A REVIEW ON: AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS CONTAINING GLYCOSIDE

About Authors:
Ajay Rana
M.Pharm, Shoolini University of Life Sciences,
Solan(H.P.)
*ajayrintu44@gmail.com

Abstract
Medicinal herbs constitute important source of drugs. Treatment of diseases with medicinal herbs is called phytothrepary. The study of chemistry of plant derived drugs is known as phytochemistry. Medicinal herbs have given us a number of important drugs, which are mainstays of treatment in synthetic system of medicine. Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy and Herbalism are completely dependent on plants for formulations. Salicin, a glycoside isolated from Salix alba attracted the researchers in the 19^th century and it provided us with most potent weapon, Acetyl-salicylic acid for killing pain. The article highlights the historical usage and pharmacogonosy of medicinal herbs containing salicin.

Reference Id: PHARMATUTOR-ART-1289

INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda is the complete knowledge for long life or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India. Ayurveda consist of two words namly ayus,meaninglongevity’’, and veda, meaning knowledge or science.The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the vedic period in India, i.e.,in the mid-second millennium BCE.The Susruta samhita and the caraka samhita are encyclopedias of medicine compiled from various sources from the mid-first millennium BCE to about 500CE. They are among the foundational works of Ayurveda. Over the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners developed a number of medicinal preparation and surgical procedure for the treatment of various ailments.current practices derived from Ayurvedic medicine are regarded as part of complementary and alternative medicine. At an early stage, Ayurveda adopted the physics of the five elements i.e. prthvi(earth), jala(water), agni(fire), vayu(air) and akasa(sky)-that compose the universe, including the human body. Ayurvedic literature deals elaboratorty with measure of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases.

HISTORY
One view of the early history of ayurveda asserts that around 1500BC, ayurveda’s fundamental and applied principles got organized and enunciated. In this historical construction, Ayurtveda traces its origins to the Vedas, Atharaveda in particular, and is connected to hindu religion. Atharavaveda (one of the four most ancient books of Indian knowledge,wisdom and culture) contains 114 hymns or formulation for the treatment of diseases. Ayurveda originatedin and developed from these hymns. In this sense, ayurveda is considered by some to have divine origin. Indian medicine has a long history, and is one of the oldest organized systems of medicine. Its earliest concepts are set out in the secured writings called the Vedas, especially in the metrical passages of the atharvaveda, which may possibly date as far back as the 2^nd millennium BC. Uderwood & Rhodes(2008) hold that this early phase of traditional Indian medicine identified fever (takman), cough, consumption, diarrhea, dropsy, seizures, tumours and skin disease(including leprosy).Treatment of complex ailments, including angina pectoris, diabetes, hypertension and stones, also ensued during this period. Plastic surgery cataract surgery, puncturing to release fluid in the abdomen, extraction of forgien elements, treatment of anal fistulas, treating fractures amputations, and stitching of wounds were known. The use of herbs and surgical instruments became widespread. The Charaka samhita text is arguably the principal classis reference. It gives emphasis to the triune nature of each person: body care, mental regulation, and spiritual/consciousness refinement.

The Chiness pilgrim Fa Hsien(ca.337-442AD) wrote about the health care system of the Gupta empire (320-550) and described the institutional approach of Indian medicines,also visible in the work of Charaka, who mentions a clinic and how it should be equipped. Madhava, Sarngadhara, and Bhavamisra complied works on Indian medicine. The medical works of both Sushruta and Charaka were translated into the Arabic language during the Abbasid Caliphate. These Arabic works made their way into Europe via intermediaries. In Italy, the Branca family of sicily and Gaspara Tagliacozzi (Bologna) became familiar with the techniques of Sushruta.

British physicians traveled to India to see rhinoplasty being performed by native methods. Reports of on Indian rhinoplasty were published in the Gentleman’s Magazine in 1794.

Different Types of Ayurvedic Formulations
Unlike modern medicine which prescribes medicine in the form of just capsules, tablets, syrup in injection, ayurveda has wide varity of formulations using different combination which can be prescribed by all age groups.

Arkas: Arka is a liquid preperation obtained by the process of distillation of certain liquids or of drugs soaked in water. It is slightly turbid in nature and has the colour and smell of the predominant drug used for the process. eg:ajamodarka, karpooradyarka.

Asavas And Arishtas: Asavas and arishtas are the medicinal preperations obtaine by saoking the required drugs in a solution of jaggery for a specific period of time. During this period it undergoes the process of fermantation generating alcohol thus facilitating the extraction of the active principles contained in the drugs. eg: chandanasava, kumariasava, kanakasava, lohasava, arjunarishta, ashokarishta, dashmoolarishta, ashwagandharishta etc.

Taila(Medicated Oils): Tailas are preparations in which oil is boiled with different kashayas or decoctions of drugs. By use of decoction, better absorption of the active therapeutic properties of the ingredients used is ensured. These oils are mostly used for external applications except for few which are used for consumption in specific conditions. They are powerful stimulants and are quick in action. eg:anu taila, mahanarayan taila, brahmi taila, ksheerbala taila, bringaraj taila etc.

Bhasmas: Powder of a substance obtained by calcination is called as bhasma. it is applied to minerals, metals and animal products which are, by special process calcinated in closed pits with cow dung cakes. Their potency is maintained indefinitely. All are advised to be taken under medical supervision. eg: abhrak bhasma, kanta bhasma, loha bhasma, swarna bhasma, mukta bhasma etc.

Vatuka and Gutika: Vatuka or Gutika corresponds to pill of the modern/western pharmacopoeia. it is prepared by using the churnas of different herbs and then processed in the form of pills. eg: chandraprabha vati, bhallataka vati, agnitundi vati, chitrakadi vati etc.

Rasa Oushadi: Preparations containing metals and minerals in their purest and palatable forms as the main ingredients are called as rasa oushadi. All the preparations should be taken under strict medical supervision. These are mostly used in emergency conditions and in chronic diseases. eg: anandbhairav rasa, bruhatvata chintamani rasa, lakshmivilas rasa, laghumalini vasant, etc.

What Is Ayurveda Good For /Benefits of Ayurvedic Formulations

1. Less Side Effects –If used properly, they have fewer side effects as compared to their synthetic pharmaceutical counterparts.

2. Age Old Practice-They are thousand years old and have a long track record of successful, safe and effective use. Whereas, modern medicines are relatively new.

3. More Effective-In some cases they prove to be more effective than their synthetic pharmaceutical counterparts. For example, successful use of plant Artemesia in malaria.

4. Grass Root Treatment-Modern medicine focuses on treating symptoms, whereas ayurveda focuses on treating the disease itself.

Are There Any Risks / Limitations of Ayurvedic Formulations

1. Delayed Action-They take longer time to act as compared to their pharmaceutical synthetic counterparts.

2. Patient Safety-Major threats to patient safety in ayurvedic treatment are-

· Limited scientific evidence from tests done to evaluate quality, quantity, potency, safety and efficacy.

· Lack of knowledge regarding the most ancient literature depicting ayurvedic principles and therapies.

· Adulteration in raw material being involved.

3. Knowledge Of Sustainability-To sustain the ages long ayurveda, there has to be a complete knowledge of –
·         How to use the Ayurvedic formulation?
·         When to use the Ayurvedic formulation?
·         Why to use the Ayurvedic formulation?

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GLYCOSIDE

INTRODUCTION
Glycoside is a molecule in which a sugar is bound to a non-carbohydrate moiety, usually a small organic molecule. Glycosides play numerous important roles in living organisms. Many plants store chemicals in the form of inactive glycoside. These can be activated by enzyme hydrolysis, whicxh causes the sugar part to be broken off, making the chemical available for use. Many such plant glycosides are used as medications. In animals and humans, poisions are often bound to sugar molecules as part of their elimination from the body.

In formal terms, a glycoside is anyn molecule in which a sugar group is bounded through its anomeric carbon to another group via a glycosidic bond. Glycosides can be linked by an O-(an O-glycoside), N-(a glycosylamine), S-(a thioglycoside), or C-(a C-glycoside) glycosidic bond. Many authors require in addition that the sugar be bonded to a non-sugar for the molecule to qualify as a glycoside, thus excluding polysaccharide. The sugar group is then known as the glycone and the non-sugar group as the aglycone or genin part of the glycoside. The glycone can consist of a single sugar group (monosaccharide) or several sugar groups (oligosaccharide).

The first glycoside ever identified was amygdalin, by the French chemists Pierre Robiquet and Antoine Boutron-charlard, in 1830.

By aglycone
Glycosides are also classified according to the chemical nature of the aglycone. For purpose of biochemistry and pharmacology, this is the most useful classification.

Alcoholic glycoside
An example of an alcoholic glycoside is salicin, which is found in the genus salix. Salicin is converted in the body into salicylic acid, which is closely relayed to aspirin and has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effect.

Anthraquinone glycosides
These glycosides contains an aglycone group that is a derivative of anthraquinone. They have a laxative effect. They are mainly found in dicot plants except the Liliaceae family which are monocots. They are presrent in seena, rhubarb and aloe species. Antron and anthranol are reduced form of anthraquinone.

Coumarin glycoside
Here the aglycone is coumarin or a derivative. An example is apterin which is reported to dilate the coronary arteries as well as block calcium channels. Other coumarin glycocides are obtained from dried leaves of Psoralea corylifolia.

Chromone glycoside
In this case, the aglycone is benzo-gamma-pyrone.

Cyanogenic glycosides
In this case, the aglycone contains a cyanide group. In many plants, these glycosides are stored in the vacuole, but, if the plant is attacked, they are released and become activated by enzymes in the cytoplasm. These remove the sugar part of the molecule and release toxic hydrogen cyanide. Storing them in inactive forms in the cytoplasm prevents them from damaging the plant under normal conditions.
Dhurrin, linamarin, lotaustalin and prunasin are also classified as cyanogenic glycosides.

Flavonoid glycosides
Here the aglycone is a flavonoid. Examples of this large group of glycosides include:
· Hesperidine (aglycone: Hesperetin, glycone: Rutinose)
· Naringin (aglycone: Naringenin, glycone: Rutinose)
· Rutin (aglycone: Quercetin, glycone: Rhamnose)
· Quercitrin (aglycone: Quercetin. Glycone: Rhamnose)

Among the important effects of flavonoids are their antioxidant effect. They are also known to decrease capillary fragility.

Phenolic glycosides(simple)
Here the aglycone is a simple phenolic structure. An example is arbutin found in the common Bearberry Arctostaphylos una-ursi. It has a urinary antiseptic effect.

Saponins
These compounds give a permanent froth when shaken with water. They also cause hemolysis of red blood cells. Saponin glycosides are found in liquorice. Their medical value is due to their expectorant, and corticoid and anti-inflammatory effects. Steroid saponins, for example, in Dioscorea wild yam the sapogenin diosgenin – in form of its glycoside dioscin – is an important starting material for production of semi-synthetic glucocorticoids and other steroid hormones such as progesterone. The ginsenosides are triterpene glycosides and Ginseng saponins from Panax ginseng (Chinese ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). In general the use of the term saponin in organic chemistry is discouraged, because many plant constituents can produce foam, and many triterpene-glycosides are amphipolar under certain conditions acting as a tenside. More modern uses of saponins in biotechnology are as adjuvants in vaccines: Quil A and its derivative QS-21, isolated from the bark of Quillaja saponaria Molina,to stimulate both the Th1 immune response and the production of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) against exogenous antigens make them ideal for use in subunit vaccines and vaccines directed against intracellular pathogens as well as for therapeutic cancer vaccines but with the aforementioned side-effect of hemolysis.

Steroidal glycosides or cardiac glycoside
Here the aglycone part is steroidal nucleus. These glycosides are found in the plant genera Digitalis,Scilla, and strophanthus. They are used in the treatment of heart diseases, e.g., Congestive heart failure (historically as now recognized does not improve survivability; other agents are now preffered) and arrhythmia.

Steviol glycosides
These sweet glycoside found in the stevia plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni have 40-300 times the sweetness of sucrose. The two primary glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside A, are used as natural sweeteners in many countries. These glycosides have steviol as the aglycone part. Glucose and rhamnose –glucose combinations are bound to the ends of the aglycone to form the different compounds.

Thioglycoside
As the name implies (q.v. thio-), these compounds contain sulfar. Example include sinigrin found in black mustard and sinalbin, found in white mustard.

Different Ayurvedic formulations containing glycosides
Chyawanprash:This formulation contains Triterpine,Saponin and Flavanoid glycosides.
Shankhpushpi: This formulation contains Sennoside A and Sennoside B.
Safi: This formulation contains Triterpine glycoside like Arjunetoside.
Bringaraj Oil: This formulation contains Luteoline-7-o-glycoside.
Dashmoolarishta: This formulation contains Flavone glycoside.
Chandraprabha vati: This formulation contains Anthraqunone glycoside.

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