Ayurveda medicine for Swine Flu- Research result

Chennai-based RRF launches Ayurveda remedy for swine flu 'Ayusrem'
Thursday, January 28, 2010 08:00 IST
Peethaambaran Kunnathoor, Chennai

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the Union Territory of Pondicherry has granted licence to Chennai-based Ramoni Research Foundation (RRF), an institute conducting research in Ayurveda medicines, to manufacture and market an Ayurvedic antiviral medication Ayusrem, which is a potential drug to prevent and treat H1N1.

The scientists at the foundation claimed that the drug is a potential choice to prevent and treat H1N1 flu and will prove to be a boon to the people as it is being launched at a time when the entire world is stepping up efforts to tackle the H1N1 pandemic. According to the scientists, the drug is made of extracts from anti-viral plants and antipyretic plants like Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma Longa and Vetiveria zizanioides. Extracts of Immunomodulant plants like Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum have also been included. The Analgesic ingredients in the formulation are from Andrographis paniculata, Zingiber officinale and Cyperus rotundus.

Claiming that the herbal product can contain the spread of swine flu and other strains of viruses, RRF has written to the Department of Ayush to take measures to evaluate the effect of medicinal plants and formulations for antiviral activity. The letter says that the potential of medicinal plants is well known for their antiviral activity and the Herbal Sciences Department of the Madras University has initiated several studies on it. The Centre has generated scientific data on 130 plants so far, which will help millions of sufferers of virus diseases, the scientists told Pharmabiz.

The foundation hopes that the permission by the US FDA will reap results in a way that it will help RRF to penetrate into the huge Indian Ayurvedic market and the growing global market of Ayurvedic products when viral diseases are spreading alarmingly and taking lives across the world. RRF’s Ayusrem is the outcome of a joint venture with the Herbal Science Research Centre of Madras University.

The scientists in the foundation said US FDA in Pondicherry is the first regulatory authority to certify and approve the drug for sales after its invention by Chennai based institutes six months ago. The inventors of the remedy have claimed that within this short span of time, the medicine could cure various kinds of viral diseases of about 2000 people including those affected with A H1N1 viruses.

RRF has invented the medicine Ayusrem, after years of researches associating with the Centre for Herbal Sciences at the University of Madras. When the drug was launched in September last year, it was a formulation of Ayurveda and Siddha preparations. Later, the formulation was completely restricted in Ayurvedic method only, said the inventors of the product, Dr K Balasubrahmaniam and professor Dr A Raaman.

Last week, in a function organized in Pondicherry Lt Governor Dr Iqbal Singh inaugurated the official launching of the medicine by handing over a strip of 10 tablets of Ayusrem to the Health & Family Welfare Minister E Valasaraj. Public health minister A Namasivayam was also present on the occasion.

After the invention of Ayusrem, Ramoni Research Foundation has bagged three Awards of Excellence. National Citizen Excellence Award from Intellectual People and Economic Growth Association, New Delhi for Outstanding Contribution, International Achievers Award for invention of Ayusrem by International Achievers Forum, Thailand, and Bharath Gaurav Award from India International Friendship Society for meritorious services.

D Balasubrahmaniam, the chairman of the foundation said RRF has signed an agreement with Pondicherry based Dr Milton’s Laboratories to manufacture the drug and inked another contract with Chennai-based Berjayaa Marketing Private Ltd for domestic marketing. They have also signed certain pacts with Leonex Systems of Malaysia to market the Ayurvedic antiviral remedy.

Source: PhamaBiz

Ayurvedic Solution to H1N1?

News release of University of Southampton

Copper could help prevent the spread of flu infections

Ref: 06/13
1 February 2006
Copper could help prevent the spread of flu infections. Recent research at the University of Southampton shows that the Influenza A virus is virtually eradicated within six hours on copper surfaces. Influenza A viruses cause seasonal infections resulting in around 12,000 deaths a year in the UK(1). The influenza A family of viruses includes the avian flu strain.

Professor Bill Keevil and Dr Jonathan Noyce, microbiology researchers at the University's School of Biological Sciences, detail the findings in a study being prepared for submission for peer-reviewed publication later this year. Professor Keevil, who heads up the School's Microbiology research group, explained: 'The findings are so pertinent to the current concerns about containing a potential outbreak of the avian flu strain, that we felt it important to provide some of the preliminary results at this time.'

The Southampton researchers placed 2 million plaque-forming units of Influenza A (H1N1) on coupons of C11000 copper (common, pure copper sheet metal) and on S30400 (common stainless steel) at room temperature and then came back periodically to determine the survival rates of the samples. On the stainless steel surface, the pathogen declined to 1 million after six hours and to 500,000 after 24 hours. Meanwhile, the copper surface achieved a reduction to 500,000 after only one hour and inactivated all but 500 - a 99.99% reduction - after just six hours.

In the research, Professor Keevil notes that the H1N1 strain tested is nearly identical to the H5N1 (avian) strain and that the effectiveness of copper's antimicrobial properties should be nearly identical as well. He explains that, while vaccines stimulate host antibodies to target specific exposed cell surface structures (epitopes), copper's antimicrobial action probably attacks the overall structure of the virus and therefore has a broad-spectrum effect.

These results are 'consistent with the demonstrated antimicrobial effects of copper cited in published studies on E. coli O157:H7, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (the superbug, MRSA) and Listeria,' said Professor Keevil, adding that similar antimicrobial efficacy may be achieved by the infusion of copper ions into fabrics, filters or other materials. However, such applications may have diminished effectiveness over time, because the amount of copper in such materials is much less than in solid copper alloys.

Suggesting it would be worthwhile to consider using uncoated copper orhigh-copper alloys, such as many brasses and bronzes, for common-touch surfaces to help minimise cross-contamination, Professor Keevil said: 'Door knobs and handles, push plates, countertops, sinks and other frequently-touched hardware in healthcare and other public facilities are prime candidates for use of copper alloys to help control the spread of infection.'

The Southampton research was sponsored by the Copper Development Association (CDA) in the USA and the International Copper Association.

Note:

• The University of Southampton is one of the UK's top 10 research universities, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. With first-rate opportunities and facilities across a wide range of subjects in science and engineering, health, arts and humanities, the University has around 20,000 students and 5000 staff at its campuses in Southampton and Winchester. Its annual turnover is in the region of £274 million.
  Southampton is recognised internationally for its leading-edge research in engineering, science, computer science and medicine, and for its strong enterprise agenda. It is home to world-leading research centres, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton; the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research; the Optoelectronics Research Centre; the Textile Conservation Centre; the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease; and the Mountbatten Centre for International Studies.
• The Copper Development Association is the information, education, market and technical development arm of the copper, brass and bronze industries in the USA.

Source: University of Southampton

Why am I linking this to Ayurveda?

• In India and in Ayurveda, it has been recommended to store water in copper vessels overnight and consume that water in the morning.


• There are advices to conduct 'homa / Agnihotra' (ritual of offerings through fire) by using copper container.


• In Hindu rituals copper vessels are used in many occasions, example: doing 'Aachamana' (taking sips of water) by using water in copper container during 'pooja' (worshiping the God).

There were some studies as well on this topic as below

• FRLHT study
• Dr. Edward Martin
• Info on Homa

Swine Flu and Ayurveda - News

World is looking towards Ayurveda to prevent Swine Flu

Read the news in the given links below...

Thaindian News

Indopia - Sri Baba Ramdev

Press Trust of India - Sri Sri Ravishankar

Indian Express - Indian Government looks at Ayurveda

Indian Express - Delhi Corporation

Ayurveda has answer for sure, we have to open up and search the treasure
properly. All the best.

Read related article in my general blog

Ayurveda adds to protection from H1N1 - Cow Colostrum !

PUNE: Calling Gau piyush' or cow colostrum a powerful nutritional immunity solution that could help arrest the spread of the H1N1 flu.

Noted computer scientist Vijay Bhatkar on Wednesday said that the solution should not be considered a cure but a supplement to other medication. Cow colostrum is a thick lemon yellow coloured secretion produced by cows for about 72 hours after the birth of a calf.

Addressing a news conference here along with a few medical practitioners in the city, Bhatkar pointed out that this solution, that has its origins in Ayurveda, was now available in capsule form.

Bhatkar's recently founded Institute of Integrative Healthcare (IIHc) started research on this solution almost three years ago. "But we started focusing on the H1N1 flu only a few months ago. Our focus was on nutritional immunology inspired by Ayurveda rather than vaccine-based immunology.

Different countries have different conditions, so it is vital for each and every country to look for a solution to the illness themselves," said Bhatkar. Stressing the fact that the solution was only meant to be a supplement to the medication for H1N1 and not a replacement, Bhatkar said that it could be taken by both those suffering from H1N1 and those who want to take some kind of preventive measures.

The task force formed by the institute to conduct research on the solution include a mix of medical practitioners and Ayurveda practitioners and G T Phanse, the former deputy director of the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL). "The colostrum contains about 20 specific antibodies and it also has antibacterial properties," said Ramesh Patil, a member of the task force.

The solution has already been tried on 7,000 patients successfully during the course of the research, 20 per cent of them displayed influenza-like symptoms. "We have not been able to obtain the necessary permission to test it on those suffering from the H1N1 flu but we are in talks with various authorities including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) who have promised to get back to us," said Bhatkar.

On being asked about the effectiveness of the solution, another task force member, Vinod Marathe, said that it starts taking effect within an hour after it is consumed. "It quickly builds up your immunity system and the effect only gets stronger. The antibodies start functioning immediately," he added. He also clarified that the solution was not advisable for those who were lactose intolerant.

Source: The Times of India

Great Ayurvedic Way of Thinking for Better Health !

Viral victory can come naturally

Victoria Mary Clarke explains how she decided to stop worrying and get some practical advice on how we can beat the bug

Sunday July 26 2009

I have been going out of my mind worrying about swine flu. Unfortunately, I am blessed with a vivid imagination. I only have to think about getting a cold and, sure enough, I get a cold. Obviously I try to imagine myself perfectly healthy, but it just seems that every time I pick up a newspaper or turn on the television, there is more ammunition for the worrying part of my mind.

So rather than just worry, I decided I would ask the advice of a man who is an expert on the prevention of illness, Dr Donn Brennan, Ireland's first GP to also qualify as an Ayurvedic doctor.

"Think of the virus as the seed and your body as the field," Dr Brennan suggests. "Modern medicine focuses on the seed, but Ayurveda focuses on the field. If the field is not suitable for the seed, the seed won't grow. So we have to think about what makes the field suitable for the seed to grow in."
I ask him what we can do to prevent our bodies from becoming suitable environments for a virus to thrive in.

"A toxic environment is perfect for a virus to take hold in. What creates a toxic environment? Eating rubbish foods. Eating at inappropriate times. Rushing the food, and disturbing our digestion. All of this creates a weakened immune system," he says.

What, I ask, should we do instead?

"If we nurture ourselves very well and give ourselves good quality foods and eat at appropriate times, in an appropriate manner, then we will create a strong immune system," he advises.

The appropriate time to eat, he says, is when you are genuinely physically hungry.

"Good digestion is all- important for a strong immune system," he says. "Hunger makes for good digestion. If you eat when you are not hungry, you are asking your body to do something it is not prepared for -- and the outcome of that is a feeling of sluggishness and heaviness."

The second most important thing about eating is to sit down and relax, rather than to eat on the run. I ask him why this is, seeing as I often eat in a hurry and read my emails at the same time.
"Because we have a sympathetic nervous system and a parasympathetic nervous system," he explains. "And, if we are in a rush when we are eating and the body is full of adrenalin, then the blood is all going to the muscles and the brain and none is going to the digestion. Then very little gastric juices or pancreatic juices are flowing. So the fast-food culture is a ripe field for a virus." Apparently if you do sit down and relax at meal times, you switch from the sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system, which means the blood is heading towards your gut and you produce the necessary juices for good digestion.

"But", I argue, "most people are under the most amount of stress in the mornings."

"Maybe they have a few kids, and they have to get them fed and ready and take them to school. So they don't have the time or the opportunity then to sit down and have a relaxed meal."

Dr Brennan agrees that this is probably the case. "I think it is true that we live in a culture which prioritises making money and does not prioritise health, but it would be a marvellous thing if people would take the time out from all that madness -- even if it means getting up 15 minutes earlier -- just so that the family can have a proper breakfast," he says.

He suggests that people who live in a constant state of panic are creating an environment that a virus can thrive in.

"Tearing about the place, always under pressure, is the surest way to leave yourself vulnerable," he says.

The other thing that can either help or harm the immune system is the actual food itself. "If you eat too much heavy food, it takes hours for the digestive system to get on top of it. Beef and pork and very oily meals are not a good idea, especially late at night," Dr Brennan advises.

The ideal foods to eat are fresh, organic vegetables and oily fish that has been freshly prepared, rather than convenience foods that have been microwaved.

"Fresh, organic fruit and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help our immune system so that even if you do get the virus, the immune system can go to work more efficiently," he says.

Dr Brennan understands that most people are overwhelmed by the thought of trying to change their ways.

"You don't need to do everything to perfection," he stresses. "Even if you make small changes, they will leave you feeling more resilient, so that if you do get the bug, it will be a minor thing."
Meditation is another great way to strengthen the immune system. "The profound rest that meditation provides is very healing and it resolves the effects of stress in the body which raises the immunity," he says. "It provides a balance to the crazy life, if you can have sublime serenity for 20 minutes."

Also, getting a little bit of exercise clears toxins from the body and invigorates our metabolism, Dr Brennan says.

It is important not to panic about the whole idea of swine flu, he emphasises. If people are getting adequate rest, taking reasonable care of their digestion and getting some exercise, they shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Later, I read in the paper that the new flu pandemic website is getting 9.3m hits per hour. A lot of people are clearly very worried. But after talking to Dr Brennan, I am no longer one of them.

Article posted in independent.ie on Sunday July 26, 2009