"Evaluation of Ratnaprash's impact on strength and fatigue in mice"
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: “Evaluation of Ratnaprash for its effect on strength, stamina and fatigue using swim endurance test and biochemical estimation in Swiss albino mice�: Comments from the editorial board
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Editorial Board
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: “Evaluation of Ratnaprash for its effect on strength, stamina and fatigue using swim endurance test and biochemical estimation in Swiss albino mice�: Comments from the editorial board
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article "Evaluation of Ratnaprash for its effect on strength, stamina and fatigue using swim endurance test and biochemical estimation in Swiss albino mice" presents findings from an in-vivo study examining a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation known as Ratnaprash. The study utilizes the swim endurance test model, which serves as a method to investigate the effects of various substances on the central nervous system (CNS) and the nutritional impact on physical performance, particularly in terms of strength, stamina, and fatigue.
Importance of Control Comparisons
A significant concern raised by the editorial board pertains to the choice of control used in the study. The researchers compared Ratnaprash against DMSO/water, which is deemed insufficient for rigorous scientific evaluation due to the lack of a proper negative control. The board suggested that suitable positive controls from Ayurvedic practices, such as Aswagandha, Brahmi, and Tulsi, known to exhibit stress-relieving properties, would have provided a more credible comparison. Additionally, they highlighted that feeding the test subjects a carbohydrate-rich diet equivalent to that provided by Ratnaprash would yield important insights into the contributions of sugar and carbohydrates to the observed endurance enhancements.
Conclusion
The editorial feedback emphasizes the necessity for careful planning and methodology in studies on Ayurvedic herbs and formulations. Proper design, including the selection of appropriate controls, is essential to maximize the reliability and interpretive value of the research findings. Ensuring that studies adhere to standard scientific practices will enhance the robustness of conclusions drawn regarding the effectiveness of herbal treatments like Ratnaprash in improving physical performance.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study on Ratnaprash?
The study evaluated the effects of Ratnaprash on strength, stamina, and fatigue using a swim endurance test in Swiss albino mice, focusing on its potential impact on CNS activity and nutritional energy.
What are the nutritional contents of Ratnaprash?
Ratnaprash contains approximately 77.3% carbohydrates, primarily from total sugar, providing about 320 Kcal/100 g. It also includes Amla and a blend of 42 herbs, many known for immunomodulatory and stress tolerance-enhancing properties.
What control was used in the study of Ratnaprash?
The study used DMSO/water as a control, which is inadequate for comparison. A more appropriate approach would involve using established positive controls that exhibit known strength and stamina-enhancing properties.
What recommendations were made regarding the study design?
The editorial board suggested using appropriate positive controls, such as proven Ayurvedic herbs known for CNS activity. Additionally, controlling sugar/carbohydrate intake relative to the study product would have provided valuable insights.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for �"Evaluation of Ratnaprash's impact on strength and fatigue in mice"�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the performance or engagement in a specific action. In the context of the study, it pertains to the physical performance in tasks like swim endurance tests that measure strength, stamina, and fatigue. These parameters indicate the overall activity levels influenced by nutritional or herbal formulations.
2) Sugar:
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate providing energy, heavily featured in various diets. In this study, 65.2% of the carbohydrate content of the Ratnaprash formulation comes from sugar. Its role as an energy source is crucial in evaluating swim endurance, reflecting its importance in nutritional assessments and performance metrics.
3) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases. In this context, the study discusses potential positive controls using approved synthetic drugs to evaluate the efficacy of ayurvedic products. Selecting a suitable drug for comparison helps establish a clearer frame of reference for treatment outcomes.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. In the evaluation of ayurvedic products like Ratnaprash, scientific methods are essential to validate efficacy, ensuring results are meaningful and can contribute to broader understandings of health and wellness.
5) Anxiety:
Anxiety symbolizes a state of apprehension that can affect physical performance and quality of life. It is significant in the context of this study because products demonstrating anti-anxiety properties often yield positive results in endurance tests, highlighting the connection between mental well-being and physical capabilities in experimental models.
6) Water:
Water is a vital component of hydration necessary for all biological processes. In the study, the use of water as a control substance raises concerns about the validity of results. Comparison against a proper standard is crucial for discerning the specific effects of the ayurvedic formulation, leading to more reliable conclusions.
7) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an adaptogenic herb in Ayurveda known for its stress-relieving properties. The mention of this herb as a potential positive control in the study underscores its relevance in evaluating cognitive and physical performance, as it is documented to exhibit CNS activity and enhance stress tolerance.
8) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness acquired through experience or education. It is crucial in scientific research to inform methodologies and evaluate outcomes. The study highlights the need for collective knowledge on ayurvedic properties, thereby guiding researchers to make informed decisions in experimental designs and interpretations.
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating from India, emphasizing balance in the body through natural remedies. The study investigates an ayurvedic formulation, Ratnaprash, which aligns with Ayurvedic principles of health and wellness. Understanding Ayurveda allows researchers to evaluate its impacts integrated with modern scientific methods.
10) Brahmi:
Brahmi, or Bacopa monniera, is an herb known in Ayurveda for enhancing cognitive function and providing anti-anxiety effects. Its mention as a positive control is significant for the study, illustrating the potential benefits of using well-documented herbs when assessing the efficacy of new formulations aimed at improving strength and stamina.
11) Lehya:
Lehya refers to a semi-solid Ayurvedic formulation rich in ingredients used to promote various health benefits. The study evaluates Ratnaprash, a type of Lehya, for its effects on endurance. Understanding the role of Lehya formulations helps contextualize their applications in health and strengthens ties between traditional and modern medicinal evaluations.
12) Amla:
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. In this study, Amla’s inclusion in Ratnaprash signifies its importance in supporting overall health, contributing to enhanced immunity and resilience, which are valuable attributes when evaluating endurance and performance.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �"Evaluation of Ratnaprash's impact on strength and fatigue in mice"�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Financial support, Immunomodulatory activity, Positive control, CNS activity, Conflicts of interest, Proximate analysis, Synthetic drug, Adverse impact, Study material.