Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Vajikarana is a branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda that deals with reproduction, potency, and healthy offspring. In this discipline, infertility and sexual dysfunctions are diagnosed and treated in depth. Klaibya is a condition where even the man desires sexual intercourse and the partner is cooperative, he cannot perform the sexual act because of the absence of erection due to loss of rigidity. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical problem affecting approximately 15% of men each year and it’s estimated to affect more than 150 million men. Its incidence has been projected to increase significantly to over 320 million by the year 2025.^[1] It is widely noticed in society, owing to a less generally reported sense of inadequacy. According to a survey conducted by the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS), 52 percent of males between the ages of 40 and 70 had some form of erectile dysfunction.^[2] Sexual well-being is a crucial aspect of overall health. The couple's sexual concord conceals the couple's attainment of conjugal existence. In order to keep marital peace and happiness, healthy sexual functioning is essential. Sexual dysfunction has an impact on couple’s psychology, conduct, and relationships, which in turn impacts the quality and harmony of marital life, affecting the family and society. In the long run, it could lead to a variety of psychosomatic diseases in both couples. It gives a medium for expressing love, which serves as the foundation for all kinds of creative endeavours. The lack of which stifles the marital connection, leading to dissatisfaction and, in some cases divorce, as well as inefficiencies in executing ordinary tasks. Male Sexual Dysfunction encompasses coital performance and sexual intercourse issues in men. The achievement of a proper erection with sufficient stiffness for penetrative intercourse is the most important phase of sexual response, and its absence leads to failure and disappointment.

In Ayurveda, Klaibya is a condition where even the man desires sexual intercourse and the partner is cooperative, he cannot perform the sexual act because of the absence of erection due to loss of rigidity and even if a man attempts sexual act he exhibits breathlessness and perspiration. It is including of Bahudoshavastha (multifactorial vitiation of ailments) and Shukrakshaya (Hypospermia) as a whole, in specific Mano Dosha

Table 4: Effect of therapy on Erection.

In the present study, 20 subjects were screened, 11 were registered of which 10 have completed the course of treatment. The subjects were asked for follow up on 15^th day, 30^th day and 45^th day. Sexual parameters were assessed before treatment and during each follow up on the basis of International Index of Erectile function. The results obtained on various parameters were statistically analyzed and presented in the forms of Tables. For statistical analysis subjective parameters were assessed with Cochran Q test followed by McNemar test and objective parameters were assessed by Friedman's test followed by Wilcoxon sign rank test and Repeated Measure Anova followed by Paired t-test.

Probable effect of Akarakarabha Vati on Klaibya

Akarakarabha possesses the Vrishya, Shukrasthambaka, Balya, Vajikara properties as mentioned in Priya Nighantu^[5] and Brihat Nighantu Ratnakara.^[6] Akarakarabha (Anacyclus pyrenthrum) is most widely growing species of the family Asteraceae. The plant having several pharmacological actions such as aphrodisiac, antidiabetic, immunostimulant, inhibitory effects, antidepressant activity, anticonvulsant activity, memory-enhancing activity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, local anaesthetic effect, insecticidal effect, interactions with testosterone, interaction with libido, and its interaction with testicles.^[7] Akarakarabha having Katu Rasa Pradhana and Teekshna Guna which may does Srotoshodhana and it may clear the Srotas which further increase the blood flow there by improves the erectile function.^[8]

As Akarakarabha is having the properties like Balya and Vatahara, it may help in the Klaibya Lakshana like, Linga Shaitilya (flaccidity of penis)

The fundamental prerequisite for a proper sexual intercourse with a willing partner is a proper erection. Any sexual dissatisfaction leads to a significant negative attitude among couples toward one another, resulting in major family issues. Sexual disorders are becoming one of the leading reasons of family conflict and divorce. Ayurvedic research is aiming for a comprehensive revalidation of current elements using modern methods. An in-depth analysis and cautious appraisal are required to achieve that objective. In this study, administration of Akarakarabaha Vati with milk as Anupana for the period of 30 days and 15 days after cessation of medicine had shown statistically significant improvement in the Klaibya Lakshana and in IIEF score on medication (i.e., BT- 30^th Day).

There was no significant change observed on cessation of medicine (i.e., 30-45^th Day). But overall, from BT to 45th day it was found to be significant. Hence Akarakarabha Vati of 500 mg twice a day after food with milk as Anupana for 30 days on intervention and after 15 days after cessation of intervention is effective in the management of Klaibya.