NOPR Collection:

A multi-centre study to evaluate the effect and safety of a classical Ayurveda medicine Vyaghri Haritaki in bronchial asthma

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A multi-centre study to evaluate the effect and safety of a classical Ayurveda medicine Vyaghri Haritaki in bronchial asthma Authors: Suryawanshi, Milind; Kumavat, Vinod Bihari; Dua, Pradeep; Yadav, Babita; Khanduri, Shruti; Mundada, Pallavi; Singhal, Richa; Rana, Rakesh Kumar; Bharti; Srikanth, Narayanam Abstract: Bronchial asthma (vis-à-vis Tamaka Swasa in Ayurveda) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway. Multiple Ayurvedic formulations are prescribed by Ayurveda physicians for Tamak Swasa. Vyaghri Haritaki is one such commonly prescribed poly herbal classical Ayurvedic formulation. A multicentre single-arm study was conducted at three Ayurveda Research Institutes in India to explore the effect and tolerability of Vyaghri Haritaki, a classical Ayurvedic medicine, on bronchial asthma (Tamaka Swasa). One forty seven patients between 18 and 60 years diagnosed with bronchial asthma showing a positive test of reversibility of airway obstruction were enrolled. Patients with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) < 50% and/ or forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) < 50% of the predicted value and other major comorbidities were excluded. 10 g Vyaghri Haritaki twice a day with lukewarm water was given for 12 weeks (84 days). Changes in the clinical symptoms (Asthma Control Questionnaire), quality of life (St. George Respiratory Questionnaire), respiratory function (peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume in one second), and haematological and biochemical parameters were compared before and after the treatment. Data of 142 participants were analysed which revealed significant improvement in PEFR [Baseline 301.7 litre/minute and 84th Day 334.85 litre/minute (p<0.001)], FEV1 [Baseline 1.83 litres and 84th Day 2.12 litres (p<0.001)], Asthma Control Questionnaire [Baseline 2.95 and 84th Day 1.43 (p<0.001)], and the total score of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire [Baseline 50.46 and 84th Day 30.74 (p<0.001)]. No adverse events were reported during the study. Vyaghri Haritaki may prove beneficial in improving the pulmonary function, overall symptoms, and quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma which is well tolerated. Page(s): 109-118

Physico-chemical parameters of traditional salt producing springs of Ancient Assam, Northeast India

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Physico-chemical parameters of traditional salt producing springs of Ancient Assam, Northeast India Authors: Saikia, Raktim Ranjan; Taye, Chaitra Dhar; Amin, Nurul; Konwar, Sorat Abstract: Three salt springs of ancient Assam (currently in a part of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India) situated in the Mohong area (Phullung and Khela) and Samkhor have been studied to bring out their physico-chemical characteristics by using ionic concentration ratios along with SEM and EDS techniques. The high TDS values of the studied salt springs (wells) under investigation infers mildly brackish water type. The Disang Group of rocks are the dominant lithotypes connected with the spring. The positive correlation between Na+ and Cl- indicates the samples have an origin including halite (NaCl) dissolution, which may imply that the study area's saline and salty springs come from the incongruent dissolution of halite. The larger concentrations of almost all ionic values of Cl-, SO42-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ were found inPhullung and Khela, while lower values were found in Semkhor, which suggests that from Semkhor to Phullung and Khela (i.e., towards northeast), the concentration of salinity increases. The occurrences of the development of crystal phases in the SEM and EDS results also substantiate the salinity increasing trend towards the northeast. The studied samples have lower Na+/Cl-, K+/Cl- and SO42-/Cl- indicating a deeper aquifer source and minimal anthropogenic impact. The average value ofsodium absorption ration (SAR) of 30.62 indicates that the studied water quality is not permissible for agricultural use. The negative BEX values ranging from -20.58 to -203.74 suggest that the aquifer of the studied well are being salinized. Page(s): 119-127

Threads of heritage: A comparative analysis of Punjab and Thai embroidery

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Threads of heritage: A comparative analysis of Punjab and Thai embroidery Authors: Bhoj, Rasika Abstract: This paper discusses the significance of traditional Indian textiles, which are recognized globally for their intricate surface ornamentation techniques like embroidery, dyeing, and printing. Embroidery has been a popular technique used for centuries to adorn clothing and textiles. Different regions in India practice distinct embroidery techniques, each having unique features. The study analyzes two embroidery styles: the Hmong embroidery from Thailand and the Phulkari of Punjab. The paper summarizes the history, techniques, design, and material used for embroidery, types of stitches, end products, and the cultural significance of these traditional art forms and further analyzes the similarities and differences between the two crafts. The study found that though both embroideries share similarities in the use of colors, cultural significance, and women's art forms, they also have notable differences. These findings highlight the rich diversity of textile arts around the world and the importance of cultural heritage in preserving these traditions. Page(s): 128-136

Exploring the role of diverse underutilized nutri-crops on food and nutritional security of ethnic communities in Eastern Himalaya

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Exploring the role of diverse underutilized nutri-crops on food and nutritional security of ethnic communities in Eastern Himalaya Authors: Sarkar, Sujit; Sangeetha, V; Gurung, Natasha; Mahra, G S; Priya, Satya; Venu, Lenin; Joshi, Pratibha; Barman, Dwijendra; Singh, Premlata Abstract: The role of traditional underutilized food in fulfilling the nutritional requirements of rural communities is acknowledged across the world. The Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalaya is considered as one of the hotspots of diverse underutilized nutritious crops and vegetables. Though the earlier generation used those diverse traditional nutri-crops to fulfill food and nutritional requirements, their usage and cultivation have declined over the period. The new generation is not aware of the nutritional values of these local crops. In this context, the present study was conducted to document the traditional nutri-crops of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalaya, and to suggest future policies for mainstreaming these traditional crops into the farmers’ existing cropping system. Participatory rationality analysis technique was conceptualized and used to understand the usage of different traditional nutri-crops in the region from a sample of 560 farmers. The findings revealed that the rationality index score of Ishkush (Sechium edule) was highest (4.66) followed by Chuche Karela (Momordica charantia L.- 4.38) and Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo-4.37). The crops with highest perceived medicinal (4.86) and nutritive value (4.93) was Ishkush (Sechium edule). The major recommendation for popularizing the traditional nutri-crops was ‘Ensuring better price for traditional nutricrops (81%)’ followed by ‘Start research initiative specifically on local unexplored nutri-crops to enhance their productivity (80%)’, and ‘Demonstrating the potential of indigenous nutri-crops in fighting malnutrition through extension agents (78%)’. Page(s): 137-145