RESUMO
Diarrhoea is amongst the first ten causes of death and its treatment faces an increased threat of drug resistance. Previous studies on the guava leaf decoction (GLD) revealed its suitability for use in infectious diarrhoea of unknown etiology.ObjectiveThe objective of this trial was to establish efficacy, dose and safety of GLD prepared from the Indian Sardar variety in adults with acute infectious diarrhoea.MethodsThe current trial was an open efficacy randomized 5-day, parallel group multi-arm interventional study. Amongst 137 adults (18–60 years) suffering with acute diarrhoea, 109 were included (57% females, 43% males). Three doses of GLD (6-leaf, 10-leaf and 14-leaf) were compared with controls receiving oral rehydration solution. Decrease in stool frequency and improvement in consistency were the outcomes measured. The data was analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc test, Kruscal-Wallis test and Chi-Square test where applicable.ResultsThe trial showed that the 14-leaf (7.4 g) decoction was the most effective. Administration of the decoction, thrice daily helped the patients regain normalcy in 72 h as opposed to 120 h in controls. Safety of the intervention was reflected by normal levels of haemoglobin, liver and kidney parameters. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe 14 leaves decoction was a safe treatment for adult acute uncomplicated diarrhoea of unknown etiology. Moreover due to component synergy and divergent mechanisms of action, it could possibly combat the generation of drug resistance and destruction of gut microbiota. Hence GLD has the potential for development as a first line treatment for diarrhoea.
RESUMO
Background: Calamus (Acorus calamus Linn., Araceae) rhizome synonymously called sweet fl ag or Vacha is an aromatic herb indigenous to Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It has been used by the Ayurvedic practitioners since time immemorial for diseases ranging from weakness of memory to being used as an anthelminthic. Reports of its use have been found in books like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, etc., The major constituent of the oil of Vacha is a phenyl propanoid called -asarone, which is reported to show carcinogenic properties. Due to the toxic effects of -asarone, sodhana prakriya (detoxifi cation process) has been prescribed for Vacha before its inclusion in the Ayurvedic medicines. Shodhanaprakriya (S.prakriya) of Vacha has been mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. Objectives: This study was undertaken with an aim to fi nd out the mechanism involved in the S. prakriya of Vacha and also to suggest an alternate method for the conventional one. Materials and Methods: The conventional method was studied in the laboratory and equivalent alternate methods were designed based on the mechanism involved. Vacha samples were subjected to the conventional method as well as the alternate methods and the content of -asarone in the different samples was monitored using Gas Chromatography technique. Results: Various alternate methods have been devised based on the mechanism involved in the S. prakriya which have given results comparable with those of the conventional method. Conclusion: The scientifi c mechanism involved in the S.prakriya of Vacha has been established and alternate methods have been proposed.