INTRODUCTION TO SUBJECT:

1.1 AYURVEDA

Ayurveda (Devanāgarī: the 'science of life') is a system of traditional medicine native

to India, and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine. In
Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda comprises the words āyus, meaning 'life' and veda
meaning knowledge . Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an
influential system of medicine in South Asia. The earliest literature of Ayurveda
appeared during the Vedic period in India. The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka
Samhita were influential works on traditional medicine during this era. Ayurvedic
practitioners also claim to have identified a number of medicinal preparations and
surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases.
As per Indian heritage and science "Ayurveda" is a Upa Veda or anexture of four
main vedas(Knowledge Systems). the famous treaties of Ayurveda, "Charaka
Samhita" by sage "Charakan", details the prevention and treatment of disease and
"Sushruta Samhita" of Sage "Sushruta" deals Ayurvedic Surgical procedures. In
Ayurvedic system, Prevention of all types of disease have prominent place than
treatment, including restructuring of life style to align with the course of nature and
four seasons, which will guarantee complete wellness.
Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) within the western world, where several of its methods such as herbs,
massage, and Yoga as exercise or alternative medicineare applied on their own as a
form of CAM treatment.
Ayurveda believes in five great Elements (Devanāgarī: earth, water, fire, air and
space)-- to compose the Universe, including the human body.Chyle, blood, flesh, fat,
bone, marrow, and semen are believed to be the seven primary constituent elements
(Devanāgarī) of the body.Ayurveda stresses a balance of three substances:
wind/spirit/air, phlegm, and bile, each representing divine forces. According to
Ayurveda, these three regulatory principles--Doshas (Devanāgarī:)vata
(wind/spirit/air), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm)—are important. Traditional beliefs
hold that humans possess a unique constellation of Doshas. In Ayurveda, the human

1
body perceives attributes of experiences as 20 Guna (Devanāgarī:, meaning
qualities).Surgery and surgical instruments are employed. It is believed that building a
healthy metabolic system, attaining good digestion, and proper excretion leads to
vitality. Ayurveda also focuses on exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage.Thus,
body, mind, and spirit/consciousness need to be addressed both individually and in
unison for health to ensue.
The concept of Panchakarma (Devanāgarī) is believed to eliminate toxic elements
from the body. Eight disciplines of Ayurveda treatment, called Ashtanga
(Devanāgarī), are given below:
1. Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa).
2. Treatment of diseases above the clavicle (Salakyam).
3. Internal medicine (Kaaya-chikitsa).
4. Demonic possession (Bhuta vidya): Ayurveda believes in demonic
intervention and as a form of traditional medicine identifies a number of ways
to counter the supposed effect of these interferences.Bhuta vidya has been
called psychiatry.
5. Pediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam).
6. Toxicology (Agadatantram).
7. Prevention and building immunity (rasayanam).
8. Aphrodisiacs (Vajikaranam).

1.1.1 HISTORY OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda traces its origins to the Vedas the Atharvaveda in particular and is
connected to Hindu religion. The Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta appeared during the
1st millennium BC.

Underwood & Rhodes (2008) hold that this early phase of traditional Indian medicine
identified 'fever (takman), cough, consumption, diarrhea, dropsy, abscesses, seizures,
tumours, and skin diseases (including leprosy).' Treatment of complex ailments
including angina pectoris, diabetes, hypertension, and stones also ensued during this
period. Plastic surgery, cataract surgery, puncturing to release fluids in the abdomen,
extraction of foreign elements, treatment of anal fistulas, treating fractures,
amputations, cesarean sections, and stitching of wounds were known. The use of

2
herbs and surgical instruments became widespread. The Charaka Samhita text is
arguably the principal classic reference. It gives emphasis to the triune nature of each
person: body care, mental regulation, and spirtual/consciousness refinement.

Other early works of Ayurveda include the Charaka Samhita, attributed to

Charaka.The earliest surviving excavated written material which contains the works
of Sushruta is the Bower Manuscript dated to the 4th century AD. The Bower
manuscript cites directly from Sushruta, and is of special interest to historians due to
the presence of Indian medicine and its concepts in Central Asia. Vagbhata the son of
a senior doctor by the name of Simhagupta also compiled his works on traditional
medicine. Early Ayurveda had a school of physicians and a school of surgeons.
Tradition holds that the text Agnivesh tantra written by the legendary sage Agnivesh,
a student of the mythological sage Bharadwaja influenced the writings of Ayurveda.
The Chinese pilgrim Fa Hsien (ca. 337 - 422 AD) wrote about the health care system
of the Gupta empire (320 - 550 AD) and—in the process—described the institutional
approach of Indian medicine which is also visible in the works of Charaka, who
mentions a clinic and how it should be equipped. Madhava (700 AD), Sarngadhara
(1300 AD), and Bhavamisra (1500 AD) compiled works on Indian medicine. The
medical works of both Sushruta and Charaka were translated into the Arabic language
during the Abbasid Caliphate (750 AD). These Arabic works made their way into
Europe via intermediaries. In Italy the Branca family of Sicily and Gaspare
Tagliacozzi (Bologna) became familiar with the techniques of Sushruta.

British physicians traveled to India to see Rhinoplasty being performed by native

methods. Reports on Indian Rhinoplasty were published in the Gentleman's Magazine
by 1794. Joseph Constantine Carpue spent 20 years in India studying local plastic
surgery methods. Carpue was able to perform the first major surgery in the western
world by 1815. Instruments described in the Sushruta Samhita were further modified
in the Western World.

1.1.2 CURRENT STATUS

WITHIN INDIA

3
In 1970, the Indian Medical Central Council Act was passed by the Parliament of
India, which aims to standardize qualifications for Ayurveda and provide accredited
institutions for its study and research. In India, over 100 colleges offer degrees in
traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The Indian government supports research and
teaching in Ayurveda through many channels both at the national and state levels and
helps institutionalize traditional medicine so that it can be studied in major towns and
cities. The state-sponsored Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha
(CCRAS) is the apex institution for promotion of traditional medicine in India. The
studies conducted by this institution encompass clinical, drug, literary, and family
welfare research.

Many clinics are run by professionals who qualify from these institutes—both in the
urban and the rural areas. Mukherjee & Wahile cite World Health Organization
statistics to demonstrate the popularity of traditional medicine, on which a significant
number of the world's population depends for primary health care. In Sri Lanka the
number of traditional Ayurveda practitioners is greater than trained modern medicine
professionals. The manufacture and marketing of Ayurvedic medicine has been
commercially successful for several pharmaceutical companies. Old manufacturing
companies such as Arya Vaidya Sala, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, IMIS Pharmaceuticals,
Dabur, Baidyanath have maintained the classical range, while also patenting certain
own formulations, such as Gyncocalm, Jeevani, Eosinophal, Dabur Pancharishta.
Similarly, MNCs like Hindustan Unilever Limited, in collaboration with Arya Vaidya
Pharmacy, has been promoting its chain of Ayurvedic Massage Therapy Centres in
the Brand name of [Ayush Therapy Centre],with two of the major centers located at
Kalyan and Vashi.

OUTSIDE INDIA

Academic institutions related to traditional medicine in India have contributed to

Ayurveda's international visibility.

Ayurveda gained recognition in the Western world as medical scholars, notably ,

Frank John Ninivaggi MD of Yale University School of Medicine, researched and
outlined its various postulates in one major textbook form suitable to Western
academic science. In the United States of America, the NIH NCCAM expends some

4
of its $123 million budget on Ayurvedic medicine research. In addition, the National
Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, established by Dr. Scott Gerson, is an example of a
research institute that has carried out research into Ayurvedic practices. Gerson has
published part of his work on the antifungal activities of certain Ayurvedic plants in
academic journals. The postulates and history of Ayurveda have also been outlined by
foreign scholars such as Dominik Wujastyk in the United Kingdom. Questionable
practices in research involving financial gains have resulted in the questioning of
some of the research and cases such as the Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health have
involved litigations.

1.1.3 SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

As a traditional medicine, many Ayurveda products have not been tested in rigorous
scientific studies and clinical trials. In India, research in Ayurveda is largely
undertaken by the statutory body of the Central Government, the Central Council for
Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), through a national network of research
institutes. A systematic review of Ayurveda treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
concluded that there was insufficient evidence, as most of the trials were not done
properly, and the one high-quality trial showed no benefits. A review of Ayurveda
and cardiovascular disease concluded that while the herbal evidence is not yet
convincing, the spices are appropriate, some herbs are promising, and yoga is also a
promising complementary treatment.

Some ayurvedic products, mainly herbs used for phytotherapy, have been tested with
promising results. Turmeric and its derivative curcumin appears to have beneficial
properties. Tinspora cordifolia has been tested. Among the medhya rasayanas
(intellect rejuvenation), two varieties of Salvia have been tested in small trials; one
trial provided evidence that Salvia lavandulifolia (Spanish sage) may improve word
recall in young adults, and another provided evidence that Salvia officinalis (Common
sage) may improve symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. In some cases Ayurvedic
medicine may provide clues to therapeutic compounds. For example, derivatives of
snake venom have various therapeutic properties. Many plants used as rasayana
(rejuvenation) medications are potent antioxidants. Neem appears to have beneficial
pharmacological properties as well.

5
Mitra & Rangesh (2003) hold that cardamom and cinnamon are believed to stimulate
digestive enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules in the human body.
Research suggests that Terminalia arjuna is useful in alleviating the pain of angina
pectoris and in treating heart failure and coronary artery disease. Terminalia arjuna
may also be useful in treating hypercholesterolemia. Azadirachta indica is believed to
have immunopotentiating abilities and is used often as an anti-infective. It has been
found to enhance the production of IL-2 and increase immunity in human volunteers
by boosting lymphocyte and T-cell count in three weeks. Both black pepper and long
pepper find application in Ayurvedic medicine in conjunction with ginger to form
trikatu a traditional mixture. Trikatu has been suggested to increase appetite, promote
the secretion of digestive juices, and cure certain gastric disorders particularly
achlorhydria and hypochlorhydria.

Scientist Richard Dawkins has criticized the use of Ayurveda in the west, claiming
that while westerners are turning to Ayurveda, Indians are "voting with their feet" and
turning to modern medicine. Furthermore, he says that “The idea that ancient equals
years of accumulated wisdom is a fallacy Resuscitating Ayurveda today is rather like
bringing back bleeding with leeches.

1.1.4 SAFETY

Major safety concerns include adulteration of herbal medicines with toxic metals, and
intrinsic toxicity of herbal medications. Some traditional Ayurvedic treatments use
toxic metals, herbs and minerals as part of their remedies. Rasa Shastra, the practice
of adding metals, minerals or gems to herbs, increases the likelihood of toxic metals
such as lead, mercury, or arsenic in the remedy.

A 2004 study found toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic in 20% of
Ayurvedic preparations that were made in South Asia for sale around Boston and
extrapolated the data to America. It concluded that excess consumption of these
products could cause health risks. A 2008 study found that approximately 20% of
remedies (and 40% of rasa shastra medicines) purchased over the internet from both
US and Indian suppliers were contaminated with lead, mercury or arsenic. More than
230 products were included in the study.

6
Traditionally the toxicity of these materials are believed to be reduced through
processes such as samskaras or shodhanas (for metals), which is similar to the
Chinese pao zhi, although the Ayurvedic technique is more complex and may involve
prayers as well as physical pharmacy techniques. Rigorous evidence that the metals
may be rendered nontoxic is not available, and case reports describe adverse effects to
these metals.

There is evidence that using some Ayurvedic medicines, especially those involving
herbs, metals, minerals, or other materials involves potentially serious risks, including
toxicity. Adverse reactions to herbs due their pharmacology are described in
traditional Ayurveda texts, but Ayurvedic practitioners are reluctant to admit that
herbs could be toxic and the reliable information on herbal toxicity is not easily
available.

Following concerns about metal toxicity, the Government of India ruled that
Ayurvedic products must specify their metallic content directly on the labels of the
product. The harmful effects of the samples is attributed in part to the adulterated raw
material and lack of workers trained in traditional medicine. In a letter to the Indian
Academy of Sciences, director of the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences,
University of Pune Patwardhan Bhushan stated that the metal adulteration is due to
contamination and carelessness during the much faster modern manufacturing
processes, and does not occur with traditional methods of preparation. Publication of
the levels of contamination found in the products has resulted in decline of Ayurveda
in India as well as abroad.

1.2 ALLOPATHY

Allopathic medicine and allopathy (from Greek ἄλλος, állos, other, different +
πάϑος, páthos, suffering) are terms coined by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of
homeopathy. It meant "other than the disease" and it was intended, among other
things, to point out how traditional doctors used methods that had nothing to do with
the symptoms created with the disease, which meant that these methods were harmful
to the patients. Originally intended as a characterization of standard medicine in the
early 19th century, these terms were rejected by mainstream physicians and quickly

7
acquired negative overtones. During the 19th century it was used widely among
irregular doctors as a pejorative term for regular doctors.In the United States the term
"allopathic" has been used by persons not related to homeopathy, but it has never
been accepted by the medical establishment, and is not a label that such individuals
apply to themselves.
In the United States, allopathic medicine can sometimes refer to the medical training
that leads to the degree Doctor of Medicine rather than the degree Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine, although this is uncommon. See comparison of MD and DO in
the United States.
Generally, allopathic medicine refers to "the broad category of medical practice that is
sometimes called Western medicine, biomedicine, scientific medicine, or modern
medicine", with varying degrees of acceptance by medical professionals in different
locales. In particular, the terms allopathic medicine and allopathy may be used for
regular medicine in a context of traditional medicine such as Ayurveda as well as in a
context of complementary and alternative medicine such as homeopathy (see
homeopathy and allopathy). However, many aspects of traditional medicine systems
such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese medicine are themselves allopathic in that
they act by opposing the patient's symptoms.

1.2.1 HISTORY OF ALLOPATHY

Allopathic Conception of Disease

From a 20th-century viewpoint, early American medicine was anything but scientific.
Isolated observations of disease and treatment outcome were generalized, in what now
seems a most arbitrary manner, into universal 'theories' of disease.

Four Humors Theory -- The ancient Four Humors theory "attributed disease to
an imbalance of four humors (i.e., blood, phlegm, and black and yellow bile) and four
bodily conditions (i.e, hot, cold, wet and dry) that corresponded to four elements
(earth, air, fire, and water). Physicians following the Hippocratic tradition attempted
to balance the humors by treating symptoms with 'opposites.' For instance, fever (hot)
was believed due to excess blood because patients were flush; therefore, balance was
sought by blood-letting in order to 'cool' the patient.

8
Era of Miasmas -- During the 18th century, the Four Humors explanation of
disease was starting to lose ground to several new and conflicting systems that
attempted to reveal one or two basic causes for all disease. Further, an effort was
being made to develop a fundamental theory that would de-emphasized the
importance of the diagnosis of specific diseases. But, allopathic medical treatment
regardless of theory continued to consist largely of the traditional heroic medical
treatment methods: bleeding, leeching, cupping, blistering, purging, puking,
poulticing and rubbing with toxic ointments.

The system of medicine prevailing in the Colonies in the years immediately preceding
the American Revolution, was that of the Dutch physician and teacher Hermann
Boerhaave (1668-1738). The Boerhaavian theory of disease explained it in terms of
chemical and physical qualities, such as acidity and alkalinity, or tension and
relaxation. The Boerhaavian system was increasingly being challenged in the second
half of the 18th century by the theories of William Cullen (1710-1790), a Scottish
physician and teacher. Cullen held that an excess or an insufficiency of nervous
tension was the cause of all disease. Too much tension was often characterized by a
fever, to be treated by a depleting regiment including bleeding, a restricted diet,
purging, and rest and sedation. A cold or chill, on the other hand, indicated too much
relaxation and called for restorative measures.

Allopathic theorists of the 18th century did not generally include in their systems an
explanation for disease epidemics. There were many discussions of possible sources
of disease carried by the air. Sir John Pringle (1707-1782), Surgeon General of the
British Army (1742-1758) and friend of Benjamin Franklin, wrote that putrefaction
was the greatest cause of fatal illness in armies. These physicians attributed the
primary cause of disease to miasmas emanating from sewage, cesspools, or rotting
vegetable matter. The word infection (including references to infectious tempers) was
actually used during this time period, but was used in connection with foul air, or
poisonous atmosphere, or miasmas. The allopathic theory of miasmas was an obvious
reference to the horrific smells of urban life experienced by all during this time
period. The theory of the atmosphere being a cause of many types of fevers was still
maintained as late as 1812. Many also blamed sudden changes in the weather for

9
causing outbreaks of disease, as well as believing in the injurious effects of cold and
wet climates.

Era of Preventive Medicine -- Preventive medicine, or the bacteriological era,

is arbitrarily dated from Robert Koch's (1843-1910) demonstration in 1876 of the
bacterial cause of anthrax. 1876 marks the start of a revolution in scientific medical
thought through the discovery of the bacteriological agents responsible for causing
infectious diseases. Prior to 1876, scientific medical emphasis was placed on hygiene
and sanitation. After 1876, it was all about preventive medicine or the use of
bacteriological weapons to prevent disease.

There are quite a few medical histories available that write glowingly about the
accomplishments of medicine in the areas of prevention and sanitation, and the
accomplishments of Dr. Benjamin Rush during the colonial period and the 19th
century. But, just as obviously these after-the-fact observations did not affect the day
to day practice of allopathy during this time period which continued to use heroic
medicine and poor hygiene. Nor, did it prevent patients from being killed by their
physicians well till the end of the 19th century, nor did it prevent more Civil War
soldiers dying from disease than from battle due to the poor hygienic conditions of
army camps and hospitals. And, despite Dr. Benjamin Rush's academic
accomplishments he still managed to kill more patents from his arrogant bloodlettings
and other heroic medical treatments than those who would have been taken naturally
by the combined yellow fever epidemics of the 1790's. While these glowing medical
histories read well in print today, the practice of allopathy during this time period was
more deadly than the serious infectious diseases that it was treating.

Some allopaths, like Rush, used science, but none of them used the scientific method
in their practices. During most of the 19th century, if a patient did not die and
recovered, it was generally assumed that whatever treatment was given must have
been responsible for the cure. The practice of allopathy, or heroic medicine, lasted so
long precisely because in spite of being drained of their blood and poisoned with
highly toxic drugs by allopaths many patients did in fact recover from serious
infectious diseases like yellow fever and cholera. The lesson to be learned here is not
just that patients will naturally recover from deadly diseases thanks to vitalism after

10
having received the placebo treatments of alternative medicine, but that they can also
recover even after receiving the harmful treatments of allopathy.

1.2.2 Allopathic Methods of Treatment

Allopaths used bleeding, leeching, cupping, blistering, purging, puking, poulticing

and rubbing with toxic ointments to treat their patients. All of these allopathic
treatment methods were thought to be cleansing, purifying, and balancing treatments
which sought to re-establish humoral harmony of the four humors.

Bleeding -- "Bleeding was usually the initial treatment." There were a few different
methods of bleeding a person. Bleeding was said to reduce the patient. It was believed
that the use of bleeding released bad blood which contained disease from a person's
body. "Physicians used to bleed for congestion of the brain, sore eyes, spinal disease,
sore throat or swelled tonsils, asthma, inflammation of the lungs, pulmonary
consumption, diseases of the heart, dyspepsia, liver complaint, enlargement of the
spleen, inflammation of the bowels, piles, genital diseases, rheumatism, neuralgia, in
all cases of fever, such as intermittent fever, remittant fever, typhoid fever, typhus
fever, yellow fever, ship fever, black tongue, dysentery, dengue and, in fact, for every
particular and special morbid condition which could be found.

Blood-Letting -- A patient's vein was directly cut with a lancet (venesection).

Leeching -- Leeching is a method of bleeding with leeches. "A leech was placed in
a thin tube while the patient's skin was washed and shaved. To encourage the leech to
bite, a drop of blood or milk was placed on the area of a vein. Then the tube with the
leech in it was inverted over the spot, and the leech sucked blood from the vein. When
it was felt that the leech had taken enough blood, salt was sprinkled on the leech,
causing the leech to stop sucking and to let go of the skin.

Cupping -- A treatment in which evacuated glass cups are applied to cut skin in
order to draw blood. Cupping was usually used in combination with blood-letting.
After one or two aggressive bleedings, a patient's blood pressure would drop to the
point where blood would no longer spurt out, so heated cups were placed over cuts to

11
help draw more blood. Special cups were heated and placed over the cuts, creating a
vacuum, allowing the blood to freely flow from the vein.

Blistering -- It was believed that the pain of blistering caused the patient to focus on
a new pain, taking their minds away from the more serious pain from which they
suffered. The practice of blistering was performed by deliberately giving the patient a
second degree burn and then draining the resulting sore. "Blistering was a common
method of treating the following diseases: congestion of the brain, inflammation of
the brain, sore eyes, sore throat, inflammation of the stomach and lungs, of the liver,
of the spleen, spinal irritation, bilious, typhus and typhoid fevers, and a great many
other diseases too numerous to mention. The practiced of blistering, according to
James C. Jackson, M.D. had significantly declined by 1862.

Plastering -- Plasters were paste-like mixtures, made from a variety of ingredients,

including even substances such as cow manure. They were applied to the chest or
back of a person suffering from a chest cold, or an internal pain--even pneumonia.
These were often blistering plasters.

Poulticing -- Poultices were made from bread and milk, and sometimes other
ingredients were added such as potatoes, onions, herbs, and linseed oil. Poultices were
applied to cuts, wounds, bites, and boils.

Puking -- Puking consisted of dosing a patient with emetics in order to produce

vomiting. The practice of puking was believed to relieve tension on arteries and to
expel poisons from the body.

Sweating -- Sweating is a treatment where patients were made to sweat out the
poisons that caused their disease.

Fumigations -- The practice of fumigating was one of drugging the breathing

apparatus with everything that could be smoked, solvented, pulverized and gasified.
"Among their multitudinous remedies which they recommended to be introduced into
the delicate structure of the lungs, through the medium of their multiform poisons,
were such wholesome substances as opium, cubebs, deadly nightshade, iodine,

12
calomel, corrosive sublimate, sugar of lead, belladonna, digitalis, hellebore, aconite,
dog-bane, tobacco, arsenic, antimony, niter, lobelia, cinebar, etc.

Purging -- Purging is a treatment that induces evacuation of the patient's bowels or

intestines with powerful laxatives. Purging, which was done to cleanse the body of
toxins or irritants. "The most commonly used purgative was calomel, a form of
mercuric chloride.

Ointments -- Ointments containing mercury were topically used against venereal

diseases. Sulfur was quited commonly used to treat itching.

Dehydration -- "During most of the last century, it was standard medical practice
to withhold water from the acutely ill and thousands of patients literally died of
dehydration. It was contrary to the teachings of the allopathic school of medicine to
give water, inside or out, to a fever patient. Often the dying, when being granted their
'last wish,' were given the previously denied water and recovered. The sick body
called for water, which was needed, and would have received it with gratitude and
benefited from it, but the physicians denied it.

1.2.3 Allopathic Medicines in our Daily Life

In today's medicinal world Allopathic medicines are getting more preference than
other medicines as they are giving fast relief and easily available world wide. These
medicines are widely used even in India where Ayurvedic and Siddha were originated
from. In every medication side effects and allergies are common problems which are
sometimes felt seriously by the people. It is very important to learn about the side
effects of allopathic medicines. Sulpha drugs are creating allergy problems to many
people and excessive use of the same result into anaemic condition. Similarly other
medicines like Paracetamol and Erythromycin Stearate damage the liver when they
are repeatedly used. So we have to avoid the prolonged use of such medicines. Severe
skin allergies can be cured by the addition of Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg I.P
( Atarax ). And most of the antibiotic medicines will work well when they are
combined with anti-allergic medicines (cetirizine Hydrochloride and

13
chlorpheniramine maleate ) and anti cold medicines like ( phenyl propanolamine and
chlorheniramin maleate ) to cure cold condition of our body.

Allopathic medicines are classified into different groups according to their properties
and uses. They are as follows.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines which inhibit or stop the growth of bacteria or fungi in the
human body. They are available in various forms such as dispersible tablets, capsules,
syrups, drops, injections and dry syrups. The first widely used antibiotic Penicillin is
produced from fungi called Penicillium and similarly Streptomycin is got from
another fungi called Streptomyces. Nowadays numerous varieties of antibiotics have
been used in the medical world.

Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Cefadroxyl, Cephalexin, Cloxacillin, Tetracycline,

Gentamycin, Erythromycin Stearate, Sulphamethoxazole, Trimethoprim, Norfloxacin,
Ofloxacin, Cefixime, Cefpodoxime Prexetil, Gatifloxacin, Rifampicin, Isoniazid and
Metronidazole are some of the antibiotics widely used in the allopathic world.

Most of the antibiotics are combined with anti-allergic medicines like cetirizine
Hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate to get good result and to ensure our
safety. Ampicillin and Amoxycillin are combined with Cloxacillin to get additional
effect when they are taken for curing bacterial infections. Amoxycillin and Ampicillin
are commonly available in the strength of 250 mg and 500 mg. It is advisable to take
lower strength of antibiotics to ensure our basic immunity power.
Sulphamethoxazole , Trimthoprim and Norfloxacin are effective in controlling the
urinary tract infections. Many people are allergic with sulpha drugs, so we should be
very careful when we use them. Rifampicin and Isoniazid are effective in controlling
Tuberculosis caused by myco bacteria.

Norfloxacin 400 mg I.P is added with Ibuprofen 200 mg I.P, Cetirizine Hydrochloride
10mg I.P and mild dose of vitamin tablet to get rid of urinary irritations.

14
Erythromycin Stearate 250 mg I.P is combined with Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg
I.P and any analgesic medicine like Paracetamol 500 mg I.P or Nimesulide 100 mg
I.P to find relief from throat infections.

Tetracycline 250 mg I.P and Nimesulide 100 mg I.P are finding good result for severe
tooth ache.

To healing wounds Cephalexin 250 mg I.P or Ampicillin 250 mg I.P are combined
with Ibuprofen 200 mg I.P and mild dose of Vitamin B complex.

Antibiotics are also available in injection forms. They are used in various strengths
according to the health conditions of patient.

Antacids

Antacids are used to neutralize excess acid in the stomach. Over eating, improper and
missing diets are some reasons for the secretion of excess acid in the stomach. Heart
burns,Gastric problems and Peptic ulcers can be controlled by the intake of antacids.
Dried Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide are used as antacids. They
are available in both tablet and gel form.

Anti-gas medicines

These are working against gas. Phazyme and Simethicone are some of the important
medicines which are working against gas. Phazyme is mouth dissolvent and quickly
work against gas whereas Simethicone is available in both chewable tablet and gel
form.

Enzymes

These are the protein molecules which are naturally secreted from the pancreas to
digest food. Pepsin I.P (1:3000 ), Alpha Amylase I.P ( 1:2000 ) are some of the
important enyzmes needed by our digestive system. These are available in both
capsule and liquid form. Lack of appetite, gastric problems and indigestion need
Enzymes.

15
Wormicides

Mebendazole and Albendazole are important wormicides used in the Allopathic

medication. Mebendazole is used to overcome Amebiasis and Albendazole is
effective in vanishing worms found in our bowl and stomach. Albendazole is
available in both chewable and liquid form. The people who are interested on
nonvegetarian food items need to use it to avoid worm problems. Loss of weight, lack
of appetite and anal itching are some of the symptoms of worm infections.

Vitamins

Vitamins are very important for the essential acitivities of our body. Vitamin A,
Vitamin B complex ( B1, B2, B6, B12 ), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and
Vitamin K are some of the important vitamins used in the Allopathic medication.
Generally Vitamins are available in the form of capsules, tablets, syrups and
injections. They are used either separately or in mixed form.

Vitamin A, also called as retinol, is a growth promoting and anti-infectant vitamin. It

is naturally available in carrot, cabbage, grapes, fishes and codliver oil. It is available
in tablet and liquid form. Vitamin A increases appetite and sexual desire. Sight
problem, skin problem, body weakness and nervous complaint can be prevented by
the addition of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B complex are neurotrophic vitamins which are essential for the health of our
body. All of them are increasing appetite. Vitamin B1 ( Thiamine Mononitrate ) and
Vitamin B2 ( Riboflavine ) are used in the treatment of mouth ulcers.

Vitamin B6 ( Pyridoxine Hydrochloride ) is taken for general health and good natural
sleep.

Vitamin B12 ( Cyanocobalamine ) is obtained from animal part and used for having
good body health and widely used in injection form.

Vitamin C ( Ascorbic acid ) is naturally found in citrus fruits, vegetables and spices
like pepper. It is useful to get rid of Scurvy disease. It increases appetite and being an
anti-oxidant keeps the health of skin and provides the young looking.

16
Vitamin D is produced naturally in the body in the presence of evening sunshine and
it is helpful to the growth of bones.

Vitamin E ( Tocopheryl Acetate ) is, important for sexual and skin health , naturally
available in Badam nuts.

Vitamin K is needed for the blood clotting in case of severe wounds and thus helps to
avoid the loss of blood.

Mineral Compounds

Variety of minerals are used in the medicinal world. Ferrous Gluconate, Calcium
Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Manganese Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate,
Sodium Borate, Sodium Molybdate are some of them. Calcium Carbonate is used for
the growth of the bones. Ferrous Gluconate is used to overcome anaemic problem and
it is combined with other minerlas and vitamins when in use. Zinc Sulphate is also
very important for the health and it induces sexual desire and increases immunity
power.

Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Sodium Nitrate are used to prepare salt
mixture to overcome tiredness and dehydration because of diarrhea. Excess loss of
minerals can be adjusted by the addition of these salt mixture dissolving in the ratio of
4.2 gm / 200 ml of water.

Sodium Chloride and Dextrose are used to prepare saline water for injection through
viens.

Amino acids

These are essential nutrients found in protein and act as intermediates in metabolism.
There are about 20 varieties of Amino acids in the medical science. Unlike fat and
starch these acids can not be stored by our body for longer use. It is necessary to take
enough amino acids in our life. Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid,
Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Cysterine and Tyrosine are some of the
medically produced amino acids. The young people require amino acid called
Arginine.

17
Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalamine, Threonine,
Tryptophan and Valine are required amino acids in our daily food. Amino acids are
essential for our nervous system. They increase our memory power, general health
and appetite.

Steroid Medicines

Salbutamol, Betamethasone, Theophylline and Dexamethasone are some of the

Steroid Medicines. These are the medicines with anti-inflammatory effects. They can
reduce inflammative conditions such as redness, swelling and soreness. They are also
helpful for many conditions such as asthma and arthritis. They come in pills, sprays,
creams and ointments. The creams and ointments of steroids are applied on skin to get
rid of eczema and cotact dermatitis. The side effects of Steroid medicines are
weakening bones, thinning of skin and increasing blood sugar level. They also affect
liver when excessively used. When Salbutamol ( Asthalin Inhaler ) inhaled it is very
important to have self control in dosage. When it crosses the limit our heart may be
affected by the serious problem of misfunction.

Medicines for the external uses

Allopathic medicines are getting unique importance in healing wounds and

inflammatives. There are many antibiotic creams and powders for the externnal
treatment. Neomycin, Silver Sulfadiazone with Chlorhexidine Gluconate and
Povidone-iodine are powerful oinments for healing wounds. Of which Silver
Sulfadiazine can be applied for both fire burns and wounds.

Betamethasone combined with Neomycin, Gentamycin, Miconozole and

Beclomethasone Dippropionate combined with Gentamycin Sulphate are some steroid
creams to overcome skin inflammations and diseases. Skin irritations and
inflammations through out the body can be controlled by the application of Lindane
lotion. Calamine and Diphenhydramine lotion is useful to overcome the skin
irritations due to sunburns, prickely heat and insect bites.

Diclofenac Diethylamine and Diclofenac Sodium are effective in body and joint pain
relief. Methyl salicylate is also combined with above said two compounds to have

18
effective treatment. Icthammol Glycerine is also applied to get relief from pain at a
particular point of our body.

Clotrimazole, Beclomethasone Dipropionate, Gentamycin Sulphate,

Iodochlorhydroxyquinoline, Chlorocresol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methyl paraben and
Propyl barapen are some of the medicines used in the manufacturing of Skin creams
to get rid of skin infections.

The mixture of Cindamycin Phosphate USP, Sodium Methylparaben I.P and Sodium
Propylparaben I.P ( Erytop ) is effective in controlling pimples and acne. Face wash
before the application of above said face cream will be useful to have good result.

Anti-allergic Medicines and Antihistamies

These are used for relieving from allergic conditions. Allergy is a reaction of our
immune system in response our body's cotact with allergy making things called
allergens. The allergens are not really harmful to all people. Naturally our immune
system, only in particular cases, wrongly decides that they are harmful. Anti-allergic
drugs include cetirizine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate,decongestant,
antihistamines, antiflamatory agents, anti-leukotrienes. These anti-allergy medicines
can be consumed in the form of tablets, syrups, powder and drops. When consumed
these anti-allergic medicines support the immune system and improve its overall
resistance against allergens. Antihistamines are medicines that help stop allergy
symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezy and runny nose. Sometimes itchy rashes may
also be helped by an antihistamine. Drowsiness, dry mouth and blurry vision are some
of the side effects of antihistamines. When taken it is better to avoid driving, riding
and machinery operations.

Anti-hypertensive Medicines

Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Atenolol, Reserpine are some of the medicines used for
hypertensive condition. These medicines block the transport of calcium into the
smooth cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium
is important in muscle contraction, blocking of calcium transport relaxes artery
muscles. So these medicines are helpful to cure chest pain called as Angina.

19
Dizziness, muscle and stomach pain and head ache are some of the side effects of
these medicines.

Diabetic Medicines

Diabetes is caused by the lack of secretion of harmone called Insulin from pancreas.
The harmone insulin converts the sugar, starch and glucose available in our body to
energy. The lack of insulin in our body result into the discharge of sugar through urine
and a considerable rise in blood sugar level. Some of the medicines taken for diabetes
are as follows.

Sulfonylureas group of medicines help the body to make more or required insulin.
Some examples of sulfonylureas are Acetohexamide, Chlorpropamide, Glipizide and
Glyburide.

Metformin helps control sugar in a couple of ways. It helps body use insulin better. It
helps to make less sugar by reducing the amount of sugar that the body absorbs from
food.

Meglitinides help the body to make more insulin. Nateglinide and Repaglinide are
some of them usually taken with meals.

Thiazolidinediones help the body use insulin better alike Meformin and also helpful to
produce less sugar when the food taken. Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone are some
ofthis group.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help the body absorb sugar more slowly and keep the
level of the sugar in normal. These are taken every time after the meals. Acarbose and
Mizitol are two kinds of medicines in this group.

Glibenclamide ( Daonil, Euglucon )

It is available in pills form in 5 mg strength. Commonly prescribed for the initial stage
of Diabetes. Side effects are nausea and allergic reactions. This medicine should be
avoided in case of severe dysfunction of liver and kidney, pregnancy and breast

20
feeding. Glibenclamide in 2.5 mg is combined with Metformin Hydrochloride in 400
mg in strength to get effective result in sugar result.

Antidiarrheal Medicines

Diarrhea is usually caused by the intake of contaminated food or drink with

bacteria,virus and parasites. Indigestion also will become the reason for the diarrhea.
Loperamide 2 mg I.P is commonly used to overcome the condition. Quinodochlor
tablets ( Enteroquinol ) is the other one to control diarrhea. Metroindazole 200 mg or
in 400 mg is added with anti-diarrheals to have quick arrest of diarrhea. To get relief
from stomach pain Dicylomine Hydrochloride 100 mg I.P is added.

Laxatives

These are the medicines for the condition of constipation. Mostly needed by the sick
and old people. These should be used only in the unavoidable condition. One should
not get addicted with these medicines. To correct motion in the natural way we need
only vitamins and aminoacids.

Bisacodyl 5 mg I.P in tablet form is useful for the treatment. Liquid Paraffin and Milk
of Magnesia are other liquid forms of laxatives.

Anticold and cough medicines

Chlorpheniramine maleate, Ammonium Chloride and Sodium Citrate are the effective
formula to control cough. Sometimes Chlorpheniramine maleate is replaced by
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride to get another formula. Both Chlorpheniramine
maleate and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride are giving sadation to the consumers.
Dextromethorphan Hydrochloride, Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride and
Triprolidine Hydrochloride are other mostly used things for cough formula. To over
come dry irritating cough Guaiphenesin is combined with Salbutamol Sulphate. The
combination of Codeine phosphate 10 mg I.P and Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg I.P
in syrup form is finding nice result in controlling dry cough. Tebutaline Sulphate and
Bromhexine Hydrochloride are also used to control cough problem in the allopathic
medication.

21
Antiepileptic Medicines

It's not a disease but a sign of problem in the brain which is causing a disruption in the
brain's normal electrical activity. It may occur in any age in either sex. The condition
is called as 'fits'. Phenobarbitone (30 mg or 60 mg ) I.P ( Gardinol ), Sodium
Valporate 200 mg I.P ( Valparin ), Carbamazepine 200 mg I.P, ( Tegrittol )
Pentoxifylline B.P 400 ( Trental ) mg are some of the antiepileptic medicines.

Antispasmodic Medicines

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride 100 mg I.P ( Cyclopam ), Hyoscine Butylbromide 10 mg

I.P ( Buscopan ), Chlordiazepoxide 10 mg I.P ( Librax ) are used for the stomach pain.
Of which Dicyclomine Hydrochloride 100 mg I.P is combined with Nimesulide 100
mg I.P and mild dose of B complex vitamin to control mensural pains for ladies.

Antipyretics

These are body temperature reducing medicines in case of high fever. Paracetamol,
Mefenamic acid, Nimusulide are some of the common antipyretics used in the
allopathic world. These things work well when taken along with warm water. The
over dose of paracetamol and nimesulide is susceptible to make liver and kidney
problems respectively. However the adequate water drinking will be helpful to avoid
such risks.

Analgesic Medicines

These are all body pain killer medicines. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nimusulide,
Mefenamic acid, Diclofenac Sodium, Diclofenac Potassium, Serapeptidase,
Aceclofenac and Chlorzoxazone are some of the important pain killers. These
medicines are usually combined with neurotrophic vitamins, B complex, to have
better result. Paracetamol suits well for head aches, Nimesulide for tooth ache and
body pain. Diclofenac Sodium and Serapeptidase for total body pain. Diclofenac
Potassium and Chlorzoxazone are given for arthritis.

Antivomiting Medicines

22
Some people may be suffering from vomiting during their travelling time.
Promethazine Theoclate 25 mg I.P ( Avomine ) is used to overcome vomiting
problem during the travel Vomiting accompanied with fever can be cured by the
intake of Metoclopramide 10 mg I.P, Nimesulide 100 mg I.P and Ibuprofen +
Paracetamol tablets. Domperidone 10 mg is also taken instead of Metoclopramide to
cure vomiting.

Antiulcer Medicines

Excess acid secreted because of over eating and missing of diets in correct time are
the main reasons for ulcer problems. Indigestion associated with gas and heart burns
is called as gastric ulcer. This condition is managed with antacid gel and Ranitidine
150 mg I.P tablet. When the damages are found in the linings of stomach and small
intestines because of the acidity the condition will be called as peptic ulcer.
Omeprazole 20 mg I.P or Rabiprazole 20 mg I.P or Pantoprazole 40 mg I.P or
Lanzaprazole 30 mg I.P are accompanied with antacid and ranitidine tablets to get
relief from peptic ulcer.

Medicines for Guddiness

Prochlorperazine Maleate 5 mg I.P, Betahistine Dihydrochloride 8 mg I.P ( Vertin ),

Cinnarizine 25 mg I.P ( Vertigon ) are used to over come guddiness problems.

Tranquillizers

Tranquillizers are the medicines which induce or bring the sleeping condition of the
body. Diazepam 5 or 10 mg I.P, Nitrosum 5 or 10 mg I.P and Alprazolam 0.25 mg or
0.5 mg or 1 mg I.P are some of the tranquillizers used in the allopathic medication.
These medicines should be never taken with liquors as the presence of liquors in our
body will send 10 to 15 times greater than the normal sleeping pulses sent to brain by
these medicines.

Haematinic Medicines

23
These are helpful to increase Haemoglobin level of blood in our body. 'Haem' refers
iron and 'globin' refers protein part of the blood. These medicines are containing iron
compounds such as Ferrous Gluconate, Ferric Ammonium Citrate and Iron Choline
Citrate with Protein Hydrolysate, vitamin C and vitamin B complex. The Haematinic
Medicines are available in the form of capsules,tablets and syrups.

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT

Allopathy and ayurveda are as different as day and night, and hence the two sets of
opposing views. However, if one has to compare ayurveda and allopathy on one
platform, then such comparison might be a tad difficult. "Allopathy treats individuals
as an independent physical entity like a machine. It is further sub-divided into various
organs and systems looked after by different specialties. Whereas, ayurveda treats the
individual as a whole, considering him to be a part of the universal whole .
A positive aspect in the whole ayurveda vs allopathy issue, is the fact that, people are
now open to know more about this ancient science. Also while there might not be
prejudices or bias against the same, there are certain misconceptions, which can only
be dispelled with knowledge and information dissemination. "There are no prejudices
surrounding ayurveda. There may be misconceptions regarding its practice. If
anything, the interest in this system of medicine has been growing rapidly both in the
domestic and international market, attesting to its popularity and widespread
acceptance.
This project is to assess the usage of allopathic and ayurvedic by the doctors. This
survey will have very zigzag results. Every doctor have different type of way to heal
particulars. Some doctors used their basic practices and some with combination
therapy. This fact is totally depending on the regions. Interior area gives you the
results for combination therapy, where developed cities provides the basic one. My
project sampling was carried out in interior area of Jalandhar. Sample size is 20 ayush
doctors and 20 allopathic doctors. Health care in Jalandhar is provided by allopathic
and traditional health care . These health care services are most effective if they are
compatible with the needs and aspiration of the people . Allopathic and ayurveda
services in Jalandhar provided by private , compounders and health centers of govt.

24
Even in developed country or world the use of complementary and alternative
medicines has been steadily increasing in previous decades . The basic requirement
for allopathic doctors is allopathy. But ayus doctors oftenly use the allopathic
medicines on the customer preferences, first aid, in emergency. As large no: of
accident occurs in daily life so besides giving ayurvedic medicines to patient these
ayush doctors often have to take up the other modes of medication. Hence this point
accepts the allopathic treatment is life saving drug in emergency. But for long term ,
safe , non toxic is herbal . This whole treatment is based on the diseases . When a
patient is diagnosed with the medical problem, the allopathic doctors in audience with
consultant of traditional therapy decides on the treatment procedure. If the ailment is
critical, the patient is sent to the allopathic doctors. For instance , if a person is
suffering from asthma or bronchial pain or diabetes and is in early stages of diseases ,
allopathic medicines along with ayurveda can be suggested . In the way, modern
medicines works to reach the disease while traditional one cure and cleanse the body.

To comparison both system is a big task. But market survey has still weightage of
allopathic. But ayurveda is on ignition stage.

25