ABSTRACT
Childhood Asthma is the most common serious chronic disease in infants and children. Bronchial asthma (Swasa roga) referred to as a chronic lung disease, showcase an obstructed air pathway, which hinders the free flow of inhaled oxygenated air through the air channels in the lungs, as being inflamed, constricted and filled with mucous. Certain dietary practices and deeds/habits which both the parents and children tends to perform on a regular basis causes Kaphapitha Dushti which coupled with Aniyata Vahni (unstable digestive fire) of children, leads to Jataragni Mandya (indigestion) in children and results in the formation of Krimi (worms) in the stomach. These Krimi in turn worsens the Agnimandhya, thereby completely destabilizing the digestive and assimilative capacity of the gastrointestinal system. The Srotorodha produced by the vitiated Kapha Pitha Dosha along with Ama in the Amasaya, leads to Vataprakopa and thus a Doshic derangement happens in the Amasaya. As stated by Vagbhatacharya in Swasa Nidana, this Doshic derangement in the Amasaya, triggers a disease process in the previously indisposed, trigger awaiting Pranavaha Srotas, leading to Swasa Roga. Here in Swasa Roga, Ajeerna (indigestion) and Krimi (worms) acts as Sannikrishta Nidanas, whereas Pranavaha srotodushti act as Viprakrishta Nidana. The mainstay of treatment should be avoidance and clearance of Sannikrishta Nidanas and addressing the Viprakrishta Nidana. But most importantly, the drugs should have action over the respiratory system to strengthen and revitalize the system and make it immune and less susceptible to future attacks.
ABSTRACT
The term “Working memory” refers to the ability of a person to hold information in mind and to manipulate it over short periods of time. Its deficit creates a high risk factor for educational underachievement as it is a better predictor of school performance than IQ. A clinical study was conducted to find out the effect of Sankhapushpi (Clitoria ternatea Linn.) choorna in the working memory of children. The study was conducted as therapeutic, interventional, non randomized, single group assignment, pre and post test and was carried out at the OPD of Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. The study population included children in the age group 7 to 11years of both sexes with working memory deficit for their age when assessed by a clinical psychologist, selected from a population who presented with poor scholastic performance. The tools used were N back tasks for Verbal and Visuospatial Working Memory from NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery and Visuospatial working memory span task and Working Memory Index tests in Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale. The trial drug, Sankhapushpichoorna was given twice daily in empty stomach in the dose 1-2 gm with plain ghee and honey for 2 months. They were assessed before and after intervention and after 1 month of follow up period and the difference in scores were assessed. Analysis of the data using the most appropriate statistical tests showed significant response (P<0.001). The trial drug sustained its potential action during the follow-up period also and thus its efficacy was proved.
ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) constitutes a group of brain developmental disorders, and it is defined by stereotyped behaviour and deficits in communication and social interaction. The prevalence of ASD has shown an alarming increase in the recent decades ending up to 1 in 90 children. The exact cause of ASD is still not known. Research studies have focused on genetic causes, dysregulation of the immune system, inflammation, exposure to environmental toxicants, and the defective gut microbiota. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, gaseousness, diarrhea, constipation and flatulence, are a common comorbidity in patients with ASD. The gut consists of millions of microbiota, and we hypothesize that the microbiota and its metabolites might be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. In Ayurveda all Psycho social abnormalities have been included under the category of Unmada. A defective digestive and metabolic function is postulated as the root cause of Unmada, leading to systemic accumulation of metabolic wastes (Dhatugataama). The metabolic wastes act as systemic toxins and impair the functional integrity of brain. An observational study was carried out in the outpatient section of the Department of Kaumarabhrithya, Govt. Ayurveda College Hospital for Women and Children, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram in 122 children with ASD. Data pertaining to Socio demographic aspects and clinical manifestations were recorded and its prevalence rate was calculated. It was noted that 54% of the cases showed an evident disturbance in the digestive mechanism. Constipation was complained by 28% of cases, bloated abdomen by 16%, irritable bowel by 8%, increased flatulence by 7% and recurrent diarrhoea by 3%. Although these studies did not show a cause-effect relationship between GI symptoms and ASD, the findings suggest that the gut plays an important role in the etiology of ASD. Ayurvedic treatment strategies that modulate the gut microbiota might constitute a potential therapy for patients with ASD.