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Ayurvedic formulation promises anti-cancer, anti-HPV potential: Study

Ayurvedic formulation promises anti-cancer, anti-HPV potential: Study

Time of India10-05-2025
Lucknow:
Ayurvedic formulation
Panchavalkala traditionally used in managing women's health issues has demonstrated potential anti-cancer and
anti-HPV
(Human Papillomavirus) properties, reveals a new study.The study conducted by Prof JN Mishra, former principal of Government Ayurveda College, Lucknow, and Dr Ruchika Kaol Ghaneker from the RSH Cancer Research Lab in Pune, has been published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.Sharing the details during a press conference on Saturday, Prof Mishra said: "Laboratory experiments showed that an extract of Panchavalkala -- a preparation made from the barks of five trees-- was able to destroy
cervical cancer
cells in vitro and showed activity against HPV types 16 and 18, which are commonly associated with cervical cancer.
The extract also supported the body's natural immune response."The study is among the first to scientifically evaluate the anti-cancer and anti-HPV potential of this Ayurvedic formulation. In tests on mice, it appeared to be safe and did not interfere with a commonly used chemotherapy drug.Prof Mishra advocated an integrative approach, suggesting that combining traditional and modern systems could be beneficial.
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He pointed out that while modern treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are critical, they often carry significant side effects.Dr Ghaneker said the study may help in the development of alternative therapeutic options that are less toxic. "Since HPV 16 is also linked to some throat cancers and HPV is associated with skin warts, further research may reveal additional uses," she said.They emphasized that while the laboratory results were encouraging, clinical trials on humans were necessary to evaluate the formulation's effectiveness and safety.
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The Ayurvedic hours that age one faster - and why one should not be awake at THIS time
The Ayurvedic hours that age one faster - and why one should not be awake at THIS time

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

The Ayurvedic hours that age one faster - and why one should not be awake at THIS time

People often fail to realise that sleep functions as an essential foundation of wellness, since it serves as the time for body restoration and healing. According to Ayurveda, the body executes detoxification, cell renewal and tissue healing processes from 10 pm until 2 am. Being awake beyond this essential period, speeds up your aging process while causing damage to your health. The healing process peaks within these hours, and the consequences of staying awake will show on your skin and health. Here's how... The ayurvedic clock and body rhythms The 24-hour day consists of three doshas known as Kapha, Pitta and Vata which Ayurveda uses to organise its time cycles. According to the dosha principle, your body functions through four-hour segments that each dosha controls. Your body transitions into Kapha energy rule between 6 pm-10 pm, as it prepares for rest. During the period from 10 pm- 2 am, Pitta takes control of your body, which results in an increased metabolic rate, inner fire and repair system activity. The Pitta period functions as an essential period for deep healing processes, which include detoxification and tissue renewal, as well as cellular damage repair. Effective ayurvedic remedies for quick weight loss During this period, your body activates its internal agni (digestive fire), which works to cleanse toxins while rebuilding tissues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo The pancreas releases digestive enzymes, which enables the liver and other organs to detoxify the body. The peak production of repair and regeneration of hormones and enzymes occurs during this time. Cell renewal operates at its peak, to maintain youthful skin while strengthening muscles and building a robust immune system. Prime window Your body conducts Ama detoxification through deep sleep during the Pitta phase, which occurs between 10 pm - 2 am. When toxic substances accumulate in the body, they trigger premature aging and produce inflammation that leads to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and skin problems. Ayurvedic principles state that failure to respect natural repair time results in Ama accumulation, which leads to overwhelming of your body systems. The scientific community identifies this time frame with the beginning of deep non-REM sleep stages, because growth hormone production and physical repair activities reach their peak. Tissues achieve restoration, while muscles gain back their strength and immune defense develops power during this period. 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The natural deep sleep cycle should be completed in full, to avoid memory loss and immunity weakening, along with skin-related complications. When you awaken during the Pitta phase, your body experiences metabolic problems. The digestive fire weakens down which produces indigestion, and reduces nutrient absorption and causes toxin accumulation. The repeated pattern of this cycle speeds up biological aging, and enhances the potential for developing chronic diseases. How to sleep well Reach your bed before 10 pm, to match the Kapha energy and obtain a restful sleep. The preparation for sleep should include light reduction, screen avoidance, and decreased stimulating conduct. Heavy food consumption together with caffeine should be avoided near bedtime, because they heat up the body while causing digestive issues. You can relax your nervous system through the use of ashwagandha together, with lavender and chamomile herbs. 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The milk industry produces tonnes of wastewater. Plant-based coagulants can help clean up
The milk industry produces tonnes of wastewater. Plant-based coagulants can help clean up

Scroll.in

time11 hours ago

  • Scroll.in

The milk industry produces tonnes of wastewater. Plant-based coagulants can help clean up

India has been the world leader in milk production since 1998, currently accounting for nearly 25% of global output. In 2024 alone, the country produced over 239 million tonnes of milk. While the dairy sector plays a vital role in India's economy and rural livelihoods, a lesser-known and underreported consequence is the vast amount of wastewater it generates, a significant but overlooked environmental challenge. Studies show the volume of wastewater produced by the sector is about 2.5 times greater than the amount of milk processed. A significant amount of wastewater is also produced while processing raw milk into consumer items such as yoghurt, butter, and cheese. Although traditional wastewater treatments, which involve the use of chemicals, have been used for decades, their cost and environmental impact have been a cause for concern. A new study published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment proposes natural coagulants as an eco-friendly alternative. 'There is an increasing demand for water across the world, so it's important to find ways to clean wastewater in a way that supports ecosystem health and reduces pollution,' says Lipsa Mishra, lead author of the study and assistant professor, MIT World Peace University. Natural coagulants In their study, Mishra and her team used Carica papaya seeds, Citrus limetta peels (sweet lemon), and Moringa oleifera (drumstick) in powder form as natural coagulants. Papaya seeds can attach to particles in water and sink to the bottom. Citrus limetta peels can recover significant nutrients for recycling or reuse, while also improving water quality, the study explains. Importantly, Moringa oleifera 's antibacterial properties help inhibit bacterial growth in water, improving water quality and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. Natural coagulants also contribute to maintaining pH balance of water and lowering biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity levels, Mishra and colleagues note in the study. For instance, Moringa oleifera prevents oxygen loss from microbial breakdown and helps lower biochemical oxygen demand or biochemical oxygen demand, which is necessary to maintain healthy aquatic habitats. Biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand are essential parameters for assessing organic pollution in wastewater. Biochemical oxygen demand measures the oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose biodegradable matter, while chemical oxygen demand quantifies the total oxygen needed to chemically oxidise both biodegradable and non-biodegradable compounds, the study explains. High levels of chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand can suffocate aquatic life, as microorganisms rapidly consume oxygen while breaking down organic compounds, leading to oxygen depletion. 'When we dispose of dairy wastewater into water bodies without treatment, it causes eutrophication, and marine life and aquatic plants can't sustain themselves in such an environment due to the lack of dissolved oxygen,' says Pragyan Das, assistant professor, Odisha University of Technology and Research. Das is also the author of a 2022 study titled 'Dairy wastewater and its potential for waste management'. Wastewater disposed in water bodies without treatment can also lead to harmful algal blooms that further deplete oxygen levels and inhibit aquatic plant growth. Moreover, toxic compounds like detergents and sanitisers in untreated dairy wastewater pose threats to aquatic ecosystems, the study elaborates. Among the various dairy products, a 2016 study found that sweet whey was the most polluting dairy effluent. Its biochemical composition is rich in organic matter (lactose, protein, phosphorus, nitrates, and nitrogen) and is 60 to 80 times more polluting than domestic sewage. Although the improper treatment of dairy wastewater is linked to high environmental risks, it often doesn't receive the same attention as other industries. 'Industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, coal mining, steel plants, and others release more visible hazardous pollutants or heavy metals. As a result, there are often more discussions about these compared to dairy wastewater,' notes Mishra. The study showed that Citrus limetta peels achieved a 93.8% removal efficiency for biochemical oxygen demand, while Carica papaya seeds and Moringa oleifera exhibited significant efficiency in turbidity and total dissolved solids removal, reaching values of 94% and 68%, respectively. 'Comparatively, alum was able to remove over 99% of turbidity but with high chemical sludge. However, papaya seeds, lemon peels, and drumstick powder showed over 93% efficiency with biodegradable sludge. Lemon peels performed the best in BOD [biochemical oxygen demand] removal with almost 94%,' Mishra elaborates. Furthermore, plant-based coagulants not only offer cost-effectiveness but also present fewer environmental risks. Waste water Water is used in all processes in the dairy industry, including heating, cooling, and washing. Mishra estimates that around 3,000 litres of wastewater are generated per 1,000 litres of milk processed. From high amounts of organic materials such as dissolved solids, suspended solids, oil and grease, to detergents and various chemicals such as benzene, mercury, zinc, ammonia, and chromium used during industrial cleaning, an array of effluents can be found in dairy wastewater. These can cause harm to marine life if not treated properly. 'The presence of high organic matter leads to high levels of BOD [biochemical oxygen demand] and COD [chemical oxygen demand], which can deplete oxygen in receiving water bodies if untreated wastewater is released. 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Dairy wastewater treatment shouldn't just use eco-friendly methods but also focus on how to make the water reusable. For instance, my study on vermifiltration, in which earthworms are introduced into a filter bed to break down organic pollutants, showed this could be an effective alternative. After vermifiltration, the wastewater can be reused for purposes such as irrigation,' Das explains. However, both Mishra and Das note a lack of research on dairy wastewater and sustainable treatment options. 'More studies on how dairy wastewater affects the environment and the different ways of treating it, particularly more eco-friendly methods, could be beneficial for both humans and the environment,' says Mishra.

ISRO Chief gets Kalam award for success of Spadex, Axiom, NISAR missions and for critical space system support for successful Op Sindoor
ISRO Chief gets Kalam award for success of Spadex, Axiom, NISAR missions and for critical space system support for successful Op Sindoor

United News of India

time15 hours ago

  • United News of India

ISRO Chief gets Kalam award for success of Spadex, Axiom, NISAR missions and for critical space system support for successful Op Sindoor

Chennai, Aug 15 (UNI) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space Dr V Narayanan was today presented the former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam award by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin for the successful Spadex and NISAR missions and for the critical space system support by ISRO for the recent successful 'Operation Sindoor', which was one of the major achievements under his able leadership. Dr. Narayanan, in his brief tenure as DOS Secretary, has proven his visionary leadership with several achievements. They included the 100th launch from SHAR Range the successful completion of Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission making India the fourth country in the world to achieve this, and the successful completion of Axiom mission wherein the second Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travelled to International Space Station and brought back safely. Dr Narayanan led a high-level delegation which was instrumental in insisting and correcting the Liquid Oxygen leakage in the Falcon-9 vehicle and ensuring safety of the four astronauts onboard Axiom-4 mission including Shubhanshu Shukla from India which otherwise would have led to catastrophic failure. The award was also to hail the recent successful launch of the prestigious and technologically complex NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Spacecraft using GSLV vehicle. The critical space system support by ISRO for the recent successful 'Operation Sindoor' by India was one of the major achievements under his able leadership, the Government said. He is also spearheading the complex cutting edge technology developments feeding to national missions like Gaganyaan programme, Chandrayaan-4 and 5, Venus Orbiter Mission, Bharathiya Anthariksh Station, Next Generation Launch Vehicle and many more including an Indian astronaut landing on the moon and returning safely. Dr. Narayanan, in his illustrious career, has been honoured with more than 35 most prestigious awards including Distinguished Alumni Award and Life Fellowship Award from IIT, Kharagpur, Gold Medal from Astronautical Society of India (ASI). He is a Member and Fellow of a large number of prestigious National and International Scientific and Technical forums. Born in a small village Melakattuvilai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan was a brilliant student throughout his academic career. He studied in Tamil Nadu Government School and completed Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government. Polytechnic, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. Later, he obtained in Cryogenic Engineering with a silver medal and first rank and Ph.D. from IIT, Kharagpur. Dr. Narayanan was appointed as Secretary, DoS and Chairman, ISRO and Chairman, Space Commission in recognition of his distinguished career in ISRO spanning 41 years with multiple key leadership roles including the post of Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO for seven years. He pioneered in the propulsion systems of rockets and satellites for ISRO, working in critical and cutting edge technologies of propulsion systems, and realisation of large infrastructure. As a propulsion system technocrat, his professional career is studded with several major achievements like leading the Cryogenic propulsion realisation and stage development for India's self-reliance in launch vehicle technology making it one amongst the six countries having this technology. As a Project Director, instrumental in development of C25 Cryogenic Stage for LVM3 launch vehicle and obtained three world records. He was responsible for successful completion of development of Cryogenic Propulsion System from engine hot test to successful flight in 28 months with only 3 engines. Dr. Narayanan's key contributions to pan-ISRO activities include his leadership in development of propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft of Chandrayaan-2 and 3 missions including the development of throttleable propulsion system for soft landing of Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-3. After the unsuccessful landing attempt of Chandrayaan-2, he was appointed as the Chairman of the National Level Expert Committee to analyse the reason for the setback. Under his Chairmanship, this committee made critical recommendations for improvement which resulted in the resounding success of Chandrayaan-3 mission. Similarly, he has played a major role in various other national missions like Aditya L1, One Web India missions, etc., and was instrumental in drafting the road maps of Space Transportation Systems of ISRO as the Chairman of Space Transportation System (STS) Programme Management Council. Dr. Narayanan is striving to provide techno-managerial leadership for achieving excellence in Space Transportation, Infrastructure and Space applications benefitting common citizens of our country as well as creating and nurturing a vibrant space eco-system in India. UNI GV 1425

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