A Comparative Clinical Study on the Effect of Krishnadi Churna and Vasadi Kwatha in the Management of Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma)

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterised by hyperresponsiveness and recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. The rising burden of Tamaka shwasa (bronchial asthma) highlights the need for safe, effective, and integrative Ayurvedic interventions.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of Krishnadi churna and Vasadi kwatha in the management of Tamaka shwasa.

Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical study was conducted on 30 patients with Tamaka shwasa, divided into two groups of 15. Group-A received Krishnadi churna (5g) with honey, and Group-B received Vasadi kwatha (50ml), administered twice daily on empty stomach for 30 days. Assessment was done using subjective clinical parameters, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and spirometric measures.

Results: Group-B showed significant improvements in Shwasakrichhrata (Mean difference± Standard deviation:1.60 ± 0.63), Kasa (1.33 ± 0.82), Kaphanishthivana (0.86 ± 0.52), Nidralpata (0.93 ± 0.46), and Ghurghurakashabda (0.53 ± 0.52). Group-A showed significant changes in Ghurghurakashabda (0.46 ± 0.53), Anupashaya (exacerbations due to cold exposure) (0.40± 0.507), and accessory muscle use (0.66 ± 0.62). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in ACQ scores, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁), and pulse rate, while respiratory rate (0.73 ± 0.70) improved significantly only in Group-B. Intergroup differences were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05), though Group-B showed better percentage relief.

Conclusion: Both formulations were effective in managing Tamaka shwasa, with Vasadi kwatha showing greater improvement in symptoms and pulmonary function.