A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF BAL CHATURBHADRA CHURNA IN MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD DISORDERS- EVIDENCES FROM AYURVEDA

Bal chaturbhadra churna is a poly-herbal formulation used in pediatric practice in Ayurveda especially in the treatment of vomiting, diarrhea, fever and respiratory disorders. The human clinical dose of Bal chaturbhadra churna is 1000 mg per day. It is prepared by mixing equal proportions of rhizome of Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Cyperaceae), fruit of Piper longum Linn. (Piperaceae), root of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex. Royale. (Ranunculaceae) and gall of Pistacia integerrima Stew. Ex. Brandis. (Anacardiaceae). Aims and objectives: Critical analysis of Bal chaturbhadra churna in management of childhood disorder. Material and Methods: Various Ayurveda classics and studies published in journals related to use of Bal chaturbhadra churna in management of childhood disorder are reviewed and analyzed. Discussion: Contents of Bal chaturbhdra churna are mostly katu rasa, laghu guna, usna veerya and also deepana, pachana, krimighna, visaghna, hridya, ruchya, vrisya, rasayana, rochana, sthoulyahara, trisnanigrahana, tvakadosahara, jwaraghna etc. properties. Therefore due to presence of these qualities, it is used in vomiting, diarrhea, fever and respiratory disorders. According to studies published in journals, it is beneficial as immuno-modulator, anti inflammatory, anti spasmodic, anti asthmatic activity, anti bacterial activity, antidiabetic activity, antioxidant activity, anti-fungal activity, hepatoprotective action, analgesic activity.  Conclusion: Present review reveals Bal chaturbhadra churna is quite safe for administration among Children and therefore can be used in various ailments in children which can limit the irrational use of antibiotics in them

Management of Recurrent respiratory disorders: A Case Study

Recurrent respiratory tract infections are especially common in young children; in developed countries, they affect up to 25% of children under one year of age and 18% of children one to four years of age. Immune deficiencies are considered as underlying conditions predisposing to this pathology. This work is about to determine when and how to explore the immune system when facing recurrent respiratory infections. A 01 year and 05 months old female child came with complaints of recurrent common cold and cough since birth. Swarnaprashan maintained general health of the body and works as an immunomodulatory which decreased recurrent common cold and cough in children. Duration of swarnaprashan can be determined depending upon the administered and its duration can be determined depending upon the desired effects like decrease morbidity rate and increase immunity level in children

Critical Analysis of Bala Samskara w.s.r. to Developmental Milestones in Children : A Review Study

Samskaras are a religious right, rituals sacrifices and a religious ceremony. Samskara also build a wakefulness of the attainment of social status and rights for the individual. In Ayurvedic aspect Samskara is “Samskaro hi Gunaantaradhanam” which means qualitative improvement carried out by incorporating the precise qualities (transforming of the qualities). Any process which brings continuous positive changes in a given material (Dravya), physical body (Shareera), intellectual capacity (Mana) and the personality (Atma) is called Samskara. These are significant in perspective of child health and provide chance for routine examination of growth and developmental milestones of child at regular intervals. A thorough review of childhood Samskara reveals that they were aimed at preparing the baby for proper feeding habits, ensuring adequate nutrition, preventing diseases, adapting baby to environment, gave individual identity and educated the child. Samskara signifies growth and development and the ceremonial announcement of milestones achieved providing with periodical screening. Ayurveda also describes different Samskaras in the different period of life to mark or to announce attainment of different milestones thus ensuring proper growth and also to differentiate them from the child with developmental delay

Study to Evaluate efficacy of Vajravatakmandura in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adolescent Girls - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Anemia in adolescent girls possess greatest burden on their health as it leads to poor cognitive development, poor reproductive health and if not treated may lead to intrauterine growth retardation in their developing fetus. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent is 27% in developing country and 6% in developed country. By looking at the magnitude of the problem, an Ayurveda drug Vajravatakmandura has been selected for the study and the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the trial drug in iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls. Material and methods: 100 subjects satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and were randomly divided in two groups. In group A, the trial drug Vajravatakmaņdura was administered and in group B, IFA tablets were given for two month of duration with follow up at every fortnight. Result: Both the trial and control groups showed extremely significant result over subjective parameters. Trial drug Vajravatakmaņdura in group A was found more effective over the subjective parameters - weakness, palpitation, pallor and loss of appetite with % gain of 39.77%, 39.39%, 39.17%, 38.09% respectively. Statistical analysis between before and after treatment findings of objective parameters, extremely significant (P<0.0001) improvement was found in both groups in all parameters, except for RBC count in group A, which was significant. No adverse effects were reported during entire period of study by any of the patients in trial group treated with trial drug. Conclusion: The trial drug “Vajravatakmandura” is effective, safe and palatable for the management of iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls

Study of morbidity status in children and the effect of Guduchi Syrup as an Immunomodulator for lowering down the morbidity rate

Introduction: Children are the most vulnerable group for illness, as their immune system is not fully developed. Frequent illnesses among children limit their growth and lead to improper development. Despite of high advancement in immunization to boost up the defence mechanism, the medical science is yet to reach a full proof mechanism against the virulent organisms. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia TC.), a well known Rasayana (Rejuvenation) in Ayurveda, is supposed to build up the Dhatus (tissues) in children and the immune system also. Further various clinical and experimental studies have proved immunomodulatory activity of Guduchi (TC). Material and Methods: Study was conducted on 100 children with frequent episodes of fever, diarrhea, respiratory and skin infections were divided into 2 groups. Group A children were administered Guduchi syrup and group B were administered placebo (sugar syrup) in doses of 1ml/kg/day in divided doses. Duration of trial was 90 days and follow up were done monthly. Results and Discussion: In group A where trial drug (Guduchi Syrup) was given, improvement in all morbidity scores were found highly significant except for Dyspnoea and Sore throat. In Dyspnoea and Sore throat significant results were found. In the present study, the trial drug Guduchi Syrup, decreased TLC, increased IgG level in children at a statistical highly significant level (p<0.001) and increased haemoglobin concentration at significant level (p<0.01) suggesting the effectiveness of the drug. In group B where placebo sugar syrup was given, insignificant result was observed. Conclusion: Guduchi (TC) works like an immunomodulator which lowered down the morbidity rate and therefore can be a simple and cost effective remedy to bring down the morbidity rate in children

VEDANADHYAYA - A CLINICAL APPROACH TO PEDIATRIC EXAMINATION IN KASHYAPA SAMHITA

Kashyapa Samhita is a book of pediatrics having main focus on the health and well-being of children and their pathological manifestations. The most revered source book available on Kaumarbhritya, is presented in the form of compilations of the preaching of Acharya Kashyapa by his disciple Vridhha Jivaka. The Kashyapa samhita available today is actually one fourth or even less than what it would have been in its original form. Fortunately we have Vedanadhyaya where in 32 pediatric illnesses are described. The text is divided in various sections (Sthanas) of which Vedanadhyaya is twenty fifth chapters in Sutra Sthana. Acharya Kashyapa has provided us a strong diagnostic tool which is useful in day to day practice of pediatrics. He undoubtedly laid the foundation stone of clinical pediatrics. Vedanadhyaya concerns the symptomalogy of various diseases in children and serves as a great guidance for pediatric examination and diagnosis as children are unable to narrate their symptoms themselves. So the present article reviews the original text of the chapter and critically analyses it in light of contemporary medical science

A STUDY ON IMPROVEMENT OF IQ LEVEL IN BORDERLINE MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN BY THE USE OF BRAHMI GHRITA AND JYOTISHMATI TAIL

Ayurveda is a life science having Prayojana (ultimate aim) prevention is better than cure and if patient is suffering from any disease then cure early. Health of body totally depends upon mind health. In Ayurvedic texts certain medications are prescribed for mental health and to treat underlying diseases such as Jadatva, Mandabuddhitva (mental retardation), which comes under the category cognitive deficit. Among various cognitive deficits, borderline mental retardation is an important entity which is a part of the cognition. In Ayurveda, there are some drugs which are more effective in mental retardation especially in the borderline mental retardation. The present research work has been planned to study only borderline mental retarded children with the use of Brahmi ghrita & Jyotishmati tail. In IQ level, the mean score before treatment was 80.06 which were increased to 81.56 after treatment showing 1.92% improvement. The result found was statistically highly significant with p value <0.001. This may be due to the Medhya prabhavas of drugs like B. monnieri and C. paniculatus which increases grasping and intellectual ability. Past studies also supports this data. B. monnieri, C. pluricaulis have proven improved learning and memory enhancing activity (intellectual functions)

ROLE OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANTS IN CHILDHOOD NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS: AN EVIDENCE BASED APPROACH

The concept of mental health has been dealt in Ayurveda with great emphasis. In our classical texts, the equilibrium of Satva-Raja-Tama is considered as foundation for perfect health status. The principles of Ayurveda still hold very true in managing childhood neuropsychiatric disorders.Medhya drugs has been used since antiquity for the effective management of the disorders. But in this era of scientific aptitude, it is the need of hour to practice evidence based medicine by the use of various Medhya drugs described in Ayurvedic texts for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.Medhya herbs provide special nourishment to neuronal tissue and are thus used to enhance memory, cognition, and help in coping various neuropsychiatric problems. In this context, the present paper will focus on scientific exploration of Medhya dravyas like Brahmi (Bacopa monneri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pleuricaulis), Jatamansi (Nordostachys jatamansi) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) to validate the ancient views regarding effective management of neuropsychiatric disorder

Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Childhood Immunodeficiency Disorders

‘Swarnaprashana’ as a lehana chikitsa and several Ayurveda Rasayana drugs can boost the immune system in a specific or nonspecific manner including both innate or adaptive arms of the immune response and enhance the body’s overall natural resistance to the disease-causing agent rather than directly neutralize the agent itself in children. Aim: To critically review and analyze the role of Ayurveda in the management of childhood immunodeficiency disorders. Method: Various Traditional Ayurveda texts and books, magazines, and research journals as well as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Ayush research portal, and Clinical Trial Registry, India are used as a source of information about the immune-enhancing effect of Ayurveda drugs useful in childhood immunodeficiency disorders. Discussion: Immunodeficiency disorders are a group of heterogeneous disorders with immune system abnormalities characterized by various combinations of recurrent infections, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, granulomatous process, etc. ‘Swarnaprashana’ as a lehana chikitsa and Ayurveda Rasayana drug helps the body resist its natural tendency to manage or tolerate the strength, severity, or progression of an illness as well as its natural tendency to prevent the emergence of an illness. ‘Swarnaprashana’ and Rasayana drugs are used as antioxidants, improving immune status, bactericidal & antimicrobial activity, antiviral, and protectives. It promotes an individual's strength, boosts immunity, and helps to prevent and overcome illness. When the immune system is compromised, it results in immunodeficiency, which leaves the body exposed to a variety of fatal illnesses. ‘Swarnaprashana’ and Rasayana drugs mentioned in Ayurveda classics are known to boost the immune system. Conclusion: The present paper reveals that ‘Swarnaprashana’ as lehana chikitsa and Ayurveda Rasayana drugs are effective in treating childhood immunodeficiency disorders

Clinical study to evaluate the Brinhaniya effect of Vidarikandadi Yog to enhance the sport performance in children

Background: Sport science studies applications of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sports performance. Objective: Present research work was carried out with the aim to enhance the sport performance of children. Materials and Methods: Randomized double blind placebo controlled study was conducted in children involved in sports to assess the efficacy of trial drug "Vidarikandadi Yog". Total of 72 healthy students were selected for the study after screening 412 students. Out of them, 60 students completed the study. The students were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (Vidarikandadi Yog) comprising of 38 and Group B (placebo) of 34 students. The trial drug "Vidarikandadi Yog" was given in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 2 months with milk and follow up was conducted fortnightly. Results: The study revealed the statistically significant results for weight and chest circumference, whereas highly significant results were obtained for muscular strength and endurance assessment parameters (Push-up Test, Sit-up Test, and Hand Grip Strength Test). Change in Ruler Drop Test was not significant. Results were significant for cardio-respiratory parameters (Resting Heart Rate, Resting Respiratory Rate, and Harvard Step Test). Conclusion: Vidarikandadi Yog is a potential drug for enhancing the sport performance due to its Brinhaneeya effect