Bhasmas of makshika and makshika satva were prepared according to Ayurvedic classics. These bhasmas are indicated for the treatment of pandu, kustha and as rasayana. An experimental study was done to see the effect these bhasmas on blood profile of rabbits. On haemoglobin percentage results are encouraging.

This paper is a brief survey of the role of temples and holy places in nurturing the surrounding flora and its habitat. Eightysix kinds of plants in temple yards and gardens of orissa have been enlisted where they are cultivated and preserved for different temple rituals. These plants are seen rarely in wild but are saved from extinction by their association with temple rituals and ceremonies.

Civanar amirtam is a siddha herbo- mineral formulation prescribed for rheumatism, bronchial asthma, tuber culosis and leprosy. Of the nine ingredients which constitute the preparation, four are inorganic and the others are plant drugs, Attempts have been made to chemically analyse and to identify the presence of each ingredient in the medicine to lay down standards. The identification of various chemical constituents present in the plant drugs using TLC technique by comparison with authentic chemicals, along with the physico-chemical parameters and quantification of inorganic ions established the presence of each ingredient. The parameters presented can be considered viable for prescribing dependable standards to this preparation.

During the course of ethnomedicinal investigations in Andhra Pradesh some interesting indigenous medicinal plants have been reported for the treatment of paralysis amongst sugalis. Firsthand information was gathered through persona interviews with local in habitats. Apart from this a note on the ethnography of the tribe is discussed.

A number of plant drugs are used in topical application meant for medical and cosmetic purposes. Many of such recommended drugs have been reported to cause contact dermatitis which fact is well supported by clinical studies. To find out the role of these plant drugs in the etiology of contact dermatitis, clinical studies of 34 such herbal drugs were carried out.

An experimental study was conducted top evaluate the effect of yashada bhasma in streptozotocin induced diabetes in albino rats. All the details are presented in this study.

Madicago sativa Linn, commonly known as 'Alfalfa', is a tonic plant rich in proteins, minerals, enzymes and vitamins, Bulk quantity of the whole plant is required in the pharmaceutical industries especially in homoecopathic pharmacies, Hence, there is a great need to cultivate this plant for sustained supply of the drug. Use of good and adequate phosphatecontaining farm yard manure, timely irrigation and appropriate spacing between plants results in good yield.

Ayurvedic literature contains a wealth of information on the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases. This article discusses the use of triphala in the treatment of such diseases.

Vitex leucoxylon is known to possess anti inflammatory activity. It was accidentally observed that local people of some regions use the leaves of vitex leucoxylon in jaundice and other liver ailments. There was no report of pharma-cological screening on liver. Hepatoprotective activity of the alcoholic extract of the leaves of vitex leucoxylon was found to be effective in protecting the liver from hepatotoxic substances.

Ayurvedic bhasmas are still prepared by the age old methods using earthen pots and cow dung cakes. It is a laborious and costly method consuming a lot of time. This paper deals with a modern method of preparation using electric Bunsen. It is a convenient, and cheap method consuming less time. Chemical analysis of the samples prepared by the both methods did not show much difference.

Delonix elata is known to be used for joint pains and in flatulence. It was accidentally observed that local people of some regions using the leaves and bark of Delonix elata in inflammation. There was n report on anti-inflammatory activity of Delonix elata. Antiinflammatory activity of the alcoholic extracts of the leaves and bark of Delonix elata was found to be significant.

Gokhshura (Tribulus Linn) of Family Zygophyllaceae is an indigenous plant which has been mentioned in Ayurveda with several clinical properties. The plant finds use in one form or the other in various ayurvedic preparations and this has been made it necessary to review the various studies carried out in its chemistry as well as pharmacology.