Effect of Tulsi Vati (Ocimum Sanctum Linn.) on Psychological Distress in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and maintenance hemodialysis are associated with psychological distress, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and impaired quality of life. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among dialysis patients ranged from 27% to 43%, while diagnosed anxiety disorders were present in approximately 19% of patients. This case report series describes the clinical observations of 10 patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis who received Tulsi Vati (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) 250mg orally twice daily after meals for 30 days. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, mental status, and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Mental Status Examination (MSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36). Improvements were observed in all above scales. All 10 participants completed the 30-day observation period, and no adverse events were reported. These observations suggest a potential supportive role for Tulsi Vati in psychological symptoms among patients receiving hemodialysis. Because this was a small, uncontrolled case series with short follow-up, the findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as evidence of efficacy; controlled studies are required.