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Detection of acorus calamus in ayurvedic preparations

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Detection of acorus calamus in ayurvedic preparations
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

A. Thankamma, L.G. Radhika, C. Soudamini


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Detection of acorus calamus in ayurvedic preparations

Year: 1995

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The standardization of Ayurvedic medicines is increasingly crucial due to the rise of commercialization, which has led to the production of substandard and adulterated products. This paper specifically focuses on the detection of Acorus calamus, a commonly used Ayurvedic ingredient, in various preparations. The study employs thin-layer chromatography (TLC) as a method for detecting the presence of Acorus calamus and aims to reinforce confidence in Ayurvedic treatments by ensuring their quality.

Detection of Acorus Calamus

A significant aspect of the study lies in the identification of Acorus calamus through chromatography techniques. The research tested various Ayurvedic preparations, such as choornam, ghritham, tailam, and kashayam, developed according to established practices. Two solvent systems were devised to aid in this identification, resulting in characteristic Rf values for Acorus calamus in comparison to samples prepared without it. The findings indicated that the distinctive chromatographic spot consistently appeared across all products containing Acorus calamus, confirming its presence and underscoring the importance of detecting authentic ingredients in herbal medicine for effective therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the necessity of standardizing Ayurvedic preparations to prevent the omission or adulteration of crucial ingredients, which can compromise their efficacy and safety. The development of reliable detection methods, such as the one demonstrated for Acorus calamus, is essential in restoring faith in traditional medicine. By ensuring quality in Ayurvedic products, this approach can contribute to the recognition of Ayurveda as a viable and effective healing system on par with modern medicine, ultimately benefiting public health and wellness.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Acorus calamus and its significance in Ayurveda?

Acorus calamus is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations. It possesses multiple medicinal properties such as being a stimulant, emetic, stomachic, and expectorant, making it essential in treating various ailments.

How was the detection of Acorus calamus conducted in this study?

The study utilized thin layer chromatography (TLC) with developed solvent systems. The presence of Acorus calamus was confirmed through specific Rf values in finished Ayurvedic products, differentiating between samples containing and omitting the ingredient.

What are the main outcomes regarding Acorus calamus presence in products?

Results showed that the characteristic spots of Acorus calamus were found in all tested Ayurvedic products unless intentionally omitted. This confirms the ingredient's presence and helps ensure the quality of these herbal medicines.

Why is standardization of Ayurvedic medicines important?

Standardization is crucial to ensure the quality and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines. It prevents the use of substandard or adulterated products, restoring faith in traditional practices while ensuring safety and health for consumers.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Detection of acorus calamus in ayurvedic preparations�. 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) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, is a vital medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. Its roots and rhizomes possess various therapeutic properties including stimulant, expectorant, and carminative effects. This study specifically aimed to detect its presence in Ayurvedic preparations, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine formulations.

2) Medicine:
In this context, medicine refers to substances or preparations used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses. The paper emphasizes the importance of quality assurance in Ayurvedic medicines to maintain their efficacy and safety. It advocates for standardization, particularly focusing on recognizing constituent ingredients like Acorus calamus in formulations.

3) Drug:
The term drug encompasses both pharmaceutical compounds and natural substances used for therapeutic purposes. In Ayurveda, drugs are often derived from plants and require precise identification to ensure quality and efficacy. The paper underscores the necessity of detecting genuine drugs versus adulterated or substandard products in Ayurvedic preparations.

4) Ayurveda (Ä€yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine rooted in the principles of natural healing and holistic health. The study aligns with the Ayurvedic tradition by employing natural ingredients like Acorus calamus. It stresses the relevance of Ayurveda in today's health landscape, advocating for proper standardization and quality control to restore trust.

5) Quality:
Quality in the context of Ayurvedic medicines relates to the purity and efficacy of the ingredients used. The study identifies methods for assessing quality to prevent the inclusion of adulterants or omissions of crucial herbs, thus ensuring that the therapeutic benefits of traditional formulations are appropriately delivered to patients.

6) Gulika (GuḷikÄ, Guḷika, GulikÄ):
Gulika refers to a type of Ayurvedic preparation often formed into pill or tablet-like structures for medicinal use. The presence of Acorus calamus in various gulika formulations was examined in the study, illustrating the practice of combining traditional knowledge with analytical techniques to ensure proper ingredient composition in these preparations.

7) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is commonly used as a carrier in Ayurvedic formulations, enhancing the absorption of active ingredients. The study explores the extraction process of Acorus calamus from ghee-based preparations, emphasizing the importance of this medium in traditional treatments and the role it plays in maintaining medicinal efficacy.

8) Vaidya:
A vaidya is a practitioner of Ayurveda, responsible for diagnosing and treating patients using herbal remedies and traditional techniques. The paper contextualizes the role of vaidyas in preparing authentic Ayurvedic medicines and highlights their evolving responsibility in ensuring quality standards to maintain the integrity of the practice.

9) Candraprabha (CandraprabhÄ, Candra-prabha):
Chandraprabha is a specific Ayurvedic formulation that uses a combination of herbs for various therapeutic effects. The identification of Acorus calamus in Chandraprabha preparations was part of the study, corroborating the need for rigorous quality checks to ensure that traditional formulations deliver their intended benefits to users.

10) Sudarshana (Sudarśana, Sudarsana):
Sudarshana refers to another Ayurvedic formulation, which is believed to offer various health benefits. The research examined its constituents including Acorus calamus, reinforcing the necessity of analytical methods to verify the components in indigenous medicines to protect consumers from ineffective or harmful products that lack genuine ingredients.

11) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study presents the analysis and interpretation of the research findings. Here, the authors elaborated on the implications of detecting Acorus calamus in formulations, suggesting that standardization and quality analysis can safeguard the efficacy of Ayurvedic preparations, thus restoring consumer trust in this ancient system.

12) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the understanding and expertise related to Ayurvedic practices, herb properties, and medicinal formulations. The authors underline the traditional wisdom passed down through generations and how it forms the foundation that supports rigorous scientific methodologies to validate the efficacy of herbal medicines.

13) Harita (HÄrÄ«ta, HÄrita, HÄritÄ, HaritÄ):
Haritha is another specific Ayurvedic preparation explored in the study, exemplifying the rich variety of formulations within Ayurveda. The detection of Acorus calamus in Haritha emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive quality testing across various formulations, ensuring they meet the required standards for patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

14) Science (Scientific):
Science in this study refers to the systematic and empirical investigation of herbal medicines through pharmacognosy and analytical techniques such as thin layer chromatography. The application of scientific methodology to validate Ayurvedic practices is crucial in enhancing their credibility and ensuring their safety and efficacy in modern healthcare.

15) Kottam (KÅá¹­á¹­am):
Kottam is another Ayurvedic formulation discussed in the paper, demonstrating the diverse range of herbal preparations in traditional medicine. The study's focus on detecting Acorus calamus within Kottam emphasizes the vital role of rigorous analysis in verifying ingredient authenticity and quality in Ayurvedic therapeutic products.

16) Lepa:
Lepa refers to a topical Ayurvedic preparation often used for applying on the skin for various ailments. The study assessed the presence of Acorus calamus in lepa formulations, highlighting the importance of such analyses to confirm the inclusion of beneficial ingredients that can enhance therapeutic outcomes in external applications.

17) Bala (BÄla, BalÄ, BÄlÄ):
Bala is an Ayurvedic herb known for its health benefits, especially in rejuvenation and strength. The study's connection to Bala involves examining its combined effect with Acorus calamus in formulations, thereby illustrating the intricate relationships between different herbs and the necessity for accurate identification to ensure the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Detection of acorus calamus in ayurvedic preparations�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Acorus calamus, Essential oil, Modern medicine, Rhizome, Finished product, Thin Layer Chromatography, Ayurvedic preparation, Market sample, Ancient system of medicine, Research officer, Quality of medicine, Commercialization, Substandard medicines, Drug standardisation, Natural medicament, Traditional ayurvedic method.

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