Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

40 Years Passing By In (A) “Heartbeat”, Christopher Janney

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This article outlines the forty-year history go Christopher Janney’s iconic performance work “HeartBeat.” Trained as an architect and jazz musician, Janney combines these two disciplines to create large interactive light/sound installations and performances. On the one hand, he attempts to make architecture more like music, more “alive” using real-time sensing devices as on his “Harmonic Convergence” installation on the Miami International Airport. On the other hand, he attempts to make music more like architecture, more physical more visual. In his “HeartBeat” performance, a dancer wears a heartbeat device that amplifies his/her heartbeat in “real time.” Over this pulse, live musicians …

Yoga Sūtra Book Four And The Yogabindu, Christopher Key Chapple

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Four themes from the fourth pāda of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra are examined here: karma (IV:2-13), individuality (IV:16), humility (IV:20-22), and freedom (IV:29-34). Affirmations and variant interpretations of these four are provided from Haribhadra Virahāṅka’s Yogabindu, most likely composed a century or two later.

Collective Karma: From The Yogasūtra To Taylor Swift, Zoë Slatoff

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The Indian knowledge traditions speak at length about karma, which is divided into three categories—accumulated (saṃcita), ripe (prārabdha), and future (kriyamāṇa). While much is said about our individual karma and how it affects our repeated reincarnation in cyclic existence, how does this affect others and how do others affect us? In other words, as this paper explores, what is our reciprocal and collective karma?

Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology Of The Interplay Of Mind And Consciousness In Book Four Of The Yoga Sūtras, Melissa Townsend

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This presentation explores how artistic practice can illuminate philosophical questions about the nature of mind, consciousness, and liberation as articulated in Book Four of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. Through a series of paintings that visually translate these sūtras, I propose that art offers a unique, experiential means of engaging with the complex relationship between citta (mind) and puruṣa (consciousness).

The paintings function as a form of “visual ontology,” inviting viewers to engage with abstract philosophical concepts in a sensory, tangible way. By depicting the interplay between the mutable processes of the mind and the unchanging awareness of consciousness, these …

Green Design Of Plant Based Pharmaceutical Drugs: Example Of A Wound Healing Topical Cream With Plectranthus Bojeri (Benth) Hedge Lamiaceae Extract, Helga Rim Farasoa, Marie Louise Razafindravao, Rojo Fanambinantsoa Andriamiarantsoa, Gerard Cecilien Raboanary, Jean Marie Razafindrakoto, Voahangy Ramanandraibe Vestalys

Journal of Bioresource Management

To ensure the perennity of natural resources, the valorisation process of herbal pharmaceuticals must be assessed for sustainability from the very beginning of its design. No specific tools have been developed for this particular field so far. We demonstrate in this study that existing green design tools can be adapted to evaluate plant-based products manufacturing process. As the example of a topical cream using Plectranthus bojeri (Benth) Hedge LAMIACEAE extract was considered, we first confirmed the traditional use of this plant for wound healing. It acts by accelerating the re-epithelialisation phase. Using the Vermeer Cosmolife version 0.24 software tool the …

Harnessing Natural Medicine As A Resource For Socioeconomic Development, Eneojo Ogu, Martins Emeje, Munira Abdullahi

Journal of Bioresource Management

Natural medicine is currently gaining global acceptance among the developed and developing countries of the world due to its low toxicity, high efficacy and cost effectiveness. Developed countries are devising medicinal systems that require the use of medicinal plant products and resources. Thus, a marked increase in world demand for medicinal plant resources has emerged in the recent years and that has provided a great opportunity for medicinal plants exporting nations to expand their economy shares in this sector. Despite the Nigeria immense socio-economic promise, the country is in critical need following the fact that the multidimensional poverty rate is …

The Effect Of Annona Muricata Leaves’ Extract On Wnt Signaling Pathway In Induced Colorectal Cancer In Mice, Layane Massri, Jamilah Borjac, Alaa Matar, Dania Natour

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health issue. The Wnt signaling pathway, activated by mutations in APC and β-catenin genes, plays a crucial role in CRC development, leading to the activation of inflammatory pathways involving COX-2 and iNOS, as well as the continuous transcription of cell cycle-related genes promoting CRC pathogenesis. Annona muricata (A. muricata), a tropical tree with various biological activities, including anti-cancerous properties, was investigated for its potential effect on mice induced with colon cancer using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 20 mg/kg) over 12 weeks, and treated with oral A. muricata extract (100 mg/kg, 5 days/week).

Methods: Histopathological …

Total Polyphenol Content, Antioxidant Potential, Antibacterial And Antifungal Properties Of Ferula L. Species Growing In Tajikistan, Saidbeg Satorov, Sulkhya Mavlonazarova, Salomuddin Yusufi, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

The plants of the genus Ferula L. have long been recognized for their significant roles in traditional medicine in the Middle East and Asia, a heritage that we deeply respect and appreciate. A diverse array of biologically active compounds, particularly concentrated in the roots of various Ferula species, accounts for their broad range of medicinal properties and applications in folk medicine. Many species within this genus are noted for their high content of phenolic compounds, which exhibit potent antioxidant activity and demonstrate substantial antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

The Effects Of Propofol On Doppler Echocardiographic Values Of The Aorta, Main Pulmonary Artery, And Mitral E Wave In New Zealand White Rabbits, Mehmet Alper Çetinkaya, Mahir Kaya

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of propofol on acceleration time (AT), ejection time (ET), AT / ET ratio obtained from the aorta (Ao) and main pulmonary artery (MPA) and Doppler echocardiographic values of mitral E wave (E) in New Zealand white rabbits. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in 40 conscious rabbits and repeated after propofol administration. The baseline mean values were 0.028±0.006 second (s) for Ao-AT, 0.116±0.017 s for Ao-ET, 0.24±0.036 for Ao-AT / ET, 0.05±0.01 s for MPA- AT, 0.137±0.018 s for MPA-ET, 0.38±0.037 s for MPA-AT/ET, 84.13±18.26 cm/s for E peak velocity, 3.06±1.38 mmHg …

When Little Beings Are Celebrated With Gentle, Healing Hands: The Role Of Homoeopathy In Shaping A Healthier Generation, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Editorial

Homoeopathy In The Treatment Of Tinea Cruris And Tinea Corporis – A Case Series, Renu Mittal, Akshaya Kumar Prusty, Ashish Shivadikar, Divya Taneja, Noopur Kumari, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection affecting keratinised tissues such as the epidermis, hairs and nails. It is particularly prevalent in tropical regions due to favourable conditions for fungal growth, such as warmth and humidity. Dermatophytes metabolise keratin leading to various pathological clinical presentations, such as tinea pedis, tinea corporis and tinea cruris. Case reports, case series and studies published on treatment of tinea corporis add to the evidence-based effectiveness of Homoeopathy in treatment of the condition.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of individualised homoeopathic medicines in the clinical management of cases presented …

Lateral Venous Ulcer Treated With Homoeopathy Using A Miasmatic Approach – A Case Report, Karunakara Moorthi, Reshma P

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Loss of all or a portion of the dermis, as well as the epidermis, causes an open sore known as an ulcer. Venous leg ulcers are late signs of venous hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency. Long-term ulcers are difficult to heal and lastly opted for skin grafting and surgery conventionally. This case report provides insight into the treatment of venous ulcer with homoeopathy using the miasmatic approach and helps to provide evidence for further research in this area.

Case Summary: A 61-year-old female presented with ulceration near the lateral malleolus of her left leg for the past 6 years. …

Acknowledgement To Our Reviewers (2024), Ijrh Editorial Board

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The following experts are sincerely acknowledged for their invaluable inputs, while reviewing the manuscripts for the Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy in 2024. Their timely inputs enabled a fair and rigorous peer-review process, and we are immensely thankful for the same.

Role Of Homoeopathic Medicine In The Management Of Psoriasis – An Evidence-Based Case Report, Priya Bablesh Chaurasiya, Priya Gauri A. Chaphekar, Sailee V. Ingale

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated disease, where plaque-type psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis show 90 % and 7% prevalence, respectively. It is a cosmetically expressed condition that impacts the individual and the family, thus affecting quality of life. It impacts the physical, emotional and psychosocial well-being of the sick individual. It accounts for up to 3% of the World’s population. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it is challenging to treat due to the lack of established causative factors. Conventional medicine offers long-term treatment with a short-term benefit to patients with psoriasis, resulting in discontinued treatment by the …

An In Vitro Comparative Assessment Of Antidiabetic Efficacy: Abroma Augusta Q, Gymnema Sylvestre Q, Cephalandra Indica Q, Momordica Charantia Q, Syzygium Jambolanum Q In Comparison To Metformin, Mary Adharshna S.P., Vettrivel Arul

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Homoeopathic mother tinctures are gaining attention for managing diabetes by inhibiting key enzymes in glucose metabolism.

Objective: This study aimed to compare popular homoeopathic mother tinctures Abroma augusta Q (AAQ), Cephalandra indica Q (CIQ), Gymnema sylvestre Q (GSQ), Momordica charantia Q (MCQ) and Syzygium jambolanum Q (SJQ) with Metformin (MET) in inhibiting diabetes associated α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.

Methods: Mother tinctures AAQ, CIQ, GSQ, MCQ, SJQ and MET of concentrations 10 μL/mL, 50 μL/mL, 100 μL/mL, 250 μL/mL, and 500 μL/mL were assessed through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay.

Results: All mother tinctures show significant inhibitory action at …

Efficacy Of Ferrum Metallicum 30c In Restoring Menstrual Cycle In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients – A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind Trial, J.P. Jerin, Chaturbhuja Nayak, D. Karthikeyan, Maanasa Rajagopal

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with the prevalent clinical symptom of irregular menstruation.

Objective: This trial assessed the efficacy of Ferr. met. 30C in restoring the menstrual cycle among PCOS patients.

Methods: A randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial was conducted at outpatient departments of Sri Sai Ram Homoeopathy Medical College and Research Centre, Chennai. Patients were randomly allotted to the experimental (Group I - Ferr. met. 30C) and control (Group II - Placebo) groups. Quality of life of patients in both groups was assessed through PCOS Questionnaire scale …

The Role Of Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum In A Case Of Periorbital Cellulitis – A Case Report, Rushikesh Ramesh Desai, Mahesh M. Choudhary

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues around the eye anterior to the orbital septum. This condition is very commonly found in the paediatric population but due to certain comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus or immune-compromised conditions, it can be seen in the adult population also. The condition may prove devastating to the eye, causing complete loss of vision or may become life-threatening if the infection spreads to orbits and involves cavernous sinuses in the brain.

Case Summary: A 50-year-old diabetic male patient complained of red and lustrous swelling around his right eye, sticky discharge from the …

Research Highlights, Swati Kharb, Purnima Rani

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Research Highlights

Celebrating World Homoeopathy Day With A Homoeopathic Symposium On Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency, Babita Rani Kondle, Divya Taneja, Renu Mittal, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the scientific convention ‘Empowering Research Enhancing Proficiency: A Homoeopathic Symposium’ on 10th and 11th April 2024 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre), New Delhi, India. The convention which was jointly organised by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, National Commission for Homoeopathy and National Institute of Homoeopathy under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India to commemorate the 269th birth anniversary of Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann. There were a total of 17 sessions which included five panel discussions. The convention was attended by more …

Uncontrolled Hypertension Or A Bad Medication Interaction? The Importance Of Reviewing Over-The-Counter Medications During Medication Reconciliation, Shefali Amin Do, Caitlyn R. Moss Md

Transformative Medicine

Introduction: In the management of chronic conditions, review of the complete medication list for potential drug-drug interactions is crucial. This case involves a patient taking activated charcoal for unclear reasons, leading to misdiagnosed uncontrolled hypertension.

Case Description: We present the case of an elderly male with uncontrolled hypertension who had been placed on multiple chronic antihypertensives for years. On further review, he was found to be taking activated charcoal twice daily thereby inactivating his five oral antihypertensive medications and making his blood pressure difficult to control. Discontinuation of the activated charcoal led to significant improvement in his blood …