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Background: The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide. Due to the side effects associated with modern drugs, there is a need for an alternative treatment for obesity management. Triphala (TP), a polyherbal formulation from Ayurveda, is used by Ayurvedic physicians for weight loss. Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of TP on obesity at the biochemical, histological, and molecular levels. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (125–150 g, 6–7 weeks old) were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for total of 48 days. From day 24 to day 48, along with HFD, rats were given an aqueous extract of TP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day) or atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg/day). Biochemical parameters were estimated in serum. Histopathology was done for the liver and adipose tissue. Levels of the genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Monoamine levels were estimated from the brain tissue. Results: At the end of the study (day 48), compared to only HFD receiving group (DC), all TP-treated groups showed a significant decrease in body weight, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and noradrenaline levels. High-density lipoprotein, adiponectin, superoxide dismutase, serotonin, and dopamine levels were found to be increased compared to DC rats. Expression of various genes involved in lipid metabolism was found to be down regulated only in TP 100 group compared with DC. Additionally, all TP groups showed a reduction in adipocyte size and restored monoamine levels. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of TP had shown an anti-obesity effect as demonstrated by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress, adipocyte size, and modulation of expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the wide usage of Triphala for large number of therapeutic indications, ethno medicinal practice of extract preparation viz. extracting the three plants together (sample A) and mixing the extracts of three plants prepared separately (sample B), were compared. Both the test samples were analyzed with respect to their physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacological profiles. In case of physicochemical properties, ash values and moisture content of both samples were comparable. Sample A showed less acidic nature and high water soluble extractive (96.15±1.7) value which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Phytochemical estimation of gallic acid and ellagic acid by high-performance thin-layer chromatography showed higher content in sample B (-97.7 ng/µg) and sample A (-49.2 ng/µg) respectively. Pharmacological activity of both the samples was comparable for total phenol content, total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. Although both samples inhibited the activities of acetylcholine esterase and lipase in a concentration dependent manner; sample B showed better activity. Usually, multi-plant extracts were proven more superior over single plant extracts. In our study extract prepared by mixing the extracts of 3 plants prepared separately showed better pharmacological activity profile than the extract prepared by extracting the three plants togethers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Osteoarthritis is the single most common cause of disability in older adults with an estimated 10% to 15% prevalence in individuals above 60 years. The contemporary medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acetaminophen, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and surgical interventions. In view of safety issues regarding their longterm use, necessitating search for effective and safe alternatives, we evaluated Capsule Longvida®, Optimized Curcumin prepared using solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) technology in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients and methods: Eligible patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology Criteria were randomized to SLCP group (400 mg twice daily delivering 80 mg of curcumin per capsule) or Ibuprofen with placebo group (400 mg each once daily) for 90 days. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used for clinical assessment of knee pain and function. Degree of knee flexion and swelling were also noted. Blood biochemistry included hemogram, blood urea, creatinine, Random blood sugar and inflammatory markers viz. PGE2, TNF α, IL6, IL1β and LTB4 while urine examination included degenerative marker CTX II. The parametric data was analyzed using unpaired t test while non-parametric data was analyzed using Friedman's test or Mann Whitney t test as applicable. A level of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 50 recruitments, 25 from the Ibuprofen group and 17 from the SLCP group completed the study with significant improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores indicating comparable efficacy of SLCP in alleviating pain with Ibuprofen. None of the markers displayed significant changes. Except one withdrawal in the study group due to rash and itching, the study drug was found safe. Conclusions: SLCP in a dose of 160 mg daily was found to be effective and safe in alleviating symptoms in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis when administered for 90 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Acid peptic disorders., Aims: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and acceptability of pomegranate effervescent granules (PEGs) in dyspeptic patients., Settings and Design: It was a single-arm, open-labeled prospective multicentric clinical study, done at 3 centers: Vishwanand Kendra, Pune; Bharati Ayurved Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, and M. A. Podar Medical Ayurved Hospital, Mumbai. The co-ordinating site was Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune., Materials and Methods: The granules, prepared from peel extract of pomegranate, were made available in sachets of 2.5 g with dose of, 1 sachet dissolved in 200 ml (1 cup) of water, twice a day after meals for 28 days. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores to assess symptoms of acid peptic disorders at day 0, 15, and 29 along with the taste of formulation were the main study outcomes., Statistical Analysis Used: Parametric data, presented as mean ± standard deviation, were analyzed using paired t-test, while nonparametric data presented as median (range) was analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square test., Results: The median GSRS score reduced from 14 on day 0-10 and then 5 on day 15 and day 29, respectively, with statistical significance. The formulation was found to taste good by ~80% of patients, while ~20% reported it to be palatable and none found it to be bad in taste., Conclusion: PEGs proved to be palatable, patient-friendly, safe, and efficacious in resolving symptoms of dyspepsia in acid peptic disorders., Ctri Registration: The trial was registered retrospectively in the Clinical Registry of India [CTRI/2017/07/008999]., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: Osteoarthritis is the single most common cause of disability in older adults with an estimated 10% to 15% prevalence in individuals above 60 years. The contemporary medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acetaminophen, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and surgical interventions. In view of safety issues regarding their longterm use, necessitating search for effective and safe alternatives, we evaluated Capsule Longvida ® Optimized Curcumin prepared using solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) technology in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients and methods: Eligible patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology Criteria were randomized to SLCP group (400 mg twice daily delivering 80 mg of curcumin per capsule) or Ibuprofen with placebo group (400 mg each once daily) for 90 days. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used for clinical assessment of knee pain and function. Degree of knee flexion and swelling were also noted. Blood biochemistry included hemogram, blood urea, creatinine, Random blood sugar and inflammatory markers viz. PGE2, TNF α, IL6, IL1β and LTB4 while urine examination included degenerative marker CTX II. The parametric data was analyzed using unpaired t test while non-parametric data was analyzed using Friedman's test or Mann Whitney t test as applicable. A level of p <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 50 recruitments, 25 from the Ibuprofen group and 17 from the SLCP group completed the study with significant improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores indicating comparable efficacy of SLCP in alleviating pain with Ibuprofen. None of the markers displayed significant changes. Except one withdrawal in the study group due to rash and itching, the study drug was found safe. Conclusions: SLCP in a dose of 160 mg daily was found to be effective and safe in alleviating symptoms in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis when administered for 90 days., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.