No abstract

Choraka is a highly valued aromatic plant endemic to the Himalayan region. Angelica glauca is a perennial herb of Umbelliferae family. It is very commonly used as a spice and for treating stomach ailments. Its es-sential oil is highly valued and has broncho-relaxant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anxiolytic and antioxidant activity. Its chemical constituents are mainly (Z)-ligustilide, (Z)-butylidenephthalide, and (E)-butyl ideneph-thalide. It has been in use since the period of Arthashastra and references can also be seen in Brihatrayi and various Nighantus for Mukha and Nasa roga chikitsa. Ruthless uprooting of the plant from its natural habitat for its sale in the market has led to a considerable decline in its availability. This article deals with its distribution, its uses in Ayurveda with classical references, researches on its extracts, controversies and the threats faced by the plant.

Mental health is analytical marker of an individual’s overall well-being, along with his/her physical state. Human beings are required to maintain good mental health. However, we develop certain habits and behaviors, leading to a poor state of mental health. Such behaviors range from anxiety to depression. Low nutrient-containing diet, stress, lack of exercise, unhealthy habits (like the use of drugs, alcohol, and various other addictions), and lack of sufficient rest are risk factors for developing mental health issues. Mental illness is a crucial contributor to the burden on health-care service and affects many people in the world. The prime aim of Ayurveda is the promotion of health through the prevention and cure of diseases through positive physical and mental health through the concepts of Ayurvedic and Yoga practices. Achara Rasayana, Sadvrutta, Aasana, and Pranayama are helpful to maintain proper mental health and tackle mental health promotion and prevention of mental disorders. Daivavyapashraya (chanting of mantras), the performance of various Homas (sacrifice), Yuktivyapashraya (use of medicines and diet), and Satwavajaya (efforts to control the abnormal mental activity by the practice of Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama) are mentioned in ancient sciences such as Ayurveda and Yoga to treat mental illness and promote stress-free mental life.

Triphala Guggulu, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation, is among the most significant and frequently used Guggulu Kalpana. Numerous references for preparing this formulation have been mentioned in various classical texts. It has been discussed under ‘Vranashotha’ and ‘Vidradhi’ rogadhikar in Chakradutt and Yogratnakar respectively. ‘Triphala Guggulu’ presnted in this article is mentioned in the Sharangdhara Samhita under ‘Vati Kalpana’. As the name itself suggests, this preparation contains Triphala and Guggulu as the main ingredient along with Pippali. It contains Guggulu in greater proportion than the other ingredients, much like any other Guggulu Kalpas. Triphala Guggulu is frequently used in the treatment of Shotha, Arsha, Bhagandara, Gulma, Vrana, and other ailments. It can also be used as a hypolipidemic drug on its own or in conjunction with other formulations. Several studies and experiments have also demonstrated its efficacy in atherosclerosis, coronary and arterial plaque, and elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. Thus, this article takes the approach of reviewing the experimental research work done on Triphala Guggulu as well as covers the pharmacological action of its ingredients.

Brass (Pittala) is a very popular and common metal alloy typically comprised of 66% copper and 34% zinc. Undoubtedly, it has a much longer history than Zinc. Ayurvedic treatises such as Charaka Samhita (2nd century BC) and Sushruta Samhita (3rd century BC) have mentioned some instruments used for various therapies and surgical procedures made of Pittala such as Jeevah-nirlekhana (tongue scarper), Vasti Netra etc. The original Sanskrit equivalent for brass was Riti, the word Pittala being subsequently adopted for it. In Kautilya Arthasastra (4th century) it is known as Arakuta. Pittala kills a large number of microorganisms within a few minutes to hours of contact. So, it is a good antifouling material. Its ethno-medicinal use is in Raktapitta, Krimi, Kushta and Pandu Roga. Probably, there is no available literary research study done on Pittala so far. Most of the information is obtained from Rasa Ratan Samuchchaya. Pittala Bhasma retains the property of both Tamra (copper) and Yashada (zinc). It has Tikta Rasa (bitter taste), and its Virya (temperament) is either Ushna (hot) or Sheeta (cold), which depends on the variety of Pittala and various drugs used in the process to make Bhasma. It appears from the thorough search of the process of Marana, that its Bhasma preparation is easier than Tamra.