Meta analysis of clinical studies on the effect of various Ayurvedic formulations on Arma w.s.r. to Pterygium

Abstract

Arma is very common ophthalmic ailment in temperate environment like India. It has been described under Shuklagta Sadhya Vyadhi in Ayurveda. It is widely compared with Pterygium now a days for which surgical intervention is the only method of salvation. Few works have been done in the field of Ayurveda on this disease. Three clinical trials have been conducted on Arma in Netra Roga O.P.D. of Shalakya Tantra in NIA Arogyashala. First clinical trial was conducted in 2009-2010 in which two drug namely Pippalyadi Anjana & Triphala Ghrita were given to 45 patients divided in 3 groups for 2 month. In second clinical trial, conducted in 2011-2012, two drugs i.e. Nayana Sukha Varti & Lauhadi Guggulu were prescribed to 40 patients of Arma randomly divided into 2 groups for 2 months. Third clinical trial was conducted in 2014-2015, two drugs i.e. Vyoshadhya Varti and Chandrodaya Varti were prescribed to 40 patients of Arma randomly divided into 2 groups for 1 month. Marked relief in form of statistical analysis was observed in all three studies. No adverse or toxic effects were observed in either of the trials. Hence on the basis of above studies it can be concluded that Ayurvedic formulations can provide cost effective and safe treatment for Arma (pterygium).