Ayurveda is gaining popularity in European countries. Because of the unique curative properties, Pancakarma  is being sought by many. However, there are some limitations in its application to western people. These points are highlighted in this article.

The genus Trigonella  is an annual plant distributed in the Mediterranean region and it comprises several species. The present report deals with the dietary, medicinal, biochemical biological and various pharmacological properties.

Hypoglycaemic activity of shilajeet and Yashada bhasma  was determined in normoglycaemic and alloxanized rats. Significant activity was observed in the treated groups. However, the activity was found to be comparatively milder in shilajatu treated rats compared to Yashada bhasma  treated rats.

The non-availability of reliable and standardized drugs, their high cost, and ambiguity in the identity of the ingredients used are a few of the major problems encountered today in the utilization of compound drugs in Ayurveda. There is thus an urgent need to reemphasize the use of single plant drug formulations recorded in the classical texts. The present study is an attempt to list out all the single plant drugs mentioned in the treatment of various Netrarogas from the classical texts of Ayurveda and to fix their proper botanical identity. The study of 7 classical texts has revealed that there are 41 single plant drugs in 80 preparations for treating 9 lakshanas and 29 rogas. They have been correlated with their botanical identities based on nomenclature correlation studies published over the last century. The drugs are arranged alphabetically with their botanical names, habit, indications, parts used, method of preparation, mode of administration and the reference, A primary analysis has also been made on the nomenclature, qualities and applications of the drugs.

This paper presents an account of the origin of Kattunayakas , one of the tribes of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.

A myth in Matsyapurana  (Bhagawan Narayana in the form of the body on Banyan leaf) conveys a logical message that being autotrophs, plants alone can provide shelter to the human race baffled by the complexities of creation and dissolution.

whole part and mother tincture of Ammi majus  were chemically analyzed for setting the standards in Homoeopathic system of medicine. Extractive value, Ash value, TLC UV study and the absorbance spectra in the range of 200-500 nm can be taken as parameters to fix standards.

The paper deals with the common edible fruit yielding plants, During the course of medicinal plant survey of shevaroy hills of Eastern ghats. Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Thirty species belonging to 23 genera and 21 families yield edible fruits. They are listed in alphabetical order followed by family, common name and Tamil names.

The ayurvedic proprietary antacid preparations available in the Indian market were analysed for their antacid activity and compared with allopathic antacid preparations. This study urges the need for standardization of antacid products with in vitro  parameters.

The harvest management studies on an improved lemongrass strain Jor Lab L2, were carried out at the farm of regional research Laboratory Jorhat during 1991-94. The crop was harvested at 60,70,80,90 and 100 days interval. Maximum oil yield was obtained when harvested at 90 days interval. The citral content ranged from 88 to 90% irrespective of crop age and harvesting schedule. Harvesting time has an important bearing on oil yield in Jor Lab L2.

Various strength of alcohol were utilized for the preparation of tincture of asparagus racemosus roots by maceration for 7, 14 and 21 days. 50% (V/V) alcohol after 21 days of maceration showed maximum yield of total solid. The tinctures were evaluated by studying their different physico-chemical characteristics along with thin-Layer chromatography.

Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum  wall) of family Ranunculaceae is an Ayurvedic herb which is known for its important medical properties. The roots of the plant find use in one form or the other in various ayurvedic preparations and, therefore, an attempt has been made to review the various studied carried out in its chemistry as well as pharmacology.