Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)

Acute and repeated dose oral toxicity study of Ayurvedic coded formulation Ayush SL

Sanjaya Kumar Yalwar Rajanna — 2026-03-25

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the safety profile Ayush SL, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation indicated for the management of lymphatic filariasis (LF), through acute, 28-day, and 90-day toxicity studies. In the acute oral toxicity study, the test drug was administered at a single dose of 3250 mg/kg to Swiss albino mice. For the 28-day and 90-day repeated-dose studies, rats were administered Ayush SL at doses of 225, 1125, and 2250 mg/kg. No abnormal behavioural signs and mortality were observed in the mice that received 3250 mg/kg of the test drug during the acute toxicity study. Similarly, no pre-terminal death and no significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters were observed in rats that received three doses for 28 & 90 days during sub-acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. Histopathological examination of major organs also did not show any treatment-related pathological changes. These studies revealed that Ayush SL was safe at a dose of 3250 mg/kg in mice upon single-dose administration. In repeated dose studies, the drug was found to be safe up to 2250 mg/kg and no adverse effects were observed.

Effect of neutral douche on autonomic variables in normal healthy individuals: A randomized controlled trial

Prasuldas K P — 2026-03-25

Neutral douche or hydrotherapy modality using water of neutral temperature is widely used to induce relaxation and promote autonomic equilibrium. Despite its widespread clinical use, the autonomic physiological responses to neutral douche remain insufficiently characterized in controlled settings. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of neutral douche on autonomic outcomes in healthy individuals. In a randomized controlled trial, 60 healthy volunteers aged 17-35 were randomly assigned to the experimental neutral douche group (n=30) or the control group (n=30), which underwent standing rest for 20 min without hydrotherapy exposure. The intervention consisted of a general body douche at 35°C-37°C for 20 min, while the control group stood in the same environment without receiving the treatment. Measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) were taken pre- and post-intervention. Exposure to neutral douche resulted in a significant reduction in heart rate (p<0.01) as well as a prolongation of mean RR intervals, indicating that the neutral douche may enhance parasympathetic activity. The HRV analysis from this group also suggested that there was a significant decrease in low frequency power (p<0.01), and a significant increase in high frequency power (p<0.01), suggesting that neutral douche could prevail in parasympathetic dominance. Interestingly, the neutral douche group experienced a significant decrease in HR, while systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure significantly increased (p<0.05). The increase in BP may be related to baroreflex regulation or the possible physical effects of the water perfusion pressure. Collectively, the findings suggest that neutral douche facilitates parasympathetic activity and alters blood pressure, potentially benefiting those with autonomic dysfunction or sympathetic dominance. Further research is needed to explore its therapeutic applications and long-term effects.

Antiproliferative activity, apoptotic induction, cell cycle arrest and p53 expression for dual herbal combination of W. somnifera with three Rasayana herbs: In vitro cytotoxic study against Jurkat cells

Bhargavi Srinivasan — 2026-03-25

The dual herbal methanolic formulations of Withania somnifera combined with Phyllanthus emblica (WP3), Bacopa monnieri (WB2), and Ocimum basilicum (WO3), prepared using our previously optimized and validated methodology for Ayurvedic phytochemical standardization, were investigated for their therapeutic relevance against leukemia. As phytotherapy emerges as a complementary strategy to reduce chemotoxicity and support long-term cancer management, evaluating rational botanical combinations is essential for advancing evidence-based integrative approaches. For the first time, this study delineates the collective anticancer effects of W. somnifera with three Rasayana co-herbs against Jurkat E6-1 T-cell leukemia cells. The extracts WP3 and WO3 were assayed for MTT cytotoxicity, exerting the strongest antiproliferative effects, with IC₅₀ values of 20.27 and 20.40 µg/mL, respectively. We utilised Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and AO/EB staining to validate both early and late stages of apoptotic progression following treatment. The WP3 results reflecteda substantial increase in apoptotic cell population for Sub-G0/G1 (18.37%) compared to (2.89%) control cells, while WO3 induced a lesser elevation of 6.53%, indicating DNA laddering resembling endonuclease fragmentation and apoptotic accumulation. Further cell cycle analysis showed reduced G0/G1phase population for WP3 (54.79%) and WO3 (56.82%) compared to the control (69.77%), interfering with cell cycle regulatory checkpoints for DNA synthesis.p53 protein expression was upregulated in WP3 treated cells (29.52%) relative to control (9.04%), suggesting stimulation of DNA tumor suppressor signaling pathways. The dual herbal combinations, treated with WP3, showed the strongest activity, suppressing leukemic cell growth by promoting apoptotic cell death, p53-mediated responses, and altering cell cycle progression. As a first-of-its-kind study, demonstrating phytochemical profiling, preclinical validation, and initiating a framework for Rasayana-derived combinatorial therapeutic strategies.

Evaluation of methanol extracts of Zanthoxylum alatum as a topical repellent against terrestrial leech (Haemadipsa montana) in rabbits

Joken Bam — 2026-03-25

In the present study, methanolic extracts of Zanthoxylum alatum fruits prepared into petroleum jelly-based ointments were evaluated for its leech repellent effect on New Zealand white rabbits. A widely prevalent terrestrial leech species of the humid forest areas, Haemadipsa montana, known to parasitise animals and humans, causing blood loss, skin irritation, and secondary infections in animals due to prolonged bleeding from bite wounds, was used for the study. There exist concerns regarding long-term use of synthetic leech repellents for environmental safety and toxicity. Plant-based repellents provide a promising alternative because of traditional use and eco-friendliness. Three concentrations of the extract at 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/w) incorporated into ointments were investigated on 20 rabbits randomly distributed into five groups, including a negative (plain petroleum jelly) and a positive (19% DEET ointment) control. Abdominal fur of the rabbits was shaved, and test ointments were applied. Ten terrestrial leeches per rabbit were then allowed to attach onto the prepared site and attachment behaviour, time to attachment, feeding success, and post engorgement weight were recorded. Results showed that the methanolic extracts had a dose-dependent leech repellent effect against H. montana. The highest concentration (30%) showed best repellence. No adverse skin reactions were noted in any treatment group. These findings support the efficacy of Z. alatum extracts as effective leech repellents. The study validates the traditional use of the plant and suggests its potential for developing natural, safe, and sustainable topical repellents for veterinary use.

Revealing ethnomedical knowledge: perspectives from quantitative and sociodemographic data

Wenjun Li — 2026-03-25

The paper examines the ethnomedical value of the wild flora in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan, and how it can be used to provide sustainable food resources and to support local health care. 29 ethnomedical plants in 20 botanical categories were recorded through semi-structured interviews with 534 individuals. Fabaceae and Amaranthaceae were the two most common families, with 11% each of the known flora, respectively. Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and the Jaccard Index (JI) are a few examples of the quantitative ethnobotanical indices that helped determine the cultural relevance, dependability, and consistency of the plant use. Chenopodium album and Chenopodium murale gave the highest values of UV (1.0), meaning that these two plants are highly therapeutically acceptable within the community. The health conditions that had the highest unanimity were lice infestation (ICF = 0.998) and arsenic toxicity (ICF = 0.996). Lysimachia arvensis was the highest FL (100) in the treatment of jaundice. On comparison of 45 ethnobotanical research published between 2015 and 2022, districts such as Jhang were not very overlapping (JI = 0.78), which demonstrates region-specific ethnomedical knowledge, and Faisalabad had the most similarities (JI = 13.9). It is interesting to mention that novel, unreported medicinal properties were mentioned in 19 plant species, including Taraxacum officinale, Calotropis gigantea, Moringa oleifera, and Abutilon indicum. All in all, the findings demonstrate the relative efficiency of the indigenous knowledge, the potential of such practice in the context of pharmaceutical benefit, and the importance of the preservation of such cultural heritage and the adequate inclusion of such information into modern healthcare and biodiversity management practices.

Ethnobotanical analysis of wild edible plants used by tribal and rural communities of Bhandara district (MS), India

PITAMBAR HUMANE — 2026-03-25

Bhandara district situated in eastern part of Vidarbha in Maharashtra state of India, is provided with vast diversity includes forest cover, agricultural lands and even wetlands. This supports the livelihood of tribal and rural people in and around the forest areas and are involved in agriculture for their basic needs. Many of these people are well-aware about the traditional knowledge of utilizing wild edible plants. This study was undertaken to compile the hidden indigenous knowledge of wild edible plants and its diversity in the district. The tribal and rural people of the district involved in utilization of wild edible plants are Gond, Rajgond, Halba, Halbi, Pardhi and Holi. In addition to these, many rural communities are also using wild edible plants during food scarcity since long time. Participatory rural appraisal (PRA), semi-structured interviews, and group discussions with tribal elders, traditional healers, and local foragers was carried out to know the maximum number of wild edible plants used in the district. In this study, a total of 77 species, representing 72 genera and 38 families of angiosperms from dicot and monocot were recorded as wild edible plants. The various parts of the plant like, roots, tubers, rhizomes, corms, tender shoots, stems, gums, leaves, aril, receptacle, flowers, fruits, seeds and whole plants were reported as important dietary resources. The outcome of this study underscores the cultural significance, diversity of wild edible plants, its nutritional value and conservation potential. This will also help to conserve floristic biodiversity and sustainable utilization of resources to promote dietary diversity among tribal and rural communities.

Validation of plant-based Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) for management of Sitophilus oryzae in traditional storage structures

Surajit Kalita — 2026-03-25

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) based on indigenous resources have been getting attention internationally and hence, scientific validation of the potential ITKs could help in the generation of innovative crop production and protection technologies in the near future. The experiment to validate Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) for management of storage insect pests was conducted at farmers’ storage godown in Silpota and Saljhora village of Chirang district of Assam, and revealed that the application of Polygonum hydropiper dry leaf powder @ 10 g/kg of seed can effectively control the damage of rice seed kept in traditional storage structures caused by Sitophilus oryzae recording 55.36%, 44.57% and 44.80% seed damage reduction over pre-treatment count (PrTC) on top (0-15 cm), mid (15-30 cm) and lower (> 30 cm) layer, respectively as against an increase in seed damage ranging between 201.62-221.60% over PrTC at 90 days after treatment in the control. Application of dried whole plant of P. hydropiper @ 4.0 cm thick layer over the stored seed showed little impact on reduction in incidence of S. oryzae recording 100.93%, 116.28% and 111.67% increase in seed damage over PrTC in upper (0-15 cm), mid (15-30 cm) layer and lower (>30 cm deep) layer, respectively; suggesting effective release of plant bioactive compounds with sufficient and enhanced contact points for biological activity.

Insight of organic fertilizers (OFs) with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and antifungal activity

Nirmal Singh — 2026-03-25

In the present investigation, the potential of FTIR spectroscopy has been explored to determine various functional groups in organic fertilizers (OFs) namely Beejamrit (BA), Jeevamrit (JA), Ghanjeevamrit (GJ), Biogas slurry (BS), Desi cow dung bioenzyme (DCDB), and Vermicompost (VC) that have role in plant growth promotion as well as has antimicrobial potential. The FTIR spectra divulged the occurrence of numerous functional groups named as methyl, carbonyl, hydroxyl, amines, phosphates, silicon or boron compounds, thiol, ester or amide groups in OFs. These functional groups regulate reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur species, rhizospheric microbiome, plant microbe interactions by improving the nutrient uptake, thereby improves plant stress tolerance. The current research highlights the prominent potential of OFs (non-autoclaved and autoclaved) in inhibiting the growth of Curvularia lunata. It might be due to the presence of microorganisms and heat stable metabolites in OFs. Beejamrit showed the maximum inhibition (70%) among the evaluated autoclaved OFs. Whereas, in non-autoclaved OFs, Jeevamrit showed the maximum inhibition (95%). The outcome of the study divulged that OFs not only enhancing plant growth and productivity but also offers natural disease suppression (antimicrobial activity). Future research can investigate their synergistic effects, mechanisms and extensive applications.

Maratha Chhatris and Samadhis: evolution of royal memorial architecture

Renuka Wakharkar — 2026-03-25

Maratha funerary monuments chhatris (cenotaphs) and samadhis (memorial platforms) exemplify a distinct commemorative architecture shaped by syncretic influences and dynastic identities. This study investigates their evolution, analysing key examples from prominent Maratha dynasties (Bhosales, Holkars, Scindias, Peshwas) and comparing them with Rajput cenotaphs and Indo-Islamic tomb traditions. Primary survey of the Bhosale Rajghat in Nagpur, combined with extensive photographic surveys and archival research, reveals how Maratha memorials integrate Hindu symbolism (e.g., Shivalingam, Tulsi Vrindavan) with architectural idioms adapted from Deccan Sultanate and Rajput practices. Early Maratha structures mirrored Sultanate tombs with domes and arched kiosks resembling sarcophagi, while later examples evolved into temple-like pavilions with shikharas, mandapas, and guardian icons (dwarapalas). Maratha rulers appropriated funerary customs to legitimize power and honour ancestors, resulting in a typology that diverges from Islamic burials by focusing solely on memorialization, not interment. Results show regional variations: Nagpur’s Bhosales built shrine-like chhatris on cremation sites; Holkars in Indore/Maheshwar blended Rajput aesthetics; Scindias of Gwalior incorporated Mughal elements; Peshwas maintained austere yet ritually functional Samadhis. The discussion infers these findings in terms of religious syncretism, ancestral veneration (dharma and moksha), gender distinctions (e.g., queens’ memorials with Tulsi plants), and political symbolism. Maratha chhatris and samadhis can be understood as layered architectural expressions shaped by long-term regional continuities and interactions. The spatial articulation and formal vocabulary represent a distinctive place within India’s tradition of royal commemorative architecture.

Content March 2026

Charu Lata — 2026-03-25

Report -Workshop

Charu Lata — 2026-03-25

Author Index March 2026

Charu Lata — 2026-03-25

Subject Index March 2026

Charu Lata — 2026-03-25