Folklore Treatments for Managing Female Infertility: Clinical Observations

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Folklore Treatments for Managing Female Infertility: Clinical Observations”. 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) Ashvattha (Asvattha):
Ashvattha, commonly known as Ficus religiosa, is a significant herb in Ayurveda. It is well-described in Samhitas and Nighantus for its prajasthapana (fertility promoting) and punsavanakara (fetus protector) properties. The bark of Ashvattha exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-diarrheal actions, and it regulates the menstrual cycle.

2) Jatiphala (Jati-phala):
Jatiphala, or Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), is a potent spice in Ayurveda. It is described to pacify aggravated Kapha and is classified under Sugandhi Triphala. Known for its Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa, it exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, and hepatoprotective properties, helping in ovulation induction and endometrial proliferation.

3) Drug:
In the context of the article, drugs such as Jatiphala churna and Ashvattha Jata churna are used in managing female infertility. These drugs are chosen for their properties that support endometrial proliferation, ovulation induction, and enhance the receptivity of the endometrium during the luteal phase.

4) Jata:
Jata refers to the aerial roots or parts of plants like Ashvattha (Ficus religiosa). In this study, Ashvattha Jata churna is used for its medicinal properties to support the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and enhance endometrial receptivity to aid in conception.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic treatments and the balance of bodily doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). It provides extensive formulations and regimens, including those for managing infertility, as seen with Jatiphala churna and Ashvattha Jata used in the study.

6) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda and is crucial in reproductive health. It governs the movement and elimination processes, including the excretion of menstrual blood. Vata (Apanavata) vitiation can lead to menstrual abnormalities and infertility issues like anovulation and delayed periods.

7) Jaipur:
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, India, is where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located. The study on folklore treatment involving Jatiphala churna and Ashvattha Jata for female infertility was conducted here, highlighting the local prevalent traditional practices.

8) Kapha:
Kapha dosha is one of the three biological energies in Ayurveda, responsible for growth, lubrication, and stability. In the context of fertility, Kapha’s role is crucial in the formation and development of endometrial tissue and follicle maturation during the menstrual cycle.

9) Disease:
In Ayurveda, diseases are often related to the imbalance of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Female infertility can result from such imbalances affecting the reproductive organs, menstrual cycle, and hormonal functions, leading to conditions like anovulation and Artavadushti.

10) Artava:
Artava refers to the menstrual blood or the reproductive tissues crucial for female fertility in Ayurveda. Proper formation and function of Artava are essential for a healthy menstrual cycle and successful conception, influenced by the balanced state of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

11) Guna:
Guna means qualities or attributes in Ayurveda that define the properties of substances, including medicinal herbs. For instance, Jatiphala is described to have Tikshna (sharp) and Ushna (hot) Gunas, which help in supporting endometrial proliferation and follicular development.

12) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu are Ayurvedic lexicons or compendiums that provide detailed descriptions of medicinal plants and their properties. Dhanvantari Nighantu and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu are such texts that list the uses of herbs like Jatiphala for various therapeutic purposes.

13) Striroga (Stri-roga):
Stri-roga refers to the branch of Ayurveda dealing with gynecological disorders. Treatments in Stri-roga address issues like infertility, menstrual irregularities, and reproductive health using herbal formulations and therapeutic practices as discussed in the article.

14) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language of India, used extensively in Ayurvedic literature. Texts like Sushruta Samhita and Dhanvantari Nighantu provide Sanskrit names and descriptions of herbs and their medicinal uses, playing a crucial role in the traditional medical knowledge discussed.

15) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, primarily responsible for metabolism and digestion. It plays a significant role in the menstrual cycle by facilitating the maturity of follicles and the proliferation of the endometrium through its Ushna (hot) and Tikshna (sharp) properties.

16) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna, meaning hot, is a term used in Ayurveda to describe the potency of a substance. Jatiphala has Ushna Veerya (hot potency) which aids in metabolic activities and may help induce ovulation by ensuring adequate Pitta functions essential for follicular development and ovum release.

17) Blood:
In the context of Ayurveda, blood or Rakta Dhatu is fundamentally connected to health and disease. Proper circulation and quality of Rakta are essential for nourishing reproductive tissues (Artava) and ensuring regular menstrual cycles.

18) Katu:
Katu, meaning pungent, is one of the six primary tastes (Rasa) in Ayurveda. It promotes digestion and metabolism. Jatiphala has Katu Rasa, contributing to its ability to support follicular maturation, ovulation, and Kapha-pacifying actions, aiding in the treatment of infertility.

19) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to the taste of a substance in Ayurveda, which impacts its therapeutic action. Jatiphala is known for its Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa, which help in managing disorders related to the reproductive system by balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas.

20) Bija:
Bija means seed or gamete in Ayurveda and is crucial for conception. The health of both male (sperm) and female (ovum) gametes determines fertility and conception success. Treatments aim to ensure the proper formation and function of Bija as part of fertility management.

21) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood, or Artava in Ayurveda, is vital for female reproductive health. It reflects the dosha balance and proper functioning of the reproductive organs. Therapies target the normalization of menstrual blood flow to support fertility and manage infertility issues.

22) Ficus religiosa:
Ficus religiosa, known as Ashvattha, is used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties, including regulating the menstrual cycle and enhancing fertility. The aerial roots of Ashvattha were used in the study to support the endometrial secretory phase and promote implantation.

23) Kumaramangalam (Kumara-mangalam):
Kumaramangalam Bharathi is one of the authors of the article, affiliated as the Head of the Department of Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India.

24) Bharathi:
Bharathi Kumaramangalam is an author of the article, specializing in Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga (gynecology and obstetrics), who contributed to the clinical observations of the folklore treatment regime for female infertility described in the study.

25) India:
India is the country where the study and observations on the folklore treatment regimen for female infertility took place. The findings are derived from traditional Ayurvedic practices prevalent in regions like Jaipur, Rajasthan.

26) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari Nighantu is an Ayurvedic lexicon that includes descriptions of various medicinal plants and herbs, including Jatiphala. It provides information on their properties, uses, and therapeutic effects as referenced in the clinical study on infertility treatment.

27) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari, according to Ayurveda, is a divine figure regarded as the god of medicine. The Dhanvantari Nighantu, which details medicinal plants and herbs, is named in his honor and serves as a key text in Ayurvedic pharmacology.

28) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation in Ayurveda refers to the imbalance or disruption of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), which can lead to various diseases. Vitiation of Apanavata can cause disorders like anovulation and menstrual irregularities, affecting fertility as described in the study.

29) Godugdha:
Godugdha, meaning cow’s milk, is used as an Anupana (vehicle) in Ayurvedic treatment. In the study, Ashvattha Jata churna was administered with 100 ml of Godugdha from the 13th to the 30th day of the menstrual cycle to enhance its efficacy in supporting endometrial health.

30) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts compiled by ancient sages. They provide comprehensive information on medicine, including treatments for infertility. Sushruta Samhita, for example, describes the use of Jatiphala for health benefits, forming the basis for contemporary clinical practices.

31) Kshetra (Ksetra):
Kshetra refers to the female reproductive system in Ayurveda. A disease-free Kshetra is essential for conception and fertility, making it one of the critical factors in Garbha Sambhava (conception), encompassing uterine health, menstrual regularity, and the absence of structural anomalies.

32) Prasuti:
Prasuti refers to pregnancy and childbirth in Ayurveda. Prasuti Tantra is the branch that deals with obstetrics, aiming to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child through traditional practices and treatments, such as those observed in the folklore regimen for infertility.

33) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tikshna, meaning sharp or penetrating, is a Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. Jatiphala is described to have Tikshna Guna which aids in promoting metabolic activities and supporting the action of Pitta dosha, essential for endometrial growth and maturation of follicles.

34) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra in Ayurveda refers to the systematic branches or disciplines of medical knowledge. Prasuti Tantra focuses on obstetrics and gynecology, addressing pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health, as seen in the study of folklore treatments for infertility.

35) Garbha:
Garbha means embryo or fetus in Ayurveda. Garbha Sambhava encompasses the factors essential for conception, including a healthy reproductive system (Kshetra), proper timing (Rutu), nourishing fluids (Ambu), and healthy gametes (Bija), ensuring successful fertility and pregnancy.

36) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of a substance in Ayurveda. Jatiphala has Katu Vipaka, meaning its effect after digestion is pungent, aiding in the regulation of Kapha and Vata doshas and supporting reproductive functions through enhanced metabolic activities.

37) Laghu:
Laghu means light in terms of Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. Jatiphala is described with Laghu Guna, implying it promotes easy digestion and metabolism, which can be crucial in managing conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by balancing dosha activities.

38) Rakta:
Rakta, meaning blood, is one of the essential bodily tissues in Ayurveda. The health of Rakta is crucial for the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Proper circulation and quality of Rakta support the formation of Artava (menstrual blood) and overall fertility.

39) Tikta:
Tikta means bitter and is one of the primary tastes (Rasa) in Ayurveda. Substances with Tikta Rasa, such as Jatiphala, are used for their therapeutic properties, including supporting digestive health, reducing Kapha dosha, and aiding in the regulation of menstrual and reproductive functions.

40) Abija:
Abija refers to anovulation or the absence of ovulation in Ayurveda, leading to infertility. It is often the result of Artavadushti or imbalances in the reproductive system, which can be managed through treatments aimed at restoring doshic balance and promoting follicular health.

41) Roga:
Roga means disease in Ayurveda. Various rogas, or diseases, affecting the female reproductive system include conditions like infertility, menstrual irregularities, and structural abnormalities, which are addressed through personalized Ayurvedic treatments as discussed in the study.

42) Ambu:
Ambu refers to nourishing fluids in Ayurveda, essential for supporting the growth and development of the embryo. It is one of the key factors in Garbha Sambhava Samagri for achieving conception and maintaining a healthy pregnancy by providing necessary nutrition and hydration.

43) Bhavaprakashanighantu (Bhavaprakasanighantu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu is an Ayurvedic lexicon listing medicinal herbs and their properties. It includes descriptions of Jatiphala and its uses in various health conditions, providing a foundation for the herbal treatments discussed in the study on female infertility.

44) Sugandhitriphala (Sugandhi-triphala):
Sugandhi Triphala refers to a group of aromatic herbs, including Jatiphala, known for their therapeutic properties. In Ayurveda, these herbs are used to balance doshas and provide relief from various health conditions, including reproductive and menstrual disorders.

45) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is a classical Ayurvedic text attributed to the ancient sage Sushruta. It includes comprehensive information on surgery, medicine, and treatments for various diseases. The text describes using Jatiphala to balance Kapha and aid in digestive and reproductive health.

46) Annapanavidhi (Annapana-vidhi):
Annapana Vidhi is a chapter in the Sushruta Samhita describing dietary and beverage guidelines. Jatiphala is recommended along with other herbs to pacify Kapha, highlighting its role in supporting digestion and metabolism, which are crucial for overall health and fertility.

47) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial properties refer to the ability of a substance to inhibit bacterial growth. Both Jatiphala and Ashvattha exhibit anti-bacterial actions, making them effective in managing infections that could impact reproductive health and potentially contribute to infertility.

48) Prajasthapana (Praja-sthapana):
Prajasthapana refers to fertility-promoting substances in Ayurveda. Ashvattha Jata is classified as a Prajasthapana drug, meaning it enhances fertility by supporting the health and function of the reproductive system, thereby aiding in the management of infertility.

49) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana refers to the foundational chapters in Ayurvedic texts where fundamental principles and treatments are described. The Sutrasthana includes details on diets, practices, and therapeutic regimens like the use of Jatiphala for managing Kapha and supporting reproductive health.

50) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Kaphadosha]

51) Discussion:
The discussion segment of the article evaluates the clinical observations, emphasizing the effectiveness of Jatiphala and Ashvattha Jata in managing female infertility. It highlights how these Ayurvedic treatments help regulate the menstrual cycle and promote conception.

52) Patanjali:
Patanjali Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Center in Dhulikhel, Nepal, where one of the authors, Khushboo Jha, is a lecturer. The institution's involvement denotes the collaborative efforts in the research study on the folklore treatment regimen for female infertility.

53) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu):
Apanavayu is a subdosha of Vata responsible for downward and outward bodily movements, including menstruation and childbirth. Vitiation of Apanavayu can lead to menstrual irregularities and infertility, which treatments like those discussed aim to correct.

54) Apanavata (Apana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Apanavata]

55) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India where Jaipur is located. The folklore treatment regimen for female infertility discussed in the article is based on traditional practices prevalent in this region, showcasing the region's rich heritage in Ayurvedic medicine.

56) Upadamsha (Upadamsa):
Upadamsha refers to sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea in Ayurveda. Ashvattha is traditionally used in treating Upadamsha due to its anti-bacterial and therapeutic properties, further illustrating its versatility and importance in Ayurvedic practice.

57) Adarshana (Adarsana):
Adarshana refers to the absence or delay of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) in Ayurveda. Vitiation of Apanavata can lead to Adarshana, causing infertility. Treatments aim to restore the regularity of the menstrual cycle and improve reproductive health.

58) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Vatadosha]

59) Pugiphala (Pugi-phala, Pugaphala):
Pugaphala, or betel nuts, are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like Sushruta Samhita along with Jatiphala for their therapeutic effects. They are used in formulations to balance Kapha and support digestive and reproductive health.

60) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
Katu Rasa means the pungent taste in Ayurveda, known to stimulate digestive fire and metabolism. Jatiphala exhibits Katu Rasa, aiding in digestion and countering Kapha dosha, which facilitates the regularization of the menstrual cycle and supports reproductive health.

61) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana (rejuvenator) composed of three fruits, known for its detoxifying and healing properties. Sugandhi Triphala includes aromatic herbs like Jatiphala, which enhance its effectiveness in balancing doshas and promoting overall health.

62) Shambhava (Sambhava):
Sambhava in the context of Garbha Sambhava refers to conception or the union of male and female gametes. It highlights essential factors like a healthy reproductive system, appropriate timing, and balanced doshas for successful conception, as seen in the article.

63) Sugandhi (Su-gandhi, Sugamdhi):
Sugandhi means aromatic in Ayurveda. Sugandhi Triphala, which includes Jatiphala, contains aromatic herbs known for their therapeutic properties, notably in managing digestive and reproductive health by balancing doshas and enhancing bodily functions.

64) Annapana (Anna-pana):
Annapana refers to food and beverages in Ayurveda. Proper dietary practices described under Annapana Vidhi, including the use of spices like Jatiphala, are crucial for maintaining Kapha balance, supporting digestion, and promoting reproductive health.

65) Upadrava:
Upadrava means complications or secondary diseases in Ayurveda. In the context of female infertility, anovulation (Abija) is a common Upadrava resulting from primary conditions like Artavadushti, necessitating treatments to address these root causes.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 105]