Journal of Innovations in Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (JIPBS)
eISSN: 2349-2759 | pISSN: 2395-1095 | Vol. 4, Issue 3, 2017, pp. 43-47

A critical drug review of ingredients of Sarasvatha choorna: used as a remedy for dementia

T. D. N. Karunaratne1, Kahapola Sugataratana2, H. A. S. Ariyawansa1, H. A. de Silva3

1Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
2Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
3Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
DOI: 10.56511/JIPBS.2017.v4.i03.pp43-47 | Published: 2017-07-05 | Article page and PDF

Abstract

According to the present data, there is a high (3.1%) prevalence of Mental Disease among elders of Sri Lanka. Prevalence of Dementia (Smruthibramsha in Ayurveda) is 3% of elders in between the age of 60 to 80 years. This will be a big issue for Health policy planning and Health management in future. Objective of this study is carried out critical drug review of ingredients of Sarasvatha choorna which has been using mental Disease in Ayurveda. This is a literal review article gathering information from specially relevant chapters of unmada (Insanity), apasmara (Epilepsy) in vriddathrai, laguthrai, bhavaprakasha, materia medica books and literature survey of Dementia in journals and web sources. Among many preparations as a treatment of manasa roga mentioned in the authentic Ayurvedic Sanskrit texts, Sarasvtha choorna has been frequently used as a treatment and management of Unmada (Insanity) which has mentioned in Bhavaprakasha. It is indicated person who are mentally retarded and who have low levels of intellect. If, this preparation is regularly consumed, decisive mind, intellect, comprehension and improved memory gradually. Many research have been shown that the Ingredients of Saarasvtha choorna have antioxidant, anti stress, anti Demential, brain-tonic, nervine stimulant and tonic, enhance the learning and memory abilities, anti diabetic, anticancer and immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anthelmintics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, gastro protective, hepatoprotective, nephro-protective, prevention of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, intellect promoting, behavior modifying, anticonvulsant, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory & memory enhancing properties. It can be concluded that the Sarasvatha choorna can be used for many mental diseases, mental conditions and in the Management of Dementia

Keywords: Manasa roga; Dementia; Smruthibramsha; Sarasvatha choorna

Introduction

According to the present data, there is a high prevalence of Mental Disease among elders of Sri Lanka [1]. Prevalence in between the age of 60 to 80 years [2]. Dementia is a combination of several symptoms that are associated with the declining abilities of the brain and its functions. There may be a decline in thinking, memory, cognition, language skills, understanding and judgment. This will be a big issue for Health policy planning and Health management in the future. Among many preparations mentioned in the authentic Ayurveda Sanskrit texts as a treatment of manasa roga, Sarasvatha choorna has been frequently used in the management of Unmada (Insanity), it is in the Bhavaprakasha [3]. Objective of this study is carried out critical drug review of Sarasvatha choorna.

Material and Methods

This is a critical literal review article gathering information from authentic Ayurveda texts, especially relevant chapters of unmada (Insanity), apasmara (Epilepsy) and smruthibramsha (Dementia) in vridathrai, laguthrai, bhavaprkasha, materia medica books, journals and web sources to find efficacy of ingredients of Sarasvatha Choorna in the management of manasa roga especial reference to Dementia.

Results and Discussion

Kusta- Saussurea leppa (clarke) (Suwandakottam) -25g, Ashwaganda- Withania somnifera (Linn)-(Amukkara) – 25g, Saindava Lavana- Rock salt - (Sahinda Lunu)- 25g, Ajamoda- Apium graveolens (Linn) - (Asamodagam)- 25g, Jiraka- Cuminum cyminum (Linn) - (Sududuru) -25g, Krisna Jiraka- Carum carvi (Linn)-(Kaluduru)- 25g, Sunti- Zingiber officinale - (Inguru) – 25g, Maricha- Piper nigrum (Linn)-(Gammiris) – 25g, Pippali- Piper longum (Linn)-(Thippili) – 25g, Patha- Cissampelos Pereira(Vishnukranthi) – 25g, Vacha-Acorus calamus (Linn)- (Vadakaha) 275g, Brahmi- Bacopa monieri (linn)- (Lunuwila) Juice from 1kg.

Indications have been mentioned

It is indicated person who are mentally retarded and who have low levels of intellect. If, this preparation is regularly consumed, decisive mind, intellect, comprehension, memory, coordination and capability to author books are improved gradually[3].

Descriptions of Ingredients

Kusta : (Saussurea leppa) (clarke) can be used for treatment of psychological disturbances, epilepsy, insanity, nervous, urinary and blood disorders, arthritic conditions, respiratory disorders, abdominal colic, diarrhea, piles, liver disorders, anaemia, diabetes, skin disorders, tumours and infective diseases(Ay.A.S.). Research shows that the powdered root of Kustha 2 g. to be taken with 4 to 6 g. honey twice a day for Insanity [4-6].

Ashwaganda : (Withania somnifera) (Linn) can be used in insanity, epilepsy, nervous diseases, debility and rheumatism (Ay.A.S). Research shows that there are antioxidant and inflammation-modulating mechanisms, it appears that Withania somnifera can act as preventatively, as well as repairing function for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease [7-[9].

Saindava Lavana : (Sodium chloride Impura) Rock salt is an appetizer, liver tonic . It can be given for abdominal pain, [10] gastritis and as a sedative. (Ay.A.S) . In small doses, it is highly carminative, stomachic and digestive. It promotes the appetite and assists digestion and assimilation. In large doses it is cathartic, in still larger doses it is emetic. It is given in dyspepsia and other abdominal disorders [11].

Ajamoda : (Apium graveolens) (Linn) cures eye diseases, worm infestations, vomiting sensation, hiccough and painful bladder (Ay.A.S). Research shows that chronic oral administration of AG could enhance the consolidation and recall capability of stored information in diabetic animals and did not affect spatial memory of diabetic animals [12- 14].

Jiraka : (Cuminum cyminum) (Linn) has nervine stimulant, digestive, carminative, anthelmintic, antiinflammatory, stomachic, diuretic, galactagogue, antimicrobial, anti diabetic, antiepileptic, anti fertility, anticancer, antioxidant and Immunomodulatory properties. It is use full in dyspepsia anorexia, helminthiasis, respiratory disorders, fever and skin diseases (Ay.A.S). Research Studies provide scientific support for the anti stress, antioxidant, and memory-enhancing activities and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of cumin extract and substantiates that its traditional use as a culinary spice in foods is beneficial and scientific in combating stress and related disorder [15-18].

Krisna Jiraka : (Carum carvi) (Linn) has digestive, carminative, anthelmintic, anti microbial, anti-inflammatory, constipating, stomachic reliving, stimulant, depurative, diuretic, galactagogue, uterine and nervine stimulant effects and use full in the treatment of dyspepsia anorexia, respiratory disorders, skin diseases and general debility (Ay.A.S). Research shows that Nigella sativa oil (NSO) enhances the learning and memory abilities of the rats [19- [22].

Sunti : (Zingiber officinale) used for vomiting, dyspnoea, spasmodic pain, cough, gastric and heart diseases, oedema, haemorrhoids, upper abdominal distension and shows hypolipidemic, antiemetic, chemo protective, anti viral, anti inflammatory, anti motion, anti nauseate and anti ulcerogenic activities(Ay.A.S). Research shows that AChE and BChE inhibitors have been accepted as an effective model for managing Alzheimer’s Disease, the cholinesterase inhibition by Ginger Extract could be a great importance as a possible therapeutic substances in management of Alzheimer’s Disease [23-26].

Maricha : (Piper nigrum) (Linn) can be used in dyspepsia, flatulence, gonorrhea, cough, hemorrhoids, fever, piles, elephantiasis, vomiting and arthritic disorders. It is an antidote for shell fish and mushroom poisoning. Externally it is a rubefacient and counter irritant (Ay.A.S). Research shows that there was increase in memory in piper treated rats. Piper nigrum prove to be effective for prevention of Alzheimer's disease [27,28].

Pippali : (Piper longum) (Linn) has thermogenic, stomachic, aphrodisiac, carminative, expectorant febrifuge, tonic, appetizer, laxative, digestive, emollient, antiseptic, antifungal, hepatoprotective effects and useful in anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulent, colic, asthma, bronchitis, hiccough, epilepsy, fever, hemorrhoids, gout, lumbago and stimulates liver(Ay.A.S). Research shows that mix of piperlonguminine and dihydropiperlonguminine can considerably control the expression of APP (Amyloidal Precursor Protein). When the production of this protein is controlled; it is helpful for patients with Alzheimer’s disease [29-31].

Patha : (Cissampelos Pereira) cures colic, fever, vomiting, skin diseases, diarrhea, heart pain, burning sensation, itching, poisonous effects, dyspnoea, worm infestation, intestinal growths, chronic poisons and ulcers(Ay.A.S).

Table 1. Pharmacodynamic Properties of Ingredients of Sarasvatha choorna in Ayurvedic aspect
Table 1. Pharmacodynamic Properties of Ingredients of Sarasvatha choorna in Ayurvedic aspect

Research has found that the memory enhancing activity of Cissampelos pariera in mice [32-[34].

Vishnukranthi : (Evolvulus alsinoides) has aphrodisiac, intellect promoting, anthelmintic, expectorant, digesting, brain tonic, anti stress and useful in the treatment for cough, hiccough, bronchitis, asthma, epilepsy, amentia, forgetfulness, internal hemorrhages, dysentery, diarrhea, helminthiasis, falling and graying of hair, skin disorders, general debility and gives protection against permanent diseases(Ay.A.S). Research shows that improvement in the peripheral stress markers and scopolamine induced dementia by EA in the present study indicates the adaptogenic and anti-amnesic properties of EA [35-38].

Vacha : (Acorus calamus) (Linn) rhizome is thermogenic, intellect promoting, emetic, laxative, carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic, anti bacterial, insecticidal, diuretic, aphrodisiac, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing, anti depressant, anxiolytic, nerve tonic, sedative, tonic resuscitative, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, and useful in epilepsy, delirium, convulsions, depression, and other mental disorders (Ay.A.S). Research found that Acorus calamus rhizome constituents particularly α and β-asarone, possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as sedative, CNS depressant, behavior modifying, anticonvulsant, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory & memory enhancing[39-43].

Brahmi : (Bacopa monieri) (Linn) is laxative, intellect promoting, anti- inflammatory, anticonvulsant, depurative, cardio tonic, bronchodilator, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic , memory enhancement, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiparkinson (Ay.A.S). It can be used in neuralgia, inflammations, epilepsy, insanity and research shows that Bacopa monneira extract reduces amyloid levels in PSAPP mice. Bacopa monnieri and its active component BacocideA is useful in the management of epilepsy, associated mood disorders and memory problems including Alzheimer’s disease [44-48].

Conclusion

It is revealed that high frequency of Kapha Vata shamaka parmacodynamic properties of Ingredients of Sarasvata Choorna in Ayurvedic aspect. Among medicinal and nutraceutical properties of Ingredients of Sarasvata choorna have memory enhancement, antidepressant, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory and properties of amyloidal levels reduces. Those may be used in the management of dementia and Alzheimer disease.

Abbreviations

Ay. A.S.V-3 – Ayurveda Aushadha Samgrahaya volume-3 of Sri Lanka (Ayurveda pharmacopeia) B.P – Bhava Prakasha C.M.P – Compendium of Medicinal Plants – A Sri Lankan Study.

References

References

  1. National Health Survey on self- reported Health in Sri Lanka, Distribution of mental illness, Department of census and statics 2014;13.
  2. De Silva H.A, Gunathilaka S.B: Mini Mental State Examination in Sinhalese:a sensitive test to screen for dementia in Sri Lanka. Int j Geriatr Psychiatry 2002; 134-139.
  3. Bhavaprakasha of Bhavamisra, Translated by Srikanthamurthi, Madhyakhanda, Unmadadhikara, p-308, Verses 46-49.
  4. Kulsoom Zahara, Shaista Tabassum, Sidra Sabir, Muhammad Arshad, Rahmatullah Qureshi, Muhammad Shoaib Amjad, Sunbal Khalil Chaudhari: A review of therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa-An endangered plant from Himalaya. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2014; 7(Suppl 1): S60-S69.
  5. Hua Wei, Lihua Yan, Weihong Feng, Guoxu Ma, Yong PENG, Zhimin wang, Peigen xiao: Research Progress on Active Ingredients and Pharmacologic Properties of Saussurea lappa, Curr Opin Complement Alternat Med 2014;1:1-7.
  6. Om Prakash Rout, Rabinarayana Acharya, Rakshapal Gupta, Shrikanta RInchulkar, Kamleshwar S Karbhal, Rashmibala Sahoo: Management of psychosomatic disorders through ayurvedic drugs - a critical review. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2013; 2(6): 6507-6537.
  7. Rammohan V Rao,Olivier Descamps,Varghese John, Dale E Bredesen: Ayurvedic medicinal plants for Alzheimer's disease: a review. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2012; 4(3): 22.
  8. Lakshmi-Chandra Mishra: Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. Altern Med Rev 2000; 5(4): 334-346.
  9. Robin DiPasquale, ND: Effect of Ashwagandha on Tests of Cognitive and Psychomotor Performance, Review of a prospective, double-blind, multidose, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Natural Medicine Journal 2014; 6(5): 12-18.
  10. Ayurveda Aushadha Samgrahaya, Department of Ayurveda Sri Lanka, 1972; 2nd part, p: 215
  11. Nadkarnis K.M, Indian materia Medica, Volume II, Popular Prakashan (PVT) Ltd Mumbai,1976; p: 108
  12. Ali Esmail Al-Snafi: The pharmacology of Apium graveolens.-A Review. International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars 2014; 3(1): 671-677.
  13. Wesam Kooti, Sara Ali-Akbari, Majid Asadi-Samani, Hosna Ghadery: A review on medicinal plant of Apium graveolens. Advanced Herbal Medicine 2014; 1(1): 48-59.
  14. Mehrdad Roghani, Amn Arsalan Amin, Reza Amirtouri: The effect of Chronic Administration of Apium Graveolens Aqueous Extract on Learning and memory in Normal and Diabetic Rats. Autumn 2009; 1(1): 26-28.
  15. Ahmad Reza Gohari, Soodabeh Saeidnia: A Review on Photochemistry of Cuminum cyminum seeds and its standards from Field to Market. Pharmacognacy Journal 2011; 3(25):1-5.
  16. Daljeet Kaur, Ramica Sharma: An Update on Pharmacological Properties of Cumin, An Update on Pharmacological Properties of Cumin. International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Science 2012; 2(4): 14-27.
  17. Suresh Kumar, Suman Chowdhury: Kinetics of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition by an aqueous extract of cuminum cyminum seeds. International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology 2014; 2(1): 64-68.
  18. Koppula S, Choi DK: Cuminum cyminum extract attenuates scopolamineinduced memory loss and stress-induced urinary biochemical changes in rats: a noninvasive biochemical approach. Pharm Biol 2011; 49 (7):702-8
  19. Mohamad Khairul Azali Sahak, Abdul Majid Mohamed, Noor hashida Hashim, Durriyyah Sharifah Hasan Adli: Nigella sativa Oil Enhances the Spatial Working Memory Performance of Rats on a Radial Arm Maze. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013; Article ID 180598: 5 pages.
  20. Mohammad Reza Khazdair: The Protective Effects of Nigella sativa and Its Constituents on Induced Neurotoxicity. Journal of Toxicology 2015; Article ID 841823: 7 Pages.
  21. Salman M T, Khan R A, Shukla I: Antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa Linn. seed oil against multi-drug resistant bacteria from clinical isolates. Natural Product Radiance 2008; 7(1): 10-14.
  22. Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, Khan S A, Najmi A k , Nasir Siddique A, Zoheir A. Damanhouri, Anwar F: A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2013; 3(5): 337–352.
  23. Malhotra S, Amrit Pal Singh: Medicinal properties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), Natural Product Radiance 2003; 2(6):297-301.
  24. Nemat A. Z. Yassin, El-Sayed M. ElRokh, Siham M. A. El-Shenawy Bassant M. M. Ibrahim: The study of the antispasmodic effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in vitro, Scholars Research Library. Der Pharmacia Lettre 2012; 4(1):263-274.
  25. Shirin Adel P. R, Jamuna Prakash: Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of ginger root (Zingiber officinale). Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2010; 4(24): 2674-2679.
  26. Maya Mathew, Sarada Subramanian: In Vitro evaluation of anti-Alziemer effects of dry ginger. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 2014; 52: 606-612.
  27. Damanhouri ZA, Ahmad A: A Review on Therapeutic Potential of Piper nigrum L. (Black Pepper): The King of Spices. Med Aromat Plants 2014; 3:161.
  28. Lokraj Subedee, RN Suresh, Jayanthi MK, Kalabharathi HL, Satish AM, Pushpa VH: Preventive Role of Indian Black Pepper in Animal Models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 2015; 9(4):FF01 –FF04.
  29. Chauhan Kushbu, Solanki Roshni, Patel Anar, Mavwan Carol, Patel Mayuree: Phytochemical and Therapeutic potential of Piper longum Linn A Review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy 2011; 2 (1): 157-161.
  30. Maitreyi Zaveri, Amit Khandhar, Samir Patel, Archita Patel: Chemistry and pharmacology of piper longum L. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research 2010; 5(1): 010.
  31. Preeti Srivastava: Therapeutic potential of Piper longum L. for disease management - a review. International Journal of Pharma Sciences 2014; 4(4):692-696.
  32. Pramodinee D. Kulkarni, Mahesh M., Ghaisas, Niranjan D. Chivate, Poournima S. Sankpal: Memory enhancing activity of Cissampelos pariera in mice. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2011; 3(2):206-211.
  33. Thakur P, Rana A C: Effect of Cissampelos Pareira Leaves on Anxietylike Behavior in Experimental Animals. Journal of Traditional and complimentary 2013; 3(3):188–193.
  34. Samanta J, Bhattacharya S, Rayat R: Phytochemical investigation and pharmacognostic standardization of Cissampelos pareira root. Ancient Science of Life 2012; 31(4): 181-184.
  35. Singh A: Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses and Pharmacology of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. Ethnobotanical Leaflets 2008; 12: 734-40.
  36. Hussain Z, Kumaresan S: GC – MS Analysis and Phytochemical Studies of Evolvulus alsinoides L. International Journal of Nano Corrosion Science and Engineering 2015; 2(5): 58-63.
  37. Babu K, Akanksha S, gupta p, Ahmad A, Palit G, Arora A, Maurya R: Adaptogenic and anti-amnesic properties of Evolvulus alsinoides in rodents. Rent at DeepDyde, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behaviour 2005; 81(3): 424-32.
  38. Gupta p, Akanksha K B S, Ahmad A, Palit G,Ashish Arora A, Rakesh Maurya R: Anti-stress Constituents of Evolvulus alsinoides: An
  39. Manikandan S, SheelaDevi R, Srikumari R, Thangaraj R, Ayyappan R, Jegadeesh R, Hariprasath L: In-vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Acorus calamus. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology 2010; 1(3):1072-1075.
  40. Pattanaik J, Kumar Y, Kharti R S: Acorus calamus Linn: A herbal tonic for Central nervous System. Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research 2013; 2(5): 950-954.
  41. Muthuraman A, Singh N: Acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) in rodents. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012; 2(2): S1017-S1023.
  42. Balakumban R, K.Rajamani, K.Kumanan: Acorus calamus An Overview. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2010; 4(25): 2740-2745.
  43. Tripathi A K, Singh R H: Experimental evaluation of antidepressant effect of Vacha (Acorus clamus) in animal models of depression. Ayu. 2010; 31(2):153-158.
  44. Al-Snafi A E: The pharmacology of Bacopa monniera: A review. International Journal of Pharma Sciences and Research 2013; 4(12):154-
  46. Shikha S, Nidhi M, Upama M: Bacopa monniera -a Future Perspective. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research 2009; 1(3): 154-157.
  47. Mathew J, Balakrishnan S, Sherin Antony S, Pretty Mary Abraham P M, CS Paulose: Decreased GABA receptor in the cerebralcortex of epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieriand Bacoside-A. Journal of Biomedical Science 2012; 19(1):25.
  48. Leigh A. Holcomb, Dhanasekaran M, Angie R. Hitt, Keith A. Young, Mark Riggs M, Manyam B V: Bacopa monneira extract reduces amyloid levels in PSAPP mice. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease 2006; 9(3): 243-
  50. Dhanasekaran M, Tharakan B, Holcomb L A, Angie R. Hitt, Keith A. Young, Bala V. Manyam: Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Ayurvedic Antidementia Botanical Bacopa monniera: Phytotherapy Research 2007; 21(10): 965-969.