Background:Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Efforts to improve cancer treatment through nanotechnology are at the developmental stage, and it will be gracious if the drug with anticancer property itself is a nanoparticle. Bhasma is organomineral complexes which are bioactive nanoparticles. Yashada Bhasma (incinerated processed zinc) is widely used in Ayurveda for various diseases, and there are evidence that ZnO nanoparticles are promising antitumor agent. However, no studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Yashada Bhasma in pancreatic cancer.Materials and Methods:Two types of test drugs, Parada Marita Yashada Bhasma (PMY) and Vanaspati Jarita Marita Yashada Bhasma (JMY), were prepared as per the guidelines of pharmaceutics of Ayurveda. Particle size analyses of Yashada Bhasma and Zeta potential study was carried out initially. Further human pancreatic cancer cell line (MIA PaCa-2) study was done using in vitro sulforhodamine B assay, keeping adriamycinas control. After 48 h of incubation, antiproliferative effects were assessed.Results:JMY and adriamycin showed dose-dependent growth inhibition of cancer cells. Both Yashada Bhasma samples showed a cytostatic effect at this concentration.Conclusion:The study leads to new avenues for cancer treatment by developing such unique and highly effective bioactive nano-sized therapeutic agent.

Childhood is considered as the most important phase in life, which determines the quality of health, well being, learning and behaviour across the lifespan. This may be the reason for giving the foremost position for Balacikitsa among Ashtangas (8 branches) of Ayurveda. The regional growth of indigenous medicine gave significant contribution for the development of primary health care. Kerala has major contribution of many authentic textbooks of Balacikitsa like Arogyakalpadruma, Vaidya Tarakam etc. These are more practically oriented and it can be considered as a physician's quick reference hand book. Many new diseases which are not mentioned in classical textbooks have found their place in these books. Medications like Praakaara yoga, Uramarunnuprayoga were administered in children as a mode of immunization, which helps in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease. Many diseases like Karappan (balavisarpa), Shakarogas etc. were common in Kerala and various indigenous treatment modalities were developed for such diseases. Single drug Prayogas with herbs like Mayaphal (galls), Tripadi (DesmodiumTriflorum L.), etc. and yogams like Nalikerakwatha (Putapakakalpana), Mukkuti (Takrakalpana) etc. were practiced commonly. Many effective therapies like Shashtikapindasweda, Thalapothichil (Sirolepa) etc. are an inevitable part of Balacikitsa. In this paper, an attempt is made to compile the theoretical concepts and unique practices of Balacikitsa in Kerala and to convey it's importance. The present article also addresses, how these vernacular books and traditional knowledge waned away from the Mainstream Ayurveda.

Introduction: Yashada bhasma (Calx of Zinc) is a metallic

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Madumeha is a general systemic disease caused by the derangement of tridoshas and manifest through the symptoms of urinary system. Diabetes can be included under the broad concept of Madumeha. The estimate of the actual number of diabetics in India is around 40 million, which causes a major health concern. Acharya Susrutha has mentioned two rasayana in Madhumeha cikitsa. They are Shilajatu and Makshika rasayana. Both these are having Tridoshashamana, Agnideepana, Medohara, Balya, Cakshushya, Vrishya and Yogavahiproperty. These minerals are richest source of many micronutrients Diabetes mellitus and vice versa can disrupt homeostasis of trace elements. The alteration of metals status increase oxidative stress that may contribute to the insulin resistance and development of diabetic complications. Thorough analysis of Ayurvedic concepts and modern research works carried out reveal that, Swarna Makshika and Shilajatu definitely play a role in glucose and insulin metabolism.