Abstract :
The drug Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is said to act on Tamaka Shwasa by texts as well as by researches. In the present study, Tulsi was converted into a new formulation, that is, aerosol and was given to patients of Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma). It was observed that the aerosol formulation acted faster and showed good results in patients.
Keywords :
Tulsi, arka, aerosol, Tamaka Shwasa
Introduction :
When "PranaVayu" is not performing its normal physiological functions (vitiated) and becomes defiled (Viguna), obstructed by Kapha and moves in opposite direction, that is, upward, and is unable to perform normal functions, the condition is known as Shwasa Roga
1. The disease is called Tamaka as the attack of the disease precipitates at night and during the state of attack dyspnoea becomes so severe that patient feels he s entering into darkness
2. The drug Tulsi is included in ShwasharaMahakashaya by Acharya Charka
3. Aerosol is a colloid system in which solid or liquid particles are suspended in a gas, especially a suspension of a drug or other substance to be dispensed in a fine spray or mist
4. Aerosol therapy is widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases like bronchial Asthma
5. In the present study, the drug Tulsi was converted into aerosol form and given to the patients of Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma).
Aims and objectives :
- To prepare newer formulation aerosol from the Tulsi plant
- To evaluate the effect of Tulsi aerosol in the patients of Tamaka Shwasa.
Materials and methods :
Pharmaceutical study -
1. Tulsi was converted into arka form by the following method-
In the first step, fresh TulsiPanchang was cleaned with water and cut into small pieces. Then it was transferred into a distillation apparatus with attached condenser. Ten parts water was added to the Tulsi pieces and the apparatus was closed securely. The apparatus was heated to 100
0C and temperature was maintained for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes the temperature was reduced to 50
0C and was maintained throughout the procedure. Arka started draining out of the receiver after 40 to 45 minutes. First 5 to 7 drops were not collected. Arka was collected upto 10% amount of water. Then further heating was stopped. The collected arka was stored in an air tight glass bottle
Tulsi aerosol -
The arka was put into a nebulizer and was administered in form of aerosol
Clinical study -
- Patients of Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma) were selected irrespective of their sex, religion etc. from O.P.D. and I.P.D. of Rasashastra and BhaishajyaKalpana Department including drug research, I.P.G.T. & R.A., G.A.U., Jamnagar.
- Routine haematological (WBC, ESR, AEC) and Urine and Stool examination was carried out in all patients to assess the condition of disease and to exclude any other pathology.
Dose of the aerosol (given in nebulizer) -
Tulsi Inhaler (nebulizer) 2ml - 5 min / wk.
Duration of Clinical study - 28 days
Follow up period - one month
Criteria for assessment :
Efficacy of trail drug was analyzed in terms of relief produced in cardinal signs and symptoms before after treatment by a specially prepared proforma.
Table 1 :
OVERALL EFFECT OF THERAPY
| Effect |
Percentage of Relief |
| Complete remission |
100% |
| Markedly improved |
In between 75% to 100% |
| Moderately improved |
In between 50% to 75% |
| Mildly improved |
In between 25% to 50% |
| Unchanged |
Less than 25% |
Observations :
The study was conducted in 10 patients and following observations were made
- 60 % patients had Mandagni and KruraKoshtha
- Family history was absent in all the patients
Table 2 :
CARDINAL SYMPTOM WISE DISTRIBUTION
| Symptoms |
Number of patients |
Percentage |
| Shwasakashtata |
10 |
100 |
| Kasa |
08 |
80 |
| Peenasa |
07 |
70 |
| Shirograha |
02 |
20 |
| Kaphastheevan |
03 |
30 |
| Rhonchi |
10 |
100 |
It was observed that Shwaskashtha and Ronchi were found in all the patients (Table 2).
Results :
Table 3 :
EFFECT OF TULSI AEROSOL ON THE CARDINAL SYMPTOMS
| Sr. No. |
N |
Cardinal symptoms |
Mean score |
% of relief |
SD
(±) |
SE
(±) |
t |
P |
| |
|
|
B.T. |
A.T. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
10 |
Shwasa Vega frequency |
3.7 |
1.9 |
48.64 |
1.31 |
0.416 |
4.32 |
< 0.001 |
| 2 |
10 |
Intensity |
1.2 |
0.2 |
83.33 |
0.471 |
0.149 |
6.708 |
<0.001 |
| 3 |
10 |
Duration of attacks |
1.4 |
1.0 |
28.57 |
0.516 |
0.163 |
2.449 |
<0.05 |
| 4 |
10 |
Kasa |
1.5 |
0 |
100 |
0.527 |
0.166 |
9 |
<0.001 |
| 5 |
10 |
KaphaNishtivanama |
1.8 |
0 |
100 |
0.918 |
0.290 |
6.194 |
<0.001 |
| 6 |
4 |
Peenasa |
3 |
0.3 |
90 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
11 |
<0.01 |
| 7 |
2 |
Urah Shula |
1 |
0 |
100 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 8 |
8 |
KantheGhurghurakama |
1.75 |
0 |
100 |
0.462 |
0.163 |
10.692 |
<0.001 |
It was observed that, there was 48.64% relief in Shwasa Vega frequency which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). There was relief in intensity up to 83.33% which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). Relief in duration of attacks was up to 28.57% which was statistically significant (P < 0.05) Kasa and Kaphanishtivanana was reduced by 100% which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). Peenasa was relieved by 90% which was statistically significant (P < 0.01) while Urahshula and KantheGhurghurakama was relieved by 100% which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001) (Table 3).
Table 4 :
EFFECT OF THE THERAPY
| Cardinal symptoms |
Mean score |
% of relief |
SD ( ± ) |
SE ( ± ) |
t |
P |
| |
B.T. |
A.T. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Tulsi Aerosol |
12.4 |
3.2 |
74.19 |
0.60 |
0.21 |
5.47 |
<0.001 |
It can be observed that 74.19% relief was found in cardinal symptoms and signs which was highly significant . (Table 4)
Table 4 :
OVERALL EFFECT OF THERAPY
| Status |
Tulsi aerosol |
|
No. of patients |
% |
Complete remission |
0 |
0 |
Markedly improved |
0 |
0 |
Moderately improved |
9 |
90 |
Mild improved |
1 |
10 |
No improvement |
0 |
0 |
It was observed that maximum patients had moderate improvement (90%) while 10% patients had mild improvement (Table 5).
Discussion :
Tamaka Shwasa is said to be a Yapya disease by Acharya Charak. The drug Tulsi possesses Katu, Tikta rasa, Laghu, Ruksha and Tikshnaguna, UshnaVeerya, KatuVipaka and KrimighnaPrabhava. Tulsi has also been used in the treatment of fever, bronchitis, arthritis, convulsions, etc. Clinical research studies have proven its effects on bronchial Asthma. The aerosol formulation of Tulsi helps in faster action of the drug by its direct action on respiratory tract.
Probable mode of action of Tulsi aerosol :
Tulsi mainly acts on Tamaka Shwasa by its UshnaVeerya and Vatakaphahara properties which are the chief culprits in this disease. Shwasa is caused by Broncho constriction. Essential oil of Tulsi is found to have Antiallergic and immunomodulatory effects and helps in management of immunological disorders including allergies and asthama - especially Eugenol, Carvacrol and caryophyhillin have been found to have antiallergic effect.
The relation of Asthama with stress cannot be neglected. Tulsi extracts have been reported to have Antistress and Adaptogenic effect which helps reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Conclusion :
By the present study it was found that 74.19% relief was found by Tulsi aerosol therapy. Such innovative therapies can be further used in the management of respiratory diseases and can also provide emergency relief. The study also proves the Shwasahara effect of the plant Tulsi in the management of Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma).
1Lecturer, Dept. of RS & BK, J. S. Ayurved College, Nadiad
2 Lecturer, Dept of Kayachikitsa, J.S. Ayurved College, Nadiad
3 Associate Professor, Dept of RS & BK, IPGT & RA, Jamnagar
4 HOD, Dept of RS &BK, IPGT & RA, Jamnagar
References :
1Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita Uttartantra Shwaspratisehda, 51/4,edited by Bhaskar GovindGhanekar, Published by Motilal Banarasidas, Delhi, edition 5th, pp - 759
2Charaka, Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana Volume - 4, Hiikashwaschikitsa1 7/ 58-62, edited by Girijashankarmayashakar Shastri, Published by Sastu Sahitya Vardhakakaryala. Ahmedabad, Volume 3, edition 3rd ,pp- 754-756
3Ibidem ref ( 2), Charaka Samhitasutrasthana, Volume -1 Shadvirechanashatashritiyaadhyay 4/37, pp-62
4 www. medical dictionary- the freedictionary.com
5 Ibidem ref (4)
6 Ibidem ref (2 )Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana 17/66-67, pp-758
7 Dravyagunavigyan- part 2, by Prof, Priyavat Sharma, 9th chapter , pp-710
8 www.ijpp.com- Indian J PhysiolPharmacol 2005 ; 4 9(2 ) : 125 - 131- P.Prakash et al.
9 www. holy-basil.com
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