University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

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Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

The Concept of Dietetics in Traditional Medical Systems of Greek Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Molligoda, S.P.; Randiwela, R.M.D.S.
In traditional medical systems of Greek medicine and Ayurveda medicine, food is identified to be a crucial medicinal factor determining the health and well-being of an individual. According to the Greek medical concept of dietetics, one must have a balanced diet during different seasons which are cooked accordingly, and eating should be done in moderation to maintain proper health. Ayurveda, through the concept of dietetics, specified the characteristics of food in terms of quality, quantity, and time which vary with age, constitution, digestive power, and season. The objective of this paper is to analyze the concepts of dietetics in Ancient Greek medicine and Ayurveda medicine along with its effect on the human body and health especially with regards to Humour and identify the parallels in their identification, approach, presentation, and prescription. Moreover, it will also analyze the physical health practices such as exercises, and sleep as prescribed medical treatments defining a healthy lifestyle along with diet.
Comparative Analysis of Traditional Ayurveda Concepts with Modern Perspectives on Health and Management of Elephants
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2024) Rathnayake, R.M.T.K.; Molligoda, S.P.; Amarasiri, R.M.D.A.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, acknowledges the significance of elephants, as evident in its detailed accounts. It is crucial to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern practices in elephant management, especially in integrating traditional knowledge within the one health framework to enhance elephant well-being and ensure environmental sustainability. Through interdisciplinary analysis, this research aimed to integrate traditional Ayurveda concepts of elephant health with modern One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness among human, animal, and environmental health. The objective was to compare traditional Ayurveda knowledge with modern perspectives, specifically meticulous review, and analysis of insights from ancient Ayurveda texts attributed to the sage Palakapya like Gajashashtra and Hasthayurveda in the context of contemporary understandings of elephant health and management. For this study, data was collected comprehensively encompassing both thorough review and analysis of the ancient Ayurveda texts alongside an examination of modern literature and approaches, including relevant books and research articles. Through a combined approach, this study has uncovered valuable insights into elephant health and management. It delved into the comprehensive guides provided by Gajashastra, which focused on elephant wellbeing, and the detailed coverage of anatomical and physiological aspects, diseases, and treatments found in Hasthayurveda. These texts revealed Ayurveda's holistic approach to animal health, extending beyond human health to encompass all living beings. Furthermore, comparing traditional Ayurveda knowledge with modern perspectives within the one health framework has highlighted the interconnectedness among human, animal, and environmental health. These findings can inform holistic elephant conservation strategies, promoting ecosystem sustainability and harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A Critical Review on Pharmacodynamics Properties of Sweda Daurgandhahara Lepa Mentioned in Sharangadhara Samhitha and Introducing as a Remedy for Bromhidrosis
(Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2024) Shabnam, R.F.; Kajaan, T.; Molligoda, S.P.
In Ayurveda, Athisthaulya (obesity), Shonitha dushti (vitiation of blood), and Sweda vaha srotho dushti (vitiation of channels carrying sweat) are considered causative factors of Sweda daurgandhya. In modern medicine, this condition is known as bromhidrosis. This study aims to identify the pharmacodynamics properties of ingredients in a selected Daurandhahara lepa and propose it as a remedy for bromhidrosis. The medicinal prescription was sourced from Sharangadhara Samhitha, and pharmacodynamics properties were gathered from authentic texts, previous research, journal articles, and websites. The medicinal paste includes Bulath kola (Piper betel), Suwadakottan (Saussurea lappa), and Aralu (Terminalia chebula). The pharmacodynamics properties of these ingredients include: Rasa (taste): 30% Tikta, 30% Katu, 20% Madura, 10% Amla, 10% Kashaya, Guna (quality): 50% Laghu, 33.34% Ruksha, 16.66% Thikshna, Veerya (potency): 100% Ushna, Vipaka (postdigestive effect): 67% Katu, 33% Madhura. Most ingredients have Kaphavata Shamaka and Tridosha Shamaka actions.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Drug Formulas, Ingredients, and Method of Preparation of Maha Tuvala Tailaya
(Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2024) Gamage, L.C.T.; Molligoda, S.P.
Maha tuvala tailaya is an Indigenous polyherbal externally applied oil formula traditionally used by Indigenous physicians for treating acute and chronic wounds, orthopaedic conditions, and animal-inflicted injuries. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the drug formulas, ingredients, and methods of preparation of Maha tuvala tailaya as documented in literary sources. A systematic literature review was undertaken, focusing on primary sources such as the Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hrdaya, with more emphasis on Sneha shatakaya, Taila panca shatakaya, Talpate Piliyam, and modern authoritative texts like Svadeshiya Bhaisajya Vishvakoshaya. Texts were selected based on historical authenticity and relevance. Data extraction involved identifying specific ingredients, formulation details, and preparation methods for Maha tuvala tailaya. The results revealed that out of the ingredients used from selected 4 different formulas, 17 were the same for all formulas, and the base liquid was used as grated pulp milk of Cocos nucifera (L.) species. The main plant parts used are bark, leaves, endosperm, seed, pericarp, flower, arillus, bulbil, and stem exudate.
Exploratory Study on the Unique Characteristic of Drug Storage Methods of Ayurveda Medicine with Special Reference to Stone Vessels
(Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2024) Molligoda, S.P.; Disanayaka, R.; Gamage, L.C.T.
Ayurveda medicine is a science that sources a wide range of pharmaceutical formulas, with detailed rules and procedures, covering from the collection of raw materials to the storage of the finished product. According to traditional and Ayurveda texts, storage vessels such as gold, silver, copper, glass, clay, bronze, and iron are specific to certain formulas, ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of the medicine. During a field visit to a traditional Orthopaedic and General physician Dr. K.M.P.S.B. Kangara in Ukuwela, Matale District, Sri Lanka, the researcher observed and documented two stone vessels used to store medicinal oils. They depict a rare methodology found in the ancient Ola Leaf texts in the aspect of preservation and maintaining the efficacy of medicinal preparations for a long time.