Akshar Ashok Kulkarni

@paruluniversity.ac.in

Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir
Parul Institute of Ayured and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat

Akshar Ashok Kulkarni


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9

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Integrating Ayurveda and Modern Medicine in the Management of Obesity: Challenges and Opportunities
    Bargale Sushant Sukumar, Aiswarya Balagopal, H K Shashirekha, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni, et al.
    International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology, 2025
    This review explores the potential and challenges of integrating Ayurvedic and modern medical approaches in managing obesity. Modern medicine views obesity through metabolic and lifestyle factors, while Ayurveda interprets it as an imbalance of doshas, particularly Kapha, and the accumulation of Ama (toxins). Ayurvedic principles offer a unique framework for managing obesity through detoxification (Panchakarma), dietary guidelines (PathyaApathya), lifestyle modifications (Dinacharya), and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapy. Herbs like Guggulu, Garcinia cambogia, Amalaki, and Haritaki show promise in managing obesity, but require rigorous scientific validation. Modern medical approaches include pharmacological treatments, surgical interventions, and behavioral modifications, which are effective but come with challenges. Integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine can lead to holistic care, enhanced treatment options, and personalized interventions, though scientific validation, regulatory compliance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and education are necessary for successful integration. The review highlights the need for ongoing research, collaboration, and education to leverage the strengths of both systems, fostering innovative therapies, interdisciplinary partnerships, training initiatives, and supportive health policies for a comprehensive approach to obesity management.
  • AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THEIR NEUROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
    Bargale Sushant Sukumar, Shashirekha H K, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni, Harshal Tare
    Zanco Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2025
    Alzheimer's Disease (AD) poses a substantial universal health challenge with limited effective treatment options. Ayurvedic medicinal herbs are being evaluated as prospective candidates for neuroprotection due to their diverse array of bioactive compounds and comprehensive therapeutic principles. This review compiles the latest information on Ayurvedic herbs. It examines their mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, safety profiles, and regulatory issues in the management of AD. Key findings highlight their potential to mitigate neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive decline, offering insights into integrative approaches that synergize traditional wisdom with modern pharmacotherapy. Future research directions underscore the need for mechanistic studies, large-scale clinical trials, and personalized medicine strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes in AD.
  • Phytotherapeutic Strategies for Menopausal Syndrome: An Ayurvedic Perspective
    Bargale Sushant Sukumar, H. S. Spoorthi, H. K. Shashirekha, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni, Harshal Tare
    Ceylon Journal of Science, 2025
    Menopausal syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, presents a significant challenge in women’s health. While conventional therapies can be effective, they may have limitations and side effects. Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, offers a holistic approach to managing menopausal symptoms through natural, plant-based remedies. This review article examines the Ayurvedic viewpoints on menopause, with a specific emphasis on important medicinal plants such as Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). Their traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, mechanisms of action, and clinical evidence are discussed. The review also highlights Ayurvedic, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, including the importance of diet, daily routines, and practices like yoga and meditation. Safety profiles, regulatory considerations, and future research directions are also discussed. The existing literature suggests that Ayurvedic treatments offer promising alternatives for managing menopausal symptoms, with potential benefits in enhancing overall wellbeing and quality of life.
  • Artificial intelligence in unveiling herbal remedies for cancer: Advances and applications
    Bargale Sushant Sukumar, Shashirekha H K, Amarnath H K, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni, Shipra, Harshal Tare
    Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal, 2025
    Not applicable
  • Nutritional status of under-5 children during COVID-19: Insights from Anganwadi workers of Kerala, India
    Aneena Behanan, Anupama Krishnan, Bargale Sushant Sukumar, H. K. Shashirekha, Harshal Tare, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni
    Multidisciplinary Reviews, 2024
    Investing in nutrition is key to securing a country's future, as poor nutrition during childhood instigates developmental impairment. In India, the Anganwadi service disruption flared child malnutrition during COVID-19. This study explores how under-5 nutritional status was managed in COVID-19 by Anganwadi workers (AWWs) of the ICDS, Kerala. An in-depth interview was conducted among 30 AWWs. The integrative, cost-effective Anganwadi strategy for maintaining child nutritional status in a developing country during a pandemic is an impressive model. However, the lack of direct interactions of AWWs with beneficiaries leads to lowered intake and improper food timing in children as perceived by AWWs.
  • Perceptions and behavioral traits of mask usage during Covid-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study from Kerala
    Anupama Krishnan, Shahnaz Fathima A, Praveen V, Bargale Sushant Sukumar, Shashirekha H K, Harshal Tare, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni
    Salud Ciencia Y Tecnologia, 2024
    Background: The first reported case of COVID in all of India was in Thrissur, Kerala. Kerala was one among the states which had high recovery rate, low death rate and slow progression which was recognized internationally in managing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. For efficient control of transmission of COVID 19, mask wearing was considered as primary and popular measure. Wearing mask everytime can cause discomfort and prolonged mask usage can lead to many health impacts. Mask wearing can be made comfortable and convenient, if the discomforts and health impacts of wearing mask are worked on in future. Objective: To study perceptions and behavioural traits related to mask usage in general population of Kerala, India. Methods: An online cross sectional study was conducted in Kerala among 291 adults aged 20 to 60 years with a validated questionnaire. Data was analysed with Pearson’s Chi square and Odds ratio. Results: Majority of the participants were self-motivated, though 90% of participants reported mild discomforts, yet more than 80% were inclined to proper mask wearing practice. Among the participants, 77% washed and reused masks, more than 49% changed their face touching behavior, 67 % were inspired by family and friends in wearing mask. Older participants (greater than 40 years) had higher knowledge level of mask use (98%) and wearing masks outdoors (92.8%), lesser preference for N95 mask and double mask compared to younger participants. Conclusion: Study reinforces hypothesis of mask use efficacy in controlling and reducing pandemic spread. Community perceptions and behavioural traits study can enhance planning and implementation of public health programs.
  • Ayurvedic pandemic perspective: A narrative review
    Anupama Krishnan, C. V. Jayadevan, Shahnaz Fathima A., Bargale Sushant Sukumar, H. K. Shashirekha, Harshal Tare, Neha Gadgil, Akshar Kulkarni
    Multidisciplinary Reviews, 2024
    The human race has been under the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past several months. The frequency, magnitude and unprecedented nature of the pandemic have imposed global chaos. The traditional lessons procured from the epidemic approach have converged to the delta of trained in capacity in tackling the grave issue, eventually opening the door to Ayurveda for experiential and experimental knowledge. To explore and draw a narrative review on the conceptual framework of Janapadhodhwamsa (Epidemics), eliciting causative factors, alarming signs, and nature and providing a guideline of remedial measures for such engulfing catastrophes. Materials and methods include a review on the concepts of Janapadhodhwamsa and Kalaja Vyadhi (seasonal diseases) in classical Ayurveda texts of Charaka and Susrutha, followed by a PubMed search using keywords such as COVID-19, disease transmission, climate change, socioeconomic impact, and pandemic risk. A scheme comprising a compilation, in-depth study, contemplation and coding of the relevant literature was employed. Ayurveda portrays the meaningful concept of Janapadhodhwamsa, the tragic scene of death, disease, and the resultant devastation of a large population spread over geographical entities, countries or the world as whole. Hence, it effortlessly justifies a vivid description of COVID-19. The paper intends to contribute to understanding and contributing to tackling the current pandemic by incorporating Ayurvedic principles with a focus on Janapadhodhwamsa.
  • Telemedicine usage among ayurvedic physicians: Current Scenario - A Cross-Sectional Study
    Nyshu Abdul Azeez K K, Anupama Krishnan, Shashirekha H K, Bargale Sushant Sukumar, Neha Dattatraya Gadgil, Akshar Ashok Kulkarni, Harshal Tare
    International Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 2023
    Pandemic and advancing technologies have surged the use of Telemedicine services in every medical care field. Its implications have been in the arena of Ayurveda as well. The extent of practice and knowledge among Ayurvedic physicians is yet to be studied. Study to determine how much and what kind of knowledge Ayurvedic physicians have about Telemedicine. Google form survey-based cross-sectional study among Ayurvedic physicians in Kerala via WhatsApp. The questionnaire was developed based on in-depth interviews among Ayurveda physicians from each speciality, which is pretested to confirm reliability and validity tested using Split half and Cronbach’s alpha test (alpha coefficient =0.48). Cross tabs of the variables and various factors of telemedicine practice were worked out to see the relationship. More than half of the participants (54.8%) do not practice telemedicine. Among those practising telemedicine, 90% of participants commenced during the pandemic. All the practitioners in the government sector started with telemedicine due to the pandemic, while a small share of private practitioners (5.9%) cast off it before. The majority had not gone through the guidelines issued on telemedicine. 54% of government practitioners are dissatisfied, while 60% of private practitioners are content. Practices like consent-taking hardly apply. Acceptability and applicability of Telemedicine among Ayurveda physicians are slow. Addition of Medico-legal and technological education as a part of the curriculum is the need of the hour to catch up with the cumulative numeral of “e-patients”.
  • An observational study of effect of use of smart phones on sleep - A pilot study
    International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2020