Background: Bronchial asthma is now recognized to be a primarily inflammatory condition. It is an episodic disease manifested clinically by paroxysms of dyspnea, cough, and wheezing. Respiratory diseases are a major cause of disability and poor quality of life. Modern drugs used to treat this condition are known to develop certain adverse reactions and have few limitations, considering which the suffering population is searching for safe, effective interventions from traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda. Many formulations are available in Ayurveda for this disease. Shirishavaleha is one of such Ayurvedic formulations.

Objectives: In the current study, it is planned to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Shirishavaleha prepared in the presence of water and Kanji (sour gruel) as liquid media.

Materials and methods: Study was a randomized double-blind study. Total 66 registered patients of Bronchial asthma were randomly grouped into two and administered with trial drugs for 28 days at a dose of 10 gm twice daily before meals along with lukewarm water in both groups.

Results: Significant improvement was found in the symptoms with treatment in both the groups. The difference was statistically insignificant in between two groups. The overall effect was comparatively more in Shirishavaleha prepared in the presence of Kanji as liquid media, i.e., group B.

Conclusion: Looking into the observations and the media used in the preparation of Shirishavaleha; it can be concluded that Shirishavaleha prepared in presence of Kanji is more beneficial against water as media. However, as the statistical difference is insignificant in between the trial groups; both forms of Shirishavaleha are efficacious in cases of bronchial asthma and can be a good alternative for contemporary medicines.

Keywords: Bronchial asthma, Kanji, Non-communicable diseases, Shirishavaleha.

How to cite this article: Kaur H, Galib R, Patgiri B, Bedarkar P, Prajapati PK. Comparative Efficacy of Shirishavaleha Prepared by Water and Kanji as Liquid Media in the Management of Bronchial Asthma—A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):145-155.

Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of a computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone. According to Ayurveda, this type of exposure to Tejas (light) along with some unwholesome diet and regimen leads to vitiation of Pitta along with Vata.

Aim and objectives: To assess the clinical efficacy of Mahatriphaladya ghritam and Anu taila nasya in CVS.

Materials and methods: A prospective, open-label study was carried out at Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, New Delhi under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences. Sixty-two patients satisfying the selection criteria were enrolled from the outpatient department (OPD) and were administered Nasya (nasal insufflation) with Anu taila in a dose of 8 to 8 drops in the morning for 7 days followed by Akshi tarpana with Mahatriphaladya ghrita for 3 consecutive days in the morning which was repeated at an interval of 15 days. Mahatriphaladya ghrita was also given orally in a dose of 5 mL twice a day with lukewarm water for a total of 42 days. The outcome was assessed by seeing a change in signs and symptoms of CVS assessed by using a visual analog scale (VAS) score. Paired sample t-test was used to compare mean change from baseline to subsequent visits (8th, 26th and 42nd day). A p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A significant (p <0.001) improvement in chief complaints was observed at all subsequent visits and follow up (56th day) as compared to baseline. Statistically highly significant effect (p <0.001) was found in Schirmer's test on completion of treatment as compared to baseline.

Conclusion: This study revealed the efficacy of Mahatriphaladya ghrita and Anu taila nasyam in the management of CVS.

Keywords: Anu taila, Computer vision syndrome, Maha triphaladya ghrita, Nasya, Tarpana.

How to cite this article: Makhija D, Dua M, Ota S, Jadhav N, Vedi SK, Bharti, Sharma BS, Khanduri S, Rana R, Singhal R, Srikanth N, Dhiman KS, Clinical Evaluation of Efficacy of Mahatriphaladya Ghrita and Anu Taila Nasya in the Management of Computer Vision Syndrome. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):156-163.

Background: Mootraghata [benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)] is a senile disorder that affects to the people above 40 years of age, having obstructive and irritative symptoms like retention, incomplete voiding, dribbling, hesitancy, incontinence of urine, increased frequency, weak stream, etc. In modern science conservative and surgical both interventions are not free from side effects. So in this age group, there is a need for a safe alternative method of management.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical effect of Varuna shigru guggulu and Matra basti of Bala taila with tamsulosin hydrochloride in the management of Mootraghata w.s.r. to BPH.

Materials and methods: A randomized control clinical trial with two groups was performed. Total 100 patients having signs and symptoms of BPH were selected for the study. In group A Varuna shigru guggulu (500 mg thrice in a day orally) and Bala taila matra basti (60 mL once in a day, through rectal route) and in group B, capsule, tamsulosin hydrochloride, 0.2 mg, twice in a day given orally for 30 days. Both the groups were assessed as per subjective-international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and objective parameters-gradation adopted.

Results: In subjective parameters, group A had shown better result i.e. 75.88 % than the group B (64.22 %). In all objective parameters (Prostate Size, post-void residual urine (PVRU), average urine flow rate (AUFR) group A patients had shown better effect by 14.15 % than group B (10.55%). Hence, group A (trial group) showed better result (65.66%) in overall effect than group B (controlled group i.e. 56.04%)

Conclusion: Finally study Concluded that Varuna shigru guggulu and Bala taila matra basti is safe and effective in the symptomatic management of Mootraghata (BPH) and better option than Tamsulosin Hydrochloride.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Bala taila, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Matra basti, Mootraghata, Varuna shigru guggulu

How to cite this article: Patel JK, Dudhamal TS. A Standard Controlled Clinical Study of Varuna Shigru Guggulu and Bala Taila Matra Basti in the Management of Mootraghata (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). J Res Ayurvedic Sci. 2018;2(3): 164-171.

Background: Designing health care policies and programmes requires knowledge about health care seeking behavior so that that appropriate intervention can be planned. Health care seeking behavior is a complex outcome of many factors operating at various levels including availability and accessibility of healthcare services. Dependent on these determinants.

Aim: to study the impact of the availability of healthcare facility on health care seeking behavior in Himachal Pradesh.

Materials and methods: A pre-post-project cross-sectional survey was carried out in selected areas of two districts of Himachal Pradesh. Initially, 7698 women of reproductive age were surveyed using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma by the house to house visits. In addition, the women were informed about the newly made available Ayurveda services for certain conditions of antenatal care. The end line survey was conducted on representative samples of 400 women in the same area to know if there is any impact on the service seeking behavior among the women.

Results: The health care seeking behavior towards Ayurveda significantly improved after the services were made available in the area.

Conclusion: Health care-seeking behavior for Ayurveda among women for antenatal care depended largely on the availability and accessibility of services.

Keywords: Antenatal, Ayurveda, Helth Care seeking behavior.

How to cite this article: Bhat S, Yadav B, Sharma E, Devi KP, Sharma OR, Singhal R, Rana R, Srikanth N, Padhi MM, Dhiman KS. Impact of Availability of Services on Health Care Seeking Behavior for Antenatal Care: A Cross-Sectional Study of Himachal Pradesh. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):172-175.

Introduction: Cervical spondylosis is emerging as a widespread problem in society. According to Ayurveda, Greevastambha simulates cervical spondylosis, a Vataj nanatmaj vikara (pure vata disorder).

Materials and methods: An open-label retrospective observational cohort design with 48 diagnosed cases of cervical spondylosis who were treated in usual clinical setting at outpatient department (OPD), of our institution, between March 2013 and June 2013 with Panchamritalauha gugglu (2 tablets twice a day with lukewarm water and Panchguna taila (10 mL local application twice daily).The patients who have completed their treatment with follow-up on 14th, 28th and 42nd day during treatment with the properly documented assessment on a visual analog scale of clinical symptoms of cervical spondylosis were included in the study.

Aim: To observe safety and efficacy of study drug in the patients suffering from cervical spondylosis in the clinical setting.

Results: All patients showed improvement in clinical symptoms maximum improvement was seen in numbness and pain symptom. Statistically, overall improvement was significant p <0.01 after 42nd day of treatment.

Conclusion: Study has shown promising results though confounding factors were not controlled and it was an observational study on patients treated in usual clinical setting, it may prove as preliminary data for extensive clinical research and further consolidation of the results.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Greevagraha, Vataj disorder.

How to cite this article: Sharma OR, Goel S, Arya D, Lavaniya VK. Clinical Observation of Panchamrit Lauha Guggulu and Panchguna Taila in the Management of Greevastambha (Cervical Spondylosis): Retrospective Analysis. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):176-179.

Background: Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine popularly practiced in India. Many types of researches on various disease conditions have been conducted, but the reporting of clinical safety is negligible. Nowadays, the safety of the drugs is as important as efficacy.

Objective: Reporting of clinical safety of certain Ayurvedic formulations which were trialed in diabetes mellitus (DM) (Madhumeha) through four multicentre open-label clinical studies at Research centers of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences situated in different geographical regions.

Materials and Methods: The analyzed data of four different clinical studies were critically evaluated to assay the safety profile of Ayurvedic herbal/herbomineral formulations namely, Saptavimshatika Guggulu and Haridra Churna, Nisha Amalaki and Chandraprabha Vati, Nisha katakadi kashaya and Yashada Bhasma, Gokshuradi Guggulu and Guduchi Churna. In all the studies, the drugs were administered for three months. Safety assessments have been done through analyzing laboratory parameters like Liver function test and renal function test before and after the trial period. Paired sample t-test has been used to compare the mean changes of these parameters from baseline to the end of the trial period. Any adverse drug reaction (ADR)/ adverse events (AE), if any, were noted. Patient compliance was maintained during the study.

Result: The results revealed that all the safety laboratory parameters were within the specified limits and no ADR was reported during the entire study period.

Conclusion: All the trialed drugs used on the subjects of Madhumeha are clinically safe and tolerable, in spite of the subjects belonging to different geographical locations, Prakriti, gender and age groups.

Significance: Above findings will assure the researchers as well as the public about the safety of these Ayurvedic formulations.

Keywords: Ayurvedic herbal/herbo-mineral formulations, Clinical safety, Diabetes mellitus, Madhumeha, Pharmaco-epidemiological study.

How to cite this article: Ota S, Dua P, Sahu DS, Sharma SK, Bharali BK, Gangrude VV, Namburi URS, Jain S, Pitta S, Subhose V, Deep VC, Sharma L, Sheetal A, Khanduri S, Yadav B, Sharma BS, Srikanth N. Clinical Safety of Selected Ayurvedic Formulations in Diabetes Mellitus–A Pharmaco-epidemiological Perspective. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):180-187.

Diet is considered one of the basic need for good health since it is the critical reason for disease as well as the preservation and promotion of health. According to Ayurveda, in both the conditions, viz. health and disease, diet is a prime factor to be thought about. Basics of clinical nutrition, one of the important disciplines in modern medicine can be traced out from the concepts of dietetics in Ayurveda. Though the research of the past few years has focused on various aspects of dietetics mentioned in classical texts of Ayurveda, a systematic review of these studies is still not available. A comprehensive review of evidence-based research works carried out different aspects of Ayurveda dietetics can be an indicator of present lacunae challenges and future strategies. Though few attempts were made to establish some of the basic aspects of Ayurveda dietetics, individualized approach, seasonal diet, contradictory food (viruddhaahara), contraindication of certain diet are still to be studied systematically. Diet-medicine-lifestyle interface, pharmacovigilance of Ayurvedic diet, systematic review or meta-analysis, preclinical and Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials with standard control in the field of dietetics in Ayurveda are some of the prime areas requiring more attention.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Dietetics, Pathya, Research.

How to cite this article: Bhat S, Naik R, Deshmukh S, Lavaniya VK. Status of Evidence-based Ayurveda Dietetics and Challenges in Research: A Review. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):188-192.

Ayurveda proposes guidelines and detailed methodology of healthy living and treatment of various medical conditions which are time tested and applicable to current healthcare issues. In terminally ill cancer patients, poor prognosis, unfruitful efforts, lost hope from relatives and patient may dilute intent of treatment resulting in worsening the condition medically, mentally, morally and socially. However, it’s ethical, moral responsibility of healthcare professional to make every possible effort for betterment and convenience of the patient. Through this narrative review, here we try to explore the scope of Ayurveda interventions in improving palliative care practices of terminally ill cancer patients. Ayurveda can play a major role in palliative care through some suitable, convenient treatment measures along with conventional palliative care. Ayurveda interventions viz. Vrana karma (wound care), Basti (per rectal drug administration), Snehan-swedan (massage, fomentation), Kawal-gandoosha (gargling), Shiro-snehan (oleation of head), etc. may contribute as alternative or complementary to ongoing palliative care practices of wound care, urine-bowel related issues, ambulation, oral hygiene, stress management, and pain management respectively. Various yaapana basti to nourish body and Nasya (Nasal instillation of medicine), Karnapoorana (Ear drops), Shiro-snehana for irritable patients to improve quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients can be used. Ayurveda offers pain management through appropriate use of the above measures by reducing pain intensity, frequency, and dependence on pain killers. Conventional palliative measures can be supported by these measures of Ayurveda principles and practices for better convenience of patients without supplanting current practices. Here we discuss the scope of Ayurveda interventions for additional benefit and convenience of patients in palliative care.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Palliative care, Terminally ill cancer patients.

How to cite this article: Dedge AP, Gundeti MS, Reddy RG. Scope of Ayurveda Interventions to Improve Palliative Care Practices in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):193-201.

A venous ulcer is the common and recurrent form of leg ulcers encountered in general practice. Its improper care can cause gangrene and may require amputation of the affected limb. Conventional treatment though is effective but requires surgical intervention and not always affordable. The venous ulcer has resemblance with Sirajanyadushta Vrana in Ayurveda for which a range of treatment modalities stated. A 38-years-old male presented with two non-healing ulcers of one-year duration at the medial malleolus of right leg resulted from venous stasis undergone allopathic treatment without any significant improvement. Significant healing in wound observed after 8 weeks of comprehensive Ayurvedic modalities consisting of internal use of Guggulu Tikthaka Kashayam, Sahacharadi Kashayam, Kanchanar Guggulu and Kaishore Guggulu and topical use of Jatyadi Taila. No recurrence of wound also observed after 18 weeks of follow-up.

Keywords: Siragata dushta vrana, Siragata vata, Stasis ulcer, Venous insufficiency, Venous ulcer.

How to cite this article: Ratha KK, Aswani PS, Dighe DP, Rao MM, Meher SK, Panda AK. Management of Venous Ulcer through Ayurveda: A Case Report. J Res Ayurvedic Sci 2018;2(3):202-208.