Abstract

SHIGRU ARKA AND TRIPHALA ARKA – ANALYTICAL STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO TOPICAL USE IN COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

*Dr. Jyothi S. and Dr. Ashwini M. J.

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Abstract

Computers and smart phones are now an integral part of our day-to-day lifestyle. With all its advantages, the flickering digital screens bring in certain health related issues, awareness of the same is very minimal. The shift from paper to computers has been so rapid and strong that the eye has not adopted to the new demands to work at near in a new stressful visual environment for extensive hours, especially post Covid Pandemic. The group of symptoms like eye strain, blurred vision, redness, ocular pain, dryness and neck-shoulder pain is termed as Computer vision syndrome or Digital eye strain. The disease can be correlated to Shushkakshipaka. Ayurvedic eye drops are known to show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity due to their tannin content in aqueous extract of the herbs. „Shigru‟ (Moringa oleifera) is a well-known and widely available drug, considered as „chakshushya dravya’ and indicated in almost all ailments of Netra. „Triphala‟ (haritaki, vibhitaki and amalaki) is also a well-known and commonly used formulation for both local and internal administration in many forms, for the treatment of „Netra roga‟. It is also a known Rasayana and Chakshushya dravya. Aim: To conduct an analytical study on Shigru arka and Triphala arka after obtaining the distillate as per SOP. Materials and Methods: A literature search was carried out pertaining to Computer vision syndrome and Shushkakshipaka. Apt formulations i.e Shigru arka and Triphala arka were chosen for the study and were prepared as per standard references. The distillate was subjected to physic- chemical parameters like Volatile matter, Specific matter, Refractive index, Viscosity, Total acidity and pH. Thorough microbial load analysis of dry samples and Arka obtained was done. The obtained results were analyzed for further ophthalmic topical use as eye drops in clinical study.

Keywords: Shushkakshipaka, Physico-chemical parameters, Eye drops.