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INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is one of the major skin diseases affecting the normal pigmentation of the skin. It is an auto-immune disorder resulting in skin hypopigmentation due to reduced melanin production. In Ayurveda classical texts, the external application of Shwitrahara Lepa (SHL) and Avalgujabeejadi Lepa (AGL) is indicated for managing vitiligo. Hence, given literary indication, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of SHL and AGL in managing vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open-label, parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted among 40 participants aged between 21 and 60 diagnosed with vitiligo. The participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A was treated by using an external application of SHL with water. Group B received AGL external application with cow urine. The external application of the interventions was done over the lesion once a day following early morning (7:00 a.m.) sunlight exposure for 15 min daily for 45 days. The effect of therapy was assessed through clinical parameters such as Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), pigmentation, margin, and the number of lesions along with classical symptoms of vitiligo, such as discoloration of the skin, reddish or coppery discoloration, skin dryness, burning sensation, itching, and thickening of the skin. RESULTS: The results of the study indicate that both SHL and AGL are significant in improving the score of VASI (P < 0.001) and pigmentation and reducing the margin of the lesions compared to baseline. Significant reduction in skin dryness and itching was noted in both SHL (P = 0.004, P = 0.023) and AGL (P = 0.034, P = 0.009) groups. SHL also significantly reduced whitish skin discoloration and burning sensation (P < 0.05). On comparing the effect of SHL and AGL, statistically nonsignificant results (P > 0.05) were obtained for all the assessment parameters, indicating that both interventions are equally effective. No adverse drug reactions were noted. CONCLUSION: Both the formulations are equally effective.

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Publication of research work is one of the most crucial parts of knowledge transfer. Currently, scientific articles are the most popular and effective mode of knowledge dissemination. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals maintains the integrity of scientific information and filters the data based on irrational and poor-quality evidence. It establishes the significance and originality of the study and provides an authentic form of scientific knowledge. There are sufficient numbers of peer-reviewed journals that publish research studies conducted on traditional medicines, but searching for and selecting a journal is a brainstorming and time-consuming task. Hence, scholars and researchers face difficulty selecting one to publish their scientific work. Therefore, the present article has been drafted to provide a convenient and pragmatic reference platform that may help scholars to search and select relevant and credible journals to publish their research works. A search has been conducted to gather information using search terms such as “Ayu,” “Ayurveda,” and “Ethnomedicine” on the University Grants Commission-Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (UGC-CARE) Group-I (journals found qualified through UGC-CARE protocols, 317 journals) and Group-II (journals indexed in globally recognized databases, 2415 journals) lists. After screening a total of 2732 journals, 61 peer-reviewed journals have been identified where research studies related to traditional/conventional medicine can be communicated as per the suitability and scope of journals. Present article proffers information to identify good scientific journals’ significance of publishing in credible journals with a reference list of peer-reviewed quality journals to researchers and scholars of the traditional system of medicine.

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Information Technology drives this digital era (IT) enabled services. IT has evolved rapidly with the integrated use of electronic communication, computers, the internet of things (IoTs), and other allied devices in almost every domain. IT software and hardware tools are considered the backbone of research as they produce results from data samples quickly, efficiently, and reliably. Integrated calculations from multitier data samples require customized IT tools per the research requirements and the standard IT tools available in the market. Organizations hire IT services and human resources to design, develop and implement such tools. The Prakriti Assessment Scale developed by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is a scale to assess the Prakriti (somatic constitution) of an individual. Based on the requirement of Prakriti assessment at multiple locations simultaneously and compilation of results for analysis, an integrated web-based solution- Ayur Prakriti Web Portal has been developed by CCRAS, which is the digital conversion of the Prakriti Assessment Scale. Currently, the Ayur Prakriti portal is in the Beta testing phase. This article will provide a technical review of the features and parameters defined in the CCRAS - Ayur Prakriti web portal login page from an IT perspective. It will also provide a comparative analysis of business processes followed in the Prakriti Assessment software viz-a-viz standard business processes to be followed in application software as per the software design guidelines/standards. The objective of this article is to carry out a situational analysis focusing on design steps taken for developing the Ayur-Prakriti Web Portal.

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Albuminuria is one of the most typical symptoms when there are derangements in the kidney functions, which may damage the kidney’s functional units, that is, nephrons. This study presents a case of a patient suffering from albuminuria who was diagnosed with crossed renal ectopia, that is, fused right kidney to the left side. A 61-year-old male patients suffered from generalized body weakness, proteinuria, disturbed sleep, and dysuria. Because of dysuria, the patient needed catheterization every fortnight. The patient had no history of addiction to smoking and alcohol. The patient had no history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or systemic disease except pulmonary tuberculosis 30 years back. The kidney function test, urine routine, and microscopy examination revealed albuminuria, the presence of bacteria, and elevated serum uric acid level. Crossed renal ectopia was diagnosed through a computed tomography examination. From an Ayurveda perspective, the diagnosis of Kaphaja Meha was based on the patient’s complaints, such as increased frequency of micturition and hazy/turbid urine. The treatment plan was made according to the management of Kaphaja Meha. Chandraprabha Vati, Punarnava Asava, Punarnava capsule, and SG syrup—an Ayurvedic formulation, were prescribed along with the dietary regimen. Follow-up was done seven times within 9 months. The medications and dose were altered according to the patient’s condition. The patient’s condition improved symptomatically. After the Ayurvedic intervention for 9 months and 23 days, albumin was absent in urine; serum uric acid became 4.90 mg/dL, and the glomerular filtration rate increased to 88/mL/min/1.73 m². The patient had normal urination without needing catheterization. The case study results indicate that Ayurveda interventions can manage albuminuria and dysuria in patients with crossed renal ectopia.

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BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the synovial joints. Clinical symptoms of RA are similar to Amavata- a disease mentioned in Ayurveda. As per the Ayurveda classical texts, the formation and deposition of Ama (biotoxin) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Amavata (RA). Hence, Deepana (appetite stimulant) & Ama-pachana (interventions that digest the biotoxins) can be first line of treatment for managing RA. Being Deepana and Pachana, Pathyadi Churna and Trikatu Churna can mitigate the Ama, prevent its genesis in the body, and thereby break down the pathogenesis of RA. Both formulations have anti-inflammatory and analgesic action which is supportive while treating RA. The present study will compare the efficacy of Pathyadi Churna and Trikatu Churna in managing RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It will be a randomized, parallel-group comparative trial with a sample size of 110 participants. Patients of any gender aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria and presenting with Sama clinical features of Amavata will be enrolled in the study. Participants will be divided randomly into two groups. In group I, Pathyadi Churna, and Group II, Trikatu Churna will be administered in 3 gm and 1 gm, respectively, twice daily after food with lukewarm water for four weeks. The efficacy of the study interventions will be assessed through the changes in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and Ayurvedic disease-specific parameters from baseline. CONCLUSION: The study will help generate evidence regarding the efficacy of Pathyadi Churna and Trikatu Churna in managing RA.

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BACKGROUND: In the classical text of Ayurveda, formulations Shatavari Gudam (SG) and Triphala Kashaya (TK) are indicated to treat Shwetapradara. The disease Shwetapradara can be correlated to leucorrhoea based on the similar symptom, painless, white-colored discharge from the vagina. SG is a formulation containing Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as a main ingredient. Several studies indicate Shatavari as a tonic for reproductive tract-related diseases. The external use of Triphala has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial actions. The present article is a clinical study protocol on the efficacy and safety evaluation of SG and TK in leucorrhoea (Shwetapradara). MATERIALS AND METHODS: It will be a multicenter, prospective single-arm study planned to be conducted at Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Nagpur, National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma, Cheruturthy and Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Vijayawada. One hundred sixty participants will be recruited for the trial (40 from each center). In the dose of 6gm, SG will be administered twice daily with lukewarm water after food. Vaginal douche will be done with TK for seven days in two consecutive cycles. The primary outcome will be change in the quantity of white discharge using visual analog scale. The secondary outcome will be change in other associated symptoms like pruritis vulva, lower abdominal pain, low back ache, burning micturition, and dyspareunia using the Visual Analogue Scale; change in the Quality of life and well-being by PGWBI score; change in Score of Investigator’s Global Satisfaction Scale, and changes in Patient’s Global Satisfaction Scale from baseline to final visit. Clinical/biochemical assessments will determine the safety and tolerability of the formulation during the follow-ups. Compared with the baseline, the efficacy of interventions on the 84^th and 98^th day, will be assessed with Paired t-test. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The IEC clearance has been obtained from each participating institute. After completion of the trial, the outcome will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals for publication.

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BACKGROUND: In patients with hyperglycemia, the resistance to oral antihyperglycemic drugs may lead to insulin therapy. Insulin therapy has some limitations, such as the cost of medicine, dose monitoring, and the risk of hypoglycemia. The classical text of Ayurveda has described several formulations for treating diabetes. The role of Ayurveda antidiabetic formulations needs to be studied for controlling hyperglycemia and reducing the dose and frequency of insulin administration. Vijayasaradi capsule is an antidiabetic herbal formulation mainly utilized to treat hyperglycemia. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Vijayasaradi capsule as add-on management in the cases of insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients of either sex with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (T2-IDDM) between 18 and 70 years were studied. The intervention for the control group (n = 38) was hypoglycemic drugs with insulin injections. The trial group (n = 41) was treated with the Vijayasaradi capsule, two capsules (500 mg each) thrice daily before food, hypoglycemic medicine, and insulin injection. The duration of the study was 3 months, and follow-ups were done weekly. Percentage changes of reduction in the units of insulin therapy, fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels, and hemoglobin A1c before and after the treatment and the associated subjective symptoms of type 2 diabetes were the primary outcome measures. RESULTS: The trial drug significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (P = 0.02) and postprandial blood sugar (P = 0.0001). The average insulin dose was also reduced from 33.27 ± 19 to 28.8 ± 80 units. A significant reduction (P = 0.001) in hemoglobin A1c was observed after the treatment. After the treatment, reduction in the maximum average insulin dose was also observed. CONCLUSION: Vijaysaradi capsule can be used as an add-on therapy to manage hyperglycemia and reduce insulin doses in patients with T2-IDDM.

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BACKGROUND: Several studies have proven the immunomodulatory action of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). Immunomodulation strategy is a crucial requirement to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Therefore, Guduchi Ghan Vati (GGV), tablets prepared from water extract of T. cordifolia, is selected to prevent COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to know the prophylactic effect of Ayurvedic intervention, that is GGV, in preventing COVID-19 infection among the community of containment areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was an open-label, prospective, nonrandomized, community-based interventional study carried out from May 6 to June 23, 2020, in a containment zone (Bijhari) of District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India. GGV was given to the community in the dose of 500 mg twice a day with lukewarm water on an empty stomach for 30 days. The demographic and health-related data of the participants were collected using Google forms, and follow-up was done on the 30th day through telephonic interviews. RESULTS: A total of 1165 participants’ data were analyzed to assess the prophylactic effect of GGV. In the sample, 85.2% of participants had no systemic disorders, whereas 13.8% took concomitant medicines for other morbidities. The incidence of COVID-19-positive cases was only 0.1% (n = 01). CONCLUSION: Ayurvedic intervention GGV was found to have prophylactic potential against COVID-19 infection.

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Keloid can be defined as a benign dermal fibroproliferative disorder with no malignant potential. The keloids tend to occur following trivial physical trauma in genetically predisposed individuals. Jalauka (medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis) is famed to use in all skin disorders caused by vitiation of Rakta (~blood) and Pitta Dosha (a functional regulatory factor of the body). Many studies also have claimed that the saliva of medicinal leeches potentiates wound healing. It helps in healthy scar formation by inhibiting the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Therefore, a hypothesis was made that medicinal leech application can be helpful in the healing of the wound without keloid formation in patients with keloid formation tendencies. In the present study, case of a 38-year-old male patient infected sebaceous cyst at the right upper back (scapular region) with a previous history of keloid formation after surgical scar was treated by weekly medicinal leech application five times after excision of the cyst under local anesthesia. Initiation wound healing was normal in the studied case until complete epithelization. After 2 months of complete healing, gradual hardening and shiny appearance with irregular margin became very prominent and seemed to convert in keloid, although other associated symptoms were absent. The findings of this case report indicate the limited effect of the medicinal leech application and the requirement of a multimodel therapeutic approach for healthy wound healing in keloid tendency patients.

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