 2.925, 2.067, 1.764, 1.692, 1.462, 1.342, 1.308 respectively, which is in the cubic form. Sulphur present at 2 -Theta scales 22.69, 23.08, 27.73, 28.67, 28.95, 30.55, 31.40 of d-spacing 3.91, 3.85, 3.21, 3.11, 3.08, 2.92, and 2.84 respectively in orthorhombic form. Prepared Rasaparpati showed HgS peaks, free Mercury peaks were not detected.

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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.

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Background: Ayurveda recommends collection of latex from some plants belonging to Upavisha (semi-poisonous) category in Sharada rutu. The latex from Calotropis gigantea and Calotropis procera (Arka species) finds a significant place, in different therapeutic formulations, with unique mention in management of mukhakaarshnya (hyper pigmentation of face). Aim: To study the impact of seasonal variation on lupeol content of two species of Arka. Material and methods: The latex was collected aseptically during six seasons from two species. After suitable sample preparation, it was used for HPTLC wherein lupeol was used as standard biomarker. Lupeol is a well known bioactive reported for its anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic effect on skin. Observations and Results: The lupeol content of Calotropis gigantea was found to be highest in latex sample collected in August-September (Varsha rutu) whereas it was highest in December-January (Hemanta rutu) in Calotropis procera. Conclusion: The findings of highest percentage of lupeol in Saumya rutu i.e Hemanta & Varsha rutu thus coincides with the concept of Kala. It thus proves that seasonal variation has an impact on lupeol content of latex.

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Background:Rasayana Churna is a poly-herbal formulation comprising fine powders of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Linn.), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Linn.) in equal quantities. In Ayurveda, it is expected that the therapeutic efficacy of drug will be increased by levigating with its own juice or decoction. Kupeelu (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.) is incorporated in this formulation since it is having analgesic, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. In current work, the immuno-modulatory activity of Rasayana Churna and Bhavita Rasayana Churna each mixed with Kupeelu was evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in suitable experimental models. Methods: Test drugs were administered orally to the albino rats at a dose of 540mg/kg body weight. Haemagglutination titre, body weight, hematological and histological observations were recorded to assess effects on humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed by immunological paw edema volume. Results: Both the test drugs have minimal effects on SRBC induced humoral immune response. They did not modify the antibody titre values, hematological values and histo-pathological parameters. Both the drugs produced marked effect on cell mediated immunity response against triple antigen. Conclusion: Rasayana Churna mixed with Kupeelu have more pronounced effect as compared to Bhavita Rasayana Churna mixed with Kupeelu in suppressing immunological edema.

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Background: Asthma is chronic airway inflammatory disorder hallmarked with altered tracheo-bronchial response. WHO estimated three hundred million people suffer from Asthma all over the world and several medicines are available. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of Medicinal Science, this condition is well narrated and treatment offered is Dushivishari Agada (DVA) in powdered form. Methodology: In this study we evaluated the effect of DVA in allergic asthma by experimentally inducing it in wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups. Normal group (G I) was given orally normal saline for sensitization. In three experimental groups (G II,G III,G IV), asthma was induced by sensitizing with intra-peritoneal Ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide and after 15 days they were challenged with OVA-PBS (Phosphate buffer solution) aerosols for 8 consecutive days. Animals in G II served as asthma control while G III and IV received DVA (250 mg) and Dexamethasone DXM (10mg/kg) respectively. In blood total and differential count, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), Serum IgE was done. Cellular count was done in Broncho-alveloar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs underwent histological analysis. Results: DVA significantly reduced serum IgE (3.33 ± 1.08), AEC (145 ± 81.27) and inflammatory cells in BALF when compared to G II [Serum IgE (14.17± 1.16) and AEC (379.2 ± 206.4)] and was in comparison with G IV [Serum IgE (4.017± 0.68), AEC (50 ± 38.73)] Conclusion: DVA has shown immune-modulatory effect by bringing down inflammation in allergic bronchial asthma.

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Background: Leech therapy is a point of attraction in the medical as well as in the scientific world due to its various outstanding properties, while studying the Ayurveda and scientific literature one can find difference, i.e., discarding after single use as per modern literature, but in Ayurveda, it can be reused after 7 days of leech therapy. Studies of such kind were not carried or published in any scientific journals, so ethical approval and developing scientific methods for validating the study were necessary, so a pilot study began with ethical clearance. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the bacterial and fungal count of leech saliva and blood emesis before and after leech therapy using disc diffusion method. Materials and Methods: Leeches were collected from the normal habitat from Mangalore region possessing the same weight and morphological characteristics as that of the Nirvisha Jalouka as mentioned in classics (Shanku-mukhi). The selected leeches were stored in well water having nonchlorinated with minimum bacterial load. The well water was selected from three geographical regions of Belagavi city, and among them, one sample was selected having minimal bacterial load. Ten patients with infectious skin diseases who were indicated for Jalaukavacharana (Vidradhi, Dushta-vrana) were selected. The experimental leech saliva was tested for total bacterial count (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC) before and on 8^th day of application, along with venous blood of the patient and blood vomitus of leech after application was tested for TBC and TFC. Statistical analysis was done based on TFC and TBC before and after application. Results: TBC and TFC of leech saliva at 8^th day and before application were similar which indicates the leech gut has destroyed the bacteria or inhibited the growth of bacteria. Conclusion: TBC and TFC help to produce evidence that after application of leech and proper vomiting will not allow the growth of bacteria. Hence, safely, it can be reused after 7 days.

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