Tag Archives: Brahmi

The Indispensable Ayurvedic Herbs

 

Essential Ayurvedic Herbs - Branolia Chemicals

 

Ayurveda exemplifies an indigenous system of medicine that has remained an indivisible part of Indian culture. Even though this traditional system of medicine has its roots embedded in India, Ayurvedic practices have been widely adopted by different cultures all over the world. It is believed that Ayurveda’s global demand will observe a meteoric rise in the upcoming years. An article published by Maximize Market Research Pvt Ltd1, an Indian consultancy firm located in Pune, Maharashtra, providing insights into market research and analysis, has predicted that the value of the global Ayurveda market will propel to $US 14.9 billion by 2026 from $ US 4.5 billion in 2017, at a CAGR of 16.14%. Therefore, the future of Ayurveda appears bright as more and more novel Ayurvedic companies foray into the global market and address the needs of the common man.

Branolia Chemical Works is one company that has upheld the principles of Ayurveda for the past 95 years. They offer a wide range of products that are enriched with herbs like Aswagandha, Brahmi, Kulekhara, Triphala, Vasak, Pipul, Nagkesar, Kalmegh, and Tulsi.

Below are listed few herbs which add value to the products of Branolia Chemical Works

Aswagandha(Withania somnifera)- The name of this shrub is justified as it is kept after “ashwa”, meaning horse, since its roots give off the stench of a horse. This herb is a well-known adaptogen. It relieves the body of stress and anxiety. The leaves of this herb are effective against fever. It is present in Branolia’s HoneyGuard, which is used for combating cough and cold. Aswagandha is also effective in treating anemia. It is also one of the constituents of Branolia’s Kulerron which is a tonic that treats iron deficiency.

Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)– This perennial, creeping, neuroprotective herb stimulates specific chemicals for proper brain functioning and improves memory. Brahmi extracts improve hand-eye coordination in children between 6 to 8 years of age. The intake of Brahmi is one of the appropriate options for curing Alzheimer’s disease as well.

Branolia is an Ayurvedic tonic which is prepared from Brahmi extracts aimed at sharpening the mind and improving concentration. This tonic also possesses properties that rejuvenate the body.

Kulekhara(Hygrophila spinosa T)- Kulekhara is commonly known as swamp weeds. Kulekhara contains terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids as well as various health-promoting properties. Different parts of Kulekhara come handy in the treatment of disorders like anasarca, hyperdipsia, vesical calculi and diseases pertaining to the urinogenital tract. This herb also assists in bolstering the hemoglobin level in the body.  

Branolia’s Kulerron is one product of Branolia Chemical Works which derives its efficacy from the extracts of Kulekhara, Aswagandha, and Nagkesar. Aswagandha is also rich in iron and plays an important role in enhancing hemoglobin content.

Triphala- This is a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine which comprises the dried fruits of Amlaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. The combination of three herbs not only acts as a laxative but also increases appetite and lessens hyperacidity. It is endowed with anti-bacterial properties that suppress the growth of undesirable gut microbes.

Triphala, along with Kalmegh extracts is formulated into Livonia. This is a product of Branolia Chemical Works which aims at monitoring the functional efficiency of the liver.

Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum)–  This shrub is often referred to as the “elixir of life”. Tulsi possesses germicidal and anti-biotic properties that are helpful in curing fever. This aromatic shrub eliminates any congestion in the bronchial airway. Tulsi also liquefies phlegm deposits and is an excellent antidote against cough and cold. Branolia’s HoneyGuard and Bitocough are two products of Branolia Chemical Works which include the usefulness of Tulsi.

Branolia Chemical Works has always strived to benefit the people by obtaining the best of Ayurvedic herbs to prepare suitable concoctions. The products of Branolia Chemical Works come at reasonable prices thus making it affordable for the masses and aim at diminishing the illnesses affecting the common man.

Research shows the positive effect of Brahmi on Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder wherein brain cells die leading to dementia (loss of memory). This disease is currently irreversible and in acute cases, the individual is completely dependent on others to carry out even simple day to day tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s.

Alzheimer’s disease has become one of the leading causes of death across the world, especially in developed nations where it stands next to heart disease and cancer.

The current treatment regimes using Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine have modest outcomes. There is, therefore, a major push for finding preventing and curative solutions for combating Alzheimer’s.

Brahmi (Brokopa Moneri) has emerged as a promising candidate to help combat Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Department of Internal Medicine, BJMC, Pune, have synthesized the research on Brahmi in their paper published in Annals of Neurosciences, which is a pointer to the beneficial effect of Brahmi on Alzheimer’s disease patients. Here we summarize the main findings; the full text of the article can be read at (https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/475900)

Various indications for use of Brahmi prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine include memory improvement and effective ameliorant for epilepsy and insomnia. In Brahmi’s efficacy against Alziemers, the following research results have been cited in the aforementioned paper:

  1. Studies have shown that Extract of Brahmi propagates free radical scavenger mechanisms and protects cells in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum against cytotoxicity and DNA damage which are considered the main cause for Alzheimer’s disease.
  2.  It reduces lipoxygenase activity reducing lipid peroxidation, increases glutathione peroxidase and chelates iron.
  3. Administration of Extract of Brahmi was seen to protect the cholinergic neurons and reduce anticholinesterase activity comparable to donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine.
  4. Brahmi also reduces hippocampal β-amyloid deposition and stress-induced hippocampal damage. The neuroprotective effect of EBM is also due to nitric oxide-mediated cerebral vasodilation.
  5. Brahmi was found to improve the total memory score and maximum improvement was seen in logical memory and paired associate learning in humans.

Brahmi promises to be a high potential agent against Alzheimer’s disease and further research and clinical trials are done to prove to the medical community its efficacy and absence of any side effects.

Branolia Chemical Works manufactures Branolia, which has been an extremely popular brain tonic for over 90 years. The main active ingredient in Branolia is Brahmi. We at Branolia Chemical Works are extremely excited at the new research works which are bringing out many beneficial effects of Brahmi against some of the most difficult to cure neurological disorders. We at Branolia will keep following these breakthroughs and appraise to the general public about the same through our blog.

Address Air Pollution with Ayurveda

Air pollution

A week before Diwali India woke up to some astonishing facts published by the WHO (World Health Organisation) on the present condition of air pollution in India. The study highlighted that about 1 lakh children in India have died because of air pollution in the year 2016. Another study conducted by Greenpeace, a social work organization also published a report stating that 1.2 million deaths are occurring in India every year on account of the bad quality of air inhaled by the people. The current rise in environmental problems associated with the well –beings of humans are forcing folks to look at Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine.

Ayurveda aims towards balancing the entire eco-system of human existence in the best possible way. The main benefit of Ayurvedic medicine is that it is not only curative but at the same time preventive and restorative. It is well known that polluted air is one of the primary causes of adding toxins to our body making it more assailable to lung-related diseases and infections. Extreme cases have also come in the forefront where people have been afflicted with lung cancer. According to Ayurveda an increase in toxin content in the body leads to an imbalance in the Tridoshas. Ayurvedic treatment is solely based on the premise that a proper balance between Vata, Kapha and Pitta is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Ayurveda has an entire spectrum of methods to address this issue.

Ayurveda prescribes certain herbs to tackle the ill –effects of air pollution. The most important herbs prescribed by Ayurveda are:

  1. Tulsi – It is often referred to as the mother of all medicinal herbs. It is known to balance the Kapha dosha and is one of the key ingredients in the treatment of asthma, and other chronic respiratory disorders. It is also regarded as one of the most formidable anti-viral herbs with anti-microbial properties. The Tulsi plant also acts as an air purifier and if placed near the main entrance of a house will help in keeping the environment clean and pure.
  2. Triphala – There is a popular saying that is used amongst the Ayurvedic practitioners in India that with the proper use of Triphala all ailments related to the human body can be treated. Triphala is a combination of three fruits namely, Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki. Triphala is particularly effective in removing toxins from the human body. It also helps in balancing the Tridosha, which is a necessary component for good health.
  3. Vasaka or Vasak – It is a medicinal herb which is used to treat many ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and various other disorders. It is also used as an expectorant and a bronchodilator. The use of this herb can help fight ailments related to a lung Vasak is used as an ingredient in Bitocough, a cough syrup from Branolia Chemicals.

All the three key ingredients prescribed in Ayurveda for better functioning of the lungs and improving body constitution against the harshness of the external environment is present in Bitocough, an Ayurvedic formulation for fighting cough and cold. Bitocough is an effective shield in combating the adverse impact of air pollution and resultant lung disorders.

Ministry of AYUSH Signs MoU to Promote Medicinal Herbs

The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, in order to address the scarcity in the supply of medicinal herbs has signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) recently. The main purpose behind the signing of the MoU is to stimulate the production of medicinal herbs in the tribal areas. This will have a dual benefit of promoting livelihood among the tribal people along with the increased production of good quality medicinal herbs.

The main activities that the MoU envisages on promoting are:

  • Identification of new medicinal plants that are grown in the tribal areas.
  • To encourage and endorse skill up gradation and capacity building for the gatherers.
  • The SHGs functioning under the Van Dhan Vikas  Kendra will receive the necessary financial assistance and hand-holding to help them grow good quality Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs). Training and awareness building exercises will be conducted on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Field Collection Practices (GFCP). The  Van-Dhan Vikas Kendra promote medicinal herbal gardens.
  • A research and testing center will be established based on standards laid down in consultation with NMPB,Ministry of AYUSH where further studies on potential medicinal plants can be undertaken.
  • Establishing a supply chain system for Minor Forest Produce to generate employment and help the local people get suitable compensation for their produce.

The usage of herbs to treat ailments has been in vogue since time immemorial. Traditional medicines have evolved from the knowledge, skills, and practices that were solely dependent on the availability of herbs locally. It has been observed in recent times with population rise, insufficient availability of drugs and rising cost of treatment has led to a growing trend in the use of ayurvedic medicinal herbs as a source of medicine for a variety of human ailments. The biggest challenge that the ayurvedic industry is facing currently is the scarcity of good quality medicinal herbs. This MOU will transfer the onus to tribals who have an intimate knowledge of the forests and collect forest produce to help both in conservation and increase the availability of medicinal plants through improved collection methods. It is also felt that the MOU will help indigenous people to become cultivators of medicinal plants through medicinal plant gardens.

We at  Branolia Chemical Works believe that this MoU will act as an important enabler in making medicinal plants available to the Ayurvedic industry and go a long way in making Indian system of medicine a mainstay in Indian health system.

We at Branolia Chemical Works have constantly strived to bring quality products to the masses at prices that are pocket-friendly. Ayurvedic formulations using medicinal herbs like Kulekhara, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Vasak, Pipul, Jasthimadhu, Kalmegh is being successfully manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works for the past 95 years and address health problems like anemia, constipation, jaundice, loss of appetite, indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia, congested liver, enlarged liver etc.

 

 

 

Positive Impact of Brahmi in Management of Schizophrenia

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), is known to Ayurveda to improve cognitive ability, memory and learning skills.

A case study of a Schizophrenia patient was presented in a scientific paper by Sarkar et al in J Ayurveda Integr Med v.3(4); Oct-Dec 2012 which alluded to positive add-on effect of Brahmi to allopathic medicine for managing Schizophrenia.

Mr. A, a 34-year-old single graduate male, presented with suspiciousness and fearfulness, wandering behavior, muttering to self, unprovoked aggression and disorganized behavior for the past 15 years. The patient was diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia.

Initially, the patient was given olanzapine tablets 10 mg/day and increased gradually up to 20 mg over a period of two weeks. There was an initial improvement in psychopathology and subsequently, it plateaued out. Subsequently, the patient was given an add-on trial of Ayurvedic drug Brahmi (500 mg) for a period of one month.

During the trial, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Scale (BPRS) scores were tracked, with a reduction in scores indicating desirable impact.

The results are summarized below:

Regimen PANSS BPRS
Pre Treatment 108 48
Post Olanzapine(10-20 mg) 2 weeks 92 38
Brahmi add on (500 mg) + Olanzapine (20 mg) 67 27

This does provide evidence of efficacy of Brahmi in the improvement of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.  The exact mechanism of effect of Brahmi on schizophrenia is not well understood. Research does provide some evidence.

  • Animal researchers have demonstrated the anti-oxidant properties of Bacopa extracts in the brain, which could potentially lead to its positive effect on mental function.
  • Bacopa monnieri has been reported to repair damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, restoration of synaptic activity, ultimately enhancing nerve impulse transmission in the brain.
  • The nootropic properties of Brahmi have been reported to be possibly mediated by its constituent saponins, bacosides A and B through the glutaminergic

Branolia is a Brahmi based ayurvedic tonic trusted by millions of households for over last 90 years. Backed by the ancient texts of Ayurveda and corroborated by modern day research, Brahmi has emerged as a leading herb in improving brain functioning. Branolia contains the best quality Brahmi herbs processed at its state of the art production facility.

Branolia salutes the medical researchers who give modern scientific validity to ancient Ayurvedic knowledge.

The Benefits of Brahmi

Ayurveda is exclusively an individualized system of medicine. The tradition of treatment in Ayurveda is rooted in the idea that each of us is born with a completely personal blueprint for optimum health. From birth onward, it is this reference point, the constitution of a human being, in many ways, defines who he is. No two constitutions are exactly alike; therefore, no two human beings can have precisely the same formula for the ideal health.

Ayurveda is, in fact, a holistic tradition that reaches out far beyond the realms of physical health, healing, and the prevention of disease. It has a remarkable capacity to help each of us correspond up with our inner nature, develop our strengths, sharpen in on our challenges, redirect disturbing tendencies, and offer real support wherever it is needed—so that every human being can better maintain balance in the face of adversity. At its root, Ayurveda is a way of life that can help each of us to lead a healthy life. In this process, Branolia Chemicals which started its operation in Kolkata in 1922 is committed to make easily available a bouquet of ayurvedic medicines.

The flagship product of Branolia Chemicals is Branolia, an ayurvedic tonic enriched with the goodness of Brahmi. This tonic helps in boosting the functionalities of the brain. The main ingredient in this tonic, Brahmi was also known as Bacopa monnieri, has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries.

Benefits of using Brahmi:

  •  Brahmi has been found to be very helpful in the treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. It has been found to significantly improve IQ levels, general ability, and mental concentration in children. Brahmi used in Branolia is useful for improving mental clarity, confidence and memory. Branolia fortified with Brahmi has been used for centuries.
  • Brahmi is especially used for the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, asthma and rheumatism.
  • Research has also shown that Brahmi possesses anticancer activity.
  • Brahmi is an effective antidote against diseases like bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems etc.
  • In India, Brahmi which has a bitter flavour is used in salads, soups, as a cooked lea vegetable, or pickles.
  • Studies have shown that Brahmi has Antioxidant, Cardiotonic and Anticancer properties.
  • The plant, Bacopa monnieri, is also used for all sorts of skin problems- eczema, psoriasis, abscess, ulcerations- it is said to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails.

Branolia, embellished with Brahmi also contains satamuli, ashwagandha, Joshtimadhu which helps in revitalizing the entire body. Bacopa monnieri has a calming effect and is especially useful in addressing concerns related to anxiety, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorders.Some other important uses of Brahmi as an important herb is :

  1. Anti-aging properties: Brahmi has an anti-anxiety property which helps in improving the cognitive functions of the brain.
  2. Antitoxin – Studies show that Brahmi is also utilized in warding off toxic effects of some free radicals.

Brahmi has been extensively used to enhance the mental health since ancient times. Branolia, an ayurvedic tonic with the power of Brahmi is apt for people of all ages to improve their overall functioning of the brain.