Formulation And Evaluation Of Ashwagandha Kalpa Of Ayurveda For Apasmara (Epilepsy)

A Seizure is a paroxysmal alteration of neurological function caused by the excessive hypersynchronous discharge of neurons in the brain.  The Word epilepsy is derived from the Greak epilepsia ,which in turn can be broken into epi =UPON & Lepsis= To take & hold of or a Seizure.(2) Epilepsy is the condition of recurrent,unproveked Seizure I.e nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed causing Seizure.(1)

       
           
       
  Figure 1 : Person Suffering from Seizure .

In ayurveda there are num. Of way by which epilesy symptoms can treat and one of the  common method is Kalpa.  The literally meaning of  word kalpa is to grow or to increase. Kalpa is kind of ayurvedic rejuvenation theropy or age reversing treatment that retards the ageing process by boosting immunity , vitality & vigour.The concept of Kalpa chikitsa in the mangement of chronic disease is known since samhita kala .The kalpa chikitsa is a unique approach of therpy,where a specific drug is administered in a gradually increasing dose .

Table 1. Seizure types  and Characteristics of 1981 proposal for revised clinical and electroencephalographic classification of epileptic Seizure.

If we take a look at any neuron in the brain,well fi well find out two types of neurons acting on its to control it’s function. The first one is called as excitatory neuron that when fires (activetes) active the neighbouring nerves cells & while the second is called as inhibitory neurons & when it fires (activates) it stops those neurons from working and these two different types of neurons work together in a balanced mannar to coordinate the work of other nerve cells. Neurons in the brain communicate with each other through chemical knows as neurotransmitter so excitatory neurotransmitter as glutamate while the inhibitory neurotransmitter as GABA & anti epileptic drug and herbal drug show action inon acting on this receptor.

1. Genetic:  Childhood absence epilepsy, Juvenile absence & juvenile myoclonic epilepsy,Dravet syndrome.
2. Structural: Stroke, Tumor, Alzheimer disease,Head trauma, Vascular malformation,Neural development lesions.
3. Immune: Anti – NMDA Receptor encephalitis.Antoimmune ecephalitis.
4. Metabolic: Hyperthermia, hyperglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, mitochondrial disease.
5. Infection : Neurocysticercosis,Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) , Cerebral toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, cytomegalo virus.

SCENARIO :

1. Worldwide there are an estimated at least 65 million people living with epilesy(4)& 2.2 million people in the United States (8)
2. In low & middle income countries, estimates of the corresponding rate are generally higher (6)(4)& (5).
3. According to WHO (World health organization)is estimated India about 1%of population .(2).

SOCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT :

Patients with epilepsy had significantly higher rates of health-related contacts and medication use and a higher socioeconomic cost, lower employment rates, and income compared with control subjects. These effects were identified up to 8 years before diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE :

1. In this  article focus on broad concept I e. pathophysiology, ,types and herbal drug which is mostly use in epilepsy .
2. The main goal of article to give complete information about epilepsy and herbal drugs.
3. This kalpa provide anticonvulsant properties, neuroprotective property,stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep quality & anti – inflammatory effect .

ADVANTAGES OF KALPA :

1. Reduce the seizure.
2. Stress reduction.
3. Improve cognitive function.
4. Neuroprotective effect.
5. Cardiovascular health.
6. Hormonal balance.
7. Antioxidant & anti – inflammatory effect.
8. Blood pressure regulation.
9. Digestive health..

PLANT PROFILE :

1. Ashwagandha :

Synonyms:

Indian ginseng, Winter cherry,ajagandh,kanase etc.

Botanical Name :

Withania Somnifera.

       
           
       
    Figure 3 :  Ashwagandha.

Biological Sources  :

Ashwagandha consists of the dried mature roots of Withania Somnifera Dunal.

Family:

Solanaceae.

Geographical Source:

South Africa , Egypt, Congo , Pakistan, in India it is a found in M.P. , U.P. , Panjab, Gujrat and Rajsthan.

Chemical Constituents:

Pyrazole alkaloids: With a somnine,uschohygrine,anahygrine,anaferine; steroidal .  Lactone: Withanolides.

Uses :

1. Reduce anxiety.
2. Diabetes.
3. Boost fertility.
4. Improve brain function.
5. Lowers stress.
6. Improve memory.
7. Uses in Insomnia.

2. Brahmi:

Synonyms:

water hyssop ,Indian Pennywort  ,  Kapotvadka ,Somvalli & Saraswati etc .

Botanical Name:

Bacopa Monnieri.

       
           
       
    Figure 4 : Brahmi

Biological Sources:

Brahmi is the fresh or dried herb of Centella asiatica (L.) (syn. Hydrocotyl asiatica Linn.).  

Family: 

Umbelliferae.

Geographical Source:

Native to the wetlands of southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America.

 Chemical Constituents:

Hersaponin, apigenin, D-mannitol, monnierasides I-III, plantainoside B and cucurbitacin; the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine and nicotine.

Uses:

1. In Ayurvedic medicine, brahmi ,has been used as a solution for seizures.
2. Managae the symptoms of anxiety .
3. Reduce stress 
4. Memory booster.
5. Reduces blood pressure.
6. Treatment of Insomnia.
7. Cures urinary problems.

3. Sarpagandha :

Synonyms: 

Indian snakeroot, Rauwolfia serpentina, snakeroot, snakewood, serpentine, Racine de Serpent, Raudixin,Nakuli, nakuleshta, bhujangakshi, gandhanakuli, sarpangi, suarasa, mukta, dhavalavitapa, chandramara etc .

Botanical Name

Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. Ex Kurz.

       
           
       
    Figure 4 : Sarpagandha .

Biological Source : 

It consist of the dried rhizome and roots of Rauwolfia serpentine.

Family :

Apocynaceae.

Geographical sources :

It is also found in India Burma, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Paki-stan and Java. In India it occurs in the sub-Himalayan, Assam, especially in Dehradun, Siwalik range, Rohelkhand, Gorakhpur ascending to 1,300 m, east and west ghats of Tamil Nadu, in Bihar (Patna and Bhagalpur), Konkan, Karnataka and Bengal.

Chemical Constituent :

Ajmalicidine, ajmalicine, reserpine, sargagine, serpentine, serpentinine, ajamline, rauwolfinine, serpinine etc.

Uses :

1. Relieve from depression.
2. Use in Insomnia.
3. Production of sleep – inducing .
4. Blood pressure – lowering drugs .
5. Improve digestion.

4. Vacha :

Synonyms : 

Calamus, sweet calomel, sweet flag, sweet sedge, myrtle flag, Haimavati, Sadgrantha, Bach, Vekhand, etc.

Botanical Name :

Acorus calamus Linn. (Acoraceae).

Figure 5 : Vacha.

Biological Sources:

Calamus consists of dried rhizomes of Acorus calamus Linn.

Family :

Araceae

Geographical source :

Marshy tracts of Kashmir, Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Manipur and the Naga hills. It is regularly cultivated in Koratagere Taluk in Karnataka and other parts of India.

Chemical Constituents :

Acolamone, acorenone, acoragermacrone, acoramone, acorone, calacone, calcorene, calamine, calamenol, calamone, calamenone, calarene etc

Uses :

1. It is extensively used in the management of epilepsy in the ancient texts.
2. Neuroprotective.
3. Reduces inflammation.
4. Antioxidant.
5. It improves your memory.
6. Nervine stimulant.
7. Anticonvulsant .

5. Jatamansi:

Synonyms :

Tapasvini, nalada, pista, mura, jata, vilomasha, butajata, mansi,Spikenard etc.

Botanical Name :

Nardostachys jatamansi.

Figure 6: Jatamansi

6. ---

   Jatamansi

Biological Sources:

It consists of dried Rhizome, stolons and roots of Valeriana wallichii DC.

Family :

Valerianaceae.

Geographical Source:

found abundant in Himalayas, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Chemical Constituents :

Sesquiterpenoids,Monoterpenes,Alkaloids,,Flavonoids,Glycosides,Triterpenoi-ds,Coumarins etc.

Uses :

1. Helps to balance all the three doshas & reduces the episodes of seizures.
2. Boosting memory.
3. Treat Insomnia.
4. Manage blood pressure.
5. Nerve relaxing smell
6. Enhance nervous function.
7. Arjuna :

Synonyms:

Dhananjaya, Kaakubha, Kakubha, Aartagala, Indravriksha, Paartha, Virataru, Viravriksha.

Botanical Name:

Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) W. & A

Figure 7 : Arjuna

Biological Source:

Arjuna consists of dried stem bark of the plant known as Terminalia arjuna Rob.

Family:

Combretaceae.

Geographical Source :

Arjuna usually refers to the bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree, native to India.

Chemical constituent : 

Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, saponins, sterols and minerals are the major constituents of T. arjuna

Uses :

1. Anti – inflammatory effects.
2. Antioxidant properties.
3. Cardiovascular health.
4. Wound healing.
5. Liver support.
6. Respiratory health.
7. Diuretic action.
8. Shatavari :

Synonyms :

Satavri, shatamuli, bahusuta, vari, narayani, shatapadi, pivari, indivari, bhiru, shatvirya etc .

Botanical Name:

Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Figure 8: Shatavari

Biological Source :

It consists of dried roots and leaves of plant.

Family:

Liliaceae.

Geographical Source :

West Bengal and south and central India.

Chemical constitutes :

steroidal saponins known as shatavarins, oligosaccharides, mucilage, isoflavones, alkaloids, flavonoids like rutin and quercetin and sterols such as sitosterols.

Uses :

1. Used in treatment of epilepsy.
2. Manage anxiety.
3. Use in alcohol withdrawal.
4. Used to attempt to treat conditions related to hormone imbalance such as polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS) and infertility.
5. Support immune system.
6. Improve digestion issues.
7. Support female reproductive system.
8. Promotes fertility.
9. Helps to regulate menstrual cycle.

EXTRACTION METHOD:

Extraction is the first step to separate the desired natural products from the raw materials . There are num.of extraction method are available for separation of desired product form material.   So here Maceration extraction method are use .

Maceration :

 The maceration method is a simple extraction technique where the drug substance is soaked in a solvent (usually alcohol or water) to extract its active compounds.

Procedure :

1. 5 gm powder of Ashwagandha, Sarpagandha, Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi, Arjuna & Shatavari taken and weigh aqurately.
2. Then each powder mix in 25 ml water & stand for 48 hr with frequent agitation,until soluble matter is dissolved.
3. After 48 hrs & filter with Whatman no .1 filter paper.
4. Collect the filtrate.

Figure 9 : Extraction Of Herbal drugs.

1. Identification test of alkaloids for :  Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Shatavari.

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METHOD :

1. All herbs powder are weigh accurately.
2. Sugar / jaggery are dissolved in water at 70 °C
3. Then ashwagandha and remaining all powder are added in water & stirr well to avoid lump formation.
4. After  some minutes then add cardamom powder & mix well .
5. Turn the heat off.
6. Dry this mixture & pass through 120 nu.mesh.
7. Dry the granules in hot air oven at 100 ° C for 15 min.
8. Store in tightly closed container.

1. Colour

Brown colour .

2. Odour:

Warm, sweet, and slightly spicy due to addition of cardamom powder.

3. Test :

Sweet.

4. pH :

1 gm of ashwagandha Kalpa is dissolved in 20 ml of distilled water & stand for it 2 hrs .after then filter it .Take filtrate and check the pH by using pH meter.

5. Loss of drying :

Loss on drying (LOD) is a common technique used to determine the moisture content of a substance by measuring the weight loss after drying. The formula for calculating loss on drying is:

6. Ash value :

Ash value is a measure of the total amount of inorganic material present in a sample after it has been completely burned off. It’s often used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to determine the purity of herbal drugs and organic substances. The formula for calculating ash value is:

FUTURE SCOPE :

1. Nutraceutical.
2. Health and wellness Industry
3. Use as anxiety reducer.
4. The pharmaceutical industry might explore the therapeutical potential of such formulations for specific health conditions.

EXPECTED OUTCOME:

This   Ashwagandha Kalpa, which contains Sarpagandha, Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi, Arjuna, and Shatavari, could vary depending on individual health conditions and purposes. However, generally, it’s often used to promote overall well-being, reduce seizure, reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, support heart health, and boost immunity. Each of these herbs has its own unique benefits, and together they may synergistically contribute to these outcomes.

RESULT: