http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/60945 2026-10-10T15:13:10Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/60971 Title: Emerging paradigm on traditional knowledge: Content, documentation and classical approaches to testing Authors: Balasubramanian, A V Abstract: In any functional and dynamic society there is a continuous review of the existing knowledge, practices and technologies in varied areas. Knowledge from multiple sources including tradition, modernity and innovation and adaptation of both of these take place in a dynamic manner. In India, we have an unusual situation – on the one hand there are traditions in varied areas including specific technologies such as agriculture, medicine, textiles, metallurgy, etc. as well as theoretical sciences including mathematics, grammar, linguistics, logic, etc. that have survived for several centuries if not millennia. During the colonial period, there were knowledge systems and practices drawn from colonial sources and imposed upon our institutions that began to occupy all public spaces. This is a trend that has continued well after independence. Currently, the traditional knowledge systems occupy a very marginal place and receive very little support or resources or patronage from the state. In terms of public discourse on this matter, it is often stated explicitly or implied that choices of technology are made solely based on their scientific validity and it is on these grounds that traditional knowledge is found wanting. This article reviews some recent developments in this area – to begin with we review the nature and social organization of traditional knowledge. Then we go on to look at knowledge in the specific domains of agriculture as well as healthcare and a recent effort for the comprehensive documentation of traditional knowledge across all domains. We then look at testing and validation efforts that have taken place along traditional/classical lines. Examples are cited from the area of agriculture. It is seen that there is overwhelming evidence in favour of the validity of such knowledge. Page(s): 721-729 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/60970 Title: A reliability test for the body constitution diagnosis using wrist pulse analysis based on Ayurveda Authors: M, Sukesh Rao; K, Ravishankar; Rao, Rathnamala Abstract: Wrist pulse diagnosis is the most primitive and apparent way to know about the human body condition for the diagnosis of disease. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science, introduced wrist pulse diagnosis in the name of ‘Nadi’. Due to the lack of expertise and standardisation, the knowledge of Nadi is limited to very few Ayurvedic practitioners. An automated wrist pulse reading instrument can overcome this problem and help in non-invasive diagnosis using a wrist pulse based on Ayurveda. The primary objective of the research is to develop instrumentation to digitise the three pulse patterns viz., Vata (V), Pitta (P) and Kapha (K). Based on the signals acquired, the nature of the body (Prakriti) is identified and categorised into different classes. Wrist pulses are acquired using three thin-film flexible piezoelectric sensors and processed using a signal conditioning circuit. Signals are quantised using data acquisition module and processed. The studies carried out in the present work show substantial to moderate (based on the number of classes considered) agreement in the pulse-based classifications done by expert Ayurvedic physician and the developed instrument. Cohen's kappa of 0.719 and 0.454 are obtained as inter-rater reliability between traditional and instrumental readings on wrist pulse taken on basic level (VPK) and sub-levels (VP, VK & PK). An inter-rater reliability test using Cohen’s Kappa is adopted for this purpose. Similarly, reliability between Ayurvedic questionnaire-based and wrist pulse-based Prakriti identification are also tested. A Cohen's kappa of 0.587 and 0.476 is obtained between Prakriti and two different pulse reading data sets with basic level of classification viz. instrument and traditional method. Page(s): 730-736 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/60969 Title: Effect of repeated extraction of white ash with water on physicochemical properties of Palash Kshar Authors: Nilawad, V R; Gandhi, P K; Lagad, C K; Ingole, R K Abstract: Kshar Kalpana is the method of extraction of white alkaline substances present in the white ash of the plant. Ancient scholars used single- time extraction by variation in the quantum (4, 6 and 8 times) of solvent (water). Modern pharmaceutics recommend the repetition of extraction till getting maximum extract. So it is necessary to compare the Palash Kshar prepared by using single and repeated extraction by using water. Palash Kshar was prepared by using single and repeated (5 times) extraction of white ash of Palash (Butea monosperma Lam.) along with water. Palash Kshar was characterized by organoleptic characters, physico-chemical limits and various modern analytical techniques, viz., X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Flame Photometry. The percentage yield of Palash Kshar decreased nearly half from 1st to 5th extraction. Maximum Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) extraction happens after the 1st extraction. The K percentage of Palash Kshar obtained after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th extractions is 5.380, 6.177, 5.959, and 3.990. Na percentage of Palash Kshar obtained after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th extractions is 0.179, 0.207, 0.329 and 0.321. All samples of Palash Kshar contain K, Na, C, O, Cl, while Mg and Al were present in Kshar obtained from repeated extraction. A method prescribed by ancient scholars i.e., the use of a single extraction of ash with water, is the most appropriate method in terms of yield, cost, and extraction of basic substances like Na, K. Page(s): 737-743 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/60968 Title: Optimization of fermentation variables for Ayurvedic formulation, Drakshasava by Response Surface Methodology and its marker based validation studies Authors: Prerna; Vidhu, Aeri Abstract: The concept of fermentation has been part of various Ayurvedic formulations since ages. Drakshasava is one of the self fermented Ayurvedic medicine containing Vitis vinifera L. as major ingredient. However, lack of modern technology and long processing time of these classical formulations may interfere with growing needs of industries. To cope up with the current health care standards, optimization of existing Ayurvedic formulations with multi-marker approach is required. A statistical model has been developed to optimise the fermentation process of Drakshasava (without prakshepa dravya). The selected fermentation process parameters i.e., pH, incubation temperature and fermentation time were optimized by BBD of Response Surface Methodology. The combination of parameters was selected to achieve a required alcohol percentage. The method was validated by HPTLC with respect to non established biomarker piperine, a bioavailability enhancer required to prevent early metabolism of resveratrol (therapeutic active constituent of Drakshasava). The quadratic model was found significant with F and P value, 2.20 and 2.302, respectively. The optimum conditions obtained in the batch fermentation process were incubation temperature (30.59°C); pH (4.84) and fermentation period of 9 days with predicted concentration of 9.82% alcohol. The method was validated in accordance to ICH guidelines and found statistically reproducible and selective for the quantitative estimation of piperine in Drakshasava. The in-house fermented samples were found to have significant increase in piperine concentration (2.42 μg/mL), compared to decoction (0.11 μg/mL). The optimized method reduced the manufacturing time without interefering the Pharmacopoeial limits. It leads to standardization, better quality and consistency of Drakshasava. Page(s): 744-753 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z