NEWS LETTER OF
ARMARC
NOVEMBER -2010
Editorial
It has become a fact about a whole amongst
the General Medical Practioners to prescribe antibiotics
without knowing the side-effects or drugs interactions.
Indian people are considered as human guinea-pigs,
available for all types of experiments. They are paying
heavily for unaware and unintelligent prescriptions by
them who prescribe the medicine to just cure in place
of real analytical studies of medicines and their effects
on bodies. Number of antibiotics is allergic to specific
physiological bodies producing shortness of breath,
hives, itching, swelling of lips, face, or tongue, fainting
etc. Some of them have interactions with other
prescriptions like Biaxin (antibiotic) must be avoided
with Reglan (a digestive system drug). These interactions
depend upon the compounds or salts inherited with
medicines. Similar interactions are never far from various
Ayurvedic medicines either in combination with different
Ayurvedic medicines or along with other allopathic
medicines.
Accord in appearance with these, it is duty of
Ayurvedic doctors in particular to be current with latest
information about all possible interaction thinking that
human being is human being not a Guinea pig. Climatic
conditions, availabilities of drugs and proper entity of
individual drugs have also changed in course of time,
reasons are numerous. So following blindly the
commentaries of any author, it is our duty to analyze the
Basic Samhitas in right manner with all practical proofs,
if possible. The world is waiting for Ayurveda. Bring
this in International way.
According to a new study, antibiotics used to
treat pathogenic bacteria may cause to produce
resistance genes for two years even after treatment.
According to Cecilia Jenberg from the Swedish Institute
for Infectious Disease Control, “The long-term presence
of resistance genes in human gut bacteria dramatically
increases the probability of them being transferred to
and exploited by harmful bacteria that pass through the
gut. This could reduce the success of future antibiotic
treatments and potentially lead to new strains of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria.” Same case may also
happen with particular type of Ayurvedic medicine, only
detailed screening with such aspects is needed.
Vol 2.01
14th October, A day of Importance
Number of flowers is in this globe; still Rose is
having its own importance due to its fragrance, its me-
dicinal properties, beauty and innumerable similar at-
tributes. Similarly out of millions of people, only few are
with psyche to create an example for humanity, for kind-
ness and above all for nation by means of creative activi-
ties. Honourable Aroor Ramesh Rao is such a per-
sonality with resembling qualities. 14th October is the day
for the people of this area (Koppa in particular and
Karnataka in broad) to assign a greater social impor-
tance. This was his 81st Birthday and he selected temple
and students to be part of this great day. The reason is
quite obvious as with great attention of spirituality and
future, humanity can be saved. Further this is in core of
science and Karma as our Indus religion and civilization
are concerned. Even this reality is realized by western
countries too. All of these lead ultimately to serve the
people. In each of his creativity, he is well accompanied
with his Ardhangini (half part), Respected Smt. Shantha
Rao. Blessings of God on such soul with number of similar
years to celebrate in his presence (with his wife) are al-
ways prayed from almighty.
In This Issue
1) Musk
2) Myths and Mysteries of Leech Therapy
3) The effect of Shirodhara in Ardita
4) Formulation Profile (Series-A/22)
Grahinimihira Taila
5) Herbal Drug Profile (Series-A/23)
Brihat Sahadevi
 Newsletter of ARMARC 2 NOVEMBER-2010
Musk
Dr. Swati A. Keripale, PG Scholar Dr. P. V. N. R. Prasad, Assistant Professor
P.G. Department of Rasashastra, Dr. N.R.S. Govt. Ayurvedic College,Vijaywada (A.P.)

Musk (Kasturi) is one of the important drugs of animal origin finding a key place in the medical arona
mentarium of physician of the Indian systems of the medicine. The drug is popular by virtue of its beneficial effects.
Though a popular medicine, it is used in cosmetic industry and in view of wide range of utility. It is obtained from a
deer, well known as musk-deer.
Musk-deer: Musk deer is a small graceful unique animal of mountainous terrain of central and north-east Asia. This
is widely distributed from Siberia, Sakhalin, Korea, China to Himalaya region. It is known as ‘Kasturi Mriga’ in
Sanskrit, in Hindi as Masak Nabha and in Bengali as ‘Kastura’. Scientific name for this deer is Moschus moschiferus
Linn. This species is represented by seven races. In India, this deer is found in limits of Himalaya from Kashmir to
Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude of 2440-3660 meters.
Other Races:
Sibiricus – USSR
Sifanicus – China
Parvious – Korea
Arcticus – North-east Siberia
Sachalinensis –Sakhalin Island
Turoui – Sikhote –Alin Mountain
According to Groves (1976) two species namely “Aipines musk deer “(M. sifanicus) and “Forest musk
deer (M. chrysogaster) living are found respectively at altitudes of 3500 meters and 2000-3000 meters in Indian
region.
Characters: This pretty little deer stands about 60 centimetres high at shoulders 90 centimetres long and rarely
exceeds 10 kilogram in weight. The thick coat of adult varies from dark brown specified with gray to sprinkle with
golden red. Fawns have white spots. It can be readily distinguished from other deers in having no antlers and face
glands. It contains a caudal gland. The musk gland, gall bladder and a pain of well developed canine teeth, projecting
downwards from the upper jaw. These canines attain the length of 7-10 cms. Incisors of lower jaw are like spatula.
Tail is small and naked except for a tuft at the tip and base, hidden in the long hair of anal region. The musk gland is
situated beneath the skin of abdomen near the navel and contains secretions from preputial follicles which on drying
turn into grains of musk. The hind legs are long. The large sized hooves are well adapted to give foot hold on snowy
slopes and slippery rocks.
Habits: These deers are found solitary and is shy and secretive. They are active during night hours and also during
dawn and dusk. Their food comprises of herbage, flowers, lichens and mosses. They are of spruce or prickly oak
habitat. Breeding season is reported to be severe cold months (January-February). Young are born usually in June.
One year old deer attains sexual maturity.
Composition and Properties: Musk is composed of alcohol, water, ash, fat, protein. It has slightly bitter taste. The
odorous principle is muskene, a macrocyclic polymethelene ring compound cointaining a keto group with a molecular
wt. 238.40 and boiling point 130°C. It is identified as Tri-methyl-cytopentadecanone which occurs to the extent of
0.5-2.0% in musk. The musk also contains NH3, Olein, Cholesterin, inorganic salts of calcium, potassium and
sodium.The perfume of musk is said to fatigue rapidly the olfactory nerves. The odour is so intense that one part of
musk added to 3000 parts of inert odourless powder is readily detected. Musk grains are reddish brown to black in
colour. They are regular, unctuous with characteristic penetrating, persistent smell.
 Newsletter of ARMARC
Commercialization: Musk is highly esteemed perfume
and a highly valued product of the musk deer. It costs
about US $49000-$5000 per kg in international market.
Various types of musks are marketed as:
Tonquin Musk : It is the costliest and purest variety
obtained from the deer of Chinese, Tibet and Indo-
Chinese provinces. The pods are nearly circular with 5-
7 cm diameter and 2-3 cm thickness. The Tonquin pods
are commonly known as ‘blue skin’. Each pod weighs
about 25-35 gms. It has strong characteristic smell with
bitter taste.
Yuvan Musk: Pods of this type of musk are spherical or
pyriform shaped. It bears exact resemblance to pig eyes
and snout and are called ‘pig-face pods’. It claims equal
status in the market with tonquin musk.
Assam-Nepal musk: These types of pods are small,
nearly spherical and are of about 1/3rd of the weight of
tonquin pods.
Carbardine or Russian musk: These pods are
characteristic greyish white hair like. Musk is moist and
less granular. This is available in two varieties as: Russian
and Chinese.
Artificial musk: Due to demand of musk mainly in
perfumery industry and less availability of animals,
consistent attempts for obtaining good substitute for musk
either from natural or synthetic sources were on. But
unfortunately this had met a partially success.
The known substitutes of musk are “trinitrometa-
tertiary butyl–toluene and the corresponding compounds.
Among these “trinitrobutyl-toluol is considered as the
best. Its odour resembles natural musk and is sold in
market as an artificial musk.
Adulterants: Although many artificial odorous
substances have been introduced the demand for the
genuine musk is increasing progressively and this has
encouraged adulteration of musk with different agents
most common adulterants are dried blood, dried beans,
wheat grains, barley grains with appropriate colouration.
Tests: Though there are several methods designed to
test genuineness of musk by chinese and Tibetians, their
approach is not very scientific as:
3 NOVEMBER -2010
1. Few grains of musk are placed water, if they
remain granular the musk is pure.
2. Few grains are placed on live charcoal piece, if
they melt and bubble, the musk is pure. If at once
they become cinder, it is considered as adulterant.
3. A thread is passed through Asafoetida and then
through musk, if after this the smell of asafoetida
remains, the musk is not pure.
Other sources of musk:
Animal: Besides musk-deer other animals containing
musk like substances are also seen. Civet cats found in
Ethiopia and in some parts of India secrete musk like
substance called ‘civet’. It is secreted by both male and
female animals from the receptacles between anus and
genitalia. Civet is semisolid substance of yellowish-brown
colour. It possesses an unpleasant odour initially which
becomes attractive and pleasant on dilutions. The
odoriferous is ‘cis-isomer, a macrocylic polymethelene
unsaturated ketone. Muskone and Civeton possess
structural similarities with palmitic and oleic acids to a
great extent.
Other animals which possess resemblance to
musk are found as musk duck found in west Australia,
musk rat of California, musk alligator and musk shreus of
Central America and musk Shrews in India.
Plant: There are certain plants which produce musk like
odour. Oil of Ambrella is prominent one whose
odoriferous principle is due to a macrocylic lactone ring
known as ‘Ambrettolide’. Others include oil of Angelica
root which is a macrocylic ring compound ‘Exatolide’.
Bark of Guaria grandifolia and root of Euryangrium.
Uses: Following medicinal uses of Musk are:
1. In perfumery used as fixative usuallyin the form
of Tincture
2. Cardiac and general stimulant
3. Aphrodisiac and antispasmodic
4. Anodyne in low fevers
5. Along Makardhwaja in Urogenital diseases
6. Along Opium in convulsions of children
7. In cases of poisoning ,nausea vomiting and
coughet.
Dose: 250mg/day in divided doses
Properties: Madhura Rasa; Tikta, Katu Anurasa; Ushna
Veerya with the properties of kapha-vatahara.
 Newsletter of ARMARC 4 NOVEMBER -2010
Myths and Mysteries of Leech Therapy Diet – Blood of birds, Fish, Mammals

Dr.Kulkarni Ashwini Ashok, M.D. (Ayu.) Food & Feeding – Carnivore.

Prof. (Dr.) Shridhara B. S., TGAMC, Bellary Habitat – Fresh water.
Relatives – Earthworm, Lugworm.
Anatomy – Segmented body like Earthworm. Sucker at
head & tail end, the one at head surrounds the mouth.
Three jaws & approximately 80 lime teeth. Grow up to
20cm in length. Sheds the skin periodically like snake.
-Growing up – Hermaphroditic, having both male & female
elements. Fertilisation & egg laying occurs during spring,
summer & winter. After mating 15-50 eggs are laid in a
spongy cocoon, above the water line often under stones.
The eggs hatch in 3-5wks & young Leeches need 2
seasons of feeding before they are ready to breed
themselves.
The application of Leeches to patient is relatively
simple, but does require care. As few as one or as many
Leeches are best known for their blood feeding as 6 or more Leeches may be required for a wound,
habits & for their use in the art of Phlebotomy or blood depending upon its size & its clinical response.
letting. It is common to have some fears and qualms
about undergoing Leech therapy. So an attempt is made Indications:
through this article to highlight few unknown facts Today medicinal Leeches are used in treatments
regarding the Leech and Leech therapy. of venous diseases such as thrombophlebitis, angina
Leech is already in use since long time for medical pectoris, arthritis, haematoma, gum disorders & even
purpose.The first recording concerning the use of tinnitus. In eye disorders like haematoma, glaucoma, eye
Leeches in the medicine originates from 1500B.C. It inflammations it is proved to be useful. This is originally
was first used by Greek physician & poet Nikandros of
used to remove ‘bad blood’ but now used extensively by
Colophon in Europe. Now a day it is again a popular
reconstructive surgeons needing to remove stagnant blood
practice.
from flap or re attached limb. Other indications are non
There are several types of Leeches but the one
healing ulcerative lesions like diabetic ulcer, leprotic wound,
used for medical purpose is ‘Hirudo Medicinalis’ with a
filariasis, cellulites, thrombosed third degree piles. Also
brilliant emerald & ruby colour patterning on its dorsal
surface. proved to be effective in skin diseases like eczema,

Interesting facts about Leeches: pimples, psoriasis etc. Research is going on to study the
Continent – Europe, Asia. efficacy of leech in management of M.I & stroke. It is ev-
 Newsletter of ARMARC 5 NOVEMBER -2010

en used in veterinary medicine. Leeches’ main therapeutic benefits are not de-
Contraindications: rived from average 5ml of blood removed during biting.
Blood clotting disturbances, anaemia, allergic
The wound oozes up to 50ml of blood for about 48 hours.
to active substances of Leech, haematological disorders
Leech bites will bleed an average of 6 hours.
etc.
Caution is required with pregnant & satisfying mothers. 6 Leech bites could produce up to 300ml total venous
Leech therapy is only permissible on skin area which is ooze.
well supplied with blood. Cold, palely livid, strongly In order for Leech therapy to be effective, there must be
oedematous skin is unsuitable for Leech. Even it is
a good arterial blood flow to the area & a temporary
unsuitable for local treatment of arterial catch illness &
limited venous flow of the tissue area.
proximity of Gangrene.

Speciality of Leech: Maintenance of medicinal Leeches in Hospital:

Medicinal Leech is a small ‘factory’ on Clean water free from chlorine is necessary for
manufacture of biologically active substances including maintaining leeches. The Leeches are stored in clean
Vaso dilators, Anti coagulants & Anaesthetics. Important
container either of glass, clay or food genuine plastic.
contents of Leech saliva are-
For the short term attitude of up to 100 Leeches are
Hirudin - Anticoagulant, containing 65 amino acids.
sufficient for container in the size of 4 litres of volume.
Calin - Inhibits Collagen mediated Platelet aggregation.
Destabilase – Thrombolytic effect. The container must be filled up to the half with water.

Bdellins – Anti inflammatory. Pond water, tap water free from chlorine or mineral water
Hyaluronidase – Antibiotic. can be used .The container must be well lockable but as
Eglins – Anti inflammatory.
Leech need fresh air, vents not larger than 0.5mm are
Carboxypeptidase A inhibitor –Increases blood flow at
made over the lid. The container should be kept at a
bite site.
darkened and cool place. The Leech stripes its skin every
Histamine like substances – Vaso
dilator. two to three days. Stones at the bottom of the container

Acetyl choline – Vaso dilator.
Anaesthetic substances – Anaesthetic actions.
Besides all above, the substances in Leech saliva
normalises & improves capillary circulation, has anti
stressful & adoptogene effects, does immuno stimulation
& immuno modulation.
are recommended in order to facilitate the skin stripping
of the medicine leech. The water should be changed
every 2-3 days. Mucus from the skin swimming in the
water is normal and indicate that Leeches are healthy
and in a good condition to bite.
*****
 Newsletter of ARMARC
The effect of Shirodhara in Ardita
Dr. Usha Rani B. J., Lecturer, Department of
Kayachikitsa, ALNRMAMC, Koppa
Dr. Shylaja Kumari R., Assistant Professor, GAMC,
Bangalore
(Continued from previous edition..........)
The important factor affecting absorption of lipids:
It is vascularity. Vascularity of the tissue affects the
absorption of the medicament. Highly vascular areas like
the skeletal muscle which have 1000 capillaries /mm2 of
cross section can absorb the drug more easily as a drug
molecule would have to travel only a few microns i.e.
less than a second on an average to reach a capillary.
Thus highly vascular areas like the sublingual, gingival and
buccal areas though small are highly vascular and thus
increase absorption (Remington, 2001). The ability of a
drug to diffuse across membranes is frequently expressed
in terms of its lipid–water partition coefficient rather than
its lipid solubility per se. This coefficient is defined as the
ratio of the concentration of the drug in two immiscible
phases: a nonpolar liquid or organic solvent (frequently
octanol), representing the membrane; and an aqueous
buffer, usually at pH 7.4, representing the plasma.The
partition coefficient is a measure of the relative affinity of
a drug for the lipid and aqueous phases. Increasing the
polarity of a drug, either by increasing its degree of
ionization or by adding a carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amino
group to the molecule, decreases the lipid–water partition
coefficient. Alternatively, reducing drug polarity through
suppression of ionization or adding lipophilic (e.g., phenyl
or t-butyl) groups results in an increase in the lipid–water
partition coefficient. Drugs, like most organic electrolytes,
generally do not completely dissociate (i.e., form ions) in
aqueous solution. Only a certain proportion of an organic
drug molecule will ionize at a given pH. The smaller the
fraction of total drug molecules ionized, the weaker the
electrolyte. As most drugs are either weak organic acids
or bases (i.e., weak electrolytes), their degree of ionization
will influence their lipid-water partition coefficient and
hence, their ability to diffuse through membranes (Craig
and Stitzel). The proportion of the total drug concentration
that is present in either ionized or un-ionized form is dic-
6 NOVEMBER -2010
tated by the drug’s dissociation or ionization constant (K)
and the local pH of the solution in which the drug is
dissolved. The medicated oil used for the purpose carry
the active constituents. They are easily absorbed even
after topical use as being in lipid base.
Probable mode of action: The oil poured onto the
forehead should be lukewarm as it helps in vasodilatation
and thus absorption (Remington, 2001). From the above
explained physiology it is clear how the oil used in
Shirodhara enters circulation. The fall of the oil from a
height and oscillatory movements help to increase the flow
of blood and lymph to the forehead and scalp. Imbalance
of Prâna , Udâna and Vyâna Vâyu, Sâdhaka Pitta,
Buddhivaisheshika Âlochaka Pitta and Tarpaka
Kapha is responsible for the production of ailment seen
in the local region. Tailadhâra reestablishes the functional
integrity between these Doshâs as a result of its
mechanical effect.
Special stimulation of different nerve plexus, glands
and brain cells accompanies mental function of different
type at different levels. The theory of Chakras as the
center of consciousness is based on this fact. Agya Cakra
(midpoint between the eyebrows) is the seat of the
pituitary and pineal gland.
Tailadhâra may stimulate the pituitary gland by its
penetrating effect which may decrease brain cortisone
and adrenaline level; synchronize the brain waves (alpha
waves), its effect continues even after stopping the
procedure. This gives a relaxed state of mind in the patient
which helps to fight the manasika nidanas responsible for
the vata vriddhi.
With Shirodhara the patients relaxes both physically
and mentally. Law of specificity says that excitation of
the receptors give rise to the same sensation regardless
of nature of the stimulus. When a sensory receptor is
activated, it will respond in a specific way, no matter
whether the stimulus used is vibration, pressure, stretch
or other massage. Hence, the physical stimulus from the
dhara therapy could have have helped in stimulating the
affected nerve and thus helping it to restore the normal
functions which was hampered due to kupita vata dosha.
*****
 Newsletter of ARMARC 7 NOVEMBER -2010
Formulation Profile (Series-A/22) Herbal Drug Profile (Series-A/23)
Grahinimihira taila Sahadevibheda (Brihat Sahadevi)
Prof: D.K.Mishra M.D (Ay) 1. Prof. M.Vidyasagar 2. Prof. K.S.Sanjay
Dr.L. Kiran Salunke Niranjan 3. Dr. Hari Venkatesh 4. Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha
J.
Reference: Bhaisajyaratnavali

Preparation:

A medicated Taila prepared from,

1. Kalka dravyas – Dhanyaka dhataki, lodhra,

lajjalu, ativisa, haritaki, ushera, mustaka, jala,

moca, rasanjana, bilwa, nilotpala, patra, kesara,

padmakesara, guduci, indrayava, syama,

padmaka, katurohini, tagara, nalada, bringaraja,

kesaraja, punarnava, amrutvak, kutaja, valkala

yamani and jeeraka.

2. Sesame oil Botanical Source: Whole plants of Sonchus arvensis

3. Takra, using the specific parts and quantity Linn. from family Asteraceae.
Geographical Source: This plant is found in waste
indicated
places and fields throughout India, up to an altitude of
Organoleptic characters:
2,400 meters.
Colour: Greenish-brown in colour Plant Morphology: It is a perennial 50-80 centimeter
Odour: Specific (pleasant) tall herb or undershrub with hollow stem. Leaves are 4.5
Analytical parameters: to 20 cm long and 1.8 to 5 cm broad. They are

Loss on drying at 1100 c
Refractive index 400 c
Acid value
Saphonification value
Iodine value
Therapeutic indications : Grahani, atisara, jwara, kasa,
: 0.23 % w/w oblanceolate, elliptic-oblong or lyrately pinnatified and
glabrous. Flowers are in heads. Heads are 1 to 1.5 cm
: 1.4652
broad and pale-yellow in colour. They are in terminal,
: 3.12
irregular, dense umbellate cymes. Fruits are achene type.
: 191
Achenes are 0.2 to 0.25 cm long obconical and yellowish-
: 98 brown in colour.
Constituents: The plant contains amino acids, lipids,

hikka, shvasa, kamala, polymeric hydrocarbons, polyphenols, protein; alpha-and

beta- amyrins, lupeol, pseudotaraxasterol, taraxasterol.
prameha
The latex contains mannitol, alpha-and beta-
Dose : 10-15 gm
lactucerols.Aerial parts and fruits contain ceryl alcohol,
 Newsletter of ARMARC
alcohol, choline, palmitic, tartaric and stearic acids. Seven
flavonoids were identified as luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside,
apigenin, apigenin-3-glucoside, quercetin, quercetin-3-
glucoside and quercetin-3-galactoside. Three were
phenolic acids viz., caffeic, chlorogenic and isochlorogenic
and two were coumarins e.g., aesculetin and cichoriin.
Uses:
Whole Plant: Sedative, hypnotic, anodyne, expectorant,
diuretic, used for nervous debility.
Seeds: Used for asthma, bronchitis, cough, pertussis,
fever; decoction in insomnia.
Leaves: Applied to swellings.
Root: Used for diseases of the respiratory tract.
New Reseacrhes In Medical Science
• An international team of scientists has
identified the deletion of a genomic region on
.
chromosome 17 as a significant risk factor for
autism
. spectrum disorders (ASD) and
schizophrenia.
• Beet root juice increases the blood flow
and helps to prevent dementia.
• According to British Scientists,
supercharged broccoli may help to fight cancer.
• Yoga may have power to fight
fibromyalgia.
For All Pharmacopoeial Analysis, Standardization
of Single as well as Compound Drugs, with
Spectrophotometer, Flame Photomeneter, Photo-
micrograph etc. at nominal charges Contact:
Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha CIPR, DIM, PGDEE, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Quality Control Laboratories, ALN Rao Me-
morial Medical College, Koppa
Your Suggestions and Queries are invited.
Editor: Prof (Dr.) M.Vidyasagar
Printed and Published by ARMARC on behalf of Honourable A. Ramesh Rao, Koppa, Chikmagalur Dt., Karnataka - 577126, India
(No. KARENG/2002/7924, RNI, New Delhi)
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8 NOVEMBER-2010
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