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

Guidelines

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

Recent Submissions

Evaluating the Efficacy of Vasthi in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Case Study
(University of Colombo, 2024) Wijesiriwardhana, H.G.S.G.; Peshala, K.K.V.S.
Benign prostate hyperplasia is a histological diagnosis characterized by the proliferation of smooth muscle and epithelial cells within the transient zone of prostate gland. The incidence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate hyperplasia are increasing day by day and more likely to occur in after 40 years of age. Due to the resemblance of clinical feature, it is often correlated with Asthila, a type of Mutraghata according to all the Acharyas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an Ayurveda treatment in benign prostate hyperplasia. A male patient presented at the OPD of District Ayurveda Hospital, Bibila, Medagama where he was diagnosed with Asthila based on clinical features and an abdomical ultra sound scan. The patient was treated with local Sneha karma (application of oil) using Hingu thriguna oil, and Sweda with Dashamool nadi sweda followed by Yoga vasthi with Punaenawashtaka kwatha (480ml). Herbal decoctions and Vasti were administered orally for 28 days. Patient assessment was conducted using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate weight, and post void residual urine volume. After completion of Vasthi treatment, significant relief was observed in symptoms. The IPSS score was decreased from 13 before treatment to three after treatment. The volume of the prostate reduced from 26cc to 16cc. This study conclusively demonstrated the effectiveness of Punarnawashtaka niruha vasti with favorable results supporting further studies to evaluate the efficacy of this regime
Role of Isabgol (Psyllium Husk) in the Management of Qabs (Constipation): A Systemic Review
(University of Colombo, 2024) Sabra, M.J.H.P.; Nifras, M.M.M.; Muthalib, A.M.
Constipation (Qabs) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent and difficult bowel movements. In Unani system of medicine, Isabgol (Psyllium husk) obtained from the plant Plantago ovata seeds, is widely used for its Mulayyin (laxative) properties in managing Qabs. This systemic review aims to evaluate the role of Isabgol in the treatment of Qabs by examining contemporary scientific literature and traditional medicinal texts. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant studies investigating the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of Isabgol in treating constipation. Search terms such as ‘Isabgol’, ‘Psyllium husk’ ‘Plantago ovata’ were combined with ‘Qabs’, ‘Constipation’, and ‘Bowel regularity’ to retrieve articles published from 2014 to 2024. A total of 34 articles were filtered and reveiwed. In the Unani system of medicine, Isabgol is used extensively for its various therapeutic actions such as a laxative, purgative, carminative, lubricant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and analgesic agent. The findings indicate that, Isabgol effectively improves bowel regularity, stool consistency, and overall digestive health. It primarily works through its high fiber content, which increases stool bulk and promotes peristalsis. Additionally, Isabgol exhibits prebiotic properties, enhancing gut microbiota balance. This review also addresses potential side effects and contraindications, emphasizing the importance of proper dosage and administration. In conclusion, Isabgol is a valuable therapeutic agent for managing Qabs, providing a natural, safe, and effective alternative to conventional laxatives. Further clinical trials and pharmacological studies are recommended to substantiate these findings and explore additional benefits.
Assessing the Efficacy of Ayurveda Treatment Protocol in Mitigating Signs and Symptoms of Myelomeningocele: A Case Study Analysis
(University of Colombo, 2024) Dayananda, P.A.M.B.; Leena, I.A.M.
Myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect where the spinal cord protrudes due to incomplete closure during embryonic development. The efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment was evaluated for a 3 ½-year-old girl who was admitted to the National Ayurveda Hospital in Borella during her second rotation, presenting with walking difficulties, joint contractures, and incontinence. This condition was diagnosed as Balaka vata vyadhi. The treatment was designed to regulate Tridosha, particularly Vata dosha, to alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with the condition. During the first week, the patient was given Trikatukadi decoction (½ Patha), Chandra kalka (1.25g) with Mahadalu anupana, Desadun kalka (1.25g, Inguru koththamalli phantaya (1.25g) all administered twice a day. Additionally, Sarasthwata choornaya (1.25g) with bee honey in the morning, and Vachadi choornaya (1.25g) with bee honey at night, and Dhatree choornaya (1.25g) at night were prescribed. In the second week, the decoction was modified to Trikatukadi (½ patha), and Chandra kalka was excluded, while the remaining internal medications were continued. As Bahihparimarjana chikithsa, Sheersha abhyanga was performed using Divyanganadi oil, and Hasth, Pada Abhyanga was done with Nirgunyadi oil. Bone marrow paste was applied to bilateral lower limbs. Pichu 1 with Narayana oil was applied to lower back and Pichu 2 with Prasarani oil was applied to bilateral knee and ankle joints. The external treatment regimen remained consistent throughout both weeks. Following two cycles of treatment, the child exhibited significant improvements: Bladder control was regained, daytime voiding was reduced, bladder and anal sphincter strength increased, and her ability to walk with support improved. The treatment involved Shodhana, Vata shamana, and Tarpana therapies. While the initial outcomes are encouraging, further clinical studies are necessary to validate the efficacy of this treatement protoc
Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Sri Lankan Herbs Focusing on Hair Growth
(University of Colombo, 2024) Kodithuwakku, N.D.; Arawawala, L.D.A.M; Hapuarachchi, S.D.; Dahanayake, J.M.; Perera, P.K.; De Silva, V.M.C.
Diverse ecosystems in Sri Lanka support a broad-spectrum medicinal plant. The global plantbased cosmetics market has grown dramatically due to rising consumer awareness of the longterm health benefits associated with natural ingredients. The present study aims to investigate the antioxidant capacity of selected twelve herbs in Sri Lanka, including Trigonella foenum-graecum L, Centella asiatica (L.), Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex-DC, Indigofera tinctoria L, Phyllanthus emblica L, Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr, Adenanthera pavonina L, Azadirachta indica L, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Cyperus rotundus L, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, and Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. These plants were selected based on a literature review of their potential to promote hair growth. In the initial phase of the study, Total Phenolic Count (TPC) and the Total Flavonoid Count (TFC) of ethanolic and water extracts were examined. TPC of ethanolic extracts for Trigonella foenum-graecum L, Centella asiatica (L.), Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex-DC, Indigofera tinctoria L, Phyllanthus emblica L, Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr, Adenanthera pavonina L, Azadirachta indica L, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Cyperus rotundus L, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, and Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng were found to be 208.77±2.34, 497.72±3.18, 660.63±5.10, 859.15±4.80, 940.4±5.20, 383.27± 2.07, 855.65±4.17, 839.89±5.68, 808.36±8.36, 371.26±4.96, 304.67±4.35 and 889.36±2.36 in mg of gallic acid eq/g of extract respectively. The TFC of the ethanolic extract were 123.33±3.48, 307.33±2.94, 106.67±2.48, 173.67±3.33, 424.50±3.76, 597.67±5.76, 196.06±3.80, 76.87±2.50, 256.33±4.14 and 196.06±1.80 mg of quercetin eq/ g of extract, respectively, with the excepton of Indigofera tinctoria L and Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn) Colebr, which did not show significant functional capacity for promoting hair growth. The findings from this study can be used to develop herbal hair care products utilizing these tested plants.
Ayurveda Management of Garbhashagatha Arbuda (Uterine Fibroids): A Case Report
(University of Colombo, 2024) Senaratna, S.M.D.N.P.; Karunarathne, Y.A.U.D.
In Ayurveda, uterine fibroids are referred to as “Garbhashagatha arbuda” and are considered benign uterine growths. A 43-year-old female patient presented with heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort due to uterine fibroids, which she had been experiencing for 2 years. Uterine fibroids can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive issues. The objective of this study was to observe the effects of a selected drug on fibroid size, symptom severity, overall health, and to document any adverse effects or improvements in quality of life. This study was designed as a prospective, single-drug intervention, observational study focussing on the impact of Agraraja kwatha on uterine fibroids. Agraraja kwatha is traditionally used in Ayurveda for gynaecological issues. Its astringent and hemostatic properties are believed to help in shrinking fibroids and reducing excessive menstrual bleeding. The patient was instructed to take 60 ml of Agraraja kwatha twice daily on an empty stomach for 3 months with a one-month follow-up. Post treatment, the patient showed a reduction in the number of fibroids from two to one and the average volume decreased from 210cc to 104cc. Significant improvements were observed in quality-of-life scores and menstrual regularity was reported. Other symptoms, such as pain and heavy bleeding were also significantly reduced. After 4 months of data analysis, the baseline assessment was compared with a follow-up assessment. The primary and secondary outcomes showed improvement without adverse effects. The shrinking and anti-inflammatory properties of Agraraja kwatha may contribute to the shrinkage of fibroid tissue by reducing Kapha and promoting healthy tissue turnover. Compared to conventional treatments like surgery or hormonal therapies, Agraraja kwatha offers a non-surgical, low-cost, and well-tolerated alternative. Its holistic approach targets the fibroid and improves overall reproductive health. The study aimed to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of using Agraraja kwatha as a single-drug treatment for uterine fibroids. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and larger sample size.