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Immunomodulating effects of rasayana drugs in diabetics � a clinical study

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Immunomodulating effects of rasayana drugs in diabetics � a clinical study
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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Author:

Deepa Arora, M. Kumar, S.D. Dubey, Uaha Sings


Ancient Science of Life:

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

Full text available for: Immunomodulating effects of rasayana drugs in diabetics � a clinical study

Year: 2002

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The immune system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), which is increasingly prevalent due to various environmental factors such as obesity and stress. Observations have indicated that diabetics exhibit alterations in immunoglobulin levels, with lower IgG levels and higher IgA levels noted compared to healthy individuals. Ayurvedic practices, particularly the use of rasayana drugs like Asparagus racemosus (AR), Bacopa monnieri (BM), and Centella asiatica (CA), have been historically employed to manage diabetes and its complications by enhancing immune function. This clinical study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of these rasayana drugs in patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).

Immunomodulatory Effects of Rasayana Drugs

The study's findings indicated significant alterations in serum immunoglobulin levels among diabetics, with a notable increase in IgA and a decrease in IgG. After administering the rasayana drugs over a four-week period, only the AR treatment group displayed a statistically significant increase in IgG levels, suggesting its prominent role in immune regulation. In contrast, while IgA levels decreased in the AR group, other drug groups showed non-significant changes. The overall serum protein levels increased across all treatment groups, with the most pronounced effect observed in the AR group. This supports the Ayurvedic perspective that balya rasayana drugs, such as AR, can effectively act on the immune system, potentially offering a complementary treatment for immune modulation in diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the potential of rasayana drugs, particularly Asparagus racemosus, in modulating immune responses in diabetic patients. The findings suggest that these herbs could address immune dysregulation associated with diabetes, which could help mitigate complications and improve patients' overall health. Despite promising results, further research, including larger-scale and long-term studies, is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to validate the long-term benefits of these Ayurvedic interventions in the management of diabetes. The advantages of using herbal treatments, such as affordability and availability, continue to support their incorporation into contemporary therapeutic approaches.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the objective of the clinical study on rasayana drugs?

The study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of three rasayana drugs—Asparagus racemosus, Bacopa monnieri, and Centella asiatica—in diabetic patients, focusing on their influence on serum immunoglobulin levels.

What were the main findings regarding serum immunoglobulin levels in diabetics?

Diabetics showed significantly lower serum IgG and increased serum IgA levels. After treatment with rasayana drugs, IgG levels increased, notably in the Asparagus racemosus group, while IgA levels were mostly reduced.

What is the significance of rasayana therapy in diabetes management?

Rasayana therapy is crucial for promoting health and longevity in diabetics. It aims to improve the immune system and overall resilience, potentially preventing complications associated with diabetes.

How did the study ensure the reliability of the drug administration?

The rasayana drugs were prepared as solid water extracts and encapsulated to maintain blinding and uniformity. Patients received a fixed oral dose of 500 mg daily for consistent administration.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Immunomodulating effects of rasayana drugs in diabetics � a clinical study�. 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) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, RasÄyana, RÄsÄyana):
Rasayana refers to a group of Ayurvedic formulations or therapies aimed at rejuvenating the body, enhancing immunity, and promoting overall health and longevity. It is believed to restore balance and vitality by nourishing body tissues, and it plays a significant role in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes.

2) Drug:
In the context of the study, 'drug' refers to herbal preparations used to modulate immune responses in diabetic patients. The clinical trial evaluated the effects of specific herbal drugs (Asparagus racemosus, Bacopa monnieri, and Centella asiatica) on immunoglobulin levels, demonstrating their potential therapeutic benefits as rasayana drugs in managing diabetes.

3) Ayurveda (Ä€yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health through a balance of body, mind, and spirit. It includes the use of dietary practices, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications to promote health, prevent disease, and treat illnesses, including diabetes as classified under 'madhumeha'.

4) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological effects or therapeutic functions exhibited by the rasayana drugs in the study. It encompasses immunomodulatory effects such as the modulation of immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgG) in diabetics, indicating their potential in enhancing immune responses and improving overall health.

5) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to an approach grounded in evidence-based methods, rigorous testing, and objective analysis. The study adhered to scientific principles in evaluating the Ayurvedic rasayana drugs' immunomodulatory effects on diabetic patients, aiming to provide validated evidence of efficacy and therapeutic value in achieving health improvements.

6) Dravyaguna (Dravyaguṇa, Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on the properties and uses of herbal drugs. It involves classification, identification, and analysis of medicinal plants and their therapeutic potentials. The study was conducted with input from the Dravyaguna department to assess the immunomodulatory effects of specific Ayurvedic drugs in diabetes.

7) Brahmi (BrÄhmÄ«):
Brahmi refers to two key Ayurvedic herbs, Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica, both known for their cognitive and immune-enhancing properties. These herbs were included in the study to evaluate their role in modulating immune functions in diabetic patients, aiming to improve their overall health and resilience.

8) Medhya (MedhyÄ, Meá¸hyÄ):
Medhya refers to Ayurvedic drugs that are believed to enhance cognitive functions and mental clarity. While these drugs emphasize improving mental health, the study investigated their role in modulating immune responses in diabetic patients, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental well-being and immune health according to Ayurvedic principles.

9) Balya (BÄlya, BalyÄ):
Balya refers to a category of Ayurvedic drugs that are intended to promote strength and vitality. As demonstrated in the clinical study, Balya drugs like Asparagus racemosus (AR) were particularly effective in enhancing immune regulation, showcasing their significance in treating conditions with immune dysfunction, such as diabetes.

10) Sugar:
In the context of the study, 'sugar' primarily refers to blood sugar levels and their regulation in diabetic patients. The management of diabetes includes controlling blood sugar levels through lifestyle interventions, medications, and potentially through the use of rasayana drugs that may also influence metabolic functions.

11) Blood:
Blood plays a critical role in transporting essential nutrients, hormones, and immune cells throughout the body. In the study, parameters such as serum immune globulin levels and serum protein levels were assessed in diabetic patients, highlighting the importance of blood composition in evaluating the effectiveness of the rasayana drugs.

12) Ojas:
Ojas is an Ayurvedic concept representing the vital essence or energy that contributes to overall health, immunity, and vitality. The study indicates that diabetes is characterized by the loss of ojas, thus rasayana treatments aim to enhance ojas, aiding in the prevention of diabetes complications.

13) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, commonly known as Shatavari, is an Ayurvedic herb noted for its immunomodulatory and adaptogenic properties. The study focused on its effects in increasing serum IgG levels and overall immune function in diabetic patients, underscoring its significance in managing diabetes through traditional herbal medicine.

14) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology involves the study of drug action and interaction in the body. The clinical study utilized pharmacological principles to assess the immunomodulatory effects of Ayurvedic rasayana drugs, integrating modern scientific methods to evaluate their safety and efficacy in treating diabetes and related conditions.

15) Shatavari (ÅšatÄvarÄ«, SatÄvarÄ«):
Shatavari, synonymous with Asparagus racemosus, is an essential Ayurvedic herb recognized for its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties. The study highlighted its specific impact on increasing serum IgG levels, reflecting its importance in restoring immune health and improving well-being in diabetic subjects through traditional herbal medicine.

16) Discussion:
Discussion pertains to the analysis and interpretation of study findings, comparing results with existing literature. In the study, it emphasized the impacts of the rasayana drugs on immune function metrics and provided insights into their therapeutic roles in diabetes management, articulating the need for further research.

17) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the adverse effects a substance can have on biological systems. The study noted that Shatavari was deemed safe in toxicity studies, reassuring its potential use for therapeutic applications in managing diabetes without the risk of significant harmful effects on patients.

18) Water:
Water plays an essential role as a solvent in biological systems and is crucial for the preparation of herbal extracts. The study prepared ghanasattva (solid water extract) of the chosen herbs, indicating its significance in preserving active constituents for evaluation of the drug's efficacy in patients.

19) Diet:
Diet signifies the overall nutritional intake, which is fundamental in managing diabetes. The study context acknowledges the Ayurvedic perspective surrounding dietary habits and their role in the aetiopathogenesis of diabetes, linking proper nutrition with the effectiveness of rasayana therapies in restoring health.

20) Soil:
Soil is foundational for the growth of medicinal plants and impacts the quality of herbs used in therapy. In the study, Ayurvedic herbs were sourced from the institute's garden, highlighting the importance of environmental factors, such as soil composition, in ensuring the efficacy and potency of the medicinal plants.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Immunomodulating effects of rasayana drugs in diabetics � a clinical study�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Oja, Madhumeha, Immune system, Clinical study, NIDDM, Ayurvedic Management, Toxicity studies, Experimental studies, Antistress activity, Autoimmune disorder, Safety studies, Rasayana drug, Immunomodulating effect, Ancient Science of life, Serum IgG, Serum IgM, Immunoglobulin, Serum IgA.

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