Immunomodulatory effects of bhringraj and shodhit gandhak: a study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Immunomodulatory effect of bhringraj swaras shodhit gandhak and godugdha shodhit gandhak: a comparative invitro study
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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Bharat Gaikwad*
Final Year P.G. Scholar, Professor & H.O.D., Dept of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, BLDEA’S AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hospital & Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka
Pramod C. Baragi
Professor & H.O.D., Dept of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, BLDEA’S AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hospital & Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Immunomodulatory effect of bhringraj swaras shodhit gandhak and godugdha shodhit gandhak: a comparative invitro study
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the immunomodulatory effects of two forms of Shodhit Gandhak, namely Bhringraj Swaras Shodhit Gandhak and Godugdha Shodhit Gandhak, as investigated through a comparative in vitro analysis. Gandhak, classified under the mineral drugs in Ayurveda, is derived from Uparasa Varga and is known for its Rasayana properties, promoting health and longevity. The significance of proper Shodhana processes using different media, such as Godugdha (cow's milk) and Bhringraj Swaras (juice of the Bhringraj plant), is emphasized as both forms aim to enhance the therapeutic qualities of Gandhak. The study further seeks to validate these traditional practices through empirical evidence and standardize quality control measures.
Immunomodulatory Effect of Shodhit Gandhak
The primary objective of the study is to assess the immunomodulatory effects of Godugdha Shodhit Gandhak and Bhringraj Swaras Shodhit Gandhak through a series of tests acknowledging their impact on neutrophil function. Utilized methods include the Neutrophil Function Assay, which encompasses four parameters: nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test, phagocytosis assay, candidacidal assay, and neutrophil locomotion (chemotaxis). Results indicate a significant enhancement in phagocytic activity, candidacidal capacity, and neutrophil activation associated with various concentrations of both Shodhit Gandhak types, marking their potential as effective immunomodulatory agents.
Comparative Analysis of the Two Methods
In exploring the specific processes of Shodhana, the results of the immunomodulatory assays highlight that both Godugdha Shodhit Gandhak and Bhringraj Swaras Shodhit Gandhak demonstrate significant increases in immunological activity without notable statistically significant differences between them. The study meticulously records their effects across different concentrations, revealing that at higher concentrations, both formulations stimulate neutrophils effectively in their functional capacities. This is substantiated by the detailed examination of weight loss during Shodhana and subsequent analytical results that ascertain the properties and efficacy of each sample.
Conclusion
Collectively, the findings accentuate that both Godugdha Shodhit Gandhak and Bhringraj Swaras Shodhit Gandhak exhibit significant immunomodulatory properties, showcasing their relevance in Ayurvedic medicine. The comparative study provides a robust foundation for understanding the potential clinical applications of these Gandhak formulations in enhancing immune response. Both compounds have been proven effective, contributing to the historical and practical significance of traditional Ayurvedic treatments while opening avenues for further research in the domain of immunological health and therapeutic intervention.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the key findings of the study on Shodhit Gandhak?
The study found that both Godugdha Shodhit Gandhak and Bhringraj Swaras Shodhit Gandhak demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects. There was no statistically significant difference between the two, indicating similar effectiveness in enhancing neutrophil activity.
What methods were used to assess immunomodulatory activity?
The immunomodulatory activity was assessed using Neutrophil Function Assay tests. These included NBT test, phagocytosis, candidacidal assay, and neutrophil locomotion (chemotaxis) tests to evaluate the effects on neutrophils.
What is the significance of Gandhak Shodhana in Ayurveda?
Gandhak is recognized in Ayurveda for its Rasayana properties, which promote rejuvenation and disease prevention. The Shodhana processes enhance its therapeutic effectiveness and quality, validating its traditional uses in healthcare.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Immunomodulatory effects of bhringraj and shodhit gandhak: a 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) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka, also known as sulfur, is a mineral drug that is significant in Ayurveda and Rasashastra. It is part of the Uparasa Varga and possesses Rasayana properties which are known for immunization and rejuvenation. Shodhana (purification) of Gandhaka increases its therapeutic efficacy.[see source text or glossary: Gandhaka]
2) Godugdha:
Godugdha, or cow's milk, is used in the Shodhana process to purify Gandhaka. The method involves dissolving Gandhaka in melted Goghrita (cow ghee) and filtering it through cotton into Godugdha. This process enhances the Rasayana properties of Gandhaka.[see source text or glossary: Godugdha]
3) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to the purification process of minerals, metals, and other substances in Ayurveda. It is essential to eliminate toxins and enhance the therapeutic properties of substances like Gandhaka. Methods use materials such as Godugdha and Bhringraj Swaras for purification.[see source text or glossary: Shodhana]
4) Drug:
In the context of Ayurveda, a drug refers to any natural or processed substance used for therapeutic purposes. This includes minerals like Gandhaka, which after Shodhana, are used to treat various diseases by modulating the immune system.[see source text or glossary: Drug]
5) Blood:
Blood plays a crucial role in analyzing the immunomodulatory effects of purified Gandhaka. Various assays, including the Neutrophil Function Assay, are performed on blood samples to evaluate the effectiveness of Gandhaka in stimulating immune responses.[see source text or glossary: Blood]
6) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana is a concept in Ayurveda that refers to substances that promote health, longevity, and rejuvenation. Gandhaka, when properly purified through Shodhana processes, is known to possess significant Rasayana properties aiding in immune modulation and disease prevention.[see source text or glossary: Rasayana]
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicine originating from the Vedas in India. It emphasizes holistic health and incorporates various branches such as Rasashastra, which involves the use of minerals like Gandhaka for therapeutic purposes.[see source text or glossary: Ayurveda]
8) Disease:
In Ayurveda, diseases are often treated with a combination of herbs, minerals, and purified substances. Gandhaka, after Shodhana, is used to treat conditions like Kandu (itching) and Kushta (skin diseases) by modulating the immune system.[see source text or glossary: Disease]
9) Mineral:
Minerals like Gandhaka are extensively used in Rasashastra for their potent therapeutic properties. Purification processes such as the use of Godugdha or Bhringraj Swaras are crucial to enhance their efficacy and safety for medicinal use.[see source text or glossary: Mineral]
10) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasasastra, another name for Rasashastra, is concerned with Ayurvedic alchemy, particularly the processing and therapeutic use of minerals and metals. It involves purifying substances like Gandhaka to enhance their therapeutic efficacy.[see source text or glossary: Rasasastra]
11) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, which encompasses various traditional medicinal practices including Rasashastra. Advanced Ayurvedic institutions in regions like Karnataka conduct research on the therapeutic applications of purified minerals such as Gandhaka.[see source text or glossary: India]
12) Goghrita (Goghrta, Go-ghrita):
Goghrita, or cow ghee, is used in the Shodhana process to purify Gandhaka. The process involves melting Goghrita and dissolving Gandhaka in it before filtering through cotton into Godugdha, enhancing Gandhaka’s therapeutic properties.[see source text or glossary: Goghrita]
13) Cotton:
Cotton is used as a filtration material in the Shodhana process. Once melted in Goghrita, Gandhaka is poured through cotton into a container of Godugdha (cow's milk). This helps in purifying Gandhaka for better medicinal use.[see source text or glossary: Cotton]
14) Salt (Salty):
Hanks Blood Salt Solution (HBSS) is used in various laboratory assays for preserving the viability of white blood cells. This solution is crucial for performing the Neutrophil Function Assay to test the immunomodulatory effects of Gandhaka.[see source text or glossary: Salt]
15) Khalvayantra (Khalva-yantra):
Khalva-yantra is a traditional grinding tool in Ayurveda used to powder substances. Gandhaka is powdered using Khalva-yantra before it undergoes the Shodhana purification process with media like Godugdha and Bhringraj Swaras.[see source text or glossary: Khalva-yantra]
16) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya Kalpana is the Ayurvedic branch dealing with the preparation of medicines using various substances, including purified minerals like Gandhaka. Techniques from Rasashastra are employed to ensure the safety and efficacy of these preparations.[see source text or glossary: Bhaishajya]
17) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a state in India where institutions like BLDEA’s AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya conduct research on Ayurveda. Studies here include the immunomodulatory effects of purified Gandhaka, emphasizing the importance of traditional medicinal practices in modern settings.[see source text or glossary: Karnataka]
18) Uparasa (Upa-rasa):
Uparasa refers to the category of secondary minerals in Ayurveda, among which Gandhaka is prominently noted. These minerals are processed through Shodhana to enhance their therapeutic properties and effectiveness in treating diseases.[see source text or glossary: Uparasa]
19) Kalpana:
Kalpana pertains to the Ayurvedic method of formulating medicinal preparations. It includes processes like Shodhana for purifying minerals such as Gandhaka, ensuring they are effective in enhancing immune function and treating diseases.[see source text or glossary: Kalpana]
20) Gelatin:
Gelatin, specifically a 3% solution, is used for isolating granulocytes in assays like the Neutrophil Function Assay. This isolation is essential in evaluating the immunomodulatory effect of purified Gandhaka.[see source text or glossary: Gelatin]
21) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra in Ayurveda refers to various instruments and devices used in the preparation of medicines. The Khalva-yantra, for example, is employed to powder Gandhaka before it undergoes Shodhana purification processes.[see source text or glossary: Yantra]
22) Milk:
Milk, specifically cow’s milk (Godugdha), is used in the Shodhana process to purify Gandhaka. The process involves dissolving Gandhaka in melted Goghrita and filtering it into Godugdha for enhanced therapeutic properties.[see source text or glossary: Milk]
23) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk, or Godugdha, is used in the purification process (Shodhana) of Gandhaka in Ayurveda. This method involves melting Gandhaka in Goghrita and filtering it through cotton into cow milk, enhancing its therapeutic efficacy.[see source text or glossary: Cow milk]
24) Pharmacology:
Ayurvedic pharmacology includes the study and application of substances like minerals, metals, and herbs for therapeutic purposes. Rasashastra is a key branch focusing on the preparation and use of purified minerals such as Gandhaka.[see source text or glossary: Pharmacology]
25) Rasaushadhi (Rasa-aushadhi, Rasausadhi):
Rasausadhi refers to Ayurvedic medicines prepared using processed minerals and metals. These medicines are known for their potent therapeutic effects, including immunomodulatory properties, especially when prepared through processes like Shodhana.[see source text or glossary: Rasausadhi]
26) Discussion:
The discussion section in the study elaborates on the findings of the immunomodulatory effects of Gandhaka purified by different methods. It highlights the significant improvement in immune response and validates the traditional references through scientific and statistical data.[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
27) Science (Scientific):
Scientific validation involves using modern techniques to substantiate traditional Ayurvedic practices. The comparative study on the immunomodulatory effects of purified Gandhaka was undertaken to provide empirical evidence supporting its use.[see source text or glossary: Scientific]
28) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicines are often derived from natural substances, including herbs and minerals. Purified Gandhaka is used as medicine due to its enhanced therapeutic properties, such as immune modulation and disease treatment.[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
29) Parvati:
In Ayurveda, Gandhaka is mythologically referred to as the 'Raja' of goddess Parvati, signifying its esteemed status and important therapeutic properties. This highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of Gandhaka in traditional medical practices.[see source text or glossary: Parvati]
30) Shuddha (Suddha):
Shuddha in Ayurveda means purified. Shuddha Gandhaka (purified sulfur) is used for its enhanced medicinal properties. The purification process, Shodhana, involves using media like Godugdha and Bhringraj Swaras for better therapeutic outcomes.[see source text or glossary: Shuddha]
31) Dravya:
Dravya refers to substances used in Ayurveda for therapeutic purposes. In the context of this study, Gandhaka is a dravya whose properties are enhanced through Shodhana with Godugdha and Bhringraj Swaras to improve its immunomodulatory effects.[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
32) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi, or disease, is a state treated in Ayurveda using various medicinal substances. Gandhaka undergoes Shodhana to enhance its properties for treating diseases, particularly those that benefit from immunomodulation, such as infections and skin conditions.[see source text or glossary: Vyadhi]
33) Nature:
Nature, in the context of this study, refers to the properties and characteristics of substances like Gandhaka. After Shodhana, Gandhaka shows significant immunomodulatory effects, aiding in enhancing immune response and treating diseases.[see source text or glossary: Nature]
34) Animal:
Animal products are also used in Ayurveda. For instance, Godugdha (cow's milk) and Goghrita (cow's ghee) are employed in the Shodhana process of Gandhaka, highlighting the integration of animal-derived substances in traditional medicine.[see source text or glossary: Animal]
35) Powder:
In the Shodhana process, Gandhaka is first powdered using a Khalva-yantra. The powdered form is then subjected to purification using media such as Godugdha and Bhringraj Swaras to enhance its therapeutic properties.[see source text or glossary: Powder]
36) Indian:
The Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda, originating from the Vedas, incorporates traditional methods like Rasashastra. This includes the use of purified minerals like Gandhaka for treating various conditions with enhanced efficacy.[see source text or glossary: Indian]
37) Kandu (Kamdu):
Kandu, meaning itching, is one of the diseases mentioned in Ayurvedic texts in which Gandhaka is used. After Shodhana, Gandhaka's therapeutic effects are enhanced, making it effective in treating conditions such as Kandu.[see source text or glossary: Kandu]
38) Varga:
Varga in Ayurveda refers to classification. Gandhaka is classified under the Uparasa Varga, indicating its mineral origin and specific therapeutic properties. Its purification via Shodhana is crucial to enhance its medicinal benefits.[see source text or glossary: Varga]
39) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH refers to the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy in India. AYUSH promotes the study and practice of traditional medicinal systems, including the use of purified Gandhaka for its immunomodulatory properties.[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
40) Glass:
Glass slides are used in laboratory assays such as the NBT test to observe the immunomodulatory effects of Gandhaka. Blood smears prepared on glass slides allow for microscopic examination of the neutrophil activity.[see source text or glossary: Glass]
41) Eagle:
Eagle specifically refers here to Minimum Eagles medium (MEM) used in various laboratory assays. MEM is employed in procedures like WBC separation to assess the immunomodulatory effects of Gandhaka.[see source text or glossary: Eagle]
42) Veda:
The Vedas are ancient texts from which Ayurveda originates. Ayurvedic practices and theories, such as Rasayana and the use of minerals like Gandhaka, are documented in these texts, guiding traditional Indian medicine.[see source text or glossary: Veda]
43) Jara (Jara°, Jará):
Jara, in Ayurvedic terms, refers to aging or age-related disorders. Rasasastra aims to prevent or mitigate Jara through the use of Rasayana substances like purified Gandhaka, which promotes longevity and rejuvenation.[see source text or glossary: Jara]
44) Raja:
Gandhaka, mythologically referred to as the 'Raja' of goddess Parvati, holds a significant place in Ayurveda. This title underscores its perceived potency and effectiveness in traditional Indian medicine, especially when purified through Shodhana.[see source text or glossary: Raja]