Ayu (an International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda) 

About: Ayu (an International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda) is an academic journal published by Medknow. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Kshara. It has an ISSN identifier of 0974-8520. Over the lifetime, 779 publications have been published receiving 6655 citations.

Drug discovery from plant sources: An integrated approach

Abstract: New drug discovery is facing serious challenges due to reduction in number of new drug approvals coupled with exorbitant rising cost. Advent of combinatorial chemistry provided new hope of higher success rates of new chemical entities (NCEs); however, even this scientific development has failed to improve the success rate in new drug discovery. This scenario has prompted us to come out with a novel approach of integrated drug discovery, where Ayurvedic wisdom can synergize with drug discovery from plant sources. Initial steps in new drug discovery involve identification of NCEs, which can be either sourced through chemical synthesis or can be isolated from natural products through biological activity guided fractionation. The sources of many of the new drugs and active ingredients of medicines are derived from natural products. The starting point for plant-based new drug discovery should be identification of the right candidate plants by applying Ayurvedic wisdom, traditional documented use, tribal non-documented use, and exhaustive literature search. Frequency analysis of the ingredients of the ancient documented formulations and analysis of their Ayurvedic attributes may provide an in-depth idea of the predominance of particular Ayurvedic characteristics based on which appropriate candidate plants may be selected for bioactivity-based fractionation. The integration of Ayurvedic wisdom with drug discovery also brings the need for a paradigm shift in the extraction process from sequential to parallel extraction. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the identified plant may lead to standardized extract or isolated bioactive druggable compound as the new drug. This integrated approach would lead to saving of cost and time, coupled with enhanced success rate in drug discovery.

Effects of turmeric on Alzheimer's disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia

Abstract: We describe here three patients with the Alzheimer's Disease (AD) whose behavioral symptoms were improved remarkably as a result of the turmeric treatment, which is the traditional Indian medicine. Their cognitive decline and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) were very severe. All three patients exhibited irritability, agitation, anxiety, and apathy, two patients suffer from urinary incontinence and wonderings. They were prescribed turmeric powder capsules and started recovering from these symptoms without any adverse reaction in the clinical symptom and laboratory data. After 12 weeks of the treatment, total score of the Neuro-Psychiatric Inventory-brief questionnaire decreased significantly in both acuity of symptoms and burden of caregivers. In one case, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was up five points, from 12/30 to 17/30. In the other two cases, no significant change was seen in the MMSE; however, they came to recognize their family within 1 year treatment. All cases have been taking turmeric for more than 1 year, re-exacerbation of BPSD was not seen. The present cases suggest a significant improvement of the behavioral symptoms in the AD with the turmeric treatment, leading to probable benefit of the use of turmeric in individuals with the AD with BPSD.

Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies.

Abstract: Aloe vera has long been used as a traditional medicine for inducing wound healing. It is a natural product that now a days is used in cosmetic industry. Benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the gel of the leaves though there are various indications for its use. Biological activities include promotion of wound healing, antifungal activity, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and immunomodulatory. Gingival fibroblasts play an important role in oral wound healing. Double blind-controlled trials are needed to determine its real efficacy in oral health.

Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee's Honey - A review.

Abstract: Bee's honey is one of the most valued and appreciated natural substances known to mankind since ancient times. There are many types of bee's honey mentioned in Ayurveda. Their effects differ and 'Makshika' is considered medicinally the best. According to modern scientific view, the best bee's honey is made by Apis mellifera (Family: Apidae). In Sri Lanka, the predominant honey-maker bee is Apis cerana. The aim of this survey is to emphasize the importance of bee's honey and its multitude of medicinal, cosmetic and general values. Synonyms, details of formation, constitution, properties, and method of extraction and the usages of bee's honey are gathered from text books, traditional and Ayurvedic physicians of Western and Southern provinces, villagers of 'Kalahe' in Galle district of Sri Lanka and from few search engines. Fresh bee's honey is used in treatment of eye diseases, throat infections, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, hiccups, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, hepatitis, worm infestation, constipation, piles, eczema, healing of wounds, ulcers and used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people. It promotes semen, mental health and used in cosmetic purposes. Old bee's honey is used to treat vomiting, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus and in preserving meat and fruits. Highly popular in cosmetic treatment, bee's honey is used in preparing facial washes, skin moisturizers, hair conditioners and in treatment of pimples. Bee's honey could be considered as one of the finest products of nature that has a wide range of beneficial uses.

A Review on Herbs Used in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus by Sri Lankan Ayurvedic and Traditional Physicians

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus has no known permanent cure and is highly prevalent worldwide. In traditional medicine and Ayurveda it is correlated with disease called Madhumeha. In Sri Lanka, Traditional and Ayurvedic physicians treat diabetes mellitus very effectively. Information was obtained from traditional and Ayurvedic physicians, Ayurvedic text books and old manuscripts. According to these, various parts of several herbs are used: flowers (Butea monospema), leaves (Adhathoda vasica), fruits (Momordica dioica), seeds (Syzygium cumini), stems (Tinospora cordifolia), stem bark (Ficus religiosa), root bark (Salacia reticulate ) roots (Oryza sativa), aerial roots (Ficus benghalensis), rhizome (Alpinia galanga) bulb (Allium sativum), creeper (Passiflora foetida) and entire plant (Scoparia dulcis). These are prepared in different forms like powders, decoctions, juices and pastes. Decoctions are made using single or multiple herbs. Multiple decoctions usually contain hyperglycaemic herbs such as Cyperus rotundus, Aloe vera to minimize drastic hypoglycaemic complications as usually evident with allopathic drugs. In addition, patients are recommended to consume antidiabetic herbs as food or drinks: as chyme (Osbeckia octandra), curries (Lassia spinos), salads (Centella asiatica), spices (Trigonella foenum-graecu), fresh fruits (Phyllanthus embelica), or as a drink (Camellia sinesis). About one hundred and twenty six plants belonging to fifty one families are used to treat diabetic patients in Sri Lanka.