Clinical Efficacy of Samvardhana Ghrita in the Management of Vyadhija Phakka Roga in Children: A Correlative Study with Protein Energy Malnutrition

Abstract

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) one of the biggest public health issues. The prevalence of undernutrition in children remains high despite numerous national nutritional programs and public health initiatives. Major contributing causes include inadequate food intake, low socioeconomic situations, recurrent infections, and inappropriate feeding habits. Underweight status, stunted growth, muscle atrophy, anaemia, and weakened immunity are characteristics of PEM. Protein Energy Malnutrition and Vyadhija Phakka, as described in the Kashyapa Samhita, are very similar. Impaired growth, emaciation, weakness, low appetite, and recurring illness are the hallmarks of Vyadhija Phakka. According to the classical scriptures, Mandagni leading to Dhatu Kshaya is the main cause of its pathogenesis. Kashyapa has described Samvardhana Ghrita in Kashyapa Samhita Sutrasthan of Lehnadhyaya chapter it is one of the traditional formulations stated for infant growth. It has been used to improve growth, strength, and developmental milestones as well as to treat conditions including Panguta (lameness), Muktatva (dumbness), Asruti (hearing impairment), and Jadatva (intellectual disability). I conducted a 60-day Vyadhija Phakka clinical study on 45 participants. The outcomes are as follows: For B.D., these 30 patients were treated with Samvardhana Ghrita. 15 patients dropped out of the experiment. Out of the 30 patients who completed treatment, 10 (50.16%) were cured, 12 (20.30%) were moderately improved, and 8 (10.2 %) were mildly improved.