Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)

Evaluating the efficacy of yogic practices and mud therapy in influencing biochemical parameters among middle aged women with type 2 diabetes mellitus – A randomized controlled trial study

B Usha Devi, D Chamundeeswari — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the more prevalent long term metabolic disorders creating a formidable health hazard globally, especially in middle-aged women. This study evaluates the effectiveness of complementary holistic practices like the yoga and mud therapy on biochemical variables' levels, such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), post prandial blood sugar (PPBS), and Triglyceride (TG) among the middle-aged women suffering with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of Chennai district. 90 subjects, aged between 45 to 55 years, were selected through randomized sampling and grouped into three, such as Group A (Yoga and Mud Therapy), Group B (Yoga) and Group C (Control Group), with 30 participants in each category. Group A had 1.5 h session per day, which includes 1 h of structured yoga program comprising Sukshma Vyayama, Surya Namaskar, Asanas, Pranayama, Dhyana and 30 min of Mud therapy and Group B had 1 h of structured yoga five days a week, for a time span of 12 weeks, wherein Group C were in active rest. Pre and post intervention biochemical variable levels were recorded to assess changes in glycemic control. Paired t-test and ANOVA were implemented to understand the changes of the glycemic levels. The results indicated a significant reduction in all biochemical variables level under consideration in Group A (p<0.001) in comparison to the other groups. The results imply that Yoga and Mud Therapy practiced regularly could benefit middle-aged women in the management of T2DM. A longer period of intervention could provide more confirmation on the effect of these practices on reducing levels of proposed biochemical variables.

Evaluation of pharmacological properties and identification of biopotent compounds of the medicinal herb Justicia simplex D. Don

Saira Salim, Gopika Jayasenan, Pradeep Kumar R — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Innovative research is going on in search of novel, safer, and more effective drugs that are affordable to the common man. The present study evaluates the wound healing, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer efficacies of leaves of the folk medicinal herb Justicia simplex, identifies the bioactive compounds present in the extract and predicts the drug likeness and pharmacological activities of the compounds. The wound healing efficacy of the extract was evaluated by in vitro scratch assay, antimicrobial activities by agar well diffusion method, antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging assay, cytotoxic activity by MTT assay, morphological studies were conducted using phase contrast microscopy, and cell apoptosis by acridine orange and ethidium bromide double staining method. FTIR and HRMS analyses were employed to identify the bioactive compounds present in the extract. Physicochemical characters and drug-likeness of the compounds were predicted employing the SWISSADME web tool and pharmacological activities by the PASS online software.The study proved the effectiveness of J. simplex against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and its wound healing, anticancer and cell apoptotic properties. The bioactive compounds identified were ethyl 6,9,12-hexadecatrienoate, 17-octadecynoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and ethylene glycol 0,0-di(pivaloyl). Pa > 0.7 indicates that all the compounds are very likely to exhibit anti-eczematic activity and three compounds obey the Lipinski rule of drug likeness. While the study highlights J. simplex as a promising candidate for novel drug discovery, further research is needed to fully explore and validate its therapeutic potential.

Indian classical Mohana raga (instrumental music) overcomes anxiety, depression and memory impairment in chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model – A behavioural study

Tanuja Krishnamurthy, Bhagya Venkanna Rao — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Stress is a reaction to possibly threatening stimuli. Chronic stress leads to oxidative stress and damage to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, leading to anxiety disorders, depression, changes in synaptic plasticity, decreased neurogenesis, increased neurodegeneration, and impaired learning and memory. Music triggers emotional and cognitive aspects that help improve cognitive functions. Music therapy reduces anxiety, improves mood, and generates calming effects. The effect of Mohana Raga on human mental health is an interesting area of study, as Indian classical music, particularly ragas, is believed to have therapeutic potential. While there is limited specific research on Mohana Raga alone, there are studies and scholarly works that explore the general effects of Indian ragas, including Mohana, on mental health, emotional well-being, and psychological states. Also, listening to the raga Bhupali (Mohana) improved learning and memory. Animals were exposed to a chronic, unpredictable mild stress protocol for 28 days, followed by exposure to Indian classical music for 1 hour for 21 days, starting from the last week of the stress protocol. Post-treatment, the animals were subjected to an elevated plus maze, sucrose preference test, forced swim test, novel object recognition test, and T-maze alteration task for behavioural analysis. Animals exposed to chronic, unpredictable mild stress showed increased anxiety-like behaviour, anhedonia, behavioural despair, and impaired recognition and working memory. Remarkably, in stressed animals exposed to Indian classical music for one hour per day for 3 weeks, there was a complete recovery in anxiety, depression, and memory. In conclusion, our study posits that a short duration of music exposure is beneficial for chronic stress conditions.

Effect of Ayurvedic formulations, Ayush NT capsule and Ayush LK gel in the management of Psoriasis- An open-label, single-arm multicentre study

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Psoriasis, a complex chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, leading to persistent cutaneous manifestations that significantly affect patient’s quality of life. Existing systemic and local conventional therapies have limitations due to the chronic nature of the disease, creating a need for innovative interventions. Ayurveda, with its extensive repertoire, offers a promising avenue for exploration in addressing the challenges posed by psoriasis. An open label, single arm, multicentre study was conducted at two Ayurveda Research Institute in India to assess the therapeutic effect of Ayurveda formulations; Ayush NT (Nimbatiktam) capsule and Ayush LK (Lajjalu Keram) g l, in psoriasis. A total of 110 participants aged 18 to 60 years, diagnosed with psoriasis, were enrolled based on predefined selection criteria. All participants were administered Ayush NT capsule twice daily after meals with lukewarm water along with local application of Ayush LK gel on the affected areas twice daily for 24 weeks. Changes in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaires, and clinical signs and symptoms of the disease were compared before and after the treatment. Data of 108 participants were analysed which revealed significant improvement in PASI and DLQI scores. By day 168, PASI scores reduced from 16.86±8.217 to 6.83±4.449, persisting at 4.43±3.647 by day 196 during follow up also. DLQI showed a notable drop from 21.10±6.232 to 9.13±4.428. No Adverse events reported during trial period. Ayurveda interventions AYUSH NT capsule and AYUSH LK gel showcased good therapeutic potential in improving psoriasis severity and overall quality of life of psoriasis patients which is well tolerated.

Jhum practices of Naga king chilli cultivation in Nagaland

Tzubentula Jamir, Kaushal Kumar Jha — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Naga king chilli is viewed as one of the most prominent spice crops grown in the state of Nagaland. Hence, an attempt has been made to document the jhum practices of Naga king chilli from three districts viz., Peren, Dimapur and Mon in Nagaland following descriptive research design. Based on proportionate random sampling 250 Naga king chilli farmers were selected. Primary data/ first-hand information was obtained directly from the farmers through personal interviews with the help of pre-tested interview schedule; further discussion and field survey were included. Following practices were identified: ‘slash and burn’ of forest vegetation on steep hill slope; bamboo poles, fallen trees and boulders constructed across the slope to check soil erosion; colocasia, ginger, maize, millets and jobs-tears planted along the borders and across the slope for soil and water management; indigenous pest disease management practices include, use of ash, seed treatment with ‘bastenga’, growing Naga king chilli between rice were found effective against aphids, thrips, mealy bugs, white fly; bamboo stump, banana growing areas which had been slashed and burned for cultivation purpose, rocky areas were viewed as a site of nutrient deposition among the farmers and hence considered ideal for Naga king chilli cultivation. These traditional practices have adaptive and mitigation properties and could be merged with modern sustainable farming practices to address the challenges of present-day world for efficiency, productivity and sustainability.

Variations in morphological traits of traditional rice varieties in major rice growing regions of Tamil Nadu

K. Raja, D. Thirusendura selvi, K. Sivaranjani — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Besides therapeutic value, the traditional rice varieties have potential to compete well under changing climatic conditions viz., flood, drought, saline and sodic stress and pest and disease resistance. Recognizing the nutritional and medicinal properties of traditional varieties or landraces in rice, the consumption of these varieties is increasing nowadays. Therefore, the characterization of traditional rice varieties will be helpful in differentiating the individual varieties for further utilization in the crop improvement programme. In the present study, 32 traditional rice varieties were collected from the various places of Tamil Nadu and characterized for 62 morphological traits as per the DUS guidelines. The results of the qualitative traits indicated that the traditional rice varieties have unique characters over existing varieties in terms of basal leaf colour, leaf anthocyanin colouration, leaf sheath anthocyanin colouration, anthocyanin colouration of auricles, colour of ligule, colour of stigma and grain characters like length, width, lemma palea colour, awn type and decorticated grain colour. The study also revealed that the traditional rice varieties had extensive genetic diversity when compared to present improved types which can be used in crop improvement programme in respect to quality traits. In addition, the characterization will be useful to seek protection of the varieties under the Plant Variety Protection system.

Agricultural transformations: early crop cultivation and farm animal domestication in South America, South Asia and India

A B Damania , Preetam Joshi — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The emergence of agriculture, around 10,000-14,000 years ago, is of great significance in human history, captivating archaeo-botanists and ethnologists. This significant transition originated with the global cultivation of plants and the domestication of animals. Regions such as South Asia and the Andean territories became pivotal hubs for the development and diversification of agricultural crops. Excavations in these regions yielded valuable insights from examining ethnobotanical and animal remains, revealing a diverse range of ancient cultivated plant materials. Vedic literature suggests that the Indian Subcontinent may have been the earliest hub for crop domestication and civilization. Interestingly, South America embraced agriculture almost simultaneously with the initial farmers in the Middle East. The presence of certain crops in the Americas and the Indian Subcontinent prior to European contact suggests shared exchanges or independent parallel domestication. These findings illuminate early stages of crop and animal domestication, offering insights into the agricultural practices and civilizations of South America, South Asia, and India.

A study on the traditional textile motifs of Dimasa Kacharis in the Cachar District of Assam

Gargee Bhattacharjee — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Dimasa Kachari is an ethnic community of the northeast region of India, and spread across the hilly and plain regions of Assam. Handloom weaving is a traditional practice among the women of this community and weaving is associated with the community’s cultural identity. The purpose of the study is to document the traditional textile motifs of the community with the local names, meaning and significance; the individuality of motifs, the male and female motifs, and the techniques for making motifs are also documented. The documentation is based on the available primary materials collected during the study. The study was done by visiting the Dimasa Kachari villages of the Cachar district in Assam and spending significant time with the women weavers of different age groups. The significant findings of this study include the rich resources of traditional textile motifs of the community. During the study, it was observed that the tradition of weaving within the community is reducing slowly, the vocabulary related to the textile is shrinking, the application of traditional motifs has become limited, and are gradually replacing by motifs external to Dimasa culture.

Legal protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions under copyright laws

Sabrina Bath, Sachchidanand Prasad — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) has gained significant attention in international legal and policy circles due to their socio-cultural and economic importance. Despite global efforts, there remains no universally accepted framework for the protection of TK and TCEs, leading to fragmented legal approaches across countries. This research examines the protection of TK and TCEs within existing intellectual property (IP) frameworks, focusing on the role of copyright law. Analyzing different models, the research finds that clear definitions of terms such as TK, TCEs, and Expressions of Folklore (EoF) would enhance judicial clarity and improve legal enforcement, especially within frameworks like the Indian Copyright Act.

Editorial Board April 2025