A Randomized Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the effect of Grahanibeelu Leha (Leucas biflora [Vahl] R.Br.) and Ashvagandhadi Lehya in Karshya w.s.r. to Underweight in children

Abstract

Undernutrition is a growing concern, particularly in early childhood, significantly contributing to the morbidity and mortality of children, as countries navigate the challenges of economic growth, food insecurity, and changing dietary patterns. From an Ayurvedic perspective, under the umbrella of Kuposhanajanya Vyadhis (Under nutritional diseases), Underweight can be considered under Karshya (Underweight) which refers to a state of emaciation due to inadequate nourishment, which can be managed with nourishing therapies and formulations aimed at enhancing body tissue formation and strength. According to NFHS-4, 35.7% of children under five in India were underweight and comparing to recent data from NFHS-5 (2019-2021) indicate some progress but the problem remains severe in many regions. Hence it is necessary to address Karshya. The trial was proposed to study the comparative effect of Grahanibeelu Leha and Ashvagandhadi Lehya on specific parameters of Karshya w.s.r. to Underweight in children. Materials and Methods: 1. Children of age group 1-5 years of either gender, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Karshya (Underweight), with consent from the parents were selected from Kaumarabhritya OPD of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Ayurveda College, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi. 2. Selected subjects will be randomly allocated into 2 groups of 20 patients each. Group A was administered with Grahanibeelu Leha and group B with Ashvagandhadi Lehya with Sukoshna Ksheera as Anupana for both the groups twice daily before food, intervention for 1 month and were assessed before and after treatment with subjective and objective criteria. Results: The results obtained were statistically analysed and found that, within the group, showed that highly significant improvement in Kshut, Weight and MAC & significant improvement in improving Abhyavaharana Shakti, Baddhavit and Height. However, in the comparative between both groups, Grahanibeelu Leha shows significant result in Abhyavaharana Shakti while other parameters (Kshut, Baddhavit, Weight, Height and MAC) were clinically effective but statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Both Grahanibeelu Leha and Ashvagandhadi Lehya along with Sukoshna Ksheera are safe and effective in the management of Karshya w.s.r. to underweight in children.