Evaluation of Ayurveda and Siddha drugs for adaptogenic and antioxidant activities

Abstract

In modern days Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine has declined due to lack of scientific proof. By providing rational proof to the formulations and standardizing their way of preparation and carrying out various studies with the experimental data s would help in re-establishing their claim which otherwise would become extinct. By the above mentioned approach work we can provide universal acceptance and usefulness to this system of medicine and give recognition to this ancient system of medicine. Oxidative stress resulting from the toxic effects of free radicals on the tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases .Production of free radicals may be greatly induced by exogenous factors like environmental pollutants, drugs, radiation , and pathogens . These reactive oxygen specie (R.O.S) create a homeostatic imbalance which generates oxidative stress and causes cell death and tissue injury. Involvement of R.O.S is implicated in neurodegenerative and other disorders such as Alzheimer s disease , Parkinson s disease , multiple sclerosis , down syndrome , inflammation , viral infection , autoimmune pathology and digestive ulcers. Results The ayurvedic plant Buchanania lanzan and the formulations vidakanachoornam (Ayurvedic Formulation )and Muppu (Siddhaformulation) have revealed significant adaptogenic and antioxidant activity . The comparative study on these drugs revealed that Vidhakanachoornam was the most active followed by the Buchanania lanzan plant extract and Muppu . The leaves of Buchanania lanzan (Fam:Anacardiaceae) are reported to have medicinal value. Phytochemical screening including qualitative chemical examinations and quantitative analysis were carried out using HPTLC techniques. Identification, separation of chemical constituents were carried out on the leaves of Buchanaia lanzan, using, chemical testing, TLC and isolation techniques.The major class of secondary metabolites detected were glycosides, alcoholic compounds and alkaloids..