BACKGROUND: Chickenpox is a contagious infection caused by the Varicella-zoster virus with the clinical manifestation of itchy rashes with fluid-filled blisters and fever. Although it is a self-limiting disease, to shorten the recovery period as well as to avoid complications, Ayurveda medicine could be effectively used in the management of chickenpox. In the present case study, the effects of Ayurveda add-on treatment are studied in treating chickenpox and in healing papules. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND DIAGNOSIS: A 38-year-old woman presented to the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Kolkata, with severe itchy and painful papules all over the body and malaise along with difficulty in swallowing because of pain in the throat since 15 days. On the basis of clinical presentation, it was diagnosed as a case of chickenpox. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Before visiting the Ayurveda OPD, the patient took allopathic medicine (acyclovir 800 mg TID, paracetamol SOS, and calamine lotion local application) for 15 days, but the disease continued to progress and developed painful lesions with itching and other difficulties. The Ayurveda intervention started after 2 weeks of the onset of the disease. The patient was advised to take Tribhuvankirti Rasa (250 mg BD) before food for 7 days, Haridrakhanda (3 g BD) after food, Panchatiktaghrita (5 mL BD) after food, and Guduchyadi Taila for local application for 15 days. RESULTS: Papules of chickenpox were healed in 15 days of the treatment. After taking Ayurveda medicines, the patient got relief from severe itching and pain within 2 days and also completely recovered within 15 days. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the Ayurveda interventions effectively reduced the signs and symptoms of chickenpox and hastened the healing process. It may be concluded that Ayurveda medicines either alone or as add-on give promising therapeutic results in the management of chickenpox.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Oligozoospermia is one of the major causes of infertility in males. A special branch of Ayurveda called Vajeekarana (aphrodisiac therapy) is specially related to management of infertility. Phala Ghrita (PHG) is an Ayurved formulation specially indicated in infertility due to oligospermia, and it is also narrated that cow ghee (CG) also possesses spermatogenic efficacy. Therefore, the present work was planned to compare the clinical efficacy of PHG and CG on oligozoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine male patients suffering from oligospermia and having sperm count less than 15 million/mL were selected for the study. Patients’ underwent Ayurveda Bio-cleansing procedure by using Haritakyadi Yoga–a laxative Ayurveda formulation. PHG and CG at a dose of 10 g, twice daily were administered in 51 and 42 patients, respectively, with warm milk for 8 weeks. Assessment of seminal parameters were done before and after completion of treatment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Statistical data showed that PHG and CG showed a significant (P < 0.001) change in sperm such as increase in sperm motility, decrease in abnormal forms of sperm, and increase in semen volume. However, the effect of PHG is found to be better than CG except in increasing semen volume. CONCLUSION: PHG and CG both have significant spermatogenic potential when administered after bio-cleansing of body by using Haritakyadi Yoga. Study registration: CTRI/20164/01/006559

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

In today’s modern world, most people are confronted with mental illness at some point in their lives. Depression is a widespread problem that has a detrimental impact on a person’s ability to function and sense of well-being. It has become a worldwide public health concern. Sattvavajava Chikatsa (SC) is an Ayurvedic psychotherapy and psycho-spiritual therapy that promotes mental wellness as well as prevention, management, and treatment of mental disorders. SC works on five basic principles, i.e., promotion of spiritual knowledge, scriptural knowledge, patience, memory, meditation in any patient whenever needed. The concepts of SC are scattered throughout classical texts, making it difficult for Ayurvedic physicians to understand how to practice. This could be due to the fact that psychological diseases are less common than physical illnesses. The goal of this review is to describe and briefly explain the concept of SC, as well as to establish a practical approach/tools based on it, with a particular focus on the management of major depressive disorder (MDD). It will aid in a holistic knowledge of the SC principle, as well as a practical approach based on SC for the management of MDD.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Ayurveda Samhita's has documented nootropic drugs, which may play crucial role in brain development during infancy and early childhood. Any deviation in brain development can affect the overall personality and result in low IQ, poor cognitive function, defective learning, impairment in memory, language, speech, and social communication in later life of child. As a result, knowledge of nootropic medicines is critical for dealing with memory-related symptoms in children. Objective: The present review is to explore the therapeutic domain of Medhya Rasayana (nootropic drugs) mentioned by Acharya Kashyapa in the light of recently reported contemporary evidence. Materials and Methods: Kashyapa Samhita was reviewed in terms of description of Medhya Rasayana or Medhya drugs including single and compound drugs. The electronic database such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature published from time of their inception to 2020, with results restricted to report in English language and information was extracted from different published articles as per the search criteria. Results: Important nootropic drugs mentioned by Acharya Kashyapa are Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.), Triphala (Phyllanthus emblica L., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz.), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica L.), Vacha (Acorus calamus L.), Trivrut (Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Shatapushpa (Anethum graveolens L.), Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta Vahl.) and Danti (Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Müll.Arg.), Brahmi Ghrita, Kalyanaka Ghrita, and Pancha-Gavya Ghrita, etc. These herbs/drugs have a positive effect on memory; improve the intellect, learning, memory, language, and speech of a child. Moreover, these drugs have shown potential therapeutic actions like cognitive function, antiepileptic effect, antianxiety effect, sedative, tranquilizer, antidepressant, antioxidant, antistress, and adaptogenic effect. Specific medicinal herbs like Triphala, O. turpethum, and P. zeylanica under nootropic drugs are found to act through “gut-brain” axis. Conclusion: Nootropic drugs mentioned in Kashyapa Samhita is very unique contribution and in recent times these drugs are scientifically validated in pre-clinical and clinical trials, which plays an important role for brain development in pediatric age group. These drugs are clinically tested for promoting mental health since ancient times. Moreover, most of the pre-clinical/clinical studies have proved that nootropic herbs/drugs are useful in many diseases like epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, speech disorders, etc. Clinical studies may be planned on pediatric psychological/mental health issues taking leads from the available anecdotal evidence as well as pre-clinical evidence to generate robust empirical evidence which can be used to promote better physical and mental health in a child. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nootropic herbs/drugs are unique drugs mentioned by Kashyapa Samhita, which are having evidence for providing better mental health as well as in the treatment of many neurological disorders.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus [DM]) disease is one of the very few diseases, which has been found in the history and culture of India and across the globe. Since ages, even in the twenty-first century, this disease is a cause of concern to the world due to its morbidity and long-term complications. Traditional medicines are still found to be very useful in the improvement of quality of life (QOL) of the patients with Madhumeha. Ayurvedic formulations are found to be useful in the management of type II DM and in promoting health. OBJECTIVE: Saptavimshatika Guggulu (SG) and Haridra Churna (HC) were evaluated to assess their clinical effectiveness in the management of type 2 diabetes. A secondary objective was to assess the changes in the QOL of the patients with type 2 DM and the clinical safety of SG and HC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter clinical study was critically evaluated to assay the clinical efficacy and safety profile of ayurvedic formulations, SG 500 g two tablets two times after food and HC 3 g with luke-warm water after food two times daily for 12 weeks in 146 participants, diagnosed with NIIDM, enrolled as per the selection criteria. RESULTS: The results were of highly significant in the regulation of FBS (BT-167.44 mg/dL, AT-152.83 mg/dL) and PPBS (BT-261.74 mg/dL, AT-240.59 mg/dL). Statistically highly significant result was found in the improvement of Diabetes Symptoms Questionnaire and SF-36 health survey score; no ADR or any complications were noted. CONCLUSION: SG and HC used on the subjects of type 2 DM (Madhumeha) are clinically effective, safe, and tolerable.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 virus is a new contagious pathogen which has made a huge impact on health, economic and societal perspectives of our country. Early detection, rapid isolation, and adoption of effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are key to preventing and controlling COVID-19 infection. Patients are now receiving symptomatic treatment. This retrospective study aims to assess and comprehend the effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions in the treatment of mild symptomatic COVID-19 patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to analyze the outcome of Ayurvedic interventions in managing mild symptomatic COVID-19-infected cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: COVID-19 patients (diagnosed through RT-PCR test) admitted at Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Chandigarh were treated with Ayurvedic interventions. The data were collected and have been analyzed retrospectively. Data collected were systematically analyzed and presented using appropriate software (SPSS version 21). RESULTS: The treatment given in this particular study were aimed at dissipating the pathogenesis based on Ayurvedic principles of management. Relief in major clinical symptoms such as fever, cough, and throat pain has been observed in studied cases of COVID-19. The clinical recovery rate observed in this study was 94.3%, which is comparatively high with reference to the current clinical recovery rate, i.e., 69.5% in Chandigarh (India). CONCLUSION: The Ayurvedic interventions, AYUSH-64, Agasthya Hareetaki Rasayana, and Anu Taila Nasya, may play a major role in managing mild symptomatic cases of COVID-19. IEC number: 8-55/2020-CARIRD/TECH/COVID/149

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a condition in which the main vein that drains blood from the retina closes off partially or completely. This condition is associated with sudden, unilateral, and moderate-to-marked or total loss of vision. In the present case report, a 58-year-old male patient suffered from CRVO with chief complaints of sudden painless diminution of distant and near vision of the right eye with a duration of 1 week and was treated with Ayurveda medications and therapeutic procedures. Oral medicines such as decoctions, herbal powder, and tablets were administered along with therapeutic procedures which include Nasya (medication through nasal route) therapy and local therapies such as Bidalaka (application of medicated paste on eye lids) and Shirolepa (application of medicated paste on head). Pre- and post-assessments were done by visual acuity (VA), posterior segment examination, and optical coherence tomography, which showed improvement at the end of 3 months’ treatment. At the end of the treatment, there is improvement noted in distance and near VA in the right eye. Ophthalmoscopic findings revealed a reduction in hemorrhages and edema in the right eye. The effectiveness of Ayurveda interventions observed in the present case indicates that CRVO can be treated with Ayurveda medication and therapeutic procedures such as Nasya, Bidalaka, and Shirolepa.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstruation without any associated pelvic pathology. This debilitating gynecologic disease affects 45–90% of women of reproductive age. In classical texts of Ayurveda, formulations such as Saptasaram Kashaya (SPK) and Saraswatarishta (SSR) have been indicated in the treatment of Kashtartava (primary dysmenorrhea). Based on the classical claim, the present work was planned to assess the effect of SPK and SSR on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unmarried girls of age between 13 and 20 years, suffering from at least three painful cycles of menstruation in the last 6 months with pain intensity more than 40 mm as per the Visual Analog Scale (700 mm) (VAS), were included in the trial. Ayurvedic formulations SPK in the dose of 50 ml twice daily before food from the onset of menstruation till next 7 days and SSR in the dose of 10 ml mixed with 20 ml of lukewarm water at bedtime daily were administered for 3 consecutive months. The effect on menstrual pain was assessed by VAS; improvement in quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 (RAND) questionnaire; and changes in the psychosomatic status were assessed using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and Hamilton Anxiety Scale. RESULTS: A total of 100 participants were enrolled at two study centers. The data of 96 participants who completed 6 months’ trial period were analyzed. At baseline, the mean VAS score for pain was 90.9 ± 12.3, which decreased to 33.4 ± 24 on the 90th day and further reduced to 23.8 ± 21.3 on the 180th day. The associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, loss of appetite, giddiness, breast tenderness, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, fainting, frequent urination, and fatigue significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at the end of the treatment. The improvement in quality of life and psychological status at the end of 90th day was also significant (P < 0.001). No adverse events were reported during the treatment period. CONCLUSION: SPK and SSR have a positive effect in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

BACKGROUND: The scheduled caste (SC) population of India, especially women and children, lags behind others in the health scenario and the problem should be addressed with emergency concern. AIM: The aim of this article is to describe the health-related demography of women and children of SC population in selected areas of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala state, India during the year 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Reproductive and Child Health project team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Lifestyle-Related Disorders, Thiruvananthapuram conducted health camps at four village panchayaths (village councils), namely, Maranalloor, Venganoor, Vilappil, Poovachal, and Neyyattinkara municipality of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala through 240 tours during the period January to December 2019 through a door-to-door household survey for collecting the information on socio-economic and health status. Medical aids were also provided to needy individuals. RESULTS: A total of 5145 individuals were surveyed, which includes 3662 women and 1483 children. In the survey, 62 disease conditions in women and 25 various disorders in children were diagnosed. The most common clinical manifestation found in women and children was Sandhigatavata (polyarthritis) and Agnimandya (digestive impairment), respectively. CONCLUSION: The women and children belonging to SC population in the areas of Thiruvananthapuram district where study was conducted have good health status. However, considering the prevalence of polyarthritis in women and digestive impairment in children, diet and lifestyle related-vigilance needs to be promoted. Ayurveda includes noteworthy guidelines regarding personalized as well as season-based diet and lifestyle. Therefore, increasing vigilance in rural population toward such Ayurveda guidelines along with use of relevant Ayurveda medicines can be a strategy to improve the health status of women and children. IEC number: 9–19/2012-ARIMCHC/Tvpm/Tech/220

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

A 34-year-old female patient presented with a prolonged history of absence of menstruation and dyspareunia was clinically diagnosed as Artava Kshaya (amenorrhea). She was treated with Vamana Purva Snehapana (oral ingestion of fats) with Guggulutikta Ghrita and Aragvadha Mahatikta Ghrita followed by Vamana (emesis therapy) and Mahakalyanaka Ghrita Snehapana followed by Virechana (purgation therapy). On the 15th day after Shodhana and Samsarjana Karma (dietetic regimen after therapeutic purgation), the menstrual cycle appeared after ten years. The patient weight was reduced by 5 kg after the completion of therapeutic emesis and purgation. Symptomatic improvement was observed in concurrent symptoms such as dyspareunia and puffiness of the face. The patient was observed for the next two years without any therapeutic intervention, and she had regular menstrual cycles with moderate flow during that period. This case demonstrates the role of Vamana and Virechana in the management of Artava Kshaya.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of blindness on a global level. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), both with and without diabetic macular edema (DME), are the stages of DR. The conventional treatment strategies for DR include intravitreal injections, laser photocoagulation, and surgical approach. There are quite a few individual studies available in various databases showing the efficacy of Ayurveda intervention in DR. However, a systematic review of these studies is not available to date. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of various clinical studies of Ayurveda treatments in DR, along with meta-analysis, if possible. This shall help in providing more precise estimates of the effectiveness of management of DR using Ayurveda interventions. Methods and Analysis: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized controlled trials (QRCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), multiple arms clinical trials, and single-group studies on DR published/unpublished from January 1990 to November 2020 will be conducted. The database search will be performed using the words with Boolean operators: Ayurveda OR Ayurvedic AND Diabetic Retinopathy as title, abstract, or keyword. Clinical trials of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria based on signs and symptoms of DR in any of its stages, irrespective of age and either gender, will be selected. Studies that are based on the Ayurvedic treatments such as Shodhana (purification therapies), Shamana (pacification therapies), Netra Kriyakalpa (topical ophthalmic application of medications), Moordha Taila Prayoga (topical application of medicine on head), Mukha Kriya Kramas (usage of medicine on/in mouth and on face such as Mukhalepa, Kabala, Gandoosha) irrespective of dosage, type, schedule, drug, form, and advised Pathayapathya (lifestyle changes) as intervention or control will be selected. Response to treatment, both subjective and objective, is the primary outcome and onset of serious adverse events is the secondary outcome. Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The results obtained will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Trial Registration Number: International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42019136750.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Acid peptic disease (APD) has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and general health status of the individuals. There are a number of case studies and clinical trials on efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of APD. However, a systematic review of these researches is not available which is needed to evaluate the clinical significance of those studies. Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the available evidence for the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions for APD. Methods and Analysis: On the basis of the PRISMA-P statement, a systematic review protocol has been developed. Data from electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, AYUSH Research Portal, DHARA, Shodhganga, Ayurvedic Research Database, Institute for Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, Clinical trial registries, and relevant journals will be used to find articles for systematic review. Only studies that have been published in English or Hindi will be considered for inclusion in the systematic review. Data from the selected studies based on study characteristics will be extracted separately by two review authors for data analysis and quality assessment of the studies. The risk of bias in the chosen studies will be evaluated using appropriate available tools. If studies that are qualified for meta-analysis are available during the review, then it will be done. If meta-analysis is not possible, then the findings will be presented in the form of a comprehensive qualitative synthesis. Conclusion: The findings of this study will aid in determining the current state of evidence on the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions for the treatment of APD. The review will also serve as a source for researchers while planning future studies in order to generate high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic therapies in APD. Study Registration: PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020207484

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are high-risk individuals in the management of epidemics caused by highly contagious disorders such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Standard of care (SOC) for the prevention of exposure can be greatly supported with SOC measures to improve the immune response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining Chyawanprash, an Ayurvedic formulation, with SOC for prevention versus SOC alone among frontline HCWs through assessment of the proportion of COVID-19 cases among the trial participants during the trial period. METHODS: This open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 13, 2020 to September 21, 2020 in an Ayurvedic hospital that was functioning as a COVID-19 care center in New Delhi during the pandemic. HCWs between 25 and 60 years of age working in an environment with the possibility of direct exposure to COVID-19 cases were enrolled and observed for 30 days. The interventions compared were SOC as per institutional guidelines and based on their roles (Group I) and SOC in addition to Chyawanprash 12 g twice a day for 30 days (Group II). RESULTS: Out of the 193 participants who completed the study, no participant in both groups was COVID-19 positive at the end of one month. No adverse drug reaction or any serious adverse event was reported during the study. No clinically significant change in the safety parameters were observed. A statistically significant rise in serum IgG level was seen in Group II, but other inflammatory and immune markers did not show any statistically significant difference. In the post-intervention follow-up, four subjects in Group I and two subjects in Group II reported to have developed COVID-19 disease after 2 months of completion of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Chyawanprash has an immunomodulatory effect in the intervention group, but a longer-term clinical trial with a bigger sample size is needed to confirm its adaptogenic and preventive efficacy as an add-on to standard prophylactic guidelines for prevention of disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry of India: CTRI/2020/05/025275 [Registered on: 20/05/2020].

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of macula associated with aging. It is the most leading cause of the central vision loss and blindness in the developed countries above the age of 55 years. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to critically analyze and to provide quality evidence in view of safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of Ayurveda interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: The study reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and case studies on the management of AMD in Ayurveda. They were retrieved through Ayurveda research databases and Medical Journal databases such as MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and other directories of open access journals. Hand searching was done using predefined search terms. The search was limited to articles published till July 2021. Study selection followed the symptomatology of AMD. The data were documented and extracted using study ID and design, sample size, duration, interventions, outcomes, and result. The quality and the risk of bias assessment were done using available tools. Quantitative synthesis was not attempted as we aimed at only systematic review. RESULTS: There were 28 screened records of which 6 fulfilled pre-defined criteria. Most commonly adopted therapeutics include four studies on Nasya (medication through nose), five on Tarpana (lubrication of eye), and two studies focussing on Basti (therapeutic enema) as primary management. The results were categorized under Shodhana (purification therapy) and Shamana (palliative). Overall studies show a significant improvement in subjective parameters assessed through gradation index. Panchakarma combined with eye treatment showed better relief. CONCLUSION: The study outcome yielded considerable improvement in vision and also assisted in maintaining existing vision which is greatly appreciable in addressing the subject’s quality of life by controlling further progression of the disease.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Anal fissure (fissure in ano) is an excruciating manifestation among common anorectal presentations. The condition inflicts significant personal and social ill health causing considerable morbidity. This study aimed at documenting the effect of Murivenna oil infiltration and Triphala choorna oral use along with sitz bath and fiber diet protocol in the management of fistula in ano. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 15 cases diagnosed with primary fissure in ano who underwent prescribed conservative Ayurvedic treatment between March 2018 and February 2019 at the National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma, Cheruthuruthy, is reported. All patients were managed with anal infiltration of Murivenna oil (30 ml), internal administration of Triphala choorna (10 g), sitz bath, and fiber diet. Retrospective outcome analysis of recorded change in each case on study variables, viz. pain, bleeding per rectum (BPR), anal discharge, inflammation and tenderness, and healing of fissure, was recorded in structured proforma, was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A Friedman test for repeated measures, followed by Wilcoxon post hoc test, was conducted on the study variables. Results with P-value<.01 were considered significant. RESULTS: Data of 15 patients was used for analysis. Complete healing of the fissure was documented in 93% of patients by the end of their respective 30th day. There was significant relief in symptoms of inflammation, tenderness, anal discharge, and bleeding per rectum (BPR) in most of the patients within their first 7 days of treatment. Median pain level assessed on VAS was significantly reduced from 9 (on the 1st day) to 1 (on the 7^th day) and eventually to 0 on the 30^th day. Statistically significant difference was observed in the percentage healing of fissure measured on the 8^th day (78 ± 11.464), 15^th day (91.33 ± 9.904), and 30^th day (99.33 ± 2.582). CONCLUSION: The observatory report provides significant elementary evidence on the effectiveness of an Ayurvedic conservative treatment in managing acute and chronic primary fissure in ano.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: The disease Pinasa (chronic rhinosinusitis disease) is a chronic nasal disease, which affects nasal canal and paranasal sinuses and the symptoms of this disease are similar to that of chronic rhinosinusitis. In Ayurvedic classics, the internal administration of Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha (CHA) and nasal instillation of Shadbindu Taila (SBT) are mentioned for the management of Pinasa. In view of the literary indication, the present work was carried out with the objective to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of CHA and SBT in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, single-arm, open-label clinical trial was proposed for the assessment of therapeutic efficacy of oral administration of CHA and nasal instillation of SBT. A total of 60 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis from Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), New Delhi and CARI, Patiala were enrolled in this study. SBT Nasya (nasal drop to be given for three sittings, 7 days in each, with the interval of 7 days between each sitting) and CHA (6 g, twice daily after food) in the form of Avaleha (semisolid confection) were given to all participants for 42 days and the follow-up period was 28 days. The primary outcome was to assess change in SNOT (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test) scores. The secondary outcome was to assess change in RSDI (Rhinosinusitis Disability Index) scores and change in Lund-Mackay scores of computed tomography (CT) scan of paranasal sinuses. CONCLUSION: The effect of CHA and SBT nasal drop in treatment of Pinasa with special reference to chronic rhinosinusitis may provide an evidence-based complementary therapeutic approach for the management of the said condition.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: The spine of Vallibadara [Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill.] of family Rhamnaceae are traditionally claimed to manage Mukhadushika (acne vulgaris). In Ayurveda, Avipattikara Churna is known for its Pitta Shamka and mild laxative action. The vitiation of Pitta Dosha and constipation are also contribute to manifestation of acne. PATIENT INFORMATION AND INTERVENTION: A 19 year old patient presented with complaints of papules and pustules, scattered all over her forehead and cheeks since last one year. The patient also reported constipation and heartburn since many months. She was diagnosed with Mukhadushika and was treated with the local application of the paste of powdered thorn of Z. oenoplia mixed with lemon juice and oral administration of Avipattikara Churna 4 gm twice daily with water for 21 days. RESULT: Considerable reduction was observed in the scattered papules and pustules on the forehead and cheeks of the patient. Constipation and burning sensation in the chest were relieved after one week. Complete relief in symptoms was noticed after 21 days of treatment. No recurrence of eruptions was observed during the follow-up after 30 days. CONCLUSION: The external application of spine of Z. oenoplia and internal administration of Avipattikara Churna are effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension (EHTN) is one of the most prevalent lifestyle disorders globally. In Ayurveda, the powdered seed of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. ex G.Don [Rudraksha Churna (RC)] is indicated for headache, the most common symptom of EHTN. Pharmacological studies on an aqueous extract of E. ganitrus have shown that it can be used to treat anxiety and EHTN. However, no research has been done on the therapeutic efficacy of RC in the treatment of EHTN. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RC in the treatment of EHTN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multicentre single arm trial was conducted at the Regional Ayurveda Research Institutes at Jaipur and Itanagar. A total of 150 individuals who met the screening criteria were enrolled in the trial after obtaining written informed consent. The participants were administered two 500 mg capsules of RC twice daily (2 g daily) with water for 12 weeks. The outcome measures were reduction in blood pressure, improvement in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Score (HAM-A), SF-36-Health Survey Questionnaire (HSQ), visual analog scale for headache, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, and amelioration in clinical parameters at every 14-day interval during the trial period of 98 days comprising 84 days of treatment and 14 days of follow-up. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). Significant relief (P < 0.001) was also observed in outcome measures such as headache, anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitation, HAM-A, and HSQ score. Safety parameters such as liver function tests and renal function tests were within the reference range during the study, indicating the therapeutic safety of RC. CONCLUSION: EHTN and its symptoms can be managed with RC. However, double-blind RCTs with adequate sample size may be planned to validate the findings of this study before generalizing the study results.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

BACKGROUND: Viral pandemics/epidemics are emerging as one of the biggest challenge for medical fraternity and health-care policy makers. This is high time to explore traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, wherein measures such as Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Sadvritta (good conduct/behavior), and Rasayana (rejuvenation measures) which are said to influence the homoeostatic mechanism of the host defense system along with interventions that may have a promising role in managing such diseases. OBJECTIVES: This review attempts to provide an informative analysis of the daily regimen, seasonal regimen, moral conduct, and interventions recommended in Ayurveda scriptures which can be helpful for the prevention and treatment of viral pandemics. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted and comprehensive search of Ayurveda classical texts, including Bhrihatrayi, Laghutrayi, Dhanwantari Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Kaiyadev Nighantu, and texts related to Dravyaguna was done. Electronic databases such as PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, DHARA, and Google Scholar were also searched for relevant literature, pertaining to Ayurveda prophylactic and therapeutic measures in viral pandemics from 2001 to 2020. RESULTS: Prophylactic and therapeutic measures, including daily and seasonal regimen, good conduct/behavior, rejuvenation measures, Dhoopana Karma (medicated fumigation), and medicinal herbs, explained in Ayurveda may be utilized during viral pandemics. Critical analysis of the available scientific evidence suggests potential of Ayurveda interventions in context of immunomodulatory and antiviral activities. CONCLUSION: Unique preventive dietary and lifestyle practices recommended by Ayurveda can play an important role in maintaining the health status and improving the disease resistance capacity. Evidence from preclinical/clinical studies indicates that several herbs used in Ayurveda exhibit immunomodulatory, antiviral properties. The preventive and therapeutic measures narrated in Ayurveda can contribute significantly towards the management of viral pandemics. Generation of more scientific evidence through quality research studies is needed to evaluate the role of Ayurveda approaches for management of viral diseases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]