2016

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/16104

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    Effect of Rasashastra preparation techniques for detoxification of minerals
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wijenayake, A.U.; Pitawala, H.M.T.G.A.; Kithmini, L.A.L.; Bandara, B.M.R.; Abayasekara, C.L.
    Rasashastra purification techniques are well-known among the Ayurvedic physicians as traditional methods for the removal of toxic metals from the mineral sources. However, possible retention of toxic metals in the Rasashastra drugs could have adverse impact on human health. Therefore, it is very essential to investigate the effectiveness of mineral purification used in Rasashastra preparation techniques. Thus, in the current study, chemical alterations of two selected minerals biotite mica and orpiment during traditional drug preparation were examined by following the traditional methods. Biotite alterations were achieved conventionally by heating (1000 oC/1 h) and quenching (in cow urine) techniques, while orpiment samples were immersed in calcium hydroxide and ash gourd separately and heated at 80 oC – 100 oC for 3 h. Chemical characterization of the treated and untreated biotite- and orpiment-samples as well as for the liquid samples was done by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer), WD-XRF (Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) spectrometry, voltammetry and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) analysis. Elemental composition of altered biotite at different stages of treatment showed removal of trace cations such as Cs, Li, Rb, Pb, Sn and Tl. However, the removal of some elements such as Zn, Mn and Co from biotite was negligible. It was revealed that basic medium (calcium hydroxide) can remove more arsenic from the orpiment samples than that of acidic medium (ash gourd and lemon). However, the treated orpiment products contained high concentrations of As (III) with other toxic elements such as Pb, Hg, Sn and Se. According to the results it can be concluded that heating and quenching techniques used for the biotite alteration in Rasashastra preparations play an effective role in the removal of toxic elements. However, the traditional treatments used for the orpiment detoxification may not be sufficient.
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    Female cosmetics in Unani medicine: a literary review
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Farzana, M.U.Z.N.; Fahamiya, N.; Shiffa, M.S.M.
    Cosmetics are substances used to enhance or protect the appearance or odour of the human body. A large number of cosmetic and toiletry formulations have been developed since early period for the self-beautification and a large variety of cosmetics are widely used by both men and women. Most of the artificial cosmetics like creams, powders, lotions, perfumes, lipsticks etc., have arsenic, mercury, xylene etc and possess their own health hazards. According to Unani concept, the toxic materials in the body make a person dreadful and using purifiers is the best treatment modality to eliminate those toxic materials from the body. The importance of the cosmetics which are mentioned in Unani medicine is that they are purely made by the plant materials which have been used since ancient time without side effects. The famous Unani physicians Al Zahrawi and Ibn Sina mentioned several herbal cosmetics. The aim of this review is to introduce the most significant descriptions of female cosmetics mentioned in Unani classical texts. These descriptions were collected from Unani classical books like Al Tasrif and Al Qanoon. According to the review, there are several cosmetics preparations mentioned as hair dyes, hair growth, sun burn protection, pimple care skin care, deodorants and dental care. In conclusion, herbal cosmetics mentioned in Unani classical texts should be proven scientifically via randomized clinical trial to provide effective better-quality and safer drugs without distorting the Unani concept.
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    Preservation and publication of Tamil ola leaf medicinal manuscripts in Sri Lanka
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Rajeev, S.R.P.
    Tamil ola leaves manuscripts are available among traditional physicians all over the country. The number of ola leaves in one`s possession is an indicator of traditional physician`s reputation. Many of these Tamil and Muslim physicians interpret texts from Tamil ola leaves manuscripts in their clinical practice. However, some Tamil and Muslim traditional practitioners keep such manuscripts in their possession without using them, which can adversely affect the preservation of traditions in this system of medicine. The present trend of awareness on preservation of ola manuscripts is of greater significance in the conservation of traditional medical system with a sense of purity of traditional techniques. Digitalized publications of manuscripts are only available in few places such as Provincial Department of Indigenous Medicine, North Eastern Province and University of Jaffna. This study, therefore, suggests a project to preserve these manuscripts. The study also recommends state sector intervention and appropriate rewarding system in the process of preservation of these manuscripts. Such efforts must be par with Intellectual Property Right (IPR) and national policies in preservation of endemic resources.
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    A literary review on traditional medical systems for cancer in Sri Lanka
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Samaranayake, G.V.P.; Pushpakumara, A.A.J.
    Sri Lanka developed its own medical system based on a series of prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over a period of 3000 years. Indigenous medicine of Sri Lanka called "Deshiya Chikitsa" was originated before 8000-10000 years ago. There are several ancestries in Sri Lanka which continue their special field of "Deshiya Chikitsa" even today. Sri Lanka has its own special science of medical treatments since the ancient times which employs indigenous and rare herbs and substances derived from plants. These medications can be used internally and externally as treatment for a number of illness as well as to prevent from lethal diseases like cancer. Herbs offer great potential to stimulate the healing process and can even destroy cancer cells. The research explores whether some herbs or plants treatment used in traditional medicine could help to prevent or treat cancer and improve the quality of life of all cancer patients. There is very little published information on the herbal remedies used by traditional medical systems. In traditional medical books and an ancient Ola leaf books, there is no direct definition for cancer. In indigenous texts cancer is described in many forms with signs and symptoms; for example, "Ala palaa gaduwa", "Ata palaa gaduwa", "Ila palaa gaduwa"ect. There is no any data base or compilation of traditional medicinal formulas. Therefore, this kind of study is an important need of era. The study is designed to refer the traditional indigenous medical texts to collect data on medicinally valuable remedies and details of cancer. This research intends to carry out a literary review on traditional medical systems for cancer.
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    A literary review of single drug Curry leaves (Muraya koinigii) commonly used in indigenous medicine
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sirajudeen, M.A.A.; Najeeb, B.M.
    The curry leaf tree is native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Andaman Islands. The use of curry leaves is described in early Tamil literature dating back to the 1st to 4th centuries AD. Its use is also mentioned in Kannada literature, where the word 'curry' originates from the Tamil 'Kari' for spiced sauces. Curry leaves are extensively used in South India and Sri Lanka for cooking to provide a flavouring for curries, vegetable, fish and meat dishes, soups (rasams), pickles, chutneys, scrambled eggs and curry powder blends. Recent research has shown that the curry leaf tree contains special compounds that inhibit an enzyme present in our digestive systems called the pancreatic alpha-amylase enzyme. By blocking the enzyme, the rate at which glucose enters the blood stream from the intestine can be lowered. For the search of the ancient and the recent Unani literature author visited several libraries including library of the Ajmal Khan Tibbia College and Hospital, Maulana Azad library of Aligarh Muslim University, library of the Nizamiya Tibbia College and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. The databases utilized information from journals indexed / available through Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Science Direct. Relevant facts were also obtained from general databases such as Google. It is evident that the curry leaves are widely used by the different traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their everyday practice. This study focuses on the medicinal action and use of curry leaves in the Unani system of medicine.
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    Management of second degree hemorrhoids with the application of Achyrenthus aspera Alkali powder: a case report
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Samaranayake, G.V.P.; Pushpakumara, A.A.J.
    Hemorrhoid, which is a condition defined as the symptomatic enlargement and distal displacement of the normal anal cushions, affects millions of people around the world, and represent a major medical and socioeconomic problem. Multiple factors have been claimed to be the etiologies of hemorrhoidal development, including constipation and prolonged straining. Abnormal dilatation and distortion of the vascular channel, together with destructive, changes in the supporting connective tissue within the anal cushion, are paramount findings of hemorrhoidal disease. Application of alkali (kshara karma) is a para surgical procedure indicated in the management of hemorrhoids, which has been extensively described in Susrutasamhita under the category of eight major diseases (Ashtamahagada). It is mentioned that alkali (kshara) can exert the properties of incision (chedana), excision (bhedana) and scraping (lekhana) without using surgical instruments. It destroys unhealthy tissues and removes debris while promoting the growth of new granulations. Achyrenthus aspera alkali powder (AAAP) is a water soluble caustic extract derived from the ash of Achyrenthus aspera plant. Because of its numerous medicinal properties, it is used in a wide range of diseases both externally and internally. In this case report, the effect of the application of AAAP on haemorrhoids is discussed. A 30 year old male patient visited surgical clinic of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Teaching Hospital with complaints of severe pain, bleeding per rectum, protrusion of a mass from anus on defecation. After systematic clinical examination the case was diagnosed as a second degree hemorrhoid at 3, 7, and 11 O'clock positions. This case was managed with the application of AAAP. AAAP was applied on the oedematous mass in the anal canal with the help of proctoscope and after one minute it was neutralized with the application of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juice. This procedure was performed for 14 days without administration of any other medicine. After 14 days of treatment it was noted that the oedematous mass became shrink on proctoscopy and per rectal bleeding resolved. Further, the patient relieved from all symptoms gradually within the period of treatment. On this ground, it could be postulated that the application of AAAP would be effective in the management of second degree haemorrhoids.
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    Health benefits of spices - a critique
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranasinghe, R.L.D.S.; Ediriweera, E.R.H.S.S.
    Spices have been an integral part of our food for millennia. However, most potent and healthiest spices are rarely used due to lack of knowledge. Present study was undertaken to collect medicinal uses and health benefits of spices. Data were gathered from traditional Sri Lankan and Ayurvedic authentic texts and web sources. In the present study, 60 plant species belonging to 32 families were taken into consideration. Spices often come from the leaves, fruits, seeds, roots, bulbs or bark of the plants. Fruits (39%) are the most preferable part used as spices with leaves in second place (28%). According to Ayurveda, the dominant taste of the spices is Katu Rasa (pungent) (75%) followed by Tikta Rasa (bitter) (59%). The majority of spices (80%) have Ushna Veerya (hot in potency) and Katu Vipaka (71%) (pungent in end part of digestion). Most spices pacify Kapha and Vata Dosha but enhance Pitta Dosha. 50% and 30% of spices show, Deepana (enhancing digestive power) and Ruchi Vardhana (appetizing) properties respectively. Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anthelmintic, antibacterial and diuretic properties of some spices are scientifically proven. Spices are good sources of Vitamin C, A and K. Most abundant mineral in spices is potassium, which is an important component in controlling cardiac functions. Spices are also rich in manganese, a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Most spices are high in antioxidants with cinnamon being the highest. They comprise essential oils and carotenoids which enhance the flavour and add colour to dishes. Spices provide a way to add flavour to food without the extra fat, calories, sodium or cholesterol. They are used as popular home remedies for different ailments such as indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting. It is concluded that using spices improves digestion and protect the body against certain chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.
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    Relationship on Sanskrit and English language proficiencies: a study conducted among selected BAMS undergraduates of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dhammissara Thero, M.; Dissanayake, S.A.R.R.P.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.; Peiris, R.M.; Udagedara, U.G.J.R.
    Sanskrit language is an explosive source of knowledge of fundamentals of Ayurveda, while English language offers distinctive benefits to the present day Ayurveda scholar. Both Sanskrit and English languages are incorporated into the current BAMS course of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute. In the first phase of the study programme, students are required to master basic grammar rules of both these languages. The primary purpose of this study was to compare the performances of Sanskrit and English languages on grammar-based language proficiency tests. The study examined the relationship of Sanskrit language proficiency and English language proficiency with 83 first year students following BAMS (2014/2015) course at this Institute. Students were tested on objective grammar items at the end of 15 weeks of instruction. The hypothesis was that there was a relationship between the performances of Sanskrit and those of English language. A two-tailed Pearson Correlation was performed. The comparison of two sets of test data showed that Sanskrit language proficiency scores were strongly correlated to English language test data (co-efficient of correlation, r = .590). The mean values of Sanskrit and English languages were 65.87 and 66.96 respectively. The significant p value (0.000) confirms the relationship between the two sets of test scores. This finding supports the claim that students who perform well in grammar based instruction in one language are able to acquire grammatical elements of the other language easily. However, further research can be carried out using a wider sample in order to arrive at firm generalizations.
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    Phyllanthus niruri Linn grown in Sri Lanka: evaluation on phyto and physico-chemical properties of the whole plant
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, H.A.R.P.; Karunagoda, K.; Perera, P.K.; Samarasingha, K.; Arawwawala, L.D.A.M.
    Phyllanthus niruri Linn is a small, erect annual herb belonging to the family of Euphobiaceae. It is widely distributed in Asia and used in the treatment of jaundice, asthma, hepatitis, diabetes, fever caused by malaria. Though it is commonly used in Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka, very few scientific experiments have been carried out using P. niruri. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate phyto and physico-chemical properties of P. niruri grown in Sri Lanka. According to the results, 7.7±0.2% of total ash, 3.4±0.1% of water soluble ash and 0.9±0.0% of acid insoluble ash were present in the whole plant of P. niruri. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides, coumarins, saponins and cardiac glycosides in both hot water and hot methanolic extracts of P. niruli. TLC fingerprint profile of the methanolic extract of P. niruri consists of 8 and 9 prominent spots at 254 nm and 366 nm respectively. Heavy metals such as Cd, Hg and As were not detected in the P. niruri grown in Sri Lanka. However, 0.5 mg/kg of Pb was detected in the plant. In conclusion, these physico and phytochemical properties of P. niruri grown in Sri Lanka can be used as a reference standard for quality control of P. niruri grown in Sri Lanka.
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    A statistical fuzzy inference system for analyzing temperamental groups in neuro-linguistic programming
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mendis, D.S.K.; Ratnayake, U.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.
    Neuro-Linguistic Programming describes the fundamental dynamics between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how their interplay affects our body and behavior (programming). Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is about self-discovery, exploring identity and mission. It also provides a framework for understanding and relating to the 'spiritual' part of human experience. The immediate problem that this poses for a full understanding of human functioning is that the inner subjective experiences of consciousness based in NLP. Manas prakurthi in Ayuverda contributes to the study of personality. Tamas-Rajas-Sattva temperamental groups give rise to the framework of Space-Time-Causation when evolution starts in association with Consciousness Principle in manas prakrti. The objectives should contribute to a better analyzing of the temperamental groups in manas prakrti and to analyze the gap between current state of work and values of NLP. This paper attempts to present a tool to analyze Tamas-Rajas-Sattva temperamental groups that are found in manas prakrti by using a statistical fuzzy inference system. At the initial stage common sense knowledge based on manas prakrti is converted into a questionnaire. Removal of dependencies among the questions in the questionnaire is modelled using principal component analysis. Classification of Tamas-Rajas-Sattva temperamental groups is processed through fuzzy logic module, which is constructed on the basis of principal components. Effective decision making for type of manas prakrti has been derived from sugeno defuzzification technique based on an integrated Principal Component Analysis approach. The statistical fuzzy inference system facilitates an approach to identify the influences to understand the nature of human personality in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
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    A scientific literature review on antimicrobial activity of coconut oil as the base oil of indigenous medicinal oil preparations used in wound healing
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Samanweera, W.G.N.S.
    Coconut is historically significant and most famous food item in Sri Lankan society from the centuries of past. The ancestral wisdom on utility of coconut explicitly demonstrated in cultural heritage of diversified usages in many aspects. Most of indigenous medicinal oils used for wound healing contain coconut oil or coconut milk which mostly appear as the only base oil of such preparations. The objective of this study is to review scientific findings on the antimicrobial activity of coconut oil and demonstrate the rationale of using coconut oil as the base oil for medicinal oils used for wound healing. Since this is a literature review the materials were extracted from the scholarly papers and academic articles published in scientific journals. Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid and monolaurin which have statistically revealed significant in vitro broad-spectrum sensitivity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial isolates from superficial skin infections. The antimicrobial spectrum includes fungal species such as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Candida albicans, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cryptococcus neoformans. In different concentrations coconut oil has exhibited bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis and Propionibacterium acnes. Also lauric acid, monolaurin, lactic acid alone and in combination has exhibited in vitro antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus which is involved in a wide variety of infections. These findings support the conclusion of efficacy and therapeutic utility of coconut oil based medicinal oils in proactive treatments of wound healing due to the presence of antimicrobial properties like lauric acid and monolaurin in coconut oil.
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    A literary survey on indications and preparations using Lavana Panchakaya according to Carakasamhita
    (Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Pathirana, K.P.M.P.; Abeysooriya, S.R.; Nuwansiri, L.S.B.
    Lavana Panchakaya stands for five types of salts which are clinically used in Ayurvedic Medicine. Sauvarchala, saindhava, audbhida, vida, and samuddra are the five types and their properties are unctuous, hot, sharp, best promoters of Agni and they are used in purgative, emetic, enema, massage, suppositories, surgical measures and collyriums. This study is based on clinical applications of five salts according to Carakasamhita. Data were collected according to indications and preparations of Panchalavana mentioned in Carakasamhitha and analyzed with proper variations. According to Carakasamhita, gritha preparations which contain any type of panchalavana contained 52% of saindhava, 35% of vida, 29% of sauvarchala, 12% of samuddra and 6% of audbhida and 6% of gritha contain lavana panchakaya. Choorna which contain any type of panchalavana contain 32% of sauvarchala, 24% of saindava, 16% of audbhida and samuddra from each and 16% contain all types together. Vasti preparations which contain any types of lavana contain 94% of saindava and 5% of sauvarchala. 75% of saindava, 12.5% of audbhida and sauvarchala equally are contained in thaila preparations which contain any type of panchalavana. The medicinal preparations with lavana panchakaya are used for Arshas, Gulma, Udara, Atisara, Grahani, Chardi, Thrushna, Pliha, Visha and Thrimarma cikitsa. Triushnadi churna, Thakra prayoga Dasamooladi gritha, Citrakadi gutika, Panchamooladi thaila, Pippalyadi churna, Thakraarista, Ksharagrita, Mukthadi churna, Hingvadi yawagu, Thejovyathadi gritha are some of the preparations which include panchalavana. Vasti, Virechana, Vamana are the common shodhana procedures that indicate panchalavana and they are commonly used in disorders of pachanavyuha.