Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM)

Efficacy of Hingvastaka Churna Arka with Vilvadi Gutika in the Management of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

K Smruthi — 2026-03-20

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) presents in early childhood, affecting sensory processing, communication and cognition. Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are the most prevalent comorbidities in ASD. The symptoms of FGIDs include altered stool patterns, bloating, flatulence and frequent abdominal discomfort. These may affect the learning capacity, behavioral stability, and quality of life. Gut-microbial dysbiosis resulting from the gut- brain axis dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the development of FGIDs in ASD. Mandagni (poor digestion) is primarily the root cause of FGIDs. Additionally, Amavisha (metabolic toxin) can also impact neurocognitive functioning. While prebiotics and probiotics are currently in vogue, the effective management of FGIDs is yet to be established. Hingvastaka Churna, Rajanyadi Churna and Vilvadi Gutika have already been researched in Neurocognitive disorders; however, showed limitations of poor palatability. Oral sensory issues and gut irritation pose limitations to the use of preservatives in medicines for ASD. Arka (liquid distillate), owing to its extended shelf- life and absence of preservatives, can be advantageous in gastrointestinal disturbances. Materials and Methods: The current study is a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled, efficacy, superiority trial involving 60 ASD children with FGIDs. The trial group will receive Hingvastaka Churna Arka with Takra (buttermilk) before food and Vilvadi Gutika after food, thrice daily, for 30 days, with age- specific dosing. The control group will receive Rajanyadi Churna Arka and Vilvadi Gutika similarly. The Primary outcome measure is the reduction in symptoms of FGIDs based on the 6- Item Gastrointestinal Severity Index (6-GSI) and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Secondary outcomes will be evaluated by changes in ASD- related symptoms using ATEC based on parental feedback. Conclusion: The findings of the study may potentially demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Hingvastaka Churna Arka and Vilvadi Gutika in managing FGIDs in children with ASD.

Minimal Invasive Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Pilonidal Sinus – A Case Report

Anjali Sudhakar — 2026-03-20

Background: Pilonidal sinus or jeep disease is considered an acquired one, which involves the formation of a sinus tract and pus is draining to it. The etiology is thought to be related to trapping of hair. Nadi vrana, which is explained in Ayurveda, is a blind tract in which pus is formed. It is mentioned in Samhithas that, if vranasopha is not treated in pakva avastha (suppurative stage) by neglecting it, it will traverse to the deeper tissues, forming a tract. By understanding the nidanas (etiological factors) and lakshanas (clinical features) it can be correlated as shalyaja Nadivrana. Ksharasutra is one of the unique contributions in Ayurveda, by which it cures through its chedana, bhedana, and lekhana properties. Clinical Findings: A 24-year-old male presented with chief complaints of pain and swelling in the supranatal cleft and lower back region and after examination, was diagnosed with a recurrent pilonidal abscess. He had a history of similar complaints and underwent incision and drainage twice within an interval of 2 months. Intervention: Topical Lepana was performed, followed by surgical incision, sinus tract probing, and Ksharasutra ligation of the sinus tract. Postoperatively, the patient was managed with Ayurvedic internal medications, sitz bath, and medicated dressings. Outcomes: Healing was achieved with reduced wound size, healthy granulation tissue, and epithelialization, obliteration of 8 cm sinus tract and without any recurrence in a duration of 45 days of treatment and 2 months of follow-ups. Conclusion: Minimally invasive ksharasutra ligation along with supportive therapy, dietary and lifestyle measures and standard wound care, effectively managed recurrent pilonidal sinus, achieved complete healing in 45 days with no recurrence. This case represents a safe, cost-effective alternative to conventional surgery. The procedure not only minimizes the recurrence rate but also helps the patient to recover quickly with less discomfort.

An Ayurvedic Approach to the Management of Anosmia: A Case Report

PM Keerthi — 2026-03-20

Background: Olfaction one of the major function of nose followed by respiration even though it is not well developed in humans, it is necessary for pleasure and for enjoying the taste of food because when nose is blocked even tasty food becomes unpalatable. Anosmia is one such disorder in which there is total loss of sense of smell which can result from nasal obstruction due to many anatomical as well as degenerative disorder of nasal mucosa. According to Ayurveda it can be correlated with Ghrananasha, it is one among vataja nanatmaja vikara which is Amoorta in nature i.e, which can be felt not seen. Clinical findings: In present case report, a male of age 77 years presented with total loss of sense of smell associated with tastelessness since 3 months, based on patient presentation and thorough examination, the case was diagnosed as Grananasha(Anosmia) and managed accordingly. Intervention: Based on dosha and dushya involvement Koshtashodhana, Nasya, Kavala, Shamanoushadhi and Yoga was planned. Outcome: - During 7 days of Nasya, patient was able to recognize smell gradually from 3^rd day onwards which was maintained during follow up period also and without any side effects. Conclusion: This case report gives idea about protocol for managing Grananasha (Anosmia) without any side effect and by taking leads from this case, it would be tested on a larger samples in future.

Integrative multimodal Ayurveda-based Management of Alcohol-Related Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): A Case Report

Rajimunnisa Begam shaik — 2026-03-20

Background: Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), chronic neuropsychiatric disorder commonly associated with prolonged alcohol consumption and thiamine deficiency. It frequently leads to persistence of considerable cognitive, behavioral and functional impairment despite standard conventional treatment. In Ayurveda clinical manifestations of alcohol-associated WKS can be understood through the lens of Unmada and Smritibhramsha. Case findings: A 51-year-old male with 16-year history of chronic alcohol intake presented with gradually progressive memory impairment, gait instability, sleep disturbance, mood changes, confusion, craving for alcohol and occupational dysfunction. Patient had a history suggestive of Wernicke encephalopathy managed with standard pharmacological treatment previously, followed by persisting cognitive disturbances. Baseline assessment revealed moderate cognitive impairment, harmful alcohol use pattern, and depressive symptoms when assessed on standardized scales. Intervention: Patient was managed with 6 months structured multimodal integrative Ayurvedic based treatment protocol consisting of Panchakarma therapies Medhya Rasayana and Shamana medications, Satwawajaya Chikitsa, Marma therapy and Yoga-based interventions. Treatments were administered over a phased inpatient, outpatient and home based follow-up manner. Outcomes: Gradual, progressive and sustained neurocognitive as well as functional improvement was observed over follow-up period in terms of psychometric scales like Mini-Mental Status Examination, AUDIT, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. No adverse drug events were reported while compliance with prescribed treatment was good. Conclusion: Over 6 months, multimodal integrative Ayurveda based intervention with systematic follow-up was administered. Which shown progressive and sustained improvement across cognitive function and other symptoms. Case highlight’s potential adjunctive role of Ayurveda-based neuro-rehabilitative intervention in chronic phase of alcohol-related Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.

Management of Dushta Vrana (Venous Leg Ulcer) with Oral Ayurvedic medicine and Murivenna Taila Vrana Basti: A case report

Brijesh Singh — 2026-03-20

Background: Venous leg ulcer is the complication of varicose vein and deep vein thrombosis. Venous leg ulcer occurs the incidence of post-thrombotic damage, superficial and deep vein incompetence. The symptoms of venous leg ulcer are thickening, chronic inflammation, induration, discharge, pain and discoloration of the skin then it forms blister around the ankle, due to the venous hypertension and trauma it may converts in ulcer. In Ayurveda, venous leg ulcer can be corelated with Dushta Vrana. Maha Ruja (Severe pain), Pooti Gandha (foul smell) are mentioned among the symptoms of these, which were clearly observed in the mentioned case. In classics there is various references regarding the use of Vrana Basti Karma (Oil pooling on wound). Vrana Basti is considered as one of the best modalities of Sthanika Shodhana and Ropan of Vrana. Clinical finding: A 53year old male patient who presented with complaints of venous leg ulcer in medial aspect of left ankle to shin of tibia associated with pain, discharge, slough, swelling, itching and discoloration of the skin for 2.6 year has been taken foe the current study. Intervention: Proper history taking and examination was done and patient was treated with Gandhak Rasayan 1 BD and Triphala Guggulu 1 Bd orally followed by Vrana Basti with Murivenna Taila over the site of Vrana. Outcomes: The treatment was beneficial results in pain, discharge, slough, swelling, itching caused by Dushta Vrana, as well as it completely healed the ulcer in 70 days. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic treatment protocol is useful in preventing reoccurrence of the symptoms. Murivenna Taila used to do Vrana Basti in this particular case has properties of Krimighana, Kanduhar, Shothahar, Lekhana, Kapha Vata Shamana, Sodhan, Ropana, etc. due to virtue of these properties it helps in fast and complete healing of the ulcer

Integrated management of Urethral Stricture - A case report

Pradeep Shahjirao Shindhe — 2026-03-20

Background: Urethral stricture is a troublesome condition often difficult to treat. Complications often include obstructed urine flow, urine retention, calculi formation. Various surgical procedures are in practice but the outcome is limited due to various complications and limitations. In Ayurveda it is corelated with Mutroutsanga and often Uttarbasti along with medications are advised for the treatment. Clinical findings: A case of 34-year male, non-hypertensive, non-diabetic complaining of weak stream of urine, pain (VAS - 7) and burning sensation during micturition with increased urine frequency (15-20 times/day and 4 to 5 times/night) in the past 8 months. Ascending urethrogram showed urethral stricture and uroflowmetry showed increased voiding time and reduced flow. Intervention: A integrated integrative treatment approach was adopted, consisting of Yogabasti, Urethral calibration, Uttarbasti and medications for a period of 6 months and a 1 year follow up. Outcome: Adopted treatment has given good clinical outcome in terms of reduction in pain (0), burning sensation (absent) and urine frequency (4 to 5 times in a day and 1 time at night) with improved urinary stream. No adverse events or complications occurred during the treatment period. Conclusion: Integrative treatment approach done for a period of 6 months has given better results in the management of urethral Stricture. No adverse events occurred during the treatment and 1 year follow up period.

Management of Adolescent Acquired Primary Hypothyroidism through Ayurveda: A Case Report

KH Veena — 2026-03-20

Background: Hypothyroidism a frequently found endocrine disorder in adolescents characterised by dysfunction in thyroid gland. Even though after high prevalance hypothyroidism does not attract much attention, 0.3% of children with 2% of adolescents are going through this condition. Very fewer studies described childhood hypothyroidism from an Ayurveda view, as they mainly focus on allopathic treatment. This case outlined holistic Ayurveda management of adolescent acquired primary hypothyroidism, a rarely documented case in adolescents, purely based on holistic treatment without any supplementation. Case Report: A 17 years old female came with generalised weakness, reduced activity, decreased appetite, neck swelling, dry skin, muscle cramps, facial puffiness and hard stools on alternate days for 1 year. Blood investigations revealed a raised serum TSH level, reduced quality of life when assessed on Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale (PedsQL) across multiple domains. Based upon clinical presentation and blood parameters acquired primary Hypothyroidism made as final diagnosis. Intervention: Structured holistic Ayurveda metabolic centred treatment protocol was planned which included oral medication along with structured diet given over 266 days period with 4 follow ups. Oral medications were Kanchanar Guggulu along with Haridra, Tripahala, Sunthi, Khadira, Guduci choorna combination, Triphala Kashaya, Hamsapadiadi kashaya along with dietary measures. Outcomes: After completion of treatment serum TSH level reduced to 1.71 μIU/mL from 7.26 μIU/mL at baseline. Apart from this patient showed gradual improvement in clinical features as well as improved quality of life mean which was 44 at baseline and improved to 79 during last follow up assed on PedsQL. Conclusion: A 266 days with 4 follow ups holistic treatment approach which includes oral medication and diet shown improvement in subjective as well as objective parameters, including serum TSH, quality of life and clinical features in a chronic acquired primary hypothyroidism without any adverse events.

Antimicrobial Screening of Plant-derived extracts against drug resistant bacterial Strains isolated from Diabetic Patients: An In vitro Study

Manisha Jain — 2026-03-20

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant organisms poses a significant challenge to world health. Infections associated with diabetic patients exemplify this phenomenon, as the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms is rising in these infections. Consequently, it is imperative to identify novel sources of anti-infective agents that could offer safe and more cost-effective alternatives to current medications. Therefore, the current work sought to perform an antibacterial evaluation of some crude plant extracts against bacterial strains obtained from diabetic patients. Materials and methods: Antibacterial susceptibility of the bacteria isolated from diabetic patients was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The antibacterial screening of the methanolic extracts obtained from 28 plants, was performed using Agar-well diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of methanolic extracts of Rosa centifolia and Punica granatum showing strongest activity were determined by broth dilution method. Results: Antibacterial susceptibility testing revealed Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter spp. as most susceptible organism, whereas Klebsiella spp. exhibited the greatest resistance, followed by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. Plant extracts of Rosa centifolia (Rose) and Punica granatum (Pomegranate) exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity with a highest inhibition zone of 22.3±1 mm and 22.3±0.57 mm respectively against Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. found completely resistant. Pomegranate and rose found more effective in MIC determination. MIC of pomegranate was determined as 0.5mg/ml against all the tested organisms. Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of Rose and pomegranate showed the highest antibacterial efficacy, possibly due the abundance of antimicrobial phenolic components in the extracts. However, this study provides an in vitro analysis of crude plant extracts, a further detailed Phyto-toxicological analysis can determine the active principle and in vivo toxicity of these plant extracts and they can potentially be employed in alternative or complementary therapies for diabetes-related infections.

Quality Publications for the Globalization of Ayurveda: A Need of the Hour

Vasant Patil — 2026-03-20

The pace of Ayurveda industry growth with respect to herbal drug market, healthcare products and wellness products market is highly remarkable especially after COVID 19 pandemic. Medical tourism also sharing quiet a large amount in the AYUSH market growth. In order to compete with China at global level, there is urgent need of high-quality research and high-quality publications. The department of AYUSH has taken initiatives to establish global center for Traditional medicine (GCTM) at Jamnagar, SPARK, PG-Star, SMART program, AYUSH portal, AYURGENOMICS, Pharmacovigilance for ASU drugs and many more. JAHM wholeheartedly welcome these initiatives. But there is urgent need to expand our research infrastructure, research training center for producing skilled researcher to carry top quality research and generate high quality research data and evidences for globalizing the Ayurveda. The reasons for poor quality publications in ayurveda are – a. Decreased research methods and practical application among the ayurveda fraternity, b. No practical exposure for ayurveda fraternity to learn high quality research skills during PG, doctoral or post-doc level, c. Poor training of researchers, and d. Poor infrastructure. Most of the Ayurveda journals which are not indexed in SCOPUS or PUBMED, are not following any ethics, stringent peer review, reporting standards and guidelines; simply for earning money they are publishing the poor-quality articles. The govt and the related department are acting like mute spectator, not taking any action. Finally, the larger question remains—whom should we blame? Instead of blaming each other, it is time for collective responsibility. I sincerely urge entire Ayurveda fraternity to engage more deeply in meaningful research and high-quality scientific publishing. Let us train our students in rigorous research methodology and ethical scholarly writing. Together, we must take a pledge to produce top-class research and high-quality publications that strengthen the global credibility and scientific foundation of Ayurveda.

Narrative Review of Pesticide Use in India: Current Evidence, Impacts, and Future Outlook from an Ayurvedic Perspective

Sandeep Vishnu Binorkar — 2026-03-20

Background: Pesticide poisoning is an important public health concern in India, a country with an agriculture-based economy. Mainly agrarian economy with heavy dependence on agricultural practices. The widespread overuse of pesticides to increase crop yields and minimize losses to agricultural produce has unintended consequences, including accidental poisoning and adverse health effects among farmers, agricultural workers, and rural communities. Objectives: The Present review explores the socioeconomic implications of pesticide poisoning including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and long-term health complications. Materials and methods: The available literature on the topic under consideration was reviewed in classical Ayurvedic texts. A literature search was also conducted in PubMed, Scopus, the AYUSH Portal, and Government databases related to the concerned topic. Information gathered was analyzed, summarized, and presented. The Boolean operator ‘AND’ and ‘OR’ were used with the key words such as ‘Pesticide poisoning’, ‘India’, ‘Ayurveda’, ‘Public health’, ‘morbidity and mortality’. Results: Challenges of pesticide regulation, monitoring, and enforcement are discussed in light of the need for stricter laws, an effective system of pesticide residue monitoring, and better education of farmers. Above all, intervention strategies to reduce pesticide poisoning should consider promoting integrated pest management, increasing access to safer alternatives, and increasing awareness about proper use and safety precautions for pesticides. Conclusion: Poisoning with pesticides remains a critical issue in India, involving multidisciplinary efforts by government bodies, agricultural institutions, healthcare providers, and local communities. The issue of pesticide poisoning calls for an integrated approach to its solution, encompassing regulatory reforms, improved training, better availability of protective equipment, and the use of sustainable agricultural practices. These initiatives may help to minimize poisoning incidents among farmers, safeguard public health, and provide long-term sustainability to agriculture in India.