Cinnamon and clove as preservatives for kwathas in Indian medicine.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Preservation of medicinal preparation in indian system of medicine 1. evaluation of cinnomon and clove as preservatives for kwathas
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Venkataraman, T. R. Ramanujam, V. S. Venkatasubbu
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Preservation of medicinal preparation in indian system of medicine 1. evaluation of cinnomon and clove as preservatives for kwathas
Year: 1984
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study explores the efficacy of arkas (water distillates) and essential oils derived from cinnamon and clove as natural preservatives for kwathas, traditional medicinal preparations in Ayurveda that have a limited shelf life of just 2-3 days. While conventional chemical preservatives may pose therapeutic risks, arkas and essential oils appear to prevent putrefaction without compromising the physico-chemical properties of kwathas. The research aims to evaluate these natural preservatives against standard ones, including sodium benzoate and potassium metabisulphite.
The Potency of Cinnamaldehyde
A significant finding of the study is the comparative preservative potency of cinnamon and clove. It was observed that cinnamon's arka and essential oil exhibited more robust preservative qualities than those derived from clove. This potency is linked to the presence of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon oil, which is proven to be a more effective preservative than the primary compound in clove oil, eugenol. The study further confirmed that both arkas and essential oils could maintain the quality of kvathas, demonstrated through tests on specific gravity, total acidity, and organoleptic properties across different time intervals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research demonstrates that arkas and essential oils of cinnamon and clove are viable natural preservatives for kwathas. They effectively inhibit microbial growth and preserve the integrity of medicinal preparations without altering their essential properties. This highlights the potential for incorporating these natural substances into Ayurvedic practices, enabling safer storage options for herbal medicines while aligning with traditional methodologies that prioritize non-chemical interventions. The findings encourage further exploration of the therapeutic applications of these essential oils in various medicinal contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are kwathas and their shelf life?
Kwathas are Ayurvedic medicinal herb preparations that can easily spoil, generally having a shelf life of only 2-3 days.
What role do cinnamon and clove play in preservatives?
Cinnamon and clove have been found to possess good preservative properties for kwathas, significantly extending their shelf life without altering their physico-chemical characteristics.
How were the arkas of cinnamon and clove prepared?
The arkas were prepared by distilling 20 grams of cinnamon and clove separately in 500 ml of distilled water, obtaining a 5% water distillate.
What were the study's findings on preservative efficacy?
The study concluded that the arkas and essential oils of cinnamon and clove effectively preserved kwathas, preventing contamination without significant alteration in color, specific gravity, or acidity.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for âCinnamon and clove as preservatives for kwathas in Indian medicine.â�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kvatha (KvÄtha):
Kvatha is an Ayurvedic medicinal preparation that is a decoction of herbs. It is prepared by boiling specific herbs in water and has a short shelf life of 2-3 days. This study explores methods to extend its preservation using natural substances like arkas and essential oils, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine.
2) Arka (Ärka, ArkÄ):
Arka refers to a water distillate obtained from herbal sources in Ayurveda. It is known for its preservative properties, allowing preparations like Kvatha to remain viable longer without spoiling. The study evaluates the effectiveness of arkas made from cinnamon and clove as natural preservatives, emphasizing their importance in herbal formulations.
3) Bitter:
Bitter describes an organoleptic characteristic commonly associated with certain herbal medicines. In this study, the bitter taste of Kvatha persists even after the addition of preservatives. This flavor profile is significant in understanding the efficacy and acceptance of herbal medicines, as taste affects patient adherence and therapeutic outcomes.
4) Water:
Water is the fundamental solvent used in preparing Kvathas and arkas. Its role as a medium for extracting active compounds from herbs is crucial in Ayurveda. The quality of water used can impact the safety and efficacy of the final preparation, making it a vital consideration in traditional medicine formulations.
5) Ayurveda (Äyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine focusing on holistic health and natural healing. It emphasizes the use of plant-based remedies and personalized treatments. The study aligns with Ayurvedic principles by exploring natural preservatives, promoting sustainable practices in preserving medicinal concoctions like Kvatha without harmful chemicals.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the methodical study and evaluation of substances used in medicinal preparations. The research combines traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with scientific principles, such as microbiology and chemistry, to investigate the preservative effects of natural agents, thereby validating ancient practices through empirical evidence.
7) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. In the context of this study, the focus is on herbal drugs, specifically those used in Kvathas. The preservative properties explored can enhance the therapeutic effectiveness and longevity of these herbal drugs in clinical settings.
8) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. This research falls under pharmacology by examining the preservative properties of cinnamon and clove essential oils, contributing to the understanding of herbal medicines and their safe application in treatments.
9) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of this study involves the interpretation and analysis of experimental results regarding the preservative efficacy of various agents. It provides insights into the findings, comparing them with existing literature and emphasizing the potential applications of arkas and essential oils in preserving medicinal preparations.
10) Substance:
Substance refers to the specific materials (such as arkas and essential oils) investigated in the study for their preservative effects. Understanding the properties and actions of these substances is essential in evaluating their effectiveness in maintaining the integrity and therapeutic value of traditional medicinal preparations.
11) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the field focused on health care, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in traditional medicine, specifically Ayurvedic practices, by exploring natural means of improving the shelf life and efficacy of herbal preparations like Kvathas.
12) Gutika (Guášika, GuášikÄ):
Gutika is a type of Ayurvedic dosage form, usually referring to medicated pills or tablets. This study indirectly relates to gutikas by examining methods to enhance the shelf life of herbal preparations, including kvathas that may be combined with other forms like gutikas in actual therapeutic practices.
13) Arishta (Ariᚣáša, Ariᚣáša, AriᚣášÄ):
Arista is another Ayurvedic preparation, typically a fermentation-based formulation. While not the primary focus of the study, it highlights the diversity of Ayurvedic preparations. Understanding preservative methods for kvathas can inform practices for other formulations like arista, promoting broader applications of natural preservatives in Ayurveda.
14) Lehya (LÄhya):
Lehya denotes a thick herbal paste or extract used in Ayurveda, often consumed for health benefits. The mention of lehya relates to the preservation study by underlining the importance of safeguarding various traditional medicines, ensuring their longevity and therapeutic efficacy without resorting to synthetic preservatives.
15) Post:
Post refers to the post-graduate academic context of the researchers involved in this study. The research is a part of a broader academic inquiry into Ayurvedic pharmacology, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies to advance the understanding and utilization of herbal medicines.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: â�Cinnamon and clove as preservatives for kwathas in Indian medicine.â�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Essential oil, Specific gravity, Eugenol, Kwatha preparation, Total acidity, Aspergillus niger, Organoleptic test, Sodium Benzoate, Cinnamaldehyde, Shelf-life study, Potassium metabisulphite.