AYUSH

VATIKA
REPORT
BY
LEKKALA LITHIN KUMAR
AYUSH is the acronym of the medical systems that are being practiced in India such
as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. These systems are based
on definite medical philosophies and represent a way of healthy living with established concepts
on prevention of diseases and promotion of health. The basic approach of all these systems on
health, disease and treatment are holistic. Because of this, there is a resurgence of interest on
AYUSH systems. Yoga has now become the icon of global health and many countries have
started integrating it in their health care delivery system. Similarly there is great curiosity to
understand the principles and practice of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha and Unani especially
due to growing challenges in medicine in Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Life style
disorders, long term diseases, multi drug resistant diseases, emergence of new diseases etc. In
1995, with the objective of optimal and focused development of these systems, the Department
of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM & H) was created in the Union Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare. In 2003, this Department was re named as Department of AYUSH.

India has a rich heritage of medical wisdom derived from the Vedas that prevailed as Ayurveda.
This was further enriched by the ancient Saints (Rishi's) with Siddha system and Yoga
practices. These were the principal medical practices of the country for centuries, forming part of
Indian ethos and culture. Unani Tibb that was known from period of Hippocrates came to India
during 8th Century A D. subsequently, the Western medicine that is based on biomedical
concepts, commonly known as Allopathy, came to India and also got assimilated into the Indian
medical practice. Homeopathy, a system developed in Germany in 18th century quickly gained
popularity and has got blended with the Indian traditional medical practices due to similarity in its
holistic medical philosophy and principles. Naturopathy, a drug less system of healthy living
practices of all civilizations got organized and also become part of the medical pluralism of the
country. Thus, there evolved a unique medical paradigm with traditional practices along with the
Bio medicine. After Independence, the Government started supporting all the medical systems
for their growth, thereby offering the public a choice for their routine health care need. Because
of this as now there are public patronage and institutional support to widen the strength of these
systems in curative, preventive, promotive aspects of health care.

The bio medicine based on experimental concepts has brought innovation with consistent
research and updating knowledge. Due to that there are remarkable information on causation of
diseases, their course, prognosis, diagnostics, management of diseases etc. Most of the
infectious diseases that were the major cause of high mortality are now conquered. Management
of high risk cases, surgical interventions, etc has brought in marvels in health sector. However,
there is an increase in the incidence of Non Communicable Diseases. AYUSH medicines that
come under the category of experienced medicine are cost effective, known for safety issues and
time tested. AYUSH medicines are widely used as a standalone option or as adjunct with Bio
medicine in the long term diseases. Therefore, the relevance of AYUSH has become more now
because of this change in health paradigm. Keeping this fact in view the Government is
encouraging a pluralistic approach in health care where every medical system is allowed to grow
on the basis of its evident strength.

LIST OF SOME MEDICINAL

PLANTS I HAVE SEEN IN AYUSH
VATIKA
1. ST JOHN’S WORT
Hypericum perforatum, known as St. John's wort,[1] is a flowering plant in the
family Hypericaceae and the type species of the genus Hypericum.
Possibly a hybrid between H. maculatum and H. attenuatum, the species can be found across
temperate areas of Eurasia and has been introduced as an invasive weed to much of North and
South America, as well as South Africa and Australia. While the species is harmful to livestock
and can interfere with prescription drugs, it has been used in folk medicine over centuries, and
remains commercially cultivated in the 21st century. Hyperforin, a phytochemical constituent of
the species, is under basic research for possible therapeutic properties.

Description
Hypericum perforatum is a herbaceous perennial plant with extensive, creeping rhizomes. Its
reddish stems are erect and branched in the upper section, and can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet
3 inches) high. The stems are woody near their base and may appear jointed from leaf scars.
[2]
The branches are typically clustered about a depressed base. It
has opposite and stalkless leaves that are narrow and oblong in shape and 1–2 centimetres (1⁄2–
3
⁄4 in) long.[3] Leaves borne on the branches subtend the shortened branchlets. The leaves are
yellow-green in color, with scattered translucent dots of glandular tissue.[4] The dots are
conspicuous when held up to the light, giving the leaves a perforated appearance. The flowers
measure up to 2.5 cm (1 in) across, have five petals and sepals, and are colored bright yellow
with conspicuous black dots.[5] The flowers appear in broad helicoid cymes at the ends of the
upper branches, between late spring and early to mid-summer. The cymes are leafy and bear
many flowers. The pointed sepals have black glandular dots. The many stamens are united at
the base into three bundles. The pollen grains are ellipsoidal.[6] The black and lustrous seeds are
rough, netted with coarse grooves.[7]
When flower buds (not the flowers themselves) or seed pods are crushed, a reddish or purple
liquid is produced.
Chemistry

Chemical structure of hypericin

The plant contains the following:[9][10]

 Flavonoids (e.g. epigallocatechin, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercetin, quercitrin, querceti

n, amentoflavone, biapigenin, astilbin, myricetin, miquelianin, kaempferol, luteolin)
 Phenolic acids (e.g. chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, p-
hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid)
 Naphthodianthrones (e.g. hypericin, pseudohypericin, protohypericin,
protopseudohypericin)
 Phloroglucinols (e.g. hyperforin, adhyperforin)
 Tannins (unspecified, proanthocyanidins reported)
 Volatile oils (e.g. 2-methyloctane, nonane, 2-methyldecane, undecane, α-pinene, β-
pinene, α-terpineol, geraniol, myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, humulene)
 Saturated fatty acids (e.g. isovaleric acid (3-methylbutanoic acid), myristic
acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid)
 Alkanols (e.g. 1-tetracosanol, 1-hexacosanol)
 Vitamins & their analogues (e.g. carotenoids, choline, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid)
 Miscellaneous others (e.g. pectin, β-sitosterol, hexadecane, triacontane, kielcorin,
norathyriol)
The naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin along with the phloroglucinol derivative
hyperforin are thought to be among the numerous active constituents.[6][11][12][13] It also contains
essential oils composed mainly of sesquiterpenes.[6]

Uses[edit]
Traditional medicine[edit]
Common St John's wort has been used in herbalism for centuries.[27][26] It was thought to have
medical properties in classical antiquity and was a standard component of theriacs, from
the Mithridate of Aulus Cornelius Celsus' De Medicina (c. 30 CE) to the Venice
treacle of d'Amsterdammer Apotheek in 1686. Folk usages included oily extract (St John's oil)
and Hypericum snaps. Hypericum perforatum is a common species and is grown commercially
for use in herbalism and traditional medicine.[26]
The red, oily extract of H. perforatum has been used in the treatment of wounds, including by the
Knights Hospitaller, the Order of St John.[27][31] Both hypericin and hyperforin are under study for
their potential antibiotic properties.[32]
Medical research
Antidepressant
Further information: Hyperforin

Hyperforin, a phytochemical produced by St John's wort, may be responsible for the plant's purported
antidepressant properties.[33]

A 2015 meta-analysis review concluded that it has superior efficacy to placebo in treating
depression, is as effective as standard antidepressant pharmaceuticals for treating depression,
and has fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants.[34] The authors concluded that it is
difficult to assign a place for St. John's wort in the treatment of depression owing to limitations in
the available evidence base, including large variations in efficacy seen in trials performed in
German-speaking countries relative to other countries. In Germany, St. John's wort may be
prescribed for mild to moderate depression, especially in children and adolescents. [35] A
2008 Cochrane review of 29 clinical trials concluded that it was superior to placebo in patients
with major depression, as effective as standard antidepressants and had fewer side-effects. [36] A
2016 review noted that use of St. John's wort for mild and moderate depression was better
than placebo for improving depression symptoms, and comparable to antidepressant medication.
[37]
A 2017 meta-analysis found that St. John's wort had comparable efficacy and safety to SSRIs
for mild-to-moderate depression and a lower discontinuation rate.[38]
While some studies and research reviews have supported the efficacy of St John's wort as a
treatment for depression in humans, in the United States, it is not recommended as a
replacement for more studied treatments, and it is advised that symptoms of depression warrant
proper medical consultation.[27]
In the United States, St John's wort is considered a dietary supplement by the FDA, and is not
regulated by the same standards as a prescription drug.[39][40] According to the United
States National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, St. John's wort appears to be
more effective than placebo and as effective as standard antidepressant medications for mild
and moderate depression, and that it is uncertain whether this is true for severe depression or for
longer than 12 weeks.[27] Supplement strength varies by manufacturer and possibly by batch.
[41]
With antidepressants, one "may have to try a few before finding what works best," notes the
United States National Library of Medicine.[42]
Phytochemicals and dietary supplement[edit]
St John's wort, similarly to other herbs, contains different phytochemical constituents. [9][43]
[44]
Although St. John's wort is sold as a dietary supplement, there are
no standardized manufacturing procedures, and some marketed products may be contaminated
with metals, fillers or other impurities.[26]
 2. SWEET LEAF
Stevia rebaudiana is a plant species in the genus Stevia of the family Asteraceae. It
is commonly known as candyleaf, sweetleaf or sugarleaf.[1][2]
It is a small seasonal plant which grows to a height of 30–60 centimetres (1–2 feet).
[2]
It has elongated leaves that grow along the stems and are lined up against each
other. The flowers are typically trimmed to improve the taste of the leaves. [3] Stevia is
a tender perennial native to parts of Brazil and Paraguay having humid, wet
environments.[2][3]
Stevia is widely grown for its leaves, from which extracts can be manufactured as
sweetener products known generically as stevia and sold under various trade names.
[4]
The chemical compounds that produce its sweetness are various steviol
glycosides (mainly stevioside and rebaudioside), which have 200–300 times
the sweetness of sugar.[2][5] Stevia leaves contain 9.1% stevioside and
3.8% rebaudioside A.[6]

Description
The flowers are white with light purple accents and no fragrance. Plants produce fruit which is
ribbed spindle-shaped. Stevia prefers sandy-like soil.[2][citation needed]

Chemistry
In 1931, chemists M. Bridel and R. Lavielle isolated the glycosides stevioside and rebaudioside
that give the leaves their sweet taste.[7] The exact structures of the aglycone steviol and its
glycoside were published in 1955.

Uses
Stevia rebaudiana has been used over centuries by the Guaraní people of Brazil and Paraguay,
who called it kaʼa heʼẽ ("sweet herb"), to sweeten the local yerba mate tea, as medicine, and as a
"sweet treat".[11]
In 1899, botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni first described the plant as growing in eastern
Paraguay, and observed its sweet taste.[12]
When extracts of its leaves are processed into a powder, stevia is used as a sugar substitute in
most of the developed world.[6][13]
Based on the JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) declaration, safe consumption
of steviol glycosides for humans is determined to be 4 mg/kg body weight per day. It was also
agreed by the European Commission in 2011 for use in food in European countries. Steviol
glycosides have also been accepted in the US as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Stevia leaf and raw extracts are not treated as GRAS and their import into the US is not allowed
for usage as sweeteners.
 Stevia rebaudiana

3. Amla/आंवला/Emblica
officinalis/Indian
Gooseberry/Amlaki

Hindi Name : Amla

Sanskrit Name : Amlaki
English Name : Indian Gooseberry
Latin Name : Emblica officinalis Linn Pennel
A middle sized deciduous tree with green globose fruits found wild throughout
tropical India. The tree is extensively cultivated these days in many parts of
India for its fruits.
Amla Benefits & Medicinal Uses
Indian Gooseberry has been given a prominent place in Ayurveda. In ancient
India it was believed that Ambrosia (heavenly nectar) contained all rasas
thereby, it could impart immortality. In that sense Amlaki and Hareetaki stand
next by exhibiting five rasas. Therefore, Gooseberry is considered a
"Rasayana" bestowed with anti-aging effects. Enthusiastic investigations on
Amla substantiate almost all of its acclaimed properties. It has been
identified to be a potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antistress etc. Apart
from its medicinal use. It also finds an important place in traditional hair and
skin care formulations. Its cytoprotective role has been investigated in detail.
For Ayurveda Amlaki is considered to be a nature’s boon.

Chemical Composition
The fruit juice is reported to contain nearly 20 times as much vitamin C as
orange juice. Every 100 gm edible fruit provides 470-680 mg of Vitamin C.
Fruit contains moisture, protein, fat, minerals, fibers and carbohydrate. Its
mineral and vitamin contents include calcium, Phosphorous, iron, carotene,
carbohydrate, thiamine, riboflavin besides vitamin C.

A recent study on Amla attributes its strong antioxidant properties to its

small molecular weight tannoid complexes.

There are numerous Amla benefits and uses as follows:

1. Improves Immunity

Amla benefits include antibacterial & astringent properties which help

improve the body's immunity system. Indian Gooseberry also increases
white blood cells which help flush out the toxins from the body.

2. Hair Care

Amla is used in a lot of shampoos and conditioners owing to its rich

antioxidant & iron content. Indian Gooseberry contains high levels of
Vitamin C which helps reduce hair fall. It also strengthens the roots &
maintains hair color. Antibacterial properties of Amla helps fight
dandruff.
3. Reduces Stress

Amla is a great stress reliever which helps induce sleep and relieve
headaches.

4. Eye Care

Amla is rich in carotene content which is well known for its powerful
effect on vision-related conditions. Formulation made of Indian
Gooseberry and Honey helps to improve eyesight, near-sightedness,
and cataracts.

5. Respiratory Health

Amla proves beneficial against respiratory disorders. It helps to reduce

cough, tuberculosis, throat infections and flu.

6. Treats Anaemia

Amla is a rich source of iron, deficiency of which causes anemia.

7. Blood Purifier

Amla acts as an active blood purifier when consumed with honey.

8. Diuretic

Amla is also diuretic in nature. It means that Indian Gooseberry helps

increase the volume and frequency of urination which improves the
elimination of toxins from the body. Know more on detoxification .

9. Improve Digestion

Amla is rich in dietary fiber which helps improve the overall digestion
process. Know more on how to improve digestion .

10. Absorbs Calcium

Amla benefits also include absorbing calcium which is an essential

element for teeth, bones & hair.
11. Anti-aging

Amla reduces the number of free radicals in the body through its
antioxidant properties. It helps reduce wrinkles, dark circles and other
signs of aging. It also protects the body from radiation.

12. Improves Mental Functions

Daily consumption of Amla helps improves nerve health facilitating

proper blood flow. It helps to prevent diseases like dementia and
Alzheimer’s. Indian Gooseberry also helps improve concentration power
and memory skills.

13. Weight Management

Amla is known to boost metabolism which helps reduce body fat. It is

recommended to add Amla in one's daily diet.

14. Skin Care

Amla helps flush out the harmful toxins from the body reducing skin
blemishes. The astringent properties of Indian Gooseberry help tighten
the pores, giving you clear and healthy skin.

4. Elaeocarpus
angustifolius
Elaeocarpus angustifolius is species of flowering plant in the family Elaeocarpaceae and
occurs from India to New Caledonia and northern Australia. Common synonyms are E.
ganitrus and E. sphaericus. It is a large evergreen tree, often with buttress roots, and has leaves
with wavy serrations, creamy white flowers and more or less spherical bright blue drupe fruit. In
English, the tree is known as utrasum bean tree in India.[3] In Sri Lanka recorded names
are woodenbegar and Indian bead tree.[4] It is simply known as elaeocarpus in the Northern
Territory of Australia.[5] Other names used for this tree in Australia are Indian oil
fruit and genitri.[6] In Hawaii it (or the possible synonym E. grandis) is known as a blue marble
tree.[7]
In India, the cleaned pits of the fruit of this tree are known as rudraksha in the Hindi
language (from Sanskrit: rudrākṣa, meaning "Rudra's teardrops" or "eyes") and are widely used
as prayer beads, particularly in Hinduism. Rudraksha might be produced by more than one
species of Elaeocarpus, however E. angustifolius is the principal species used in the making
of mala (garlands).
Description[edit]
According to M.J.E. Coode, Elaeocarpus angustifolius is a tree that typically grows to a height of
40 m (130 ft) and usually has buttress roots at the base of the trunk. The leaves are about 60–
180 mm (2.4–7.1 in) long, 40–60 mm (1.6–2.4 in) wide with wavy serrations on the edges and
tapering to a petiole 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) long, but lacking a pulvinus. Old leaves often turn
bright red before falling. The flowers are arranged in racemes up to 100 mm (3.9 in) long, each
flower on a pedicel 9–16 mm (0.35–0.63 in) long. The five sepals are 8–11 mm (0.31–0.43 in)
long and 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) wide. The five petals are creamy white, egg-shaped to
oblong, 12–15 mm (0.47–0.59 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) wide, the tip with linear lobes.
There are between thirty-five and sixty stamens and the style is 11–18 mm (0.43–0.71 in) long
and glabrous. The fruit is a more or less spherical, bright blue or purple drupe 15–23 mm (0.59–
0.91 in) in diameter.[5][8][9] Note, however, that Coode considered E. grandis to be the same
species as E. angustifolius, and the above description applies to both taxa.[10]
Mature trees will grow massive buttresses which generally completely encircle the base of the
trunk. This may be an adaptation to becoming emergents in some habitats, or often growing
in secondary woodland -buttress roots can better distribute tensile stress in the base of the tree
transmitted down from wind in the crown. In E. angustifolius the buttresses are thought to
develop in response to stresses experienced by the tree during comparatively brief periods of
fast development. The buttress wood has a partially different composition than the wood of the
trunk.[7]

Fruit
It is an evergreen tree that grows quickly. The tree starts bearing fruit in three to four years.
The blue-coloured drupes of the tree contain large stones or pits, which are covered by an outer
husk of fruit flesh. This blue colour is not derived from a pigment, but is caused by structural
colouration.[11] The fruit weigh 7g on average, but range from 10 to 4g.[4] The stone at the centre of
the fruit, technically a pyrena, is typically divided into multiple segments, which are locules, each
usually bearing a seed.

Chemical constituents
Chemicals present in E. angustifolius are elaeocarpidine, isoelaeocarpine, epiisoelaeocarpiline,
rudrakine, flavonoids, quercetin, phytosterols, fat, alkaloids, carbohydrates, ethanol, proteins,
tannins, gallic acid and ellagic acid.[50] The alkaloid rudrakine was discovered in the E.
angustifolius fruit in 1979.[51]

Uses
Dried rudraksha stones (pyrenas)

Hundreds of years ago this plant was an important article of international commerce, specifically,
the burl-like stones containing the seeds. Rumphius describes that it was common practice
across the islands of the Indonesian archipelago to trade in the stones, known
as ganiter or ganitris in Malay, Javanese and Balinese -words known across the East Indies. Not
all stones were valuable, the best were of a smaller size and were coloured deep brown. The
stones often were collected from the defecations of cattle, for it was during the passage through
the various stomachs of the cow that the stones gained the preferred colour, although less
scrupulous dealers were wont to drown the stones in seawater to achieve a similar effect. Stones
which had lain on the ground became an ugly grey colour and had no value. A trader could
collect some 3,000 Dutch pounds of the unsorted stones at a port in Java, Madura or Bali for only
some 60 silver real, the merchant must then sort his cargo, retaining only the small and medium
stones, and throwing out the rest. The middle-sized stones were not worth much, but for the
small stones Hindus and Arab traders would pay good money, some 10 real for a handful of the
stones, using them to make religious objects for their priests. A hole could be bored through
them, and the stones could then be stringed up into chains, which were worn around the body in
the same manner as European people do with corals in rosaries. Especially the Hindu priests
were customers, but Muslim imams would also use the chains as prayer beads to recite Tasbih.
The richest of the priests would string a golden nugget after every two ganiters, thus the Chinese
called the stones kimkungtsi -'gold hard seeds'. Such was the worth of a good stone, that
counterfeits were carved from hard wood, thus the Codjas were usually very savvy in telling apart
the good stones from the false.[15]
In some parts of Java, the local population used a special method of cultivation to ensure
themselves of a harvest of the good stones. When the trees were just beginning the process of
fructification, and the young fruit were just beginning to develop, long strips of he bark were pried
off the main branches and some off the trunk -this forced the fruit to be stunted, which caused
the stones to be smaller and more grooved.