Research work on ayurvedic drugs useful in female infertility
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Research work on ayurvedic drugs useful in female infertility
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Parmar Meena
1Medical Officer, Department of Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabur, New Delhi
Parmar Gaurav
Clinical Registrar, Department of Shalya Tantra, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabur, New Delhi
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Research work on ayurvedic drugs useful in female infertility
Year: 2017
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, affects a significant portion of couples, with female factors contributing to 40-55% of cases. The understanding of fertility involves numerous physiological elements including ovulation, the health of reproductive organs, and hormonal balance. Traditional management of infertility includes hormonal treatment, surgical procedures, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), which often come with high costs and variable success rates. In contrast, Ayurveda offers an alternative approach utilizing various medicinal plants that are believed to treat infertility naturally, reducing the risk of adverse effects present in conventional treatments.
Importance of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants
One critical concept explored is the Prajasthapana Mahakashaya, a classical Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in texts such as the Charaka Samhita, which outlines various medicinal plants beneficial for enhancing fertility. This formulation includes plants like Bacopa monnieri (Endri), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), and Terminalia chebula (Shiva), among others. These plants are known to possess diverse properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions that support reproductive health by enhancing the physiological functions necessary for conception. Studies on animal models have shown that these plants can stimulate gonadotropin secretion, which regulates ovarian functions, thereby improving chances of conception and offering a natural remedy as an adjunct or alternative to hormonal therapies.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Another vital aspect highlighted is the role of medicinal plants in combating oxidative stress and inflammation, which are major contributors to reproductive dysfunction. For example, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), well-known for its anti-stress and antioxidant properties, supports reproductive health by enhancing libido and promoting overall physiological balance. Similarly, Cynodon dactylon (Doorva), has demonstrated significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for overcoming reproductive issues. These plants not only facilitate a nurturing environment for conception but also improve the holistic health of women, addressing both physiological and psychological factors associated with infertility.
Conclusion
In summary, Ayurvedic medicinal plants present a promising alternative for treating female infertility, addressing the underlying causes through natural means. The studies underline their potential in normalizing reproductive physiology while avoiding the adverse effects of synthetic hormonal therapies. While the efficacy of these approaches is supported by various animal studies, further scientific investigation is warranted to deepen our understanding of their pharmacological actions. Through comprehensive research into the pharmacognosy of these plants, Ayurveda could provide significant contributions to modern reproductive health care, ensuring safer and more effective treatment options for those experiencing infertility.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the research on Ayurvedic drugs?
The research emphasizes the pharmacognosy of medicinal plants in Ayurvedic texts that might help in treating female infertility. It aims to scientifically validate their effectiveness and utility in modern medicine.
What are some common causes of female infertility?
Causes of female infertility include ovulation dysfunction, tubal disease, uterine factors, cervical factors, and endometrial factors. Proper reproductive health involving several physiological factors is crucial for conception.
How do Ayurvedic drugs benefit women facing infertility?
Ayurvedic drugs are known to restore normal reproductive physiology without adverse effects. They act through various mechanisms to enhance fertility, improve physical and psychological health, and serve as effective alternatives to hormonal therapies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Research work on ayurvedic drugs useful in female infertility”. 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) Drug:
A therapeutic agent used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various conditions including female infertility. Known for its distinct properties like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, and rejuvenating effects, these drugs can help restore normal physiology.
2) Animal:
In research studies, animal models are used to assess the pharmacological effects of Ayurvedic drugs. Observations in animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats help determine the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential side effects of these medicines.
3) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to Ayurvedic lexicons or glossaries that catalog medicinal plants. Texts like Bhava Prakash Nighantu and Raj Nighantu provide critical information about the properties and uses of various Ayurvedic herbs.
4) Shatavari (Satavari):
Asparagus racemosus, known as Shatavari, is used in Ayurveda for its potential to block uterine contractions, enhance ovulation, and regulate menstrual flow. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and galactogogue properties.
5) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. Ayurvedic drugs like Asparagus racemosus may aid in preventing miscarriages and supporting healthy pregnancies.
6) Terminalia chebula:
Commonly known as Haritaki, this medicinal plant exhibits strong antibacterial and antifungal activities. It is included as part of Ayurvedic remedies for female infertility due to its multi-faceted therapeutic benefits.
7) Withania somnifera:
Known as Ashwagandha, it is famed for its anti-stress and libido-enhancing properties. As an adaptogen, it helps improve overall psychological and physiological health, crucial for treating infertility.
8) New Delhi:
The capital city of India where institutions like Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan are located, conducting research on Ayurvedic treatments for conditions such as female infertility.
9) Samhita:
Ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita provide comprehensive knowledge on the medical uses of plants, including those helpful in treating female infertility.
10) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
In the context of Ayurveda, Tantra refers to various branches of medical practice, such as Shalya Tantra (surgery) and Prasuti Tantra (obstetrics), providing crucial frameworks for specialized treatment methods.
11) Delhi:
Refers to the region in which research institutions like Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan are located, contributing to advancements in Ayurvedic treatments for female infertility.
12) Khera:
[see source text or glossary: Khera]
13) Edema (Oedema):
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. Certain Ayurvedic plants exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties to reduce edema and improve overall reproductive health.
14) Cynodon dactylon:
Known as Shasraveerya or Doorva, it strengthens the uterus, checks uterine bleeding, averts abortions and enhances fetal growth. Its antioxidant properties are beneficial in reproductive health.
15) Stereospermum suaveolens:
Known as Amogha or Patla in Ayurveda, it exhibits potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in managing pain and inflammation associated with reproductive health issues.
16) Asparagus racemosus:
Known as Shatavari in Ayurveda, this plant has estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to regulate menstrual cycles and enhance fertility by improving conditions such as menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea.
17) Mahakashaya (Mahakasaya, Maha-kashaya):
A group of ten medicinal plants mentioned in Ayurvedic texts specifically indicated for enhancing fertility and treating female infertility, demonstrating a combination of therapeutic actions.
18) Striroga (Stri-roga):
In Ayurvedic terms, Stri Roga refers to gynecological disorders. Specialized Ayurvedic treatments are used to address various female reproductive health issues, including infertility.
19) Prasuti:
[see source text or glossary: Prasuti]
20) Vandhya (Vamdhya):
Refers to a woman who experiences hindrances in the process of conception according to Ayurvedic texts. Conditions leading to Vandhya can include abnormalities in reproductive organs or lifestyle factors.
21) Disease:
A condition that disrupts normal physiological function. Ayurvedic approaches aim to treat diseases by restoring balance and correcting the etiopathogenesis, particularly in infertility treatment.
22) Amogha:
Another name for the medicinal plant Stereospermum suaveolens. It is used in Ayurveda for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial in treating female infertility.
23) Aureus:
[see source text or glossary: Aureus]
24) Bhava:
[see source text or glossary: Bhava]
25) Shiva (Siva):
Refers to Terminalia chebula, a plant known for its significant antimicrobial activities. These properties may aid in treating infections that contribute to female infertility.
26) India:
The country where Ayurveda originates and where various research institutions, like Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan in New Delhi, are actively studying herbal treatments for infertility.
27) Ulcer:
A type of sore that can occur in various parts of the body. Some Ayurvedic plants, like Tinospora cordifolia, have properties that help in treating ulcers and wound healing, which can indirectly benefit reproductive health.
28) Sida (Shida):
The genus name for Sida cordifolia, known as Bala in Ayurveda, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties useful in managing conditions that affect female reproductive health.
29) Roga:
Refers to diseases or conditions in Ayurveda. The treatment of Stri Roga (women's diseases) includes using specific Ayurvedic drugs to enhance fertility and address gynecological issues.
30) Bala:
Also known as Sida cordifolia in Ayurveda, it possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in treating various conditions related to female reproductive health.
31) Tinospora cordifolia:
Known as Avyatha or Guduchi in Ayurveda, this plant is beneficial in immunomodulation, wound healing, and regularizing menstrual flow, making it useful in treating female infertility.
32) Symplocos racemosa:
Known as Lodhra in Ayurveda, it has antispasmodic and relaxant effects on the uterus, beneficial in managing menstrual disorders and enhancing fertility by influencing FSH and LH levels.
33) Glycirrhiza glabra:
Known as Madhuyasthi in Ayurveda, it possesses estrogenic activity beneficial in treating hormonal imbalances associated with female infertility, particularly effective early in the plant's growth stages.
34) Cyperus rotundus:
Known as Musta in Ayurveda, this plant exhibits estrogenic activity, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic effects that help relieve menstrual pain, making it useful in treating gynecological disorders.
35) Adhatoda vasica:
Known as Vasa in Ayurveda, it exhibits uterotonic activity comparable to oxytocin, useful in managing bleeding disorders and enhancing uterine health, making it beneficial in treating infertility.
36) Pharmacological:
Relating to the study of drug actions. The pharmacological properties of Ayurvedic drugs are explored to determine their efficacy in treating female infertility and other conditions.
37) Prajasthapana (Praja-sthapana):
A category of medicinal plants in Ayurveda known for enhancing conception and treating infertility, including plants such as Bacopa monnieri and Terminalia chebula.
38) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Shalya-tantra]
39) Phytochemical:
Relates to the chemical compounds produced by plants. Phytochemical studies identify active ingredients in Ayurvedic plants, giving insights into their therapeutic effects for female infertility.
40) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantari]
41) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
A section in Ayurvedic texts, like Charaka Samhita, where foundational principles, including the use of medicinal plants for infertility, are discussed.
42) Vatyapushpi (Vatyapuspi, Vatya-pushpi):
Another name for Sida cordifolia, known as Bala in Ayurveda. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that contribute to enhancing female reproductive health.
43) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
[see source text or glossary: Ashwagandha]
44) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Refers to diseases caused by vitiation of Vata dosha in Ayurveda. Infertility can be associated with Vatavyadhi, and specific treatments are prescribed to balance Vata for enhancing fertility.
45) Discussion:
The discussion section reviews the prime functions of Ayurvedic drugs, explaining their roles in restoring normal reproductive physiology and enhancing conception without adverse effects.
46) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
[see source text or glossary: Punarnava]
47) Flavonoid:
A group of phytonutrients commonly found in fruits and vegetables. In the context of Ayurvedic plants like Cynodon dactylon, flavonoids contribute to antioxidant properties beneficial for reproductive health.
48) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
An ancient system of medicine originating in India, emphasizing balance in bodily systems using plant-based treatments. It offers alternatives for treating female infertility through the use of medicinal plants.
49) Haritaki:
[see source text or glossary: Haritaki]
50) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtanga]
51) Priyangu (Priyamgu):
[see source text or glossary: Priyangu]
52) Arishta (Arista):
[see source text or glossary: Arishta]
53) Brahmi:
[see source text or glossary: Brahmi]
54) Lodhra:
[see source text or glossary: Lodhra]
55) Ashoka (Asoka):
[see source text or glossary: Ashoka]
56) Kshaya (Ksaya):
[see source text or glossary: Kshaya]
57) Shalya (Salya):
[see source text or glossary: Shalya]
58) Kshetra (Ksetra):
[see source text or glossary: Ksetra]
59) Cancer:
[see source text or glossary: Cancer]
60) Repair:
[see source text or glossary: Repair]
61) Desire:
[see source text or glossary: Desire]
62) Musta (Mushta):
[see source text or glossary: Musta]
63) Akala:
[see source text or glossary: Akala]
64) Shukra (Sukra):
[see source text or glossary: Sukra]
65) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
66) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
67) Yoni (Yonin):
[see source text or glossary: Yoni]
68) Yoga:
[see source text or glossary: Yoga]
69) Ritu (Rtu):
[see source text or glossary: Ritu]
70) Vasa (Vasha):
[see source text or glossary: Vasa]
71) Ambu:
[see source text or glossary: Ambu]
72) Pain:
[see source text or glossary: Pain]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Research work on ayurvedic drugs useful in female infertility’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Vandhya, Medicinal plant, Menstrual disorder, Wound healing, Clinical trial, Anti-inflammatory activity, Phytochemistry, Female infertility, Antioxidant properties, Antimicrobial properties, Hormonal therapy, Ayurvedic Drug, Animal model study, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).