Clinical study on the Rasayana effect of Ashwaganda and Punarnava

Abstract

Background: It has been the desire of mankind to lead a disease free life to its fullest extent. To improve quality and quantum of life ‘Rasayana’ has been explained in Ayurveda. It is not only indicated in the diseased but also in healthy individuals. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa Linn) are explained by Vagbhata in Rasayana context. Both these can be administered without much restrictions as per Vatatapika mode of administration. Objectives: To study the Rasayana effect of Ashwagandha and Punaranava w.r.s. Ajasrika Rasayana. Materials and Methods: 32 students who fulfill the inclusion criteria were selected from S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Hassan. They were divided in to two groups. Group A – 16 members were given with 2 tablets of Harithaki for 3 days for ‘Koshta Shudhi’, followed by a placebo with warm water before taking food for 40 days and kept as control. Group B – 16 members were given with 2 tablets of Haritaki tablets for ‘Koshta Shudhi’ followed by administration of 12 gm of Ashwagandha and Punarnava granules (equal quantity) twice a day along with warm water before taking food for 40 days. Results: Assessment was done two times in 40 days before and after the administration of Ashwapunarnava compound and were assessed for improvement in terms of subjective and objective parameters. Observations and results were tabulated and statistically analyzed with relevant parameters. Conclusion: Ashwapunarnava compound proved to be cost effective, palatable, safe and better drug for daily administration without much restriction.