Introduction:Diabetes is prevalent in India. This study was conducted to assess the impact of ingestion of fenugreek seed on fasting blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels in patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus controlled with diet, exercise and oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) or insulin.Aims:Assessment of impact of ingestion of Trigonella foenum-graecum or fenugreek seed in patients with Type 2 diabetes controlled with OHAs and insulin on fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1C levels.Settings and Design:Prospective, randomized control trial in a single center.Materials and Methods:Total sixty patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosed at least 6 months prior and on OHAs and insulin were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive 10 gm of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water and another group was not. Strict dietary and exercise controls were followed as per the guidelines of American Diabetic Association protocols. The parameters assessed were demographic profile on the first visits and fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1C every month till 6 months.Results:A total of sixty patients were enrolled in the study divided into two groups each containing thirty patients. One group of patients received 10 gm of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water every day, while the second group did not received. Statistical analysis shows that there is significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in the 5th month in the study group (P = 0.0421) while significant reduction in HbA1C in the 6th month (P = 0.0201).Conclusion:A simple complementary addition of fenugreek seeds can have a synergistic effect along with diet control and exercise on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c but is of delayed occurrence.

Background:Shankha bhasma is widely used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.Aim:To compare the efficacy of two purification methods of shankha bhasma in relieving GERD symptoms. In method A, purification was done with lemon juice and method B with sour gruel.Materials and Methods:Patients with heartburn since at least four days/week but who did undergo endoscopy to assess esophageal mucosa could participate. In this single-phase, single-center, prospective, randomized control trial, the patients were randomized to receive either shankha bhasma purified by method A or by method B. The primary efficacy variable was the proportion of patients with resolution of heartburn at week 4 and week 8.Design:Single-phase, single-center, prospective, randomized control trial in a hospital setting.Results:Of the total 70 patients who received samples A and B in a randomized double-blind manner, 65% of the patients showed resolution of symptoms in sample A and 28% in sample B at the end of four weeks, whereas, 71% of the patients showed resolution of symptoms in sample A and 31% in sample B at the end of eight weeks; P value was statistically significant for resolution of symptoms (P <0.005).Conclusion:Purification of shankha bhasma by lemon juice method is better than sour gruel method in terms of clinical outcome in GERD patients and is hence recommended.

Background: Hypogalactia is the common condition, especially in preterm deliveries. Some herbs in Indian medicines such as Lepidium sativum L. (L. sativum) have galactogogeus effects. The galactogogeus effect of L. sativum (Chandrashoora) has not been quantified in randomized control trials in humans till date. We intend to study the galactogogeus effects of L. sativum in hypogalactic mothers through an open-label noncross-over trial. Materials and methods: The target population were women who had delivered infants <32 weeks gestation with no lower limit to gestational age and their babies admitted in neonatal intensive care unit for prematurity. Participants who were taking specific drugs as a result of their primary illnesses, such as chemotherapy, sedatives, or antiseziure medications, were excluded. The randomization was achieved with computer-generated random number table. The experimental group (n = 23) received 2.5 g of L. sativum (Chandrashoora) seeds each day, soaked in luke warm water for half an hour in the morning, along with instructions about how to take the seeds. The control group did not receive any medication (n = 23). According to the institutional procedure, participants were trained to express breast milk six times using a breast pump. The amount of milk extracted was measured every day for 28 days. The difference in milk production between the two groups at 28 days was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was to asses if any of the trial medicines had any adverse drug effects. Results: A total of 46 participants completed the study till 28 days. In both groups, demographic factors were comparable. The study group surpassed the control group in terms of breast milk volume slowly and reached statistical significance (P = 0.00002) after 28 days of therapy. No adverse drug effects were reported by the participants. Conclusion: There was statistically significant improvement in breast milk production at 28 days in hypogalactic mothers in the experimental group. L. sativum can be used as cheap alternatives to costly medicines to improve lactation with minimal costs and no adverse drug reactions.

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Different ayurvedic texts have mentioned different methods of shodhan (Purification) and maran (incineration) of ayurvedic mineral preparations of kasis. Though different methods of shodhan and maran are described in various texts complete physio chemical standardization is necessary to prepare the pure form and for quality assurance as well as It is necessary to understand the chemical changes that take place after various ayurvedic processes. Aims and Objectives: 1. Procurement of grahya kasis from local market and its chemical analysis 2. Purification of kasis in dolayantra and its chemical analysis 3. Preparation of kasis bhasma by two methods given by ras tarangini and its chemical analysis. Setting and Design: observational analytical study. Place of study: Department of Rasa Shastra and BK, GS Ayurvedic medical college. Materials and methods: Ashudhha kasis is purified and subjected to incineration by two types, Snuhipatra swaras bhavana, and kanji and Nimbu swaras bhavana as given in rasa tarangini. Chemical composition of the raw form, pure form as well as two types of bhasmas is analyzed in laboratory. Results: 1. Analysis of kasis at each stage of its formation to kasis bhasma shows the changes in physical and chemical properties due to its transformation as it is heated thermal decomposition starts 2. The chemical analysis of kasis bhasma shows highest percentage of ferric iron in comparison with raw and shodhit form. 3. Chemical analysis of kasis bhasma obtained by incineration process, by Snuhipatra swaras bhavana, and kanji and Nimbu swaras bhavana does not show any notable difference in chemical composition. Both methods can be used to prepare kasis bhasma as per availability of bhavana dravya.