Speakers - 2027

Title: Ayurvedic neuropsychiatry and chittodvega: A comparative clinical study of mahakalyanaka ghrita and panchagavya ghrita

Abstract

Ayurvedic literature describes a wide range of psychiatric illnesses; these disorders are caused by interconnected psychological and physical issues. Chittodvega is one of the Manasika Vikaras mentioned in Ayurveda. One of the 80 Nanatmaja Vata Vikaras is Anavasthita Chitta. When the object of mind, chintana, is compromised, cognitive and decision-making abilities are weakened, leading to psychological issues. Anxiety has a prevalence of 0.4% and 3.6% during a 12-month period, making it one of the most prevalent mental diseases in the world. One of the main features of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive worry and anxiety over a range of circumstances or activities. For optimum health, Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on preserving the balance of both the physical and mental doshas. Medhya medicines are among the various drugs used to treat manasika vikaras that enhance smriti (memory) and medha (intellect). Medhya rasayanas affect the functioning of the higher brain functioning. These drugs are best administered using ghrita base. Because ghrita is a rasayana and has yogavahi properties, it facilitates the absorption of both the natural properties of ghrita and the other medications it is processed with. Thus, in this study, ghrita preparation is used.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of modern medication (Escitalopram), Mahakalyanaka Ghrita, and Panchagavya Ghrita in the treatment of Chittodvega w.s.r. to generalized anxiety disorder.

Materials and Methods: Ghritas were prepared in Ayurveda Pharmacy, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU. This was a Randomized, Controlled Parallel Group, Interventional Study Design. A total no of 162 patients were registered. In Group 1 patients were given Tab Escitalopram 10mg orally once a day. In Group 2 patients were given Mahakalyanaka Ghrita orally in the dose of 24gram OD and Group 3 patients were given Panchagavya Ghrita orally in the dose of 24 gram OD. All drugs were given for 60days and the effects were noted every 30 days during follow up.

Results: The overall treatment response demonstrated a highly significant difference among the three groups indicating substantial variation in clinical efficacy. Group 3 showed the best therapeutic outcome, with 78.0% of participants achieving marked improvement and the remaining 22.0% showing moderate improvement. Group 2 also produced favorable results, with 83.0% of participants demonstrating moderate improvement and 17.0% achieving marked improvement. In contrast, Group 1 exhibited limited clinical benefit, as 61.7% of participants showed no improvement and only 38.3% experienced mild improvement. These findings suggest a clear hierarchy of efficacy, with Group 3 providing the most pronounced clinical improvement, followed by Group 2, while Group 1 showed comparatively minimal response.

Conclusion: Chittodvega patients responded best to Panchagavya Ghrita, followed by Mahakalayanaka Ghrita. By increasing brain serotonin activity and decreasing cortisol levels, Panchagavya Ghrita improves mood and lowers stress in those who are vulnerable. The potent neuroprotective and adaptogenic compounds in Mahakalyanaka Ghrita are assisted in bridging the blood-brain barrier by the lipid-rich ghee base. Components improve GABA receptor activity, provide a calming effect, and help with GAD.