Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine (SLJIM)

Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root powder of Sri Lankan origin on Seminal Fluid Parameters; A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical study

2026-01-27T04:05:15+0530

Male factor infertility is a multifactorial disorder that affects a significant percentage of infertile couples; however, many of them remain untreated. In recent years, considerable numbers of infertile men have pursued 'herbal remedies' as an effective treatment. Among 'herbal remedies', Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus Willd is recommended for male subfertility in Ayurveda medicine. The effect of Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus root powder of Sri Lankan origin was compared with a placebo for the male reproductive potential. The study included 150 subfertile men with Oligospermia, Asthenozoospermia, Teratozoospermia, and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) who were randomized to receive Shatavari 24 g/day (group T) or a similar regimen of placebo (group C) for 6 months, administered daily in the morning before breakfast with cow’s ghee. The two groups were compared for changes in semen parameters. At the end of the study, statistically significant improvements were observed in the Shatavariadmitted group in semen parameters (volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology). At the end of the trial, patients in group T had a mean volume of 2.69 ± 0.14 mL, concentration of 53.28 ± 5.50 million/mL and rapid motility of 26.75 ± 1.68% which was statistically significant from the mean of volume 2.10 ± 0.12 mL, concentration of 32.09 ± 2.88 million/mL and rapid motility on 16.84 ± 1.63% in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Normal sperm morphology was 41.12 ± 3.00% and 32.87 ± 2.71% in groups T and C, respectively (p < 0.001). Shatavari statistically significantly improved semen parameters in sub-fertile men with decreased seminal parameters.

Physicochemical and Phytochemical analysis of Kottai Karanthai Chooranam (KKC)

2026-01-27T04:13:31+0530

Medicinal plants, used to treat a wide range of diseases and ailments, represent the richest natural sources of various phytochemicals. Sphaeranthus indicus L. commonly called “Kottai karanthai” in Tamil. Kottai karanthai chooranam (KKC) is a Traditional Siddha single-herbal formulation. The aim of the present study was to analyze physicochemical parameters and to screen the phytochemicals in KKC. It was identified as a brownish, moderately fine, non-free-flowing powder with a characteristic odor and soft consistency. Its particle size was 75.3 ± 19.95µm. KKC showed solubility in DMSO, ethanol and water. Physicochemical analysis indicated a loss on drying of 6.16 ± 0.208% at 105°C, a total ash content of 0.55 ± 0.02% and no detectable acid-insoluble ash. Water and alcohol-soluble extractable matters were 10.9 ± 0.55% and 8.9 ± 0.65%, respectively, with a pH of 6.51. Phytochemical screening of methanol extracts confirmed the presence of significant bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids and total phenolics. The results contribute to its standardization and quality control of KKC and provide scientific support for its traditional use in Siddha Medicine.

Antibacterial activity of the aqueous rhizome extract of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd (Kaluwala) used in Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine

2026-01-27T04:26:59+0530

Alpinia galanga (Kaluwala) is frequently used in Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine to treat skin infections, inflammatory disorders, and respiratory conditions. Traditionally, healers employ cold-water preparations of the rhizome, but these methods have limited scientific validation. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the antibacterial and antifungal properties of an aqueous rhizome extract of A. galanga prepared using traditional methods. Shade-dried rhizomes were soaked in sterile cold water, filtered, and analyzed for yield and phytochemical composition. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar-well diffusion technique against Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 12386), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Amoxicillin and fluconazole were used as positive controls. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. The extract inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria, including MRSA, but showed no activity against C. albicans. The largest inhibition zones were recorded for S. aureus (14.3 ± 0.6 mm), followed by S. pneumoniae (12.4 ± 0.5 mm), MRSA (11.8 ± 0.5 mm), and E. coli (10.2 ± 0.4 mm). Conclusion: The aqueous rhizome extract of A. galanga exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, supporting its traditional use for infected skin lesions. Further pharmacological, phytochemical, and formulation studies are warranted.

Standardization of Keezhanelli chooranam (KNC): A Single-Herbal Siddha Formulation

2026-01-27T04:35:18+0530

Standardization of herbal formulations is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of traditional medicines. This study aimed to establish standardization parameters for Keezhanelli Chooranam (KNC), a Siddha formulation prepared from Phyllanthus amarus, traditionally used in the management of Madhumegam (diabetes mellitus). KNC was prepared according to classical Siddha methods and analyzed using modern techniques in accordance with AYUSH guidelines. Physicochemical evaluation revealed a brownish, moderately fine powder with characteristic odour, particle size of 94.67 ± 25.5 µm, pH 6.6, and good solubility in water, ethanol, and DMSO. Loss on drying (5.467 ± 0.30%), total ash (0.31 ± 0.026%), extractive values, and absence of acid-insoluble ash were within acceptable limits. ICP-OES analysis confirmed the absence of toxic heavy metals. HPTLC profiling showed multiple phytochemical peaks with Rf values ranging from 0.01 to 0.66. Microbial studies confirmed sterility of the formulation. The results indicate that KNC meets standard quality and safety requirements, supporting its suitability for further pharmacological and clinical evaluation.