EDITORIAL BOARD

E D I T O R I A L

Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana are branches of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical science that deal with the development of formulations derived from herbal, mineral, metallic, marine sources, gemstones, etc. These drugs are subjected to processes such as purification, incineration, and other pharmaceutical procedures before being employed in various formulations. When certain ingredients of a formulation are rare, expensive, or available only at certain locations, Ayurveda employs alternative drugs (Pratinidhi Dravyas) to maintain the desired therapeutic effect. In Ayurvedic pharmacology and pharmaceutics, when original drugs are not available, suitable substitute drugs are used. The substitutes and Sandigdha Dravyas (controversial drugs) are chosen carefully to ensure that they provide the intended therapeutic benefit while maintaining the efficacy of the final product.

Ayurveda is an ancient science with its own foundational principles and unique concepts. Within Ashtang Ayurveda, Kaumarbhritya Tantra holds a place of great significance, comparable to the primacy of Agni among the deities. A healthy, long life is essential for fulfilling the four Purusharthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. To understand and apply the science of Ayurveda that guides this journey, Vidheyata (discipline and receptiveness) is regarded as an essential quality. Children form the foundation of a nation’s growth and development; and therefore, a careful attention must be given from conception through adolescence. Although degenerative changes naturally increase with age, Ayurveda emphasizes that proper diet and Snehana during childhood can enhance skin tone, texture, vitality, and long-term well-being, offering benefits that persist into old age. This highlights the preventive and promotive value of Ayurvedic pediatrics. Snehana Dravyas are characterized by Guru (heaviness), Sheeta (coolness), Sara (mobility), Snigdha (unctuousness), Manda (mildness), Mridu (softness) and Drava (liquidity). Substances used for Rukshana therapy possess qualities opposite to these. Among oleating substances, Sarpi (ghee), Majja (bone marrow), Vasa (muscle fat) and Taila (oil) are considered best, with ghee being the foremost due to its digestibility, non-irritating nature, and physiological compatibility. Introducing ghee and non-vegetarian soups in Alpa Matra during childhood supports easy digestion and Vatanulomana. When practiced judiciously, daily Snehapana contributes to improved growth, development, and long-term child health, reflecting both classical Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary relevance.

Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (TON) is a vision-threatening condition caused by damage to the optic nerve, usually following head or ocular trauma. This conceptual review analyzes TON from both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives, focusing on etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, and correlates it with the classical Ayurvedic entity Abhighatajanya Vataprakopaj Drishtinash. Relevant ophthalmology literature, Ayurvedic classical texts, research articles, and online sources were reviewed, with special emphasis on Ayurvedic management, particularly Panchakarma therapies such as Basti, Nasya, and Netratarpan. Evidence from case reports and reviews suggests that, when initiated early, these Ayurvedic interventions may support recovery of damaged optic nerve fibers and potentially improve visual outcomes in TON, indicating a promising complementary role alongside modern management.

Wilson’s Disease (WD) is a rare autosomal genetic disease characterized by the accumulation of copper in the body, also known as hepatolenticular degeneration. Primary accumulation occurs in the liver and subsequently in the brain, leading to fatal damage to organs if not treated on time. The disease is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene; this defect in the gene prevents the excretion of copper through bile. As the disease has a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from hepatic failure, splenomegaly, and jaundice to neuropsychiatric manifestations such as tremors, dysarthria, and mood disturbances, it often leads to a delay in diagnosis. This article aims to raise awareness among the family physicians and primary care providers to facilitate early diagnosis. Timely initiation of treatment can halt disease progression, reverse organ damage, and ensure a near-normal life expectancy, underscoring the need for a high index of suspicion and prompt intervention.

Giant inguinoscrotal hernias are large inguinal hernias that extend below the midpoint of the inner thigh in a standing position. This case study aims to describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and postoperative outcome of a patient with a giant inguinoscrotal hernia. A 60-year-old male presented with a massive right inguinoscrotal swelling present for 30 years, causing discomfort and difficulty in mobility. Clinical examination and imaging confirmed a giant inguinoscrotal hernia containing small bowel loops and omentum. After appropriate preoperative optimization, the patient underwent elective hernioplasty using a combined inguinal and lower midline abdominal approach to allow safe reduction of the hernia contents and a tension-free mesh repair. Intraoperatively, gradual reduction was necessary to prevent a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to loss of domain. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the postoperative day 12. At followup, the patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence. This case highlights that giant inguinoscrotal hernias, though rare, require meticulous preoperative planning, a well-chosen surgical approach, and careful postoperative monitoring. Early diagnosis and timely surgical management are essential to prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes.

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a prevalent and painful oral mucosal disorder often managed symptomatically in conventional medicine. In Ayurveda, this ailment corresponds to Mukhapaka, arising primarily from the systemic vitiation of Pitta Dosha and subsequent metabolic impairment (Agnimandya). A 37-year-old male software engineer presented with a chronic, non-healing oral ulcer (approximately 1 cm, consistent with Major Aphthous Ulcer) of one month’s duration, characterized by severe burning pain, redness, and a yellowish base. Previous conventional treatments, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and local Zylocaine application, offered only minimal and temporary pain relief, failing to promote complete healing. A comprehensive protocol was implemented based on the principles of Pittaja Mukhapaka management, emphasizing Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors), Agni Deepana (strengthening digestive fire), Pitta Shamana (pacification of Pitta), and Vrana Ropana (wound healing). The treatment involved internal administration of Avipattikara Churna and Yashtimadhu Ghrita, alongside local therapies such as chewing Khadiradi Vati, performing Gandusha (oil pulling) with Triphala Kwath, and Pratisarana (local application) of Yashtimadhu–Honey paste. The patient demonstrated significant reduction in symptoms (pain and redness) by Day 7. By Day 14, the ulcer had completely epithelialized, and the patient reported being asymptomatic. This rapid resolution indicates a successful reversal of the chronic inflammatory state. This case report illustrates the effectiveness of a holistic, multi-modal Ayurvedic approach in achieving complete and rapid resolution of a chronic, non-healing oral ulcer linked to systemic Pitta vitiation and emotional stress. The findings underscore the therapeutic superiority of addressing the root metabolic and constitutional causes over purely symptomatic palliative care..

Sthoulya (obesity) is a growing global health problem characterized by excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu (fat tissue), leading to various metabolic disorders. Acharya Charaka mentioned Atisthula as one of the Nindita Purusha in the Sutrasthan. It is characterized by symptoms such as heaviness and bulkiness of the body due to excessive growth in the Udaradi (abdomen) region. According to Ayurveda, Sthoulya is a Santarpanjanya Vyadhi. The treatment plan for Sthoulya is Guru and Apatarpan Chikitsa. Basti is not only indicated for Vata diseases but is also effective in morbid Pitta and Kapha. Madhutalika Basti is a type of Yapana Basti. This Basti contains Madhu and Taila in equal proportions and excess quantity. A single case study was conducted on a 37-year-old female patient presenting with symptoms of Sthoulya and was treated with Madhutailika Basti for 15 days. The patient showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms following Basti Karma, along with a reduction in body mass index (BMI). The results suggest that Madhutalika Basti possess Lekhana, Medohara and Strotoshodhana properties.

Urethral stricture causes obstructive urinary symptoms and shows high recurrence after dilatation or urethrotomy. In Ayurveda, it correlates with Mutravaha Srotodushti; Uttarbasti is indicated for Mutramarga Sankocha. This study was undertaken to evaluate Uttarbasti using Tila Taila–Saindhava–Madhu (Shodhana) and Yashtimadhu Ghrita (Vranaropaka) along with graded dilatation in membranous urethral stricture. A 59-year-old male with nocturia (7–8 times), straining, weak stream, and incomplete emptying (confirmed by uroflowmetry, USG, retrograde urethrography) received Uttarbasti for 4 weeks on alternate days: Weeks 1–3: Dilatation with Nelaton catheters, often called Nel Catheters, (8-18 Fr) plus 45 mL emulsion (Tila Taila 20 g, Madhu 10 g, Saindhava 5 g); Week 4: Yashtimadhu Ghrita 30 mL. Outcomes assessed were frequency, pain, burning, emptying sensation, stream strength. Post-therapy, nocturia reduced to 1–2 times, pain and burning were absent, incomplete emptying sensation resolved and the urinary, stream was forceful without straining. No adverse effects were noted. These outcomes may be attributed to the pharmacodynamic properties of the formulations used: Tila Taila (Snigdha, Vata-shamaka) helps lubricate fibrotic tissue; Saindhava (Lekhana) helps clear channels; and Madhu (Yogavahi) enhances penetration. Yashtimadhu Ghrita promotes mucosal healing, thereby preventing re-stricture. In this case, Uttarbasti achieved complete symptomatic relief safely, positioning it as a minimally invasive Ayurvedic option for urethral stricture. However, larger clinical trials are needed to further validate its efficacy and safety.