Positive Health Online

Abstract

LODHA and BAGGA, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India reviewed (52 references) the MEDLINE database to identify clinical trials conducted using traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicines.

Background

Methodology

The authors reviewed the MEDLINE database to identify clinical trials conducted using traditional Indian medicines. Single case reports were excluded.

Results

Ayurvedic preparations have been successfully used for the treatment of bronchial asthma, ischaemic heart disease and hyperlipidaemia. Formulations containing curcumin were reported to reduce inflammation and disability in double-blind clinical trials on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Several products are reported to be useful in patients with acute viral hepatitis. A multicentric study by the Indian Council of Medical Research showed that a preparation from Pterocarpus marsupium was effective in reducing levels of blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In another multicentric trial, patients with fistula-in-ano were randomized to either surgery or application of medicated seton (Ksharsootral). Surgical treatment led to a faster cure; however, recurrence rates were lower with medicated seton. Administration of extract from Bacopa monnieri to children with mental retardation was reported to significantly improve short-term and long-term memory.

Conclusion

Evidence-based studies regarding the efficacy and safety of traditional Indian medicines are limited. The essential ingredient in many formulations is not precisely defined. High quality studies are required to evaluate and compare the value of traditional Indian drugs to modern medicine.

References

Lodha R and Bagga A. Traditional Indian systems of medicine. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 29(1): 37-41. Jan 2000.