Effect of Ayurvedic Interventions on Toxemia of Pregnancy (Preeclampsia) & Fetal Outcome- A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Renu Rathi *
Department of Kaumarbhritya /Balrog, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital & Research Centre, Salod, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India.
Geeta Sharma
Department Streerog-Prasutitantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India.
C. H. S Sastry
National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India.
Abhimanyu Kumar
SR Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, India.
Jitesh Verma
Department of Kaumarbhritya, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, India.
Bharat Rathi
Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishjya Kalpana, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital & Research Centre, Salod, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India.
Sumod Khedekar
Department of Kaumarbhritya, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Toxemia of pregnancy also known as preeclampsia is a common clinical condition affecting 8-10% pregnancies worldwide. It has adverse outcome both for mother and fetus. The management options are mainly targeted to prevent adverse outcomes associated to premature births, such as administration of antenatal corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate infusions.
Aim & Objectives: The main aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in management of toxemia and in prevention of premature delivery as well as fetal hazards due to pre-eclampsia.
Methods: It was an open ended, parallel group, randomized placebo controlled clinical trial with equal allocation in both the groups. Sample size was 15 in each group. Trial group was administered Gokshura Siddha Yavagu(Green gram gruel medicated with Tribulus terrestris Linn) and Dhatryavaleha (linctus prepared with Ayurveda medicines like Phyllanthus emblica L.)while control group was treated with similar looking placebo-linctus.
Results: Both ayurvedic parameters-Shotha(edema), Avil mutrata (Discolored urine) & clinical features of toxemia have shown excellent relief while control group patients either show poor or no relief when assessed by USG scan and needed further treatment with induction of labor.
Conclusion: This study concludes that Ayurvedic interventions in the form of Gokshura siddha Yavagu and Dhatri Avleha can provide significant symptomatic relief (p<0.0001) in toxemia of pregnancy and can also promote normal growth and development in fetus.
Keywords: Toxemia of pregnancy, preeclampsia, gokshura siddha yavagu, ayurveda for preeclampsia, shotha, USG scan